Preparing for the great indoors

Under a small pavilion in the woods, Gail Deegan stood before a group of girls gathered around picnic tables and asked them to consider the things they like to do.

Budgeting? Writing? Troubleshooting? Networking? Presenting?

Each was provided with a deck of cards and picked out the ones that matched their interests.

''This is a time to learn about yourself," Deegan told them.

It may have sounded like some kind of management seminar, but there was a reason for that. The girls, in eighth through 12th grades, were attending an unusual Girl Scout camp called Camp CEO.

Deegan, a former chief financial officer at Houghton Mifflin, is one of the women who were to share their insights with the girls during the weeklong program run by the Girl Scouts Patriots' Trail Council at a day camp in Waltham.

The program, which wraps up tomorrow, has featured prominent businesswomen from companies such as Gillette, TJX, and Fidelity in the hopes of inspiring a new generation of female executives.

''We want girls to think broadly about their future," said Deegan, who is one of the camp's organizers.

By helping the girls define their interests and set goals, Camp CEO aims to conquer any attitudes about women being unable to make it in the business world.

Many of those perceptions are held by girls themselves, according to a study completed by the Simmons College School of Management. The study shows that teenage girls perceive business careers as difficult, and prefer careers in medicine or law because they are seen more as a way to help others.

Jan Shubert, associate director of the Center for Women's Leadership at Babson College, said there are still ''pathetically few" women at the top of companies.

She called it odd that girls would not be interested in business, considering that teenagers are eager consumers, but she also saw ''a great opportunity" to help forge the connection between interests in things like shopping and services, and careers in business.

Some of the girls at Camp CEO already had specific plans.

Mykala Smith, a 16-year-old Dorchester resident, hopes to start her own law firm, a goal that connects her interests in law and business. She wants to break the ''stereotype" that women have no place in the boardroom.

''Since other women aren't going to do it, maybe I should," she said.

Camp CEO is meant to offer more than just encouragement. Participants spend the week developing business plans and learning about marketing and finance.

Heather Brackett, a 15-year-old Framingham resident, said she was interested in learning more about the kind of behind-the-scenes work that goes into her grandparents' landscaping company.

''I just thought it would be interesting to see some of it from their perspective," Brackett said. ''Maybe I can go back and show them some stuff," she added with a grin.

Sidrah Baloch, a ponytailed 12-year-old from Newton, said she is interested in becoming a teacher, but she wanted to attend to learn more about other possibilities for her future.

''I guess it's better to start thinking early," she said.

But she and the other girls also noted that career choices are not always set in stone: Several of the women who visited to speak to the girls had switched to business after working in other fields.

Some note that careers can often involve sacrifices -- such as putting a family or other personal pursuits on hold -- an important consideration for young women.

''They're going to have to learn what they have to give up, or what they may have to put aside," said Pat Stens, outdoor services manager for the Patriots' Trail Council.

Shannon O'Brien, the former state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate who now serves as the chief executive of the Girl Scout council, believes it is valuable for girls to have conversations with women of different backgrounds and experiences.

''I think an important lesson that's taught is the discipline and hard work that's required," said O'Brien.

Sylvia Stevens-Edouard, director of community relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield, who was slated to address the group Tuesday, said that even if the participants don't all become chief executives, the idea is ''to show girls you can aspire to the top."

Cheryl Mongell, president of Verizon's New England region, is set to attend tomorrow's session.

She has worked for Verizon for 25 years, and hopes girls understand that achievement depends on a pattern of education and focus. While success is rewarding, it does not come easily, she noted.

''You have to work for it," Mongell said in a phone interview. ''It's not handed to you."

Emily Shartin can be reached at eshartin@globe.com.