Girl Scouts vs. Sororities

[TinkerbellMTSU]

My cheers go out to all former and/or current Girl Scouts! I have been a Girl Scout since 1991 (when I was 8 years old), and I'm now an adult Girl Scout. I don't know what I would have done without Girl Scouts. (teehee I was top cookie seller in my troop in 1998---250 boxes)
It really helped me to stay out of trouble and to learn to help others. I attended Girl Scout camp for four years, and then volunteered as an animal aide to the horses at camp. After that I became a Jr.Counselor, and then a Sr.Counselor.
When I was a counselor it was extremely rewarding. There is nothing more special than seeing younger girls look up to you and admire you as if you are a hero of some sort. I believe from what I've heard that this experience is similar to the big/little sister tradition in sororities. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
I never did earn the Silver or Gold awards, but cheers to those of you who did. It takes a LOT of hard work and dedication, but I was also in a lot of other extra cirricular activities and did not have time to pursue those.
It's sad how everyone thinks Girl Scouts is cool when they're little, and then when they are teenagers most of them drop out because they think it's dorky....little do they know that's when the best part is! All the field trips, the female bonding---it's just great.
Not to sound corny, but now that I understand sororities better, I truly believe that Girl Scouts is like a miniature sorority...for those of you who were never a Girl Scout, read this "Girl Scout Law" and see if it doesn't remind you of some of your sorority's sayings.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, corageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a ***SISTER*** to every Girl Scout.


If these values reflect those of your sorority, let me know http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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***Tinkerbell----a Greek hopeful http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif ***

~~~Don't worry, be happy!~~~

[This message has been edited by TinkerbellMTSU (edited July 28, 2001).]

[PenguinTrax]

Tink -

The ZTA Creed follows below. Visit the national websites of each sorority on your campus and read their creed/mission statement. This is give you an idea of the type of woman in a particular 'national' sororoity.

To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives; to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, devotion to the right, the good, and the true, without a discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was love, "the greatest of all things."

My favorite line is "to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming". It says a lot to me - that I should be and act on all the good things in my heart, not just show a false face to the world. And that, by being that good person I aspire to be, I will find true satisfaction and love in my life.

Barbara

[TinkerbellMTSU]

PnguinTrax---That's really cool. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif It's funny, too, because under the "Songs & Chants" post, I found out that some Phi Mus sing a song called "Linger" that I sang as a camper/counselor in Girl Scouts. A few of the words are different, but it's just really neat.
Here is another song I found in my Girl Scout camp songbook. This one in particular, I've not heard the tune to before, but the words really hit me right here <pats heart>....

Celebrate the girl inside of me
Celebrate the woman I will be
I will sing out my own melody
When we celebrate celebrate together

Standing in a circle with my sisters
Arm in arm with friends
Girl Scouts together united
I pledge once again

Celebrate the girl inside of me
Celebrate the woman I will be
I will sing out my own melody
When we celebrate clebrate together

(That was just the chorus and the bridge, but it's really sweet.)

Here's another one:

Girl Scouts together, that is our song
Winding the old trails, rocky and long
Learning our motto, living our creed
Girl Scouts together in every good deed.

Girl Scouts together, happy are we
Friendly to neighbors, far o'er the sea
Faithful to country, loyal to home
Known as a true Girl Scout wherever we roam.

And of course, the famous:

Make new friends, but keep the old
One is silver and the other's gold

A circle is round, it has no end
That's how long I want to be your friend

Another (sorry, I'm on a role here):

Change the world, come with me
Time to let our dreams fly free
That is our way
Every moment we're alive, its our love that will survive
In the Girl Scouts together, we change the world.

Sisters of every color, friends from everywhere
We all make the difference, when we show the world we car
The Girl Scouts are a family and they show us what we can be
And I believe together, we change the world.

In America, we have so much to give
To our sisters 'round the world
Who are struggling just to live
Light the light and do our share
Reach out your hand and someone's there
I believe together, we change the world

Oh, well, that's all I can find for now http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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***Tinkerbell***

~~~Don't worry, be happy!~~~

[dzsaigirl]

The Girl Scouts are a LOT like sororities.

You get a badge.
You pay dues.
There are weekly meetings.
There is a promise and law.
There is a GS handshake.
You have ceremonies like bridging, etc.
There are colors.
We learned about our founders and our history. <a href = "http://www.girlscouts.org/about/history.html"</a>
Girl Scouts encourages alumni participation.
Troops normally start at schools.
You do service projects.

