Girl Scouts camp helps mold our future leaders

The girls, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were selected from throughout metro Atlanta.

The mentors included corporate executives, elected officials and Atlanta Dream owner Kathy Betty.

The goal: Develop strong mentoring networks for girls in our communities.

While Camp CEO is new to Georgia this year, similar programs have been successful in other cities including Washington and Chicago.

During our three-day stay, we were put through a ropes course, canoed and, yes, sang songs around a campfire.

One girl, fluent in four languages, expressed an interest in foreign service and another boldly declared her intent to be a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

I have no doubt both girls will realize their dreams.

These girls are savvy and intentional about the choices they make and the opportunities they seek in preparation for the future.

I was thrilled to see firsthand what the Girl Scout organization is doing to help the next generation of women leaders.

If predictions are correct, women will have many more chances to lead in the future. Statistics show women now comprise nearly 50 percent of the U.S. work force.

As young women move through their careers, more of them will reach executive ranks, help shape public policy and employ others through their own businesses.

The lessons they learn in Girl Scouts will be invaluable to them.

I know these Girl Scouts also will be invaluable to Georgia. This year, Atlanta ranks fourth among cities in terms of the highest concentration of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters.

Our state was the fourth fastest-growing state in number of new residents last year.

We will need great leaders to keep Georgia’s economy strong, and it is evident the Girl Scout organization is helping to groom those leaders.

I am grateful for the mentors in my life who invested their time and interest in me, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to take part in Camp CEO.

I encourage all female leaders to volunteer for this program or any other through Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

Not only will you help a young woman build a network for a lifetime, you’ll be building one for yourself.

And you never know; you may just meet a future U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Carrie Kurlander of Atlanta is vice president of Southern Co.