BREWER – “Back to school” means “back to Girl Scouting” for some families in Maine, and this fall, teen and pre-teen girls have a whole new option: Studio 2B, a new way for girls 11-17 to make Girl Scouting a part of their lives.

Based on research with girls and their families, Studio 2B focuses on flexibility and choices and features activities covering a range of topics from self-defense to health and fitness to careers.

Girls and adults in Studio 2B meet when it is convenient for the group at places where girls feel comfortable and safe.

Across the country, Studio 2B meetings are held at local pizza and coffee shops, bookstores, malls and college campuses. Studio 2B also features a Web site, www.studio2b.org, that serves as an online forum where girls 11-17 find out how other girls feel, check out how girls are making a difference, gain perspective on issues that arise as girls grow into adults, use iMail, share stories, and read the latest on relationships, style and travel.

The Studio 2B approach to Girl Scouting was made formal in October 2002, and since then, membership among girls 11-17 has grown. Girls and adults can get information about Studio 2B by calling (866) 550-4311, or logging on to www.studio2b.org.

Officials added that younger Girl Scouts can take advantage of new active-wear Brownie Girl Scout uniform options. Designed to encourage health and fitness among girls ages 6 to 8, the new uniform pieces include short sleeve T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and comfortable pull on pants. Sport socks, blue and pink headbands and an adjustable sun visor complete the new uniform. Also new are iron-on awards – or Try-Its – that girls can easily apply to their uniforms when they develop new skills.

Girl Scouts of the USA is the pre-eminent organization for girls, officials said, and has more than 3.8 million members. Now in its 92nd year, Girl Scouting cultivates values, social conscience and self-esteem in girls while teaching them the critical life skills to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

The organization strives to serve girls from every corner of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. To learn more about Girl Scouting, to volunteer or to make a donation, call (800) 464-3858 or log on www.abnakigsc.org.