Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities.

The funds will be used to support the organization’s GS Impact program, which provides year-round leadership training, extracurricular activities and after-school programming to girls across Maricopa County who may otherwise face a lack of access to Girl Scouting, according to a press release.

“Thanks to the generous support from The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities, we will be able to continue to eliminate financial barriers for families in Maricopa County and introduce 500 girls to our impactful life skills, leadership, outdoor activities and STEM programming,” Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC, said in the release. “As girls and their families navigate difficult circumstances due to the effects of the pandemic and rising costs of rent, groceries and basic needs, Thunderbird Charities is helping us create an environment where every girl can find a sisterhood and themselves.”

With 85% of GSACPC membership located in Maricopa County, the inclusive contribution from Thunderbirds Charities supports GSACPC’s commitment to serving girls from every economic, racial, ethnic and religious background, and girls of all abilities through immersive and fun experiences like A Taste of Summer Camp, which is slated for spring 2024 at The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix.

“A Taste of Summer Camp provides girls served through the GS Impact program with the chance to take part in a full day of camp programming that includes exciting activities like archery, ziplining, climbing and more. The event is a valuable opportunity for families to get a preview of our residential summer camp and sign up for free camperships,” Mitchell stated.

The GS Impact program also includes notable initiatives such as Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, which strengthens the mother-daughter bond for girls whose mothers are incarcerated, and the recently created Girl Scout Centers, accessible meeting places for girls to attend activities and events according to their family’s schedule. Girl Scout Centers are currently located in Buckeye, Chandler, Mesa, Peoria, and South Phoenix, according to the release.

Additionally, the program supplies girls with everything they need to get started in Girl Scouting from offering dues and program fee assistance to supplying uniforms, badge books and other essentials.

“Girl Scouting is a movement that helps shape our leaders of tomorrow,” Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC, said in the release. “We are grateful to be continually recognized by Thunderbirds Charities for our role in empowering the community and providing a space for girls to get on a path for future success.”

For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/join.