A
Father’s Day Message from Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D., Chief Girl &
Parent Expert
This
Sunday, we take a moment to honor and celebrate the fathers and father figures
who, through their dedication, unconditional love and boundless support, have
touched our lives in immeasurable ways. So, with sincere respect and
admiration, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all fathers,
especially those within our Movement, a Happy Father’s Day!
While
this holiday often does not garner the fanfare it so rightly deserves, we must
never underestimate just how influential fathers are in the lives of
girls. We know from our own internal research that a
girl’s relationship with her father establishes the foundation for confidence
building, for healthy future relationships and for her expectations of
men. The guidance, wisdom
and personal investment that truly devoted fathers
provide are invaluable in the development of vibrant, fully engaged and
well-adjusted children. Their
roles as committed providers, caregivers, and role models should never be
undervalued or taken for granted, because their presence waters the seeds that
blossom into our future leaders.
Of
course, so many fathers are an integral and welcome part of the Girl Scout
experience. Several of our volunteers and colleagues are dads whose
commitment to our mission is vital, and whose efforts touch countless lives
every day, in communities across the globe. The generosity demonstrated by
these remarkable men is a testament to the impact one selfless individual can
make in shaping the life path of girls.
So
this Father’s Day, with tremendous gratitude, let us show the dads in our lives
just how much their strength, devotion and encouragement is treasured every
day. And let us also remember those fathers and father figures no longer
with us, but who continue to be a source of inspiration – now and always.