Girl Scouts in Our Community: Empowering Girls Through Service and Sisterhood

Girl Scouts in Blackstone, Millville & Bellingham: Building Confidence, Community, and Lifelong Memories

In the heart of our tri-town area, something truly special has been happening—quietly, consistently, and with a lot of heart. For decades (or likely, even longer!), Girl Scouts have been growing up right here in Blackstone, Millville, and Bellingham—learning leadership, helping their communities, and forming lifelong bonds.

At the center of this effort is a network of dedicated volunteers and leaders, like Jodi Connolly who has spent the past 13 years guiding Troop #321 through countless adventures. As her daughter and her troop prepare to bridge into adulthood this year, Jodi shared a behind-the-scenes look at what Girl Scouts looks like in our area today—and why it matters more than ever.

More Than Cookies

Yes, the famous cookie sales are still part of the fun (and a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship!), but local Girl Scouts take on so much more. From community service and outdoor adventures to STEM projects, arts and crafts, and cooking, there’s a world of discovery waiting in each troop.

Each troop is unique, shaped by the interests of the girls and the creativity of the leaders. Some focus on camping and nature. Others might dive into field trips and hands-on projects. Jodi’s troop, for example, didn’t camp—but spent years volunteering, exploring local businesses, and creating care packages for those in need.

Over the years, Troop #321 made lasting memories through projects like:

• Volunteering at Adopt-A-Family in Woonsocket each Christmas
• Partnering with the Elisha Project to distribute food to the homeless in Providence
• Creating blessing bags for Community Care Alliance shelters
• Celebrating years of sisterhood with a final trip to Hershey Park

Their Bronze Award project—one of the highest honors for younger scouts—was a team effort that combined compassion and action, something Girl Scouts foster at every level.

How It Works

Troops generally meet twice a month for 1 to 1.5 hours, but every troop operates a little differently depending on the leader and the age group. Registration costs $55 per year, with optional monthly dues of $1–$5 and a uniform cost that typically ranges from $50–$65. Financial aid is available, and no family is turned away due to cost.

Girls are placed in troops based on grade level—typically one troop per grade—and troop sizes range from 6 to 12 girls. Meetings usually start in September and run through June, aligning with the school year. Leaders contact new members directly to share specific meeting times and plans.

Currently, there are 10 active troops across the three towns, all part of a unified service unit supported by Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE), based in Warwick, Rhode Island. Jennifer Robidoux serves as the current Service Unit Manager.

A Need for Volunteers—and a Call to Action

As meaningful as Girl Scouting is, it’s not always easy to sustain. With so many extracurricular options available today, scouting can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. But the program thrives when it’s fueled by community support—and that means volunteers.

Each troop requires at least two leaders, and the service unit has five volunteer roles that are often hard to fill. Reviving favorite community-wide events like Lip Sync Night, Cupcake Wars, and Mother-Daughter Teas depends on having enough helping hands.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved—whether as a troop leader, event helper, or even just spreading the word—now is the time. Even small gestures go a long way.

Why It Matters

“Girl Scouts helps girls come out of their comfort zone,” Jodi explains. “It helps them develop leadership skills. Participating in cookie sales is a small window into what a small business looks like. They learn to use their resources and get many opportunities to serve their community.”

As her own troop of eight girls prepares to bridge to adult Girl Scouts after 12 incredible years together, it’s clear the impact is lifelong—not just for the girls, but for the community that surrounds and supports them.

Photo courtesy of the Bellingham-Blackstone-Millville Girl Scouts Facebook group

If you’re interested in joining, volunteering, or learning more, visit www.gssne.org to see what troops are available or to start one yourself.

Let’s continue building something strong, together—one badge, one friendship, one troop at a time.

Information courtesy of Jodi Frasier Connolly, Recruitment Champion, Troop Leader of #321