Scout Clout

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 30, 2004 | by DEB ACORD THE GAZETTE

Almeida, 23, a recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, has been a scout since the third grade.

"When I reached high school, nobody made fun of me. Then, it was another thing that kept me busy, like other peoples' jobs, or sports, or other clubs."

Senior scouts spend their time in the Girl Scout "club" volunteering and working on awards for such subjects as orienteering, conflict resolution, desktop publishing and space exploration.

Scouting helped Jennifer Westbrook stay interested in science. Working as a counselor helped Michelle Almeida in her decision to be a teacher.

And Amber Sublett, 18, who was homeschooled and graduated this year, is interested in culinary arts. "I want to write a cookbook for kids and young adults," she says.

It's a goal Sublett says she might not have if she hadn't been a camp counselor, where she learned how to set goals and achieve them.

"I've learned so much here. We've all learned to follow our dreams," she says.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0264 or dacord@gazette.com

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For additional information on scouting, visit:

www.girlscouts.org

www.girlscouts-wwc.org