I totally think G S of A is like a sorority for little girls. I was a girl scout for 8 years and I feel that it inspired me in the same way that my sorority has.

Actually, Kappa Delta volunteers with the girl scouts, which is really cool http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I was looking at the GSA website and there was a pic of a KD in her letters...way to go greeks http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I am glad that someone started this thread 'cause I have been in awe of the similarities since I joined DZ.

[Beryana]

Actually, Girl Scouts isn't just for little girls (thought predominantly it is because there really isn't much past seniors other than helping with troops, etc). However, there are some really active Campus Girl Scout groups at different colleges/universities all over the country. (that's the page with the picture of the KD) They are all adult girl scouts that are at university--working with the local council, troops, etc. BUT, they do stuff on their own as well. Actually, it would be really neat to see a lot more sororities working with campus girl scouts (if there is one on campus--if not, it only takes 2 registered girl scouts (paid $7/year dues) to start one!) It would definitely help with public image--just some rambling thoughts! =)

Sarah
Chapter Adviser - AOII at MSU
Lifetime Girl Scout member

[carnation]

A plea for help from all you women from someone who's been in Scouting for over (ahem) 40 years--we need help! Badly! If your group is looking for a local philanthropy, please call your local Scout office!

We need leaders, assistants, people to help with projects in special areas like outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music--you name it! You don't have to sign up for a weekly commitment;even one-time commitments are great. For example, a troop would love it if you could do a three-hour workshop on, say, jewelry making or outdoor cooking or volleyball.

The Girl Scout webpage lists all the councils in the country; I think it's www.gsusa.org. Thanks!

[MooseGirl]

I was only a brownie for a few months when I was little :( , but I loved it. Anyways, yesterday I went and filled out all the paperwork to become a Brownie leader this year. It was a lot of paperwork, but I am so excited and nervous. :) The unit leader seems quite nice, so I'm sure I have nothing to worry about.
My Lil sis(in the sorority) was a girl guide when she was initiated, and i think she is a leader now. I think she is part of the reason I looked into it.Also our chapter advisor is a cub scout leader.
It is great to see how we all volunteer and share our time!

[Siobhan]

When people ask me what a sorority is like I often tell them that it is like an adult version of Girl Guides. Like many of you on this board I was a brownie, guide and pathfinder and worked hard to receive great honours, like the Canada Cord. Right from the time that I was in guides I was always interested in the leadership aspect of it, and that held true through my active sorority years. I say it is an adult version simply because you deal with more adult situations within the sorority versus guides or pathfinders, such as learning how to handle a budget or prep yourself for grad school. But other than that things are virtually the same - in guides you went camping; now we have retreats, etc. (I was never a ranger or cadet, so I don't know what sort of workshops you did at these levels).

[SparkliiQTMTSU]

Sororities do remind me of Girl Scouts. They are alot alike a big happy group of girls having fun and making new friends!! I know that I love Kappa Delta's philanthropy with the Girl Scouts! My two younger sisters are in Girl Scouts and I absolutly love helping them out with projects!! It's so much fun. I hope to one day become a KD and help out with my little sisters' Girl Scout troups with my sisters! :) Anyways just thought I would put my 2 cents in!

Nichole

[KerriMarie]

Yes! I really feel like when I graduated high school and left my GS troop behind there was a bit of my life missing - and joining my sorority helped me fill that bit. The sisterhood in both organizations is really strong, and they both work for strong women.

I work at a Girl Scout camp every summer (this past summer was year number 4, and unfortunately, it has to be the last...) and wish I had more time at school to work with local Girl Scouts. I would love to be the co-leader of a Junior troop, and teach my girls all sorts of cool things and take them camping and everything. It would be SO fun! Maybe next year...

That's a great idea, doing some workshop with a troop - work on some badge requirements, meet some cool girls, and have a lot of fun! I think I'll keep that in mind!

[ShaedyKD]

Here is a link to Kappa Delta's National Website, explaining our collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA. In the past, our chapter has paired up with a troop, and had a picnic lunch with them, and then took them on a bike riding tour of our campus. They were elementary school girls, and they were so sweet and fun to picnic with! I think this is a great way for young girls to be introduced to sororities, and a great way for sorority members to help with scouting activities.

http://www.kappadelta.org/Foundation/foundation.htm

[equeen]

I am a Scout, and enjoy every minute of it. The sisterhood I experienced as a Scout is the reason I pursued membership in a greek Sisterhood. That, and the fact that two of the Scouts I admired most went greek in college - something that (at the time) surprised me - I didn't think they were the "type". I figured out pretty quickly though that greek like offered the same chance of sisterhood that we experienced as Scouts.

