PEORIA (25News Now) – The new executive director of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois wants to create women-only chapters, but says more women are needed to make that happen.

Jennifer Sedbrook recently began her new role as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.

Although she was never a Girl Scout, she was always a champion of girls.

The group serves approximately 1,000 girls ages 5 to 17 in the Peoria area.

Sedbrook said the program is currently assembling troops to plan a year of activities.

“They’ll be doing a lot of outdoor camping, building their skills and going on field trips, and then in the spring you’ll see those cookies and us outside those grocery stores,” she said.

Sedbrook added that they need more volunteer group leaders, such as college students, young professionals, retirees and even former Girl Scouts to help with special skills like archery, clay making and even programming.

No Scout experience is required from group leaders.

The program director, Sara Tate, was a former Girl Scout herself and encouraged local people to get involved, even if they did not have a child enrolled.

“One of the most important things they can take away from this is that they can do it,” Tate said. “A lot of girls are nervous about trying new experiences, but once they do it, they can’t stop. They realize quickly enough that they have the courage and confidence to do these things.”

Sedbrook said being a Girl Scout means being confident and knowing you can accomplish anything.

Registration is still open and the Boy Scouts will be hosting a Big Tap Campout event in Metamora on September 28 and 29. To learn more about this event and membership, click here.

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