Frequently Asked Pathways Questions

Can members participate in more than one pathway?

Absolutely! GSUSA encourages multipathway participation for girls and adults. The Council Enterprise System (CES) will track the multiple ways that members choose to participate.

Will councils be able to create their own pathways?

No. The Core Business Strategy charge is to create nationally consistent and flexible opportunities for girls and adults. As Girl Scout Pathways are implemented, all opportunities offered to Girl Scout members must align to the Pathways framework and criteria.

How do individually registered girls fit into the proposed framework?

Individually registered girls and adults can participate in any pathway. When a girl or adult joins the organization, she or he becomes a Girl Scout member. All members can choose any one, all, or some of the pathways to participate in within a single year.

What is the difference between the Events Pathway and recruitment events?

All programs delivered in the Events Pathway incorporate the Discover-Connect-Take Action keys to leadership and the girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning processes. To join the Events Pathway, all girls must be registered.

The Events Pathway is a core Girl Scout experience where the intent of participation is in multiple events throughout the year.

To participate in recruitment events, membership is not required. The intent of a recruitment event is to market the New Girl Scout Leadership Experience to potential members. Potential members will learn about the ways to participate in Girl Scouts at recruitment events.

Are girls who only participate in short-term pathways considered “real” Girl Scouts?

Yes! No matter which pathway a girl chooses, she is an actual Girl Scout. According to the Blue Book of Basic Documents 2006, the only requirements for membership are that girls are in grades kindergarten–12, accept the Promise and the Law, and pay annual membership dues.

How will outcomes differ between pathways?

The goal of measuring outcomes is to give us the ability to understand the effect that the Girl Scout Leadership experience has on girls. The longer a girl participates in Girl Scouting, the greater the effect the outcomes will have on her.

How can staff and volunteers remain a part of the ongoing conversation? All councils are invited to participate in ongoing “conversations” that GSUSA will be hosting. To stay informed, contact pathways@girlscouts.org.

Participating in Product Sales Program Activities

All girl members in any pathway may participate in council-sponsored product sales program activities, under volunteer supervision. Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada provides training on the procedures to follow during each sale through a cascading staff and volunteer effort. The council also establishes guidelines and procedures for conducting the sale and determines how the proceeds and recognition system will be managed.