New Girl Scouts Paper Scientist Patch Program Announced

ATLANTA (February 23, 2022) – TAPPI, the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Maine, announces the creation of a new paper scientist patch program. The new program is open to Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. Since the paper industry employs many different types of engineers, the patch program announcement is being made during National Engineers Week, February 20 – 26, 2022.

“Paper science is a fascinating and rewarding field,” noted Beth Cormier, Vice President, R&D and Sustainability for Sappi North America, and a member of TAPPI’s Women in Industry (WIN) Division, which spearheaded efforts to develop the new patch. “Because paper based products are such a huge part of our everyday life, from the books we read, to the packaging of products, to the tissues we use, it’s important for people to understand what an amazing renewable material it is and the exciting career paths it offers women and men.”

Girl Scouts interested in pursuing the paper scientist patch must complete a series of activities that will take them on a journey from the forest to many areas around their hometowns that use paper and wood products. They must complete at least two activities at each stop and at least two activities in which they are tasked with taking action. Details on the paper scientist patch program can be found on the TAPPI website at tappi.org/gspatch.

“It is our hope this introduction to the paper industry will help young women and girls recognize the kind of successful, and important, impacts they can make in the U.S. and around the world as paper industry professionals,” said Carrie Enos, President, University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation, former TAPPI Board of Directors member and current member of WIN. “We are proud to have assisted in the creation of this unique patch program.”

Samantha Lott Hale, Program Director and Regional Office Supervisor, Girl Scouts of Maine, also praised the new patch program saying, “With the positive experiences that girls had at the in-person Paper Scientist EXPOs in 2018 and 2019, we are excited to add a virtual option for completing the Paper Scientist patch program. The virtual scavenger hunt includes all the links and instructions so Girl Scouts anywhere can learn about, reflect upon, and take action on paper, the environment, and sustainability. The virtual assets developed and curated by Sappi and TAPPI highlight the interesting science behind paper making, the environment, promote action, and give Girl Scouts the chance to explore STEM career options.” 

Paper is made from trees – a totally renewable resource – that are regenerated and replanted and managed to ensure a sustainable supply for generations. Paper can also be made from recycled paper products, which are recycled and reused multiple times, reducing waste in landfills. Paper-based packaging is recycled more than any other packaging material in the US. Statistics show the pulp and paper industry is ranked among the top 10 in manufacturing with almost 700,000 employees producing paper and allied products with a total value of more than $150 billion. Careers range from chemical engineers, chemists and biochemists to quality control engineers, environmental engineers and forestry technicians.

To learn more about the Girl Scouts of Maine paper science patch program, visit tappi.org/gspatch.

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About TAPPI

TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries and publisher of Paper360°, Tissue360° and TAPPI Journal. Through information exchange, events, trusted content and networking opportunities, TAPPI helps members elevate their performance by providing solutions that lead to better, faster and more cost-effective ways of doing business. It has provided management training and networking to the industry’s leaders for almost 100 years. For more information, visit tappi.org.

We Are Girl Scouts  

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.

Source: TAPPI