Raleigh, N.C. - Girl Scouts-NC Coastal Pines was announced as the winner of the Step It Up contest at the Million Step March team's finale event. The Girl Scouts received the highest vote total on the Million Step March Web site for their proposed program, Make Every Dance Step Count. The organization was presented with a $75,000 physical activity award, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and by Be Active North Carolina, to implement their new dance program: Make Every Dance Step Count.

Make Every Dance Step Count is a fun way for girls, volunteers, families, and community members to boost their physical activity through dance. This program will give the Girl Scouts the opportunity to explore various styles of dance, the history and culture behind the steps, and the health benefits of dancing.

Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines serves more than 32,000 girls in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties. (Counties are: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson.) The council’s administrative headquarters will be located in Raleigh. Additionally, program and service centers are located in Fayetteville and Goldsboro.

About Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.7 million girl and adult members worldwide.  Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.  The organization serves girls in every corner of the United States, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as destinations abroad.  For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA 4 U or 800-478-7248, or visit www.girlscouts.org.