Girl Scouting is based on the needs and interest
of girls. Activities are based on the girls' developmental
maturity and are commensurate with their abilities. Each
girl is encouraged to proceed at her own pace. Adults are
trained to promote girl planning and to serve in a unique
partnership/leadership role. Girls and their leaders work
as partners in planning and decision-making. With each age
level, the opportunity for girls to act independently and
handle responsibilities increases. Activities for each age
level are designed to encourage pluralism and to promote
racial and ethnic pride and respect. The program encourages
retention through bridging activities that are designed to
create a bond and a smooth transition between age levels.
Day trips, songs and games, crafts,
explore science and nature, community service projects,
and family camping activities. Can collect participation
patches for activities. Do not participate in any money-earning
programs.
Brownie
1st through 3rd grade
Brownie Ring
They begin to identify their own interests-
work on Brownie "Try-Its"; overnight camping
trips, and can participate in annual product
sales activities.
Junior
3rd through 6th grade
Patrol system, committees, town meeting
Working on badge activities-girls determine
areas of interest to explore, community service projects,
trips, and product
sales. They become more experienced in planning
and evaluating activities, and explore types of troop
government. The Bronze
Award may be earned.
Cadette
6th through 9th grade
Patrol system, committees, town meeting
In addition to the skills they have learned
as Juniors, these girls now begin working on their Silver
Award- which includes service, and leadership.
Also may apply for national
and international events and workshops.
Senior
9th through 12th grade
Patrol system, committees, town meeting,
or other system developed by group
The main focus is the development of
leadership skills, community service and self-discipline
as they work toward achieving the Gold
Award. Also may apply for national
and international events and workshops. See **.
Campus Girl Scout
18 years; college students
They are a vital link between girl
membership and the committed career volunteer.
Adult
18+ years; women and men
Act as positive role models while networking
with others and developing individual skills. Training
is provided.
**Girl Scouts generally serve girls based on their chronological
age. This is in accordance with current expert opinion, which
stresses age-appropriateness for all activities. Young women
who are mentally retarded may, if they wish, retain their
girl membership until they reach their 21st birthday or until
they complete high school, or its equivalent. Mentally retarded
women (age 21 and above) are the chronological peers of Girl
Scout adults, and we help them to participate as adults to
the greatest extent possible.
