Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and YMCA of Coastal Georgia Partner to Bring Girl Scout Leadership Programming to YMCA After School Sites
January 26, 2026
SAVANNAH, GA—Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG) and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia (YMCA) are proud to announce a new partnership that will expand leadership development opportunities for girls by offering Girl Scouts programming directly through YMCA After School sites across Coastal Georgia.
This collaboration will increase access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls who may not have the opportunity to participate in a traditional troop model. By meeting girls where they are—at their existing after school program—GSHG and the YMCA are creating an easy, supportive pathway for girls to build skills, confidence, and community.
Through Girl Scouts programming delivered at YMCA After School sites, girls will participate in engaging, hands-on activities that support leadership growth, teamwork, and real-world skill-building. Program experiences may include STEM exploration, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, outdoor learning, community service, and personal development—helping girls grow into strong leaders who are prepared for the future.
“This partnership with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is all about access and opportunity,” said Krystal Crawford, CEO of GSHG. “By offering Girl Scouts programming at YMCA After School sites, we’re meeting girls where they are and ensuring more families can say ‘yes’ to leadership development. Girls will gain confidence, build real-world skills, and experience the power of belonging.”
“At the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, we are committed to helping every child thrive,” added Joel Smoker, President & CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Partnering with Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia strengthens our after school experience by bringing proven leadership development to the girls and families we serve. Together, we’re creating more ways for girls to learn, lead, and grow.”
This partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to youth development and strengthening communities by ensuring girls have access to experiences that shape character, build resilience, and inspire leadership.
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ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF HISTORIC GEORGIA: Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is rich in heritage and purpose. The council extends from the North Georgia mountains to the Okefenokee and from the Atlantic coast to the Chattahoochee Valley. Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia serves more than 7,000 girls and 3,000 adults in 122 counties in Georgia, two counties in South Carolina and one county in Alabama. The council is also the home of our organization’s founder, Juliette Gordon Low, who founded Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, where her birthplace and the historic First Headquarters still welcome thousands of Girl Scouts every year. Girl Scouting gives girls a wide range of experiences to define leadership their way. To join, donate, or learn more, visit www.gshg.org.
ABOUT YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA: The YMCA of Coastal Georgia strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. YMCA After School sites provide safe, supportive environments where children learn, grow, and thrive.
