Girl Scouts of America
Community Outreach, Environmental Awareness, Personal Responsibility
Nov 14, 2008
The Girl Scout Program includes girls of most ages. While most Scouts are required to wear a uniform and pay monthly dues, parents may qualify for financial assistance so that their daughters can still participate. The individual Scout programs include:
Daisy Girl Scouts: Daisies are girls ages 5-6 who meet in groups with adult leaders and go on trips to learn about nature, art, history, science and more. Daisies can also receive participation patches.
Brownie Girl Scouts: Brownies are girls ages 6-8 who meet in groups with adult leaders to further explore their communities. Brownies can earn badges as well.
Junior Girl Scouts: Juniors are girls ages 8-11 who learn more about "girl power" and self-confidence as they continue to explore the larger world. They often take more adventurous trips and can earn numerous badges.
Girl Scouts: Girls ages 11-17 participate under the guidance of an adult and engage in activities to benefit both the community and themselves. Girl Scouts may explore career options, learn first aid, spend the summer at an outdoor camp and much more.
Leadership Experience Program
The Girl Scouts are currently promoting their Leadership Experience program, which asks girls to learn practical life skills, critical thinking, how to build healthy relationships, conflict resolution, problem solving, and how to be advocates for others locally and globally. Girl Scouts are invited to explore one leadership theme per grade level. In addition, there are many other positive programs available to Girl Scouts.
Camping, Travel, and Environmental Awareness
Girl Scouts are encouraged to go out into the larger world to learn about diverse cultures and ideas. Many girls also go on overnight camping trips and learn about wilderness safety.
Girls learn about wildlife, recycling, conserving energy and water, and responsibility for the planet. Girls are invited to plant trees often as well.
Financial Responsibility
Scouts practice setting financial goals, money management, making a budget, and how to earn, spend, save, and invest.
Health and Wellness
Girl Scouts are encouraged to learn about nutrition and eat properly, to care for their bodies, and to be more physically active. Girls are also encouraged to live a drug-free lifestyle.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Girls are introduced to advanced STEM activities and career options. Some girls even learn how to repair a car engine or build a robot. Girl Scouts have even worked with NASA to promote an interest in STEM.
Performing and Creative Arts
Girls enjoy making art projects, photography, acting, and performing arts. They may take in real theater performances to enhance their interest.
P.A.V.E. (Project Anti-Violence Education) The Way
P.A.V.E. teaches girls skills and strategies in case they are the victims of a crime or violent behavior. P.A.V.E. also encourages gang and bully prevention and Internet safety.
Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards
These high achievements are awarded to girls who participate in a project which fulfills a need in the community, creates change, and showcases her leadership skills.
The White House Project
Each year, some girls are invited to Washington DC to learn about women in government, political reform, and the way government operates from the inside.
The Girl Scout/Dove Self-esteem Program
This program highlights the need for girls to develop their self-esteem, especially among adolescent-age girls. This program offers age-appropriate activities that teach girls to challenge themselves, to make a difference in life, and to forge lasting friendships.
Community Outreach
Girls are encouraged to make an impression on the outside community. Merit badges can be earned in this respect, and many girls work to improve their neighborhoods and schools to improve the lives of others.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars/In Detention Centers
This program allows girls to visit their incarcerated mothers. There is also a program in place for Girl Scouts to make a difference in the lives of incarcerated girls their age, by helping them build higher self-esteem and a greater social conscience.
Girl Scout Cookies
Most people recognize Girl Scouts as primary cookie-sellers. The money earned through cookie sales benefits the troop and teaches the girls life skills such as money management and teamwork.
Girl Scouts of America gives girls a place to go where they can feel safe, cared for, and motivated about the future. Girls can explore their personal interests, develop high self-esteem, and impact the larger world positively.
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