Girl Scout Event Will Celebrate Diversity

Dozens of Girl Scout troops are expected to converge on four area shopping centers today, offering shoppers a lesson in diversity.

The Scouts’ annual “Be Your Best” event brings together girls from all over the San Fernando Valley and demonstrates the cultural diversity of their troops.

The event also allows the public to see “what a relevant organization we are,” said Jason E. Katz, marketing and public relations manager for the San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council. “We address issues that are on the minds of Americans every day, cultural diversity, social welfare. Girl Scouts teaches girls how to be responsible members of society.”

Approximately 60 girls are expected to be at each of four malls today between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each troop will set up a booth, featuring arts and crafts and games from the culture they chose to represent. They will also display ethnic fashions and demonstrate ethnic dances.

The Girl Scouts will be at Burbank Media Center Mall, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., Panorama Mall, 8401 Van Nuys Blvd., and Topanga Plaza, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd. The troops were assigned to malls nearest their home base.

The event is free. Participating Girl Scouts will receive service credit for their time and effort during the day.

“In doing community service, they get out of it what’s obvious--helping other people,” Katz said. “It teaches them that being a part of the community is not just getting a job and raising a family, it’s really being a part of it, helping other people.”

For more information about the organization, call (818) 886-1801.