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These frequently asked questions affirm our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, as well as addresses specific questions about Girl Scouting.
What is the mission of the Girl Scouts?
The mission of the Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Grounded in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, Girl Scouting is a non-formal, experiential, and cooperative education program that promotes girls’ personal growth and leadership development.
Girl Scouts of the USA Constitution, Article III
Has Girl Scouts removed the word “God” from the Girl Scout Promise?
The Girl Scout Promise contains the word “God”. According to the Girl Scout Constitution, “The motivating force in Girl Scouting is spiritual. The ways in which members identify and fulfill their spiritual beliefs are personal and private.”
The Girl Scout Promise is as follows:
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Are Girl Scouts allowed to participate in elections?
When acting as a Girl Scout representative, a Girl Scout staff person, or a Girl Scout volunteer, you are encouraged to vote and use an election as an eduation opportunity. However, as a 501(c)3 organization, we may NOT engage in intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Is Girl Scouting “anti-boy” in its curriculum?
No. Girl Scouts is not “anti-boy”. The Girl Scout program does not portray boys negatively. Research shows that girls benefit from a program designed specifically for them and delivered in an all-girl setting. Boys have unique needs and interests as well, which are best addressed by an organization structured to meet their specific needs.
Does Girl Scouting support Planned Parenthood?
No. There is no relationship between Planned Parenthood and Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains (the regional council that covers the area) or Girl Scouts of the USA.
What is the Girl Scout position on abortion and birth control?
Girl Scouts does not take a position on abortion or birth control or develop materials on these issues. We feel our role is to help girls develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. At the same time, Girl Scouts respects the moral teachings and theology of the Catholic Church. We support the right of pastors to verify that troops in their parishes are in compliance with Church teaching.
Does Girl Scouts provide sex education to girls?
Girl Scouts does not advocate for or against any issue regarding a girl’s health and sexuality. Parents or guardians make all decisions regarding program participation that may be of a sensitive nature. Consistent with that belief, GSUSA directs councils, including volunteer leaders, to get written parental permission for any locally planned program that could be considered sensitive. If programs address these issues, girls who choose to participate must have the fully informed consent of their parents or guardians. We support the right of pastors to verify that troops in their parishes are in compliance with Church teaching.
What is Girl Scouts’ relationship to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts?
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are comprised of 145 Girl Scout and Girl Guide member organizations, including Girl Scouts of the USA. As a member of the World Association, Girl Scouts of the USA works in collaboration with the World Bureau and sister Member Organizations throughout the world to encourage girls and young women to develop their full potential as responsible citizens. Each Member Organization creates its own programs and pursues efforts based on the needs and issues affecting girls in their individual countries.
Does Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains donate money to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts?
No. Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains donates no money to WAGGGS. Individual Girl Scout troops may donate to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, a Girl Scouts of the USA fund that supports service projects, training and international opportunity events, as well as exchange visiting programs. A portion of the funds is used to provide scholarships for girls to travel to the four World Centers. Each Girl Scout troop is encouraged to make its own decision as to whether or not to donate.
What is Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains’ position on concerning gender identity and Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains has not dealt with this situation here in our council. If it does, it will be handled on a case-by-case basis with the welfare and best interest of the child and the members of the troop in question a top priority. Girl Scouts is open to all girls and adults who accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law and meet membership requirements.
Does Girl Scouts allow guns/weapons at Girl Scout events since Texas is an open carry state and people are allowed to hold a concealed handgun license?
Every adult in Girl Scouting is responsible for the physical and emotional safety of girls, and we all demonstrate that by agreeing to follow these guidelines at all times. Guns/weapons are not permitted at Girl Scout events or on Girl Scout properties. Throughout Volunteer Essentials, our guidelines and policies for Girl Scout volunteers, we ask that ammunition, firearms and weapons of any kind not be in the presence of girls. Possession of firearms, other weapons, or ammunition is grounds for removal as a Girl Scout volunteer.