It's really unfortunate that girls don't stick to Scouting once they get to middle/junior high school. I really think that's when they need Scouting the most. But the ones who stick to it through Cadette and Senior Scouts are real winners. :)

I'm proud to have earned the Silver and Gold awards - I think I learned as much as I taught (both of my projects involved educating my peers about my heritage and culture). It's interesting to learn that people can be very open to differences and new things, or very closed to the same things - it really depends on how you present things. :) I suppose that's why I never tire of educating people about my heritage.

:) I remember, when Artimis and others and I were founding our Chapter, we were seeking an advisor. One lady questioned why it was that we chose the sorority structure, as opposed to a student organization. She didn't have a positive image of greeks, she really didn't want to advise a sorority, and she didn't want to have to do anything with some "frivolous minded-females." I didn't like her point of view, but I couldn't help being sympathetic to her as well. She'd worked hard to acheive her success, and didn't see how a social greek organization would help us do the same.

I gave her the example of Scouting and sisterhood (she had some association) with them, and how much Scouting taught girls...and she understood. She didn't end up advising us, but I'm satisfied that I changed someone's perception of greeks, and our sorority.

:) The nicest thing of all, is that I think of my Sister Scouts and my Alpha Sigma Kappa Sisters when I here the following lines:

"Make new friends, but keep the old,
One is Silver and the others' Gold.

A circle is round, it has no end,
That's how long I want to be your friend!"

[NinjaPoodle]

I started at the Jr. level and continued to Cadette and then Senior. GSof A taught me a lot about helping others and being ready at all times. The camping, the songs, the friends, (and yes the enemies too) my troop leaders, the cookies,(oh mannnn the cookies!) and the memories. I wish I had the time to volunteer but alas. I wish more people would put their young ladies in to GS simply because of the exposure of new and different things. Girl Scouts, it's a good thing! :D

[SilverTurtle]

I was a Brownie & then crossed the bridge to Girl Scouts . I was never really satisfied with my particular troop, because I was into the camping & outdoor things, and most of my troop was into sewing & stuff. (We were the troop that stayed in the house with electricity when we went camping :( ). So when I moved to middle school I, too, left Girl Scouting. I don't, and never have, regretted my time as a Scout, though. It was fun, and I did learn to play with girls (I alway make friends with boys :p )

My little was a Girl Scout all through high school, and did all kinds of interesting things. She now teaches art and just a few weeks ago started a troop at her school. In another week or 2 they become official!

She was showing me the "new" badge book, and there are some COOL things in there! There are badges on your family (cultural) history, badges on outdoor sports, and anything in between.

And who can resist those cookies?
:D

[SAEalumnus]

The Boy Scouts are very close to fraternities as well... :D

Actually, if you do some digging, you'll notice a link between the Boy Scouts of America, Alpha Phi Omega, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. There was another thread a while ago about this, but it goes something like this... APO was founded specifically on the tenents of the Boy Scout Oath and Law. Most/All of APO's 14 founders were former scouts, and 8 of the 14 founders, all of whom were former scouts, were SAEs (Penn Gamma Chapter).

Anyway, as an Eagle Scout, the predominant reason why I chose SAE was because I was one of a half-dozen Eagle Scouts among the group and the chapter was/still is one of the smaller ones on campus. Becoming an Eagle Scout isn't easy... something like only 2% or so of all scouts actually make it (% could be a little higher now, but probably not by much), so for 6 of them to be found in one small group was enough evidence for me of the quality and character of the men in my chapter. I found out about the BSA/APO/SAE link after the fact, but it only served to confirm my decision as the right one!

[equeen]

I just bought 4 more boxes...can't resist!

I found my Senior G.S. uniform while I was home the other day...I actually put every single badge and patch and pin I'd ever earned on it...it's amazing how much a girl does and goes through in ten years. :)

Anyone on the boards involved in the Magic or Midland Empire Councils? Just curious, it's a long shot, but ya never know!

[KappaStargirl]

useless but fun and cool fact:

The national president of the Girl Scouts of the USA is a Kappa Delta. She was a member of the now-defunct chapter at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin. Their former chapter room is now the Kappa room.

