SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Krystal Crawford, the newly appointed CEO of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, discussed with News 3 her role in supervising troops across 125 counties: 122 in Georgia, 2 in South Carolina, and one in Alabama.
: What do you want people to know about the Girl Scouts as you step into this new role?
Krystal Crawford: My vision is ambitious. I want people to recognize the significance of Girl Scout power. I want our girls to appreciate the legacy of Girl Scout alumni who came before them. Astronauts have been Girl Scouts, and almost 80 percent of our female state senators were once Girl Scouts. There’s tremendous power and legacy. I want everyone, especially young girls, to know that the Girl Scouts is a place where they can truly be themselves. Here, they’ll acquire the leadership tools necessary to achieve their dreams and even expand those dreams beyond their imagination.
: You were heavily involved in sports growing up. How do sports and Girl Scouts relate?
Krystal Crawford: Sports were pivotal in developing my leadership skills. Many principles instilled in the Girl Scouts, such as teamwork, honesty, and respect, are similarly taught through sports.
: What would you say to Girl Scout troops from around the country who want to come to Savannah, the birthplace of the Girl Scouts?
Krystal Crawford: You just can’t get it any better than the place it all began. Come and visit to find out where Juliette Gordon Low created this wonderful organization. The spirit of Juliette Gordon Low is alive in Savannah. When the girls come to Savannah and they do the tours of all of our historic buildings, they are in the places that our founder lived. They will feel that spirit of Girl Scouts. How inspiring it is to be connected to such a thing! I want to share the city of Savannah. Everybody embraces the troops when they visit. There’s a welcoming spirit and hospitality in Savannah. So I would say come to Savannah. Put your feet where Juliette Gordon Lowe once stood and feel her spirit. Be inspired and get the same spark she lit over a century ago.
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Girl Scouts march in the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade -
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(Girl Scouts of the USA) -
(Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
: When you say Girl Scouts, most people think of delicious cookies. What do you want people to know about the Girl Scout cookie program?
Krystal Crawford: We are not just selling cookies. Our yearly cookie sale is the number one entrepreneurial and financial literacy program for young people in the United States. There’s so much to be gained than just the fundraising side of it: how to manage a business, write a business plan, how to interact with adults. And so, when Girl Scouts learn those valuable life skills, they get to invest in those at those fun trips, like coming to Savannah to see where it all started. And that’s really what those cookie profits are used for. So, buy Girl Scout cookies and know it’s more than just getting a box of cookies. You’re investing in a young girl’s future.
: We can’t let you go without asking you what your favorite Girl Scout Cookie is.
Krystal Crawford: I will say Thin Mints have always been my favorite. I love them, but there’s something fun about saying Do-Si-Dos! Fun and delicious. The real truth is, you cannot get a bad Girl Scout cookie.
