I have witnessed throughout the years that busy kids, coupled with active parents, tend to create an environment where they avert trouble. I have also heard that Boulder City has nothing to do for kids, a theory which I do not believe to be true. We are home to an active youth center,  a lot of activities are available through the parks and recreation department, we have an outstanding library and a lot of paths dedicated for bicycles and hiking trails throughout Bootleg Canyon – just to name a few.

Scouting is another organization that creates a host of activities and proactive development opportunities for our younger population, as well as volunteer opportunities for adults.  March 12, 2012 will mark the 100 year birthday for Girl Scouts of America. Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada will be “Rocking the Dam” on Saturday, March 10, 2012 in honor of this auspicious milestone. For a nominal fee you can experience the opportunity of a lifetime when Hoover Dam traffic is shut down and available for Girl Scouts only! They will be having a light breakfast and an early morning aerial photo will be taken with everyone on the Dam.

Juliet “Daisy” Gordon Low started the first Girl Scout Troop in Savannah Georgia on March 12, 1912. Ms. Low felt strongly that girls needed to have the opportunity to develop mentally, physically and spiritually – a theme that has remained consistent throughout the last 100 years. Today’s theme, “Where Girls Grow Strong” is a direct descendant of the original vision inspired by Ms. Low. Today, more than 50 million women are considered alumni of this wonderful organization – not to mention the thousands of men that participate, along with their daughters, in nearly all aspects of girl scouting.

If you would like to join us in celebrating Girl Scout’s 100th birthday you can obtain additional information at http://www.girlscoutsnv.org/global/rock-the-dam.

Throughout the next month seek out opportunities to spend with your family and consider scouting if you are in need of things to do – the dividends received will likely be the best investment you make.

John Chase can be reached via his e-mail address at Jchase@bcnv.org.