[fire1977]

I'm so glad you guys did this forum. I was a girl scout from the time I was in first grade until I graduated!! It was fantastic! I do agree though it is a shame that they have a hard time retaining it's older members...the funny thing is that I switched troops about 3 years after I changed schools and found out that most of my friends were in my new troop...we were the largest in the council with about 23 girls. I really think that all NPC groups should actively participate in the organization because of it's dedication to women and to the development for leadership. I had both styles of troops, ones that liked to go camping and the ones that wouldn't know how to start a fire, but they all were rewarding. Also we used to help faciliate a day camp for one week each year. We would assist troup leaders with their troops, I had sooo much fun doing it that I have been trying to become a leadre, but sdaly I don't want to commit myself without being able to make sure I can make the time commitment (I plan on it when I find a steady job!)!! sorry to yap, I just didn't realize how many gs's there were on this board!!

[nyrdrms]

I work at a day care center during the summers and the kids there often ask me what Gamma Phi Beta is when they see me wearing a sorority shirt. I've tried to tell them that it is a sorority, but that's not a concept they understand yet (they're aged 5-12). So I started telling them that sororities were similar to Girl Scouts but for college students (I, too, was a scout until I moved to Virginia in high school)...it's an organization of girls that do things together for the community and have a lot of fun as well....then the boys started asking if there was a "boy scouts" in college, and that's how they learned about fraternities.

I've seen many similarities between my days as a girl scout and my life now as a sister of a sorority. Both organizations have provided so much for me. (I was also in Job's Daughters, which is something else that is kind of like sorority).

[NinjaPoodle]

I'm going to sign up to do some summertime volunteering since I'm out of school. :)

[sageofages]

Originally posted by dzsaigirl
The Girl Scouts are a LOT like sororities.

You get a badge.
You pay dues.
There are weekly meetings.
There is a promise and law.
There is a GS handshake.
You have ceremonies like bridging, etc.
There are colors.
We learned about our founders and our history. <a href = "http://www.girlscouts.org/about/history.html"</a>
Girl Scouts encourages alumni participation.
Troops normally start at schools.
You do service projects.

I totally think G S of A is like a sorority for little girls. I was a girl scout for 8 years and I feel that it inspired me in the same way that my sorority has.

Actually, Kappa Delta volunteers with the girl scouts, which is really cool http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I was looking at the GSA website and there was a pic of a KD in her letters...way to go greeks http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I am glad that someone started this thread 'cause I have been in awe of the similarities since I joined DZ.

Little pet peeve here....being a 39 year member of the GIRL SCOUTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA..or GSUSA.

The BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA or BSA often causes the confusion in the abbreviation.

Thanks :) for your understanding ;) :) :)

[sageofages]

Originally posted by SilverTurtle
I was a Brownie & then crossed the bridge to Girl Scouts . I was never really satisfied with my particular troop, because I was into the camping & outdoor things, and most of my troop was into sewing & stuff. (We were the troop that stayed in the house with electricity when we went camping :( ). So when I moved to middle school I, too, left Girl Scouting. I don't, and never have, regretted my time as a Scout, though. It was fun, and I did learn to play with girls (I alway make friends with boys :p )

My little was a Girl Scout all through high school, and did all kinds of interesting things. She now teaches art and just a few weeks ago started a troop at her school. In another week or 2 they become official!

She was showing me the "new" badge book, and there are some COOL things in there! There are badges on your family (cultural) history, badges on outdoor sports, and anything in between.

And who can resist those cookies?
:D

Dispelling myths...

BROWNIES are GIRL SCOUTS!

Think of it as the age level as the first name and "Girl Scouts" as the last name...

Daisy Girl Scout
Brownie Girl Scout
Junior Girl Scout.

No longer Cadette or Senior Girl Scouts. Now they are Studio 2B....but that is another topic!

[Scandia]

I was a Girl Scout from second till sixth grade.

I left in the seventh grade. I NEVER thought they were dorky and I always admired them very much. However, there was no troop at my school- it was through my church. My school was from 7th to 12th grade. And the girls at my school DID think that Girl Scouting was dorky indeed. I do wish they had them at my school- it was a community service activity in a way. And it encouraged self-esteem and personal development. Maybe had they had Girl Scouts, those girls would have talked about something other than boys.

But there was hope left for me. In college I joined Alpha Phi Omega, which IS affiliated with the Boy Scouts.

Maybe that is why GLOs appeal to me so much. I had such a positive experience in the Girl Scouts that I would not have traded it for anything in the world.

[AGDee]

Originally posted by sageofages


No longer Cadette or Senior Girl Scouts. Now they are Studio 2B....but that is another topic!

