The Girl Scouts of central Illinois has a new CEO and she’s asking for help to expand the program

PEORIA (25News Now) – The new CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois wants to create all-female spaces, but she says more ladies are needed to make that possible.

Jennifer Sedbrook recently began her new role as CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.

Though she never was a Girl Scout, she’s always been a “champion” of girls.

The group serves around 1,000 girls in the Peoria area ages 5-17.

Sedbrook said the program is currently putting troops together to plan for a year full of activities.

“They’ll be doing a lot of outdoor camping, skill-building, field trips, and then you’ll see those cookies and us out in front of those grocery stores this spring,” she said.

Sedbrook added that they need more volunteer troop leaders such as college students, young professionals, retirees, and even former Girl Scouts to assist with special skills such as archery, clay-making, and even coding.

Troop leaders are not required to have scouting experience.

The Director of Program, Sara Tate was once a Girl Scout and encouraged those locally to get involved even if they don’t have a kid enrolled.

“One of the biggest things they can take away is that they can do it,” said Tate. “A lot of girls will come in nervous to try new experiences but once they do, they can’t stop. They realize soon enough they have the courage and confidence to do those things.”

Sedbrook said being a Girl Scout means feeling confident, and knowing you can do anything.

Enrollment is still open, and the scouts will have a Big Tap Campout event in Metamora on Sep. 28-29. To learn more about this event and membership, click here.

You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.

Copyright 2024 WEEK. All rights reserved.