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Refugee girls find community through Girl Scout Cookies

GSCO blog

A group of teenage girls in tan sashes and Girl Scouts of Colorado staff smile at the camera.

Though their circumstances are different from many Girl Scouts, Troop 64959, made up of girls who are refugees from Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, Iran, and other countries across Africa and the Middle East, as well as girls incarcerated at the detention centers in Denver, still sold Girl Scout Cookies this year.


Troop 64959 is part of Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Community Connections program which aims to bring the Girl Scout program to those who may not typically be able to participate. This entirely free program brings Girl Scouts to girls in detention centers, refugee programs, low-income schools, and more.


Two teenage girls in hijabs help tie each other's sashes.

"It's been an inspiration to witness the growth of these girls over the past two and a half years," said Sutton Saunders, alternative program specialist at Girl Scouts of Colorado. "Leading this troop has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm so proud of the strong, capable young women they're becoming. They're always eager to learn, try new things, and connect with one another.” 

 

Troop 64959 planned to use money from this year's cookie sales to buy new uniforms. However, thanks to a generous donation from Metronet, who has purchased all the uniforms, the troop can now use their cookie money to plan more meetings and fun outings.


Two African teenage girls take a selfie wearing their tan sashes.

At Metronet, we are committed to investing in the communities we serve, and that means supporting the next generation of leaders,” said community and engagement coordinator at Metronet, Taylor O’Neal. “We are proud to provide the sashes for Troop 64959, ensuring these incredible Girl Scouts, many of whom come from refugee backgrounds or are overcoming significant challenges, feel recognized, celebrated, and empowered. This is more than just a donation; it’s a reflection of our belief that every girl deserves to wear her accomplishments with pride.


Members of Troop 64959 received their uniforms at one of their weekly lunch bunch meetings in March. The afternoon consisted of girls sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements, and even showing off their dance skills!

Two teenage girls wave their hands in the air mid-dance move.

 
 
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