To the Editor:

This April, as we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, and Leader's Day on April 22, Girl Scouts of Connecticut wishes to send a very large message of love and gratitude to the thousands of adults in every zip code of the state who make Girl Scouting possible for nearly 32,000 Connecticut Girl Scouts.

In Connecticut, many of our 15,000-plus adult members serve as volunteer troop leaders, co-leaders, cookie managers, registrars, trainers, Service Unit managers, and put on many other hats to ensure that every girl in Connecticut can be go-getters and thrive in every aspect of their lives. Our volunteers are true role models and help girls empower themselves to be leaders and succeed in new experiences like outdoor adventure, community engagement, STEM exploration, and countless other areas.

So, the next time you see a group of Girl Scouts, make a point to introduce yourself to their leader and all the other volunteers who are guiding and supporting them. And be sure to say "Thanks" for their dedication and commitment to their work. And if you'd like to join, head to our website at gsofct.org.

Thank you, Girl Scout volunteers, for recognizing that girls matter.

With sincere gratitude,

Mary J. Barneby

CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut

340 Washington Street, Hartford        April 20, 2017