Minor hijack.. from our Council's web page they say

"6) STUDIO 2B means no more Cadettes and Seniors.
FALSE! Girls can still use those names and all the resources. They can even wear uniforms. STUDIO 2B isn’t changing any of that stuff, it’s just adding a new option"

There is still a Cadette handbook and uniform.

I often marvel at how much alike GSUSA and sororities are. In fact, of the women still very active in our alumnae club, the vast majority were also active in Girl Scouting and/or are leaders now.

[sageofages]

Originally posted by AGDee
Minor hijack.. from our Council's web page they say

"6) STUDIO 2B means no more Cadettes and Seniors.
FALSE! Girls can still use those names and all the resources. They can even wear uniforms. STUDIO 2B isn’t changing any of that stuff, it’s just adding a new option"

There is still a Cadette handbook and uniform.

I often marvel at how much alike GSUSA and sororities are. In fact, of the women still very active in our alumnae club, the vast majority were also active in Girl Scouting and/or are leaders now.

Our council discourages the Cadette/Senior levels in favor of the Studio 2B.

Perhaps it is individual attitudes :)

[Taualumna]

Question: Do American Girl Scouts have a program for college aged women? In Canada, we have Link (http://www.girlguides.ca/default.asp?id=125) which serves as a bridge between actual Guiding and being a leader.

[sageofages]

Originally posted by Taualumna
Question: Do American Girl Scouts have a program for college aged women? In Canada, we have Link (http://www.girlguides.ca/default.asp?id=125) which serves as a bridge between actual Guiding and being a leader.

Yes it is Campus Girl Scouts.

I served as an adviser to a group at Indiana University for several years (a long time ago).

I so enjoyed that time.

[AngieWashU]

Actually it is my understanding that at the last Girl Scout convention they voted to abolish the Cadette and Senior names and refer to girls in that age group as Girl Scouts 11-17. You'll notice that new IPA books are being sold under that title.

Also, if you are interested in Campus Girl Scouts, join their Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/campusgs/) or visit their website (http://www.geocities.com/campusgs/).

[LightBulb]

On my honor, I will try
To serve God and my country
To help other people at all times
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I was a girl scout from 1st through 6th grade.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally posted by LightBulb
On my honor, I will try
To serve God and my country
To help other people at all times
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I was a girl scout from 1st through 6th grade.

Can you still say God in Girl Scouts??

ETA: I remember singing "Johnny Appleseed" in GS

Oh the Lord's been good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For Giving Me, the things I need
The sun and the rain and the appleseed
The Lord's been good to me.

[AngieWashU]

GSUSA allows girls to insert an appropriate replacement for God in the Girl Scout Promise.

Individual troops should make decisions about other religious terms, like in songs or poems.

[AGDee]

Originally posted by AngieWashU
Actually it is my understanding that at the last Girl Scout convention they voted to abolish the Cadette and Senior names and refer to girls in that age group as Girl Scouts 11-17. You'll notice that new IPA books are being sold under that title.

Also, if you are interested in Campus Girl Scouts, join their Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/campusgs/) or visit their website (http://www.geocities.com/campusgs/).

Interesting. We haven't heard anything about this in my daughter's troop. I looked at the GSUSA web site and they do have everything split between 11-14 and 14-17. It seems a little awkward to say "My daughter is an 11-14 Girl Scout". Perhaps I'm just a sucker for tradition though :) And, they're still doing a bridging ceremony for the 14 year olds to go up to the 14-17 Girl Scout category. I'll have to ask my daughter's leader about this.

ETA: I'm not crazy about the Studio 2B format because the books are so expensive and you have to buy so many of them. Having everything in one handbook was much easier. I'm trekking to Council constantly now.

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by AGDee
Interesting. We haven't heard anything about this in my daughter's troop. I looked at the GSUSA web site and they do have everything split between 11-14 and 14-17. It seems a little awkward to say "My daughter is an 11-14 Girl Scout". Perhaps I'm just a sucker for tradition though :) And, they're still doing a bridging ceremony for the 14 year olds to go up to the 14-17 Girl Scout category. I'll have to ask my daughter's leader about this.

ETA: I'm not crazy about the Studio 2B format because the books are so expensive and you have to buy so many of them. Having everything in one handbook was much easier. I'm trekking to Council constantly now.

They might eventually come up with another name. We call our youngest girls Sparks (age 5 and 6. Brownies is 7 and 8), but if I recall correctly, they were called "Fives" when their program first started in the late 80s. Back then, Brownies was 6,7,8.

