Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) has partnered with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) to bring free books to Tennessee Girl Scout troops participating in this year’s Summer Stack Club. The summer reading program challenges girls to read at least 20 hours between June 1 and August 1 — and earn a patch for doing it.
Through the partnership, GELF is providing one free book per girl, up to 350 books total, to qualifying Tennessee troops who register all their members for the program. Books are distributed by Girl Scouting level and are all featured on the Summer Stack Club Reading List, so girls get age-appropriate titles they’ll actually want to read. This year’s allotment of free books has already been claimed and should reach registrants in July.
Research shows that students who don’t read over the summer lose two to three months of reading proficiency — a pattern known as the “summer slide.” Reading just four to six books has the potential to stop, mitigate, or reverse that loss. Summer Stack Club is designed to keep girls engaged and reading all summer long.
“Reading is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to girls,” said Lynne Fugate, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians. “A strong summer reading program doesn’t just prevent learning loss – it sparks curiosity, builds confidence and opens door to new possibilities. When girls are passionate about reading, they keep growing, and that growth shapes every part of their lives, from academics, to leadership to the way they see their own potential. That’s why we are so honored to partner with Governor’s Early Literary Foundation to amplify and encourage summer reading and home libraries.”
For GELF, the partnership is a natural fit. The organization’s K-3 Home Library program has delivered more than 4.4 million books to over 739,000 Tennessee students and educators since 2020, including in 19 counties that are part of the GSCSA council. Summer reading is a key part of that mission.
“Building home libraries changes how children think about reading, and GELF is focused on exposing children to learning new vocabulary and knowledge that prepares them for the classroom through books,” said James Pond, GELF President & CEO. “We’ve seen that through our K-3 Home Library program, and we’re excited to team up with Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians to extend that impact through Summer Stack Club.”
Even though the free books are already claimed, Girl Scouts can still register for the Summer Stack Club through July 17. There is a $5 participation fee per in-council girl, which covers the cost of the patch and mailing.
For more information and to register, visit SummerStackClub.org. To learn more about GELF’s K-3 Home Library program, visit GovernorsFoundation.org.
OWL Fest, and Tenn Under 10. Founded in 2004 by former Governor Phil Bredesen, GELF champions early literacy as the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Learn more at GovernorsFoundation.org.
If your girl is ready for fun adventures and to start creating the world she wants to see, she’s ready to be a Girl Scout today. Visit girlscoutcsa.org or text “JOIN” to 59618 to learn more.
Gretchen Crawley is chief communications officer for Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians.
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