The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed March 11-17 as Girl Scout Week, recognizing the program that for more than a century has been a “national leader in providing the best leadership development experience in the world for girls.”

Girl Scouting is continuing a legacy of “providing girls with the tools to become leaders dedicated to making this country and the world a better place,” according to the proclamation that board unanimously adopted, then presented to 10 Girl Scouts from four troops who were representing the 1,800 girl and adult members of the organization in Warren County.

“The numbers are surprising,” said Freeholder Director Edward J. Smith, noting he didn’t realize how many girls in the county were involved in Girl Scouts. “Hats off to all you ladies who have come here tonight,” he said.

“The Girl Scout movement is extremely vibrant in this country,” said Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, who also noted he was impressed with the number of girls involved. Those 1,800 Warren County members of the organization are among the 2.6 million girls and adult volunteers active nationally.

“You young ladies are the bright future. We’re pleased to have you here,” Gardner said.

“We’re very proud of all our girl scouts and everything they do for our community,” Freeholder Jason J. Sarnoski said. “I hope you’re all getting your government badges tonight for having come to this meeting,” he told them with a smile.

Represented at the meeting were girls from Cadet Troop 95085 of Liberty Township, Ambassador Troop 95114 of Washington, Junior and Cadet Troop 5627 of Knowlton, and Ambassador Troop 888 of Knowlton. The troops are part of either the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council or the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey council, depending on their location.

Girl Scouting in the United States began on March 12, 1912, when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low organized the first Girl Guide troop meeting of 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scout Week is celebrated annually in March throughout the nation.

Photo: Warren County Freeholders Jason J. Sarnoski, Director Edward J. Smith, and Richard D. Gardner  (l-r) present a proclamation designating March 11-17 as Girl Scout Week to 10 representatives of the 1,800 girls and adult volunteers from Warren County who are involved in Girl Scouts. Receiving the honors were (l-r) Sydney Thompson and Julie Duart of Ambassador Troop 95114 of Washington; Kathryn Hunsinger, Kayleigh Dolinsky, Mackenzie Armstrong and Paityn Bates of Junior and Cadet Troop 5627 of Knowlton; Madeline Hunsinger of Ambassador Troop 888 of Knowlton; and Devyn Cummings, Laura Gruener and Raelynn Hickey of Cadet Troop 95085 of Liberty Township.