Canadian girls have three programs (all fall under the name Senior Branches) for high school aged girls. They have a choice between Rangers (structured unit with a structured program, like the younger girls...the oldest Senior Branch program), Cadets (leader training) and Junior Leaders (working directly with a unit of younger girls (I worked with Brownies). Going through the Cadet program is not needed to go into Junior Leaders.)

[SoCalGirl]

I was a Brownie and then a Junior for one year. I remember when they started Daisys. :) Now, when I think of my years as a Girl Scout I can't help but thing of Troop Beverly Hills starring Shelly Long!

[PhoenixAzul]

Oh man do I miss my scouting years. I did work at the Girl Scout camp I attended from the time I was wee. My grandmother and mother also went to the same camp. Those of you from Southwest PA might remember Camp Henry Kaufmann closing last year (or was it 2 years ago)? That was really, really hard for me. Thankfully Redwing is still up and running :).

I still occasionally find myself singing the Johnny Appleseed Grace, which is always brought rain...
"I thank the lord
for a thousand things
for the flowers that bloom
and the birds that sing
for the sun that shines
and the rain that drops
for ice cream and raisins
and lollipops!"

and of course, the Rub a Dub Dub Grace:
"Rub a Dub dub, thanks for the grub, yay god!"
There was also:
"good food, good meat, good god, let's eat!"

And please tell me that someone remembers the Bear in Nike Airs song? I've had it in my head for about a week now and I can't get over it.

[ThetaSis2GPhiB]

They might eventually come up with another name. We call our youngest girls Sparks (age 5 and 6. Brownies is 7 and 8), but if I recall correctly, they were called "Fives" when their program first started in the late 80s. Back then, Brownies was 6,7,8.

I was actually in the 'pre-Brownies' when I was 5, back in the early 80s and we were called Pixies. We had red & white checked half-bandannas/scarves and red apron/smocks with pockets. That was where our patches would go. I am sure my Mom has it somewhere.

I remember painting Pixie rocks and going to meetings. It was fun and I was so upset when I had to switch to the brown uniform for Brownies...I thought it was not pretty at all! :p

And Girl Scouts switched from Pixie to Daisy, but I preferred my red ensemble! But the Daisy name made sense because that was the GSUSA founder's nickname.

ps. Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low did not attend college (rather finishing school in France), but I think that if she had she probably would have been in a sorority!

[alum]

As I watch my daughter cross over tonight from a Senior Girl Scout to the ranks of Adult Scout, I will fondly recall her 13 years of active participation from Daisy in kindergarten in CA, Brownies in both MA & NY, Juniors in NY & KS and finally her Cadette and Senior years in VA.

Girl Scouting has provided her with innumerable experiences and opportunities. From earning her first petal for her Daisy smock to earning the Gold Award, my child has benefited from Scouting. It has taught her leadership, cooperation, independence.

I thank her myriad of leaders for the time they devoted to troops. My daughter is a better person for incorporating Girl Scouts into her life.

[AGDee]

In this month's Leader magazine from Girl Scouts, they have a whole section on college selection, getting scholarships, etc. My daughter was looking it over and wanted to read about the scholarships. It specifically mentioned the scholarships from Kappa Delta and she said "If I go to a school that doesn't have your sorority, would you be mad if I joined that one? I think it's cool that they support Girl Scouts." I told her she could join whichever one she wanted, whether there was an Alpha Gam chapter or not. Then she asked if she could still join Alpha Gam if she got a scholarship from Kappa Delta. She's only 12, but she's so driven and focused. She spent the rest of the evening looking up the Ivy League schools and trying to pick one.

Anyway, Girl Scouts has been great for her too. It will continue to be for a long time. She definitely has aspirations to earn the Gold Award and is starting to think about Silver projects.

[SUTriD86]

I did both. I was a girl scout for 11-12 years, and I got my Silver award. Then I went to college, rushed, and became a Tri Delta. We don't have Girl Scouts as our philanthropy, obviously, but one thing I learned is that both of those org.s stay with you for life, regardless. I will always be a girl scout and have that philanthropic spirit, and everything I do with Tri Delta makes me remember my GS days. It doesn't matter, in the end, as long as it's something she loves. Congrats to your kid for being such a young go-getter.

