Girl Scouts hit centennial milestone Published March 15, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Erin Mills 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Girl Scouts of the United States of America celebrated 100 years of inspiring girls and young women with the ideals of courage, confidence and character March 12, 2012. "Girl scouts was started by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12, 1912 when she held a meeting with 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia starting the first Girl Scouts youth organization in the United States," said Shelia Horner, Leader of Brownie Troop 43. "Her belief was that all girls should be given an opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. Her goal was to get girls out of their homes and into the outdoors." Brownie Troop 43 invited all past and present girl scouts to join them in a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America at RAF Lakenheath's Defender's Park. "Celebrating the 100th birthday of Girl Scouts is a great thing because it's an organization that takes hold of every girl regardless of their abilities or disabilities, their race, religion or background. It is an all inclusive group," said Horner. The celebration opened with a flag ceremony followed by a sing-along and a friendship circle. "A friendship circle is my favorite part of the event. The purpose of a friendship circle is to bring friends together," said Cami Lanier, Girl Scout of Brownie Troop 43. Being a child of a military family can be hard at times. Horner explains Girl Scouts has made her child's transition to a new base easier. "With parents deploying and long work hours Girl Scouts gives these girls not only something to do but a support system. They have friends that are the same age and are going through the same issues as them. They also have a wide range of mentors to guide them," said Horner. Jessica Chadwick, a Girl Scout parent, agreed. "I think that when we move from place to place there needs to be some cohesion and Girl Scouts gives them something to look forward to," said Chadwick. The birthday party wouldn't be complete without cupcakes, a card to sign and the famous happy birthday song. "After all these years we still vow to make this world a better place by teaching young ladies how to be leaders - to have courage, confidence and character in all that we do. Happy, happy birthday to Girl Scouts," said Chadwick.