Empowering Future Leaders

September 11, 2023

Trenton, NJ - On Wednesday, September 6, 2023 fifteen 4th grade Girl Scout
Juniors and two second grade Girl Scout Brownies from Cranford, NJ from
five Girl Scout troops in Service Unit 48 travelled to the New Jersey State
House in Trenton, learn about the history of New Jersey government,
the role of government, and the Girl Scouts' role as citizens.

"Offering my Girl Scouts a variety of experiences is really important to
me," said Erin Muldoon, a Girl Scout Junior Troop 45012 co-leader
chaperoning the trip. "Activities which are engaging make the learning more
fun and memorable. So, what better way to make the somewhat boring topic of
laws and government fun than a visit to the State House where it all takes
place."

The girls began the day traveling back in time to 1776 at the Old Barracks
Museum, a location built in 1758 as a French
and Indian War military barracks eventually becoming an army
hospital overseeing smallpox inoculations for the Continental Army. The
crucial victory of the Battle of Trenton overseen by George Washington was
also shared with the Girl Scouts as they were recruited by live reenactors
into the Continental Army.

"The story of George Washington's crossing and how the British thought the
early, smaller run on Trenton by local militia was the entire advancement
the British were warned about by their spies was a favorite part of the
day," said Parker, from Girl Scout Junior Troop 41267.

After travelling back in time, the Girl Scouts visited the New Jersey State
House where the Office of Legislative Services Tour Office provided information on the site's
history, art, architecture, and the legislative process. The Girl Scouts
visited the Senate and Assembly Chambers and spoke with women who support
the State House in roles such as attorneys and law enforcement.

"The trip gave me more career ideas which may be fun while also helping
others," said Payton, from Girl Scout Junior Troop 40042.

The day wrapped up with the Girl Scouts participating in a Make-A-Law!
program provided by the Office of Legislative Services Tour Office. The
Girl Scouts had the opportunity to deliberate a piece of pending
legislation as mock Senators. They considered opposing arguments and
developed reasoned conclusions before voting on the issue.

"The day was very fun and we learned about how bills get turned into laws,
our democracy, and got to debate a bill. It was very fun," said Angela from
Girl Scout Junior Troop 40903.

"I loved being recruited as a soldier to Washington's Revolutionary Army,
and then being elected as a State Senator to pass laws," said Becca, from
Girl Scout Junior Troop 45012. "Our visit to the Old Barracks and the NJ
Statehouse was fun!"

"To be toured through the State House, learning so many things, by
intelligent and inspiring women won't be something these Girl Scouts will
soon forget," said Muldoon. "I wish that when I was a fourth grader that
someone told me that I already had a voice, that it mattered, and to go
ahead and use it."

*About The Girl Scouts of Cranford*

The Girl Scouts of Cranford boasts over 1,000 Girl Scout Members in 67
troops and Juliettes making it one of the largest non-profit organizations
in town. The Cranford Service Unit is a part of the Girl Scouts Heart of
New Jersey (GSHNJ) Council which is part of the Girl Scouts of the USA. If
your family is interested in learning more about local Girl Scouts or to
find out more information on the Girls Scouts of Cranford, please click here.