FARMINGTON — Preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts in 2012, the organization is continuing to adapt its offerings to meet the needs of girls.

The pathways program, especially for middle and high school girls, offers an opportunity to participate in travel, camp, events or a short-term series of activities on a particular topic, Sarah Chapman, a membership manager for Girl Scouts of Maine, said.

Chapman  is seeking people to share their passion, hobby, interest or knowledge of math and science for four to eight weeks.

“There are different ways to be involved without committing to years to lead a troop,” she said.

She recently completed an adventure series with a small group of girls in Franklin County. High-rope exercises, rock climbing, hiking and overnight camping were fun and provided team-building exercises, she said.

“The girls bonded quickly. They were really open to building new relationships,” she said of the four-session series.

Girls in grade six through high school have a variety of school activities and sports to participate in and may want more flexibility than the weekly troop meeting provides, she said. By becoming an independent Juliette scout, these girls can participate in national and international travel, camps and the organized series.

There is a waiting list in Franklin County, especially in some of the smaller towns. There are always girls who want to participate, she said. However, finding adults willing to volunteer is difficult.

Now she needs people or organizations to share their time, wisdom and passions on a short-term basis, she said.

It could be a hobby or something like bookbinding or even teaching physics to sixth-graders on a one-time basis. It can be something that will expose them to new ideas and adventures as scouting leadership works to instill courage, confidence and character in young girls.

Girl Scouts staff and volunteers will work with the “collaborator” to design the series, budget and other details. They are easy to set up, she said. Sometimes they meet weekly or monthly or every other week for a few hours.

Chapman, a staff member and lifetime Girl Scouts member who oversees recruitment and membership in Franklin and Somerset counties and the greater Waterville and Augusta area, also knows the benefits of Girl Scouts activities.

She earned her gold award during high school and her silver during middle school. Scouting can add to future resumes, and many colleges offer scholarships to Girl Scouts. Girls who stay with scouting throughout high school are eligible for a Girl Scouts scholarship.

Many think of Girl Scouts as being service oriented and many troops do participate in community-service projects, but now there is also an educational component as girls are exposed to new ideas and activities. In the early 1990s, her troop began to observe Earth Day and learn about recycling. Scouts are continuing to learn about things such as the environment and awareness of using local foods and supporting local farmers, she said.

Anyone willing to volunteer to lead a series may contact Chapman by calling (207) 877-4147 or by email to [email protected].

Chapman is also looking for Girl Scout items from the past to create a history of Girl Scouts in Franklin County for next spring’s 100th anniversary celebration.

[email protected]