In a heartwarming initiative, a group of homeless girls in Queens, New York, has formed their very own Girl Scout troop, Troop 6000, providing them with invaluable experiences and opportunities. For many, including myself, being a Girl Scout was a cherished part of growing up. However, for some children, joining a local troop is not as straightforward as it seems—it often requires financial resources and stability that many lack.
This realization struck Jamie Carter, a mother of three from Queens, after she and her children found themselves living in a repurposed hotel that served as a homeless shelter. After starting a job with the Girl Scouts of America, Jamie had a brilliant idea: to create a troop specifically for the girls residing in the shelter. With the organization’s enthusiastic support, Troop 6000 was born.
Currently, Troop 6000 boasts 28 members, all of whom are experiencing homelessness. They meet regularly in the same shelter where Jamie and her family reside. As Jamie explained to NPR, “Homelessness is often seen through a narrow lens, typically focused on stereotypes. My goal is to change that perception.”
The girls of Troop 6000 engage in a variety of activities, much like any other Girl Scouts. They have explored topics like women’s suffrage, STEM fields, and even first aid. Recently, they embarked on a camping adventure, where they enjoyed milking cows and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Although Troop 6000 is not the first Girl Scout troop to form in a shelter, it stands out as one of the most impactful, recently receiving recognition at a ceremony held at New York City Hall.
The Girl Scouts of Greater New York covers the troop’s expenses, including the $20 monthly dues for each member, along with essential starter kits containing vests, patches, and workbooks. While donations are welcome to help sustain these initiatives, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio has pledged $1.1 million to help expand Troop 6000 throughout the state, allowing more homeless girls to participate.
For the girls and their families, being part of Troop 6000 is a unique opportunity they might not have had otherwise. “My daughter always wanted to join, but I just couldn’t afford it,” shared Linda, a mother of one of the troop members. The girls themselves have dreams of becoming fashion designers, pediatricians, basketball players, and engineers. Young 10-year-old Mia even aspires to establish a homeless shelter one day, saying, “I’ll make a lot of money and ask if they need a shelter.” Her friend, 12-year-old Ava, added, “And then we’ll provide food, blankets, and pillows—just like that, a shelter.”
This inspiring story showcases how Troop 6000 is not just about scouting but also about building dreams and breaking down barriers. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this post from our blog on artificial insemination kits. For those on a journey toward parenthood, you can find valuable insights at Make a Mom, an authority on this topic. Additionally, News Medical serves as an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, Troop 6000 is a shining example of resilience and opportunity for homeless girls in New York, transforming their lives through community and empowerment.