Celebrating Stars of the Future
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Program Honors its Participants with Special Dinner

Girl Scouts strives to reach every girl through its various programs opportunities. A shining example of this goal is the impact the Beyond Bars Program has on the girls and families who participate.

Beyond Bars is a national Girl Scout Program in which our council participates. Through this program, mothers who are incarcerated are provided an opportunity to reconnect with their daughters through regular Girl Scout activities brought to the prison. Mothers are trained as Girl Scout leaders, plan activities and complete programming when their daughters come every other weekend. The girls travel from various locations transported by a wonderful group of volunteers to share the Girl Scout experience with their mothers at the women’s state prison in Topeka, Kansas. Without this program, many of these girls would never have an opportunity to see and connect with their mothers.

On October 13, girls and their families or caregivers were hosted by First Lady Ruth Ann Wefald and Beta Sigma Chi Sorority from Kansas State University. The sorority is a supporter and provides volunteers for the Beyond Bars Troop. The young women from Beta Sigma Chi help mentor and support the girls throughout the year. The sorority’s valued service earned them a special recognition for Outstanding Student Organization at Kansas State University earlier this year.

During the “Stars of the Future” dinner, girls from the troop shared their experiences and also had the opportunity to hear a special presentation from Francine Lucas, the daughter of Frank Lucas. The story of Frank Lucas was depicted in the movie, American Gangster. Francine shared her unique story of being a child of an incarcerated parent inspiring the girls to go for their dreams and helping others who are experiencing the same circumstances.

Learn more about volunteering with Girl Scouts.