The Chaifetz Arena was filled with green, memories and laughter as 10,000 Girl Scouts filled the area to celebrate the organization's 100th birthday with a huge birthday party. The Girl Scouts organization officially turned 100 on March 12. Girl Scouts all over the nation have been celebrating this milestone event in a number of ways. In eastern Missouri, Girl Scouts celebrated with a bash.

The Birthday Bash featured face painting, old-fashioned rope making, hot air balloons and a number of outdoor activities including painting a Bi-State MetroBus.

Opal Otis, a Kirkwood resident and honorary Troop 100 member who will turn 100 this year along with the organization, was one of many alumnae who attended the event to show support. Opal sat in a suite at the very top of the arena as Girl Scouts danced their way through different decades of music. Opal says that reconnecting with Girl Scouts and joining honorary Troop 100 has been the joy of her life.

“It’s exciting and wonderful,” she said. “I’ve been a Girl Scout since 1924 and it’s still exciting to see a group of girls getting together to celebrate like this.”

The celebration also included team building activities where girls were able to work together to accomplish tasks and ended with a Birthday Bash dance. Girls left the party satisfied and tired from a full day of fun. it was definitely the party of the century!

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will continue to celebrate their centennial throughout the year and invites the entire community to join them for The BIG Day in September. The BIG (Believe in Girls) Day starts with a parade and will be followed by a fabulous family festival where guests can try their hand at a number of activities. There will be stage entertainment provided at this free event including a surprise celebrity concert!