[carnation]

:confused: The director of the Scout camp where my daughters go just told me that several councils are being forced to combine. In Alabama, for instance, it'll be Cahaba, Cottaquilla, North Alabama, Tombigbee, and I think one other. Northwest Georgia will band with Concharty and a couple of others. We're afraid that this will mean that several camps will be dumped. I hear that Camp Adahi in Chattanooga has already been sold to Coca Cola.:(

[kansas13]

I was in the Girl Scouts from first grade all the way to my senior year in HS. I was able to earn my silver award, but due to all my other activities couldn't get my gold award. During my last 4 years in HS we did so many fun things together as a troop like, horseback riding, skiing, and white water rafting. Many of those things I probably would have been able to do if I were not in GS. Our troop was a close knit group, just like a sorority is!!

When I went through rush KD had just picked up the GS as one of their philanthropies. That was something that really drew them to me, along with all their other work with children.

I was asst. GS leader to a local troop that we had in KD. It was so much fun to be connected with them again.

[notyouraverage]

:confused: The director of the Scout camp where my daughters go just told me that several councils are being forced to combine. In Alabama, for instance, it'll be Cahaba, Cottaquilla, North Alabama, Tombigbee, and I think one other. Northwest Georgia will band with Concharty and a couple of others. We're afraid that this will mean that several camps will be dumped. I hear that Camp Adahi in Chattanooga has already been sold to Coca Cola.:(


Carnation, I just found out that my home council is being combined as well! Nationals wants Licking Valley to combine with Great Rivers, but we're a Kentucky council and Great Rivers is in Ohio so they're at least trying to get together with another KY council. My camp is being dumped too, I'm completely heartbroken over it. It's been a while since I've been up on all the national politics. Any thoughts on why all the change?

[carnation]

All I can figure is money. Back in the day, practically every little girl was a Brownie and usually she was a Junior as well. Around the late sixties, it became uncool to be an older Scout in many areas.

Anyway, now numbers are really down because girls have all these options that they didn't have before, like sports, and the money coming into Scouting must be way down as well.

[notyouraverage]

I can totally see why the money would be down in Licking Valley, I mean, who has heard of Erlanger, KY? But in Atlanta? When I was involved in that council, my advisor told me they got all their money from Coke, Delta, Home Depot, ... you get the idea. Are they really hurting that much?

[alum]

Carnation, I just found out that my home council is being combined as well! Nationals wants Licking Valley to combine with Great Rivers, but we're a Kentucky council and Great Rivers is in Ohio so they're at least trying to get together with another KY council. My camp is being dumped too, I'm completely heartbroken over it. It's been a while since I've been up on all the national politics. Any thoughts on why all the change?


Combining councils across state lines is not necessarily a huge issue. The Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital includes all of the District, parts of MD and parts of VA. It works for our area.

[notyouraverage]

you're completely right, it's not a huge issue. I just happened to visit my old council's website and read about it from their Spring Annual notes. They were making a big deal about it and trying to combine with a group in KY. Honestly, it has more to do with existing stereotypes from that Northern KY / Cincinnati area. Some people act like you're leaving the country by crossing the river. I wish I were better informed about what is going on, though. It's only been four years, but I feel like I've lost all my contacts there!

[alum]

you're completely right, it's not a huge issue. I just happened to visit my old council's website and read about it from their Spring Annual notes. They were making a big deal about it and trying to combine with a group in KY. Honestly, it has more to do with existing stereotypes from that Northern KY / Cincinnati area. Some people act like you're leaving the country by crossing the river. I wish I were better informed about what is going on, though. It's only been four years, but I feel like I've lost all my contacts there!


There are major socioeconomic, political and other differences between District, VA and MD residents which are mirrored in the Girl Scouts membership. This is not a bad thing, it's just the way it is. I don't know how the GSCNC can meet the needs of its Girl Scouts but it does.

BTW, when I cross the Potomac, I do feel like I'm in another world!

[Lady of Pearl]

I too have fond memories of Girl Scouts, the camping -the cookies, the badges for community service- ceremonies :) I only made it to the junior level and coveted that cadette uniform ;but it had disbanded before I could get to that level -and still ask my mom why? to this day. I still support their cookie sales annually-love those tag-a-longs, thin mints and trefoils!

[DreamfulSpirit]

I was a girl scout from 2nd to 7th grades. I left in cadettes, when apparently it was still called that. My sorority, Omega Phi Alpha, which is a national service sorority, my chapter each semester does Girl Scout Badge Day where we set up stations and help girl scouts earn 2 badges. Its one of my favorite service projects!

