Innovative Programs
Girl Scouts - Columbia River Council is committed to implementing innovative programs that provide all girls an opportunity to build extraordinary lives and join with those around them in making the world a better place.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is a special program for girls whose mothers reside at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. They meet twice a month with their mothers at Coffee Creek, re-establishing relationships and sharing Girl Scout activities in a safe, supportive environment. The program focuses on Girl Scout values and healthy decision-making skills. On other weekends, the girls continue enjoying Girl Scout activities in the community.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Engaging girls in technology is one of the most important factors in creating tomorrow’s workforce. Only 20% of engineering program students are female and only half of that number are currently employed as engineers! Girl Scouts offers a variety of programs aimed at bridging this gender gap. Our programs are focused on offering girls real world experience.
Fair Play: Design and Discovery is a design and engineering initiative for girls entering the 7th - 12th grade. It involves girls in the exploration of design and engineering concepts during an interactive two-week day camp program, followed by an optional six-month mentorship experience with a working engineer.
LEGO Robotics is a program for youth ages 9-14. Participation options include designing, building, programming, documentation, spirit and team leading.
There are also Science & Engineering opportunities for all ages during the school year, which are listed in the GREAT Guide. Events may include Girls Engineering Day, Northwest Science Expo, Tryon Creek State Park, and overnights at the Oregon Zoo, OMSI, and the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
Hispanic Initiative Program
The Hispanic Initiative Program provides bilingual support to Girl Scout Leaders to expand and sustain Girl Scouting among Latina girls throughout Multnomah and Washington Counties. Since its inception, the program has made remarkable strides in eliminating barriers of participation by translating many forms and other materials for volunteers and girls to use, and developing key partnerships with Latino community leaders. Each year hundreds of Latina girls are served through troops and the Migrant Summer Program.
During regular troop meetings Latina Co-op Troops, which consist of 3 volunteer leaders and 10 to 12 girls, work together on a variety of topics including assertive communication, bullying, conflict resolution, making positive choices, personal safety, hygiene and domestic violence. This wonderful program is an integral part of the way Columbia River Council contributes to our greater mission of serving Every Girl, Everywhere.