Girl Scouts of Hawai'i Programs

Girl Scouts in Hawai'i are able to participate in a variety of special programs and activities made possible through the generosity of our partners that help provide funding, volunteer time, services and technical expertise.  

After School Hours Program (ASHP) - This program brings the Girl Scouts to girls in first through sixth grade, from low-income families and communities, attending public schools that receive federal Title I funding [schools where at least 40% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch].  Since its launch in 2003, the “Commit to a Girl” After School Hours Program has reached hundreds of girls statewide, including more than 400 girls attending 24 public elementary schools. Because many parents/guardians in these communities are precluded from being involved in activities after school due to work schedules and other circumstances, Girl Scouts of Hawai'i staff serves as leaders for weekly girl meetings at the schools.  The girls are actively engaged in a variety of educational activities that help them explore their interests and build their leadership skills.  Community service and service learning are also major components of the program.  ASHP troops use half of the money earned from cookie sales to plan and implement a community service project for their schools.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars/Ho'omaka Hou - The Council’s “Ho‘omaka Hou” (a new beginning) Program serves a segment of the girl population whose lives are in turmoil because their mothers are incarcerated.  Council staff serves as the troop leader, involving girls in traditional Girl Scout activities and work with correctional officials to help strengthen the bond between the girls and their moms.  This program is made possible because of a collaboration with Chaminade University of Honolulu, and with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice, Girl Scouts of the USA, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the City & County of Honolulu.

View a video about the national Girl Scouts Girls Beyond Bars program (upon which Ho’omaka Hou is based) with Lisa Ling.

Iliahi Reforestation Initiative - Girl Scouts on Kaua'i are broadening their understanding of how to take care of the land by helping to plant and nurture native species including Lo'ulu, Koa'ia, and 'Ihi'a lenua within a 30-acre preserve set aside by Grove Farm. As an active member of the Grove Farm Restoration Committee, Girl Scouts of Hawai'i supports the Iliahi Restoration initiative because it not only promotes the ecological and cultural learning of girls today but helps ensure the presence of precious natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Lego Robotics Program -  This program provides girls with a fun opportunity to experience solving real world problems by integrating mathematical, scientific and technological concepts with human ingenuity.  The program is designed to encourage girls’ interest in math, science and technology.

World Thinking Day - The girls are reminded that as Girl Scouts and citizens they are members of a global community.  Every February, Girl Scouts of the USA promotes “World Thinking Day” to encourage girls to “think globally, act locally” as they design activities meant to increase cultural awareness and emphasize positive connections between girls growing up in the United States and girls in other countries, particularly those involved in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Pumpkin Patch – The girls join more than 700 other Girl Scouts to learn about working on a farm.  They have fun on a hayride and pick out their own pumpkin.  

Read Across America Day – The girls participate in this nationwide program to encourage literacy in young people.  Girls join in on story telling and other fun activities.

Outreach on the Beach - Girls help make a difference in the lives of women and girls less fortunate by partnering with Women in Need to provide hygiene baskets or baby items for homeless women. 

Holiday Gift Baskets - the girls participate in this annual program, making holiday food baskets for needy families, which Child & Family Services distributes. They donated 110 baskets last year.

Study of Hawai’i Marine Environment – Girls participate in special programs and activities designed to foster their appreciation for and increase their knowledge of Hawaii’s marine environment and preservations.  These programs and activities are designed and implemented by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).