Congaree Girl Scouts | Programs | Girl Scouts Beyond Bars

girl scouts beyond bars

As a step toward nurturing and maintaining parental bonds, the Girls Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program was initiated by the National Institute of Justice in 1992. This program provides a supportive environment through which incarcerated adults can continue and learn to be parents as well as being involved in educational programs geared toward providing a strong family foundation when participants are released. As Girl Scouts, the daughters of these individuals are empowered to "grow strong in mind, body and spirit." Today, there are approximately 40 Beyond Bars programs in existence nationwide, but only one in South Carolina - Troop 998!

After recognizing the need for and benefits of this outreach program, the Girl Scouts of the Congaree Area, Inc. began implementing plans for this program in 2001 to serve incarcerated women of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and their daughters. The Girls Scouts Beyond Bars program is possible due in part to a grant from the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), the collaborative efforts of numerous community agencies, along with the support and endorsements from individual donors. The Congaree Council's Beyond Bars program is the only one of its kind in South Carolina to receive funding from GSUSA. Nevertheless, the Council is working to achieve financial independence through annual cookie sales, fundraisers, financial gifts and in-kind donations. For instance, Girl Scouts can help by contributing food for the meetings. Click here to see how your Troop can get involved in a unique Service Project and help sponsor refreshments for Troop 998. Click here for the 2006-2007 meeting schedule and help us thank our sponsors!

Since its first meeting in 2002, the Beyond Bars program has strived to improve parent-child relationships by approaching services from a child development perspective, while also demonstrating cultural sensitivity. Twenty-one girls throughout the state have been involved in the Beyond Bars program since its inception, and several have left the program to become members of other Girl Scout troops once their mothers were released from prison.

The Program

All girls ages 5 - 17 who have incarcerated mothers at the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution are eligible to participate in the Beyond Bars program. Studies indicated that the lack of parent-child interaction is one of the most devastating aspects of incarceration, and the Beyond Bars program is a vehicle for helping women and children continue and maintain their familial bond.

Benefits

The Beyond Bars program attempts to preserve and/or rebuild the mother-daughter relationship while providing girls with enriching opportunities they may not ordinarily have access to. The program also helps build character, self-confidence and self-esteem in the girls, thereby reducing their chances of at-risk behavior. Girls who participate in the Beyond Bars program can use their newly developed skills to help them make well informed life decisions. The program is also an incentive for participating inmates who must remain infraction free, a requirement for participation.

How It Works

The Beyond Bars program meets throughout the year on the first and third Saturday of each month. On the first Saturday, the girls meet as a traditional Girl Scout troop to take part in community service projects, field trips to cultural and educational facilities, participate in outdoor adventure activities, hold planning meetings and work on badge requirements. During the following Saturday meeting, the girls have an opportunity to interact with their mothers and participate in troop activities like crafts, songs, games and community service projects.

The Congaree Council provides all supplies and materials, awards and recognitions, flyers and paid staff or volunteer services. The prison provides the meeting place, a storage facility, distributes information to offenders and prison staff and provides recruitment assistance. All girls receive membership in both the Girl Scout Council of the Congaree Area, Inc. and Girl Scouts of the USA.

Success Stories

Women inmates of the South Carolina Department of Corrections who entered the program have shared many of their hopes and dreams. At the passing of the program's first anniversary, several inmates made the following comments.

"I want my daughter to look at me as a strong, independent woman. I want her to say that I'm her best friend: positive, loving, patient, caring, open, honest. I have a hope that my daughter will be a very independent woman with a strong mind to accomplish things in her life and never give up no matter what.open-minded, responsible, loving, caring, spiritual, strong minded."

"I've had a chance to spend quality time helping my daughter learn new things and gain an understanding of how me and my child can become better people."

"This program has given me a goal to keep a positive attitude and think about my next move. The two hours with my daughter alone has given us such a more special bond."

"My attitude has changed. I have met my goal in doing things in school. I don't mind getting up in the morning now. I have started helping others when I can."

"Her grades have come up in school. She laughs more. She's not scared to talk in front of other people now. She is helping with chores at home and keeps her room clean now."

Perhaps one participant has summed up the impact of the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program best: "Now we are like a family."

To find out more about Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, contact:

Paula Coleman

Membership Manager

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars
(803) 782-5133 ext. 3025
colemanp@congaree.org

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Program Patch

Troop 998 sold lots of cookies at the State Museum. They also got to tour the museum. What a fun day -- Great job girls!

Girl Scouts have the most fun at Edventure Museum, where we kicked off our Statewide Service Project -- Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina.

The troop worked on a service project to update the game room at the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institute.

The girls enjoyed a trip to EdVenture, creating Build-A-Buddy stuffed animals that were donated to the Sheriff's Department.

For patch information click on the link below or contact Debbie Cleveland at 782-5133 x 3002.

Patches are not available for purchase at Congaree Cargo.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Patch Requirements