Girl Scout reps vote for merger

By an overwhelming vote on June 4, delegates from the Girl Scouts of Ocean County and the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts ratified their merger after more than a year of planning. The newly formed Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore will formally launch July 1 and serve almost 18,000 girls with the assistance of approximately 6,000 volunteers.

"The concepts and foundations have not changed, but a whole new face of Girl Scouting has emerged," said Sue McClure, chief executive officer, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. "We continue to help girls reach their full potential, extending Juliette Gordon Low's vision of Girl Scouting as we embrace the new core business strategies in partnership with Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA)."

Low founded the Girl Scouts in 1912.

For 95 years, girls in Ocean and Monmouth counties have had the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout programs and grow into women who are strong in courage and character. Now, for the first time, girls in each county will be able to pursue those goals together.

"This realignment is a wonderful opportunity for all our girls, their parents and our volunteers," said McClure. "The new council will be able to provide even better service and more programs to all Girl Scouts in Monmouth County and Ocean County."

The most immediate change for girls and volunteers will be a second business office location. Depending on where they live or work, some families who belong to the Monmouth Council may find it easier to travel to the Ocean Service Center on Old Freehold Road, Toms River. Likewise, some from the Ocean Council may find the Monmouth Service Center location on Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell, more convenient.

Regardless of the service center they visit, the high level of service that members and volunteers receive will remain the same, according to a press release.

"A council isn't an office; a council is the members," said JoAnn McCann, who will become the first board of trustees president for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. "Our members will make us one of the best Girl Scout councils in the country. I have no doubt."

Since their creation in 1956 and 1962, respectively, the Girl Scouts of Ocean County and the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts have seen dramatic changes in the types of programs and number of girl members and volunteers.

"We started with a handful of troops and have grown to serve thousands," said McCann. "Growth and change is part of that process."

The decision to merge the two councils is part of a national realignment strategy overseen by the Girl Scouts of the USA. Across the country, the number of Girl Scout councils is being reduced from more than 312 to 109. In New Jersey, the number of councils is decreasing from 11 to four.

"The core business strategy initiated by the GSUSA will ensure that councils will have the means to survive and adapt for years to come," said McCann.

"Girls, parents and volunteers shouldn't notice any significant changes in the day-to-day operations of the council," explained Richard Renzulli, chief operational officer, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. "If anything, they'll notice more opportunities: more programs for girls of all ages, more trips and excursions, and within a few years, even more opportunities for teen Girl Scouts to participate in trips to exciting locations around the world."

"Except on maps, the line between Ocean and Monmouth counties really doesn't exist," said Renzulli. "By combining our councils we are able to capitalize on the regional identity of the Jersey Shore and bring together girls who already interact in a variety of ways from sports leagues to after-school activities."