NRD Miami Recruiters Mentor Girl Scouts

MIAMI (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Miami Sailors served as role models and mentors during the South Florida Girl Scouts two-day overnight encampment at Camp Mahachee, Miami, Nov. 12.

Engineman 1st Class Mariska Rey and Hull Technician 2nd Class Shannette Southerland answered questions from the Girl Scouts about careers for women in the Navy as well as teaching the girls military drill and uniform inspection procedures while helping them earn merit badges.

"Teaching the girls about what opportunities are out there for them in America's Navy was not something I expected to do at this Girl Scout encampment, but these were not ordinary girls, they were motivated, independent and already used to the outdoors, so they flooded me with questions about the fleet and life on board ships. It was a lot of fun telling them girls actually load bombs onto airplane wings," said Rey.

The South Florida Girl Scouts of America invited female members of the military and local high school Army Junior Recruit Officer Training Corps (AJROTC), members to assist them in the proper way to honor the U.S. flag, conduct a color guard, properly fold the flag, how to stand in formation and perform movement drills. NRD petty oficers oversaw the training of the Army JROTC cadets and demonstrated how to perform a uniform inspection.

"The Girl Scouts ate it up. They had no idea behind the mechanics of a proper about face and had a lot of fun learning how to move a large group as one. This taught them about teamwork and learning to pay attention to detail, which is essential in any career they choose," said Southerland.

Southerland and Rey also helped Girl Scouts make holiday cards for Soldiers and Sailors stationed overseas. The gift cards and the flag etiquette satisfied the girl's Citizenship and Community Merit Badges. The field drilling helped the girls earn badges that required leadership, communication and teamwork. All positive endeavors which are part of everyday Navy life, added Southerland.

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Miami, visit www.navy.mil/local/NRDMiami/.