CHATHAM — A new Girl Scouts chapter will begin this month for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade.
A Girls Scouts of the United States of America meeting for prospective girls and their parents is set for 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at the South Central Community Center, 1021 E. 83rd St.
There is a $40 annual fee, and girls must buy their own uniform, which could cost up to $30 depending on a girl's age, said Heather Smith, troop leader for the chapter. But the chapter will pay for the annual fee and cost of uniform if the girl's family is unable to do so.
"If money is the only thing standing in the way of them becoming a Girl Scout, we will make it happen," said Smith.
As of Monday three girls have registered for the troop, which Smith said could accommodate up to 30 participants.
Smith, a 43-year-old Army sergeant who lives Evergreen Park, said she fell in love with the Girl Scouts after serving last year as a volunteer in Matteson, where her 13-year-old niece is a scout.
"Once I started working with all the wonderful young ladies in the organization, I wanted to do more," Smith said. "I wanted girls from inner-city neighborhoods like Chatham to be able to participate as well."
Anyone 18 or older who is interested in volunteering with the troop is also encouraged to attend the meeting, Smith said.
"Volunteers can be a male or female but must submit to a criminal background check at no cost to them," she said. "This volunteer work can count as community service hours for anyone who needs them and we will adjust to a person's availability."
The Girl Scouts will meet twice a week at the South Central Community Center, which will include one weekend day.
For more information, call 469-708-8254.
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