Homeschool Spotlight: Girl Scout Cadette Ericka
Meeting new friends and learning with others in a fun and safe space – that’s what Girl Scouting is all about. It’s a perfect fit for any family that homeschools! For Girl Scout Cadette Ericka, who is an Individually Registered Member or “Juliette”, Girl Scouting has given her many opportunities to expand her homeschooling in amazing ways.
“I love earning fun patches,” she said. “Just this year, I’ve earned patches for cooking, astronomy, and science. I also attended the Citizen Science Journey Day. I try to attend at least two Girl Scout events each month. I’m also on a Girl’s Advisory Board for Service Unit 375, so I get to stretch my leadership skills.”
This busy Girl Scout loves STEM, so she recently joined the Council’s Drone Club! She is looking forward to having the club enter some local competitions.
“I love the Girl Scouts, because I make new friends all the time! I also get to participate in fun events like woodworking, art, medical simulations and go on visits to some interesting places like on a Navy base to take part in a NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) information session. Being homeschooled allows me the freedom to use all the things I am passionate about – just like what Girl Scouting does for me. I am a future professional musician, who currently plays the violin, piano, cello, flute, trumpet, recorder, and I sing in the choir. I know I’ll be able to pair my musical love with Girl Scouts, too!”
Girl Scout Cadette Ericka selling cookies with her dad, who dressed as a cookie
Girl Scout Cadette Ericka works on an activity at a museum during a tour of Suffolk, Virginia
Girl Scout Cadette Ericka marched with other Girl Scouts from a local troop in the 2024 Veterans Day Parade
Ericka can’t help but take the lead with all the experience and drive she has, and has sought out leadership opportunities in Girl Scouts. As a result, she has conducted training with a couple of her service unit’s troops, leading Brownies and Juniors in the completion of their First Aid Badges.
“Having Ericka join the Girl Scouts is one of the best decisions we have ever made,” shared Colleen Ignacio, Ericka’s mom. “Watching her grow as she is surrounded by amazing young women has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Girl Scout volunteers are the most compassionate, kindhearted, and service-minded people I have ever known. I am grateful Ericka and I are a part of the Girl Scout family!”
Ericka agrees. “As an only child, I’m grateful for the Girl Scouts because I have all the sisters a girl could want! I am a sister to every Girl Scout and intend to keep it that way.”
May is Homeschool Awareness Month
Are you a part of a homeschooling co-op? Start a Girl Scout troop with some of the girls you already hang out with! Or go solo and become an Individually Registered Member, like Erika, allowing for flexibility to fit Girl Scouting into your schedule when it works best for you, and still have the opportunity to attend Girl Scout events and activities with others.
Learn more about the benefits of Girl Scouts for homeschoolers, including socialization, confidence, and the research-backed academic edge at gsccc.org/homeschool.
