HISTORY
Girl Scouts Troop 20653 is the ONLY international/multicultural Girl Scouts troop in Starkville and Mississippi. We are interfaith, interracial, and intercultural group of girls. The troop is part of Oktibbeha County Service Unit and Girl Scouts Heart of the South.
The troop was founded in 2001 by Maria Cristina Bruzual (originally from Venezuela) and Diana Bridges (World Neighbors Association past president and member). It was active from 2001-2005 and there were 12 girl members from different ages, nationalities (including Americans), and religions. When Mrs. Bruzual moved to Houston, TX, the troop became inactive for 1 1/2 years. Mrs. Bridges then requested sponsorship from World Neighbors Association to 'reincarnate' this unique troop. The troop resumed its activities with 4 Brownie girl members in November 2006 under Mrs. Elaine Tallman leadership until mid June 2007 when she and her family had to move to Greeley, CO. Mrs. Sandra Woolfolk was the main troop leader since June 2007 until July 2012. Currently, Mrs. Rachel Seman-Varner leads the troop assisted by several adults. Besides meeting, we take educational, fun trips to various places.
MEETING
The troop meets every other Sunday from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at the Crossroads International Friendship House, Starkville MS. We also go to special events outside of the meeting place as well as do fun activities in the Summer.
OUR SPONSORS
We are very grateful to our sponsors:
- World Neighbors Association http://www.wneighbors.org/
- Crossroads International Friendship House http://cifhstarkville.blogspot.com/