|
Contact Us | Join Us | Glossary of Terms
By topic: General | Your Girls | Support |
Where can I buy Girl Scout products?
You can purchase most Girl Scout merchandise locally through out local Girl Scout Shop or nationally through their website: shop.girlscouts.org
Do you have a toll-free number?
Yes, 1-888-472-3683 and fax 1-888-472-6862.
Where do I buy a uniform?
You can purchase uniforms through our local [shop.htm]
Why does the Girl Scout uniform keep changing?
All uniform components - past or present - are still considered "official" and can be worn by any Girl Scout. However, because many girls and adult women would not think of wearing their mother or sister's fashions from the 70s, 80s or even 90s, Girl Scouts updates uniforms to reflect current fashions and lifestyles. Today's uniforms and their fabrics are designed to reflect a more casual and active female lifestyle, however uniforms are not mandatory to be a Girl Scout. Despite changes in uniforms, Girl Scouts are easily identified by our official trefoil membership pin; sashes or vests to display earned Try-Its, badges, patches and insignia; and, of course, by how we live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
What is Girl Scout's commitment to safety?
Safety is our #1 commitment. All Girl Scout volunteers who work directly with girls are required to complete an application, reference and interview process before they are appointed. We also require and provide training to our adult volunteers - specific to the responsibilities of their position. Supervision of girls is determined by the age and size of the group, however, at least two Girl Scout volunteers are required to be with girls at all times. Volunteers who design and schedule programs for girls in troops or groups are provided with a copy of "Safety Wise" and "LeaderWise" - an essential planning tool that offers tips, guidelines and a checklist to follow when planning and implementing any activity - from internet usage to outdoor cooking. from horseback riding to traveling outside the country.
| Return to top
Who could the young girl in your life become with Girl Scouts?
Whether she is 5 or 17, you want her to become self-confident, strong, and compassionate. You want her to respect herself and others, make good decisions, be open to new challenges, and use her skills and talents to make her world a better place. You want her to build strong friendships, be a leader, and put her values into practice in her everyday life. You want her to become her best self.
How can Girl Scouts help a young girl?
Social pressure, image issues, and uncertain security-there are so many potential hurdles to girls' well-being. For over 90 years, Girl Scouts has been helping girls realize their full potential and everything that Girl Scouting offers today is more relevant than ever. Through their Girl Scout program experiences, girls:
. Gain skills and confidence
. Learn to understand and respect others
. Develop the ability to make positive decisions based on their values
. Contribute to their communities and become leaders
What Do Girl Scouts Do?
Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities to address the important issues in their lives. Girl Scouts do almost anything girls like to do! Girl Scout program activities are open to all girls who are members of Girl Scouting, are based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and the four Girl Scout Program Goals, follow health and safety standards, and are done with the support of caring, trained adults. Girls ages 5-17 enjoy program experiences based on the progression of activities available in Girl Scout handbooks, award books, online at www.studio2b.org and Girls Only, and other Girl Scout program resources.
How can I find the time?
Your calendar is full. Your to-do list is jam-packed. You want to help out, but it's almost impossible to find the time. Don't panic. You don't have to give up your life to support your girl. Because there are only so many hours in a day, girls, along with their parents and guardians, have to balance many growing and diverging interests, commitments, and responsibilities in a world of PDAs and PTAs. You'll be surprised at how flexible Girl Scouting is today. You can choose how little or how much time and energy you can give-an hour, a day, or maybe just a "thank you" to your Girl Scout's troop or group leader. Based on expert research and developed through years of experience, the Girl Scout program provides engaging and worthwhile activities that respond to the needs of today's girls, with flexibility that respects their busy lives-and yours! Your Time, Your Life
How can I use my skills to help?
From being the "head cheerleader" who encourages and supports her daughter in Girl Scouting, to accompanying the girls on a field trip to a local museum, to helping raise the funds and traveling with a group to a Girl Scout World Center in India , you can use your skills and explore your interests. Here are a few of the many ways you can support your Girl Scout:
. Suggest a fun day trip
. Set up a phone tree
. Coordinate transportation for an outing
. Be a guest speaker
. Teach girls a new skill
. Design a troop photo album or Web site
. Join girls on a field trip
. Learn first aid at a Girl Scout council sponsored training session so that you can support girls on their outings
. Become an advocate in your community for Girl Scouting
. Tell your girl you're proud of her
How can my girl become a Girl Scout member?
She registers through her local Girl Scout council as an individual or a troop/group member.
See Join Us.
Do I have to buy a uniform for my Girl Scout?
No, girls are not required to purchase a uniform. Wearing the Girl Scout Membership Pin shows that you are a Girl Scout. However, insignia (badges, troop number, etc.) can only be worn on a sash or vest. When asked to represent Girl Scouts in public, girls should be in uniform or dress for the occasion with something that identifies them as a Girl Scout. For example, if girls are out planting trees at a public event, a Girl Scout T-shirt or a Girl Scout hat may be best. A more formal event requires more formal attire. If members don't have uniforms and they want to do a formal flag ceremony, they can make arrangements through their service unit to borrow uniforms for the event.The council office should also be able to help the troop use a uniform recycling closet or connect with girls who have bridged to another age-level. Uniforms are a good investment. They usually last for three years.
Where do I place pins and badges on the uniform?
See the Where to Place Insignia on a Girl Scout Uniform in Girl Scout Central. A couple of hints: www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/ Some insignia come in iron-on format, but not all. Check and see before you iron them-non-iron-on awards will melt if they are ironed.
What does the $10 annual membership fee cover?
This annual fee goes directly to GSUSA, however in registering as a Girl Scout adult or girl member, you are eligible to benefit from programs and services provided by your local Girl Scout council.
What do troop dues cover?
Members of Girl Scout troops set their own dues based upon the cost of materials for activities and programs that they choose. All members (and adult family members, guardians or parents) should understand the costs necessary to support the troop; and agree to the price of dues set.
The insignia tab is a great tool. Membership pins can be placed onto it and then be removed easily when the uniform needs to be cleaned.
| Return to top
How do I find a new troop for my girl if we are moving within the U.S.?
Call Girl Scouts of the USA at (800)GSUSA4U, or use the Girl Scout Council Finder (www.girlscouts.org) to locate the council in the area where you'll be moving. You can also tell your current council staff members where you will be living, and they will help connect you with a troop/group near your home.
Our family is moving overseas. How do I find a new troop for my girl?
Call USA Girl Scouts Overseas at (800) 247-8319 or (212) 852-8618 or send an email to overseas@girlscouts.org.
How can I become a Girl Scout leader?
Contact our local Girl Scout Center contactus.htm] We'll happily talk with you about volunteering.
What can I do to help the leader?
Talk with your girl's leader and see what type of help she needs. Extra adults are always needed for trips and special events, as well as for Girl Scout Cookie activities.
What type of training can I get before working with girls on my own?
Volunteers working with troops should start by attending orientation, take Introduction to Girl Scouting and age level program training. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to take first-aid training. Ongoing training is offered through service units, leader meetings, and topic-specific workshops. Each troop must have at least one trained leader.
What is the role of adults at an event?
Adults who attend an event are expected to assist with supervision of their girls' behavior and program delivery. If is is necessary to correct a child's behavior, please try to do it positively and privately. Bring a positive attitude; be cheerful, enthusiastic and show the girls what it means to "be a sister to every Girl Scout".
Do you have a specific question? Ann Sanders can help!
|
