Candice Johnson SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Girl Scouts of the USA hosted their national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 30 - November 2, 2008, and the event brought thousands of girls, adults, celebrities and exhibitors to the town.

One of just sixteen Girl Scouts from across the state of Georgia to attend the conference, local Girl Scout Senior Candice Johnson of Troop 30440 in Savannah represented the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia as a guest at the convention. Johnson is a sophomore at Savannah Arts Academy and has been a Girl Scout for eleven years.

Pop culture fixtures like MTV's SuChin Pak, Radio Disney's Keke Palmer and stars of MTV's Run's House Angela and Vanessa Simmons headlined a special event for 2000 girls - the Girl Scout Leadership Institute - before the convention at Indiana Convention Center and Westin Hotel. The event's theme was Live healthy, Lead healthy, and workshops from nationally recognized experts focused on physical and emotional health, global diversity and advocacy. The Girl Scout Leadership Institute was planned by 22 Girl Scouts from across central Indiana.

SuChin Pak, MTV News Correspondent, led a panel discussion about different cultural and media views of women around the globe, and Angela and Vanessa Simmons of MTV's Run's House and founders of Pastry clothing line closed the Girl Scout Leadership Institute with a keynote presentation about the challenges of starting their own business and living in the media spotlight. The duo signed on with the Girl Scout organization last November to help promote the Girl Scouts' entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs.

The 2008 Girl Scout National Council Session/51st Convention opened on the evening of October 30, with thousands of Girl Scouts from across the nation celebrating with a flag ceremony, a visit from Indianapolis Mayor Gregory Ballard and a concert by new Def Jam recording artist Karina Pais.

The Girl Scout National Council Session/Convention takes place every three years. During this event, the National Council of Girl Scouts makes important decisions critical to the continued success of the organization. The National Council consists of delegates elected by local Girl Scout councils, and is representative of USA Girl Scouts Overseas, members of the National Board of Directors and the National Nominating Committee, past presidents of Girl Scouts of the USA and other persons who may be elected by the National Council. Business meetings to vote on the direction of the organization were highlighted with small group discussions and motivational guest speakers.

The convention wrapped up with presentations by award-winning actress Geena Davis and Marie C. Wilson.