MULTI-GENERATION GIRL SCOUTING

Garden City, NY November 21, 2007 – What brings together three very different Long Island families with different backgrounds, ages and interests? The answer, long lines of green blood! Meet three multi-generational families totaling more than 450 years of Girl Scouting.

Blanche Oakes of Farmingdale first joined the Girl Scouts of Nassau County in 1952. Since then she’s been notoriously known throughout the Girl Scout organization as being the Girl Scout who always wears high heels. “I never leave my high heels at home. Be it camping, walking in parades or conducting Girl Scout ceremonies, my high heels are my favorite accessory,” says Ms. Oakes. So much so that one of her troops bronzed a pair of her high heels as a thank you for all her hard work and dedication.

But even more impressive, Ms. Oakes, now 91 years of age and still an active Girl Scout, has passed down the tradition of Girl Scouting to her daughters, granddaughters and even her great-granddaughters. “I can’t think of a better organization that empowers the girl’s of today and helps build the future leaders of tomorrow.”

Ms. Oakes and the three generations of Girl Scouts to follow her have enjoyed all of the opportunities the Girl Scouts of Nassau County offered her family. One of her fondest memories was the Girl Scout exchange program where she has been able to travel the world with Girl Scouts from England to Italy. “I have a book full of international friends!” says Ms. Oakes. “My family is has been blessed by Girl Scouts and I know the tradition will remain strong for many more generations to come.”

Sheila Bohan of Massapequa also boasts long lines of Girl Scouting within her family. “I first began my adventures with the Girl Scouts of Nassau County during International month 43 years ago,” says Ms. Bohan. “I taught Irish dancing to my daughter’s troop. It was so fun and a great way to spend quality time with my daughter.”

Girl Scouting has taught the Bohans a true sense of caring. “It’s no wonder that we all have occupations that involve caring for others,” says Ms. Bohan. “From being an operating room nurse to an elementary school teacher, my daughters learned from Girl Scouting that giving back is important and fulfilling.”

Ms. Bohan’s daughters and granddaughters have all experienced Girl Scouting in different eras, but all have learned valuable life-long lessons. “Girl Scouting has taught us all to build relationships with others and not be afraid to speak to anyone,” says Ms. Bohan. “We have all learned to be our own person and that is something we carry with us out into the world.”

Betty Shands of Hempstead, has seen more Girl Scouts in and out of her house over the years than most. “I had one daughter of my own, I’ve adopted three, and currently have 3 foster children,” says Ms. Shands. “Not only was my daughter a Girl Scout, but every girl that comes into my home also has the opportunity to become one too.” Over the years, Ms. Shands has seen 26 foster children come in and out of her home and out of those 26, 17 have been girls, most continuing the legacy of Girl Scouting!

Girl Scouts of Nassau County was also there for Ms. Shands during a difficult time. “When one of my foster children passed away, I wasn’t alone,” says Ms. Shands. “The Girl Scouts were there for me every step of the way.”

Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County adds, “As our 95th Anniversary year comes to a close, we reflect on the progression Girl Scouting has made through the years. One thing we know remains constant, the Girl Scout foundation instilled in these families will carry on forever.”

Girl Scouts of Nassau County builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. With 22,000 girl and 7,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has become the preeminent organization and leading authority for girls. The organization, now in its 95th year, continues to strive to serve Every Girl, Everywhere.

For more information about the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, please contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516-741-2550, ext. 260 or visit www.gsnc.org.