Justine Magazine, a positive self-image, fashion and everyday life ‘real girl’ magazine for teens ages 13 to 19, recently sponsored a national contest exclusively for Girl Scouts. On September 3 the R.E.A.L. Girl Fashion Show and launch party were held right here in New York City at the Girl Scouts of America Corporate Headquarters. The contest was titled “R.E.A.L. Girl,” with the letters representing the words “Remarkable, Energetic, Aspirational Leader.” Applicants filled out the appropriate forms online and completed sustainable community service projects in their own cities. Every Girl Scout in the country was eligible, with over 300 applicants from New York City alone. Justine Magazine's the contest celebration in Manhattan last week featured prizes, lecturers and appearances by sensational teen book authors Sarah Mlynowski and Alyssa B. Sheinmel. Girl Scouts from the five boroughs and surrounding areas were present to represent their Scout troops with parents and siblings present, all supporting the R.E.A.L. Girl cause. The day ended with a spectacular local fashion show featuring the R.E.A.L. Girl Scouts modeling fabulous new fall looks that are hip for back-to-school style.

Just taking part in all the action of the day makes one wonder how they could get involved. Girl Scouts of America makes it easier than ever for volunteers and teens to become more active and responsible in their own communities. They provide “flexible pathways” which focus on letting mentors and girls participate according to their own individual schedules. Girls can join for a mere $12.00 per year membership fee and expose themselves to a lifetime of encouragement, positive self-image and community support. Help your teen help herself take a stand in her own future and lifetime goals. Girls that want to be more will be more with the help of amazing mentors that give them the Girl Scout platform to believe in themselves. Fun Fact: There are over 5,000 active Girl Scouts in Brooklyn and Queens alone, and there’s plenty of room for more! In becoming a Girl Scout in today’s world, the girls are the leaders; the adults are simply the mentors.

To find out more about becoming a Girl Scout or mentor in your neighborhood, please contact Christina Blomquist for Brooklyn at cblomquist@girlscoutsnyc.org (212.645.4000 x358) and Keesha Sterling for Queens at ksterling@girlscoutsnyc.org (212.645.4000 x378) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

For more style information, fashion education and Girl Scout inspiration, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com.

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