[AngieWashU]

The Council realignments really have to do with fiscal responsibility. A Council serving a small number of girls has a much higher administrative cost per girl than a Council serving a larger number of girls does. It will be a struggle for everyone to adjust to the changes, but this may also bring new opportunities to our girls. :)

[Stef the Pef]

Wow...the only time I was ever a Girl Scout was when lived near Waco. I was a Brownie back in the day. I dropped it when I moved and never had time to get involved in Girl Scouts again, but now that I'm back in Waco for college, I get to be involved with my old GSUSA council through KD. :)

As for the changes, I'm sad that they went to the khaki uniforms for the older girls. The blue was so much prettier! Oh well.

[alum]

"As for the changes, I'm sad that they went to the khaki uniforms for the older girls. The blue was so much prettier! Oh well."

The girls who just graduated this year were the last group eligible for the blue uniform. Most of them preferred the color and the cut of the blue over the tan. The blue vest was longer and could fit more IPPs and patches.

[Tom Earp]

Hm, an intersesting analogy.


But doesent one thing lead to another?:confused: :)

[AngieWashU]

Do any sororities besides Kappa Delta currently have programs with Girl Scouts? Maybe just something your chapter does?

[astroAPhi]

They changed the uniforms??? Wow, that is a pretty big change too.

I was a Brownie and Junior scout, from 2nd to 6th grade. I almost didn't get to be a GS my 6th grade year, because we couldn't get a troop volunteer the first part of the year. After that, of course, there were no volunteers for a Cadette troop and we were afraid to continue because the Cadette troop leader was kind of a mean lady. :( I really wish I would have found some way to get involved. I later found out that a friend across town stuck with it on her own throughout high school.

Part of me would like to volunteer, but I'm afraid I might have too much on my plate already. But when I have kids, you can bet they'll be trying out Girl Scouts!

[DreamfulSpirit]

Do any sororities besides Kappa Delta currently have programs with Girl Scouts? Maybe just something your chapter does?


We have Girl Scout Badge Day each semester, and we have around 60 girl scouts come, and we set up stations and help them earn 2 badges. It was very cute doing this, and its one of my favorites that my chapter does!

[jadis96]

Just as a side note one of my sisters in my alum chapter works with our local council. She has organized a group called "Lady Scouts" to do things like help mentor and work with local troops. Since I was a junior for 2 years she asked me to help, but I was not able to make the time commitment. After reading this maybe I should shoot her an email and make the time.

[DSTRen13]

We have Girl Scout Badge Day each semester, and we have around 60 girl scouts come, and we set up stations and help them earn 2 badges. It was very cute doing this, and its one of my favorites that my chapter does!

Nu Chapter has done this before as well. I remember doing Girl Scouts way back in elementary school - we did some fun things, but also some weird things (why do Brownies need a makeup and skin care workshop put on by Mary Kay ladies? Really?) ... I still have some of my gear somewhere.

When OPhiA was first founded, it was a requirement you had to have been in Girl Scouts or Campfire Girls - b/c of APhiO's connection with BSA, and OPhiA's connection with APhiO.

[daffodils]

Dreamfulspirit -

I see by your siggy that you're trying to bring OPA to NCSU???? Oooh! Details!!!

[DGMarie]

:)
I read today of a new DG-Girl Scout initiative that combine service for sight programs with the Scouts. The program is described on the DG website (check under What's New). Scouts earn a special DG badge for completing the program. It sounds like a nice way for alumnae and collegians to get involved in a different spin on service for sight.

http://www.deltagamma.org/dg_news.shtml :)

[AnchorAlumna]

Part of me would like to volunteer, but I'm afraid I might have too much on my plate already. But when I have kids, you can bet they'll be trying out Girl Scouts!
I do hope you will volunteer for your daughters. The biggest challenge facing Girl Scouts is the lack of volunteers to be troop leaders. So many of us are no longer stay-at-home moms or feel we don't have the outdoor skills needed. There is training. Or we don't have time...you know the answer to that, you make time for what is important.

[alum]

:)
I read today of a new DG-Girl Scout initiative that combine service for sight programs with the Scouts. The program is described on the DG website (check under What's New). Scouts earn a special DG badge for completing the program. It sounds like a nice way for alumnae and collegians to get involved in a different spin on service for sight.

http://www.deltagamma.org/dg_news.shtml:)

I really think this is wonderful! If DGM's link doesn't work, try this:

http://www.deltagamma.org/forms/girl_scouts.pdf

[sugarplumfairy]

I hope Girl Scouts stays around forever...it was an important part of my childhood and who doesn't want to be a Brownie?!

Any group that works with them is A+ in my book

[mu_agd]

who doesn't want to be a Brownie?!



I didn't. I had absolutely no desire to be one.

[LouisaMay]

She was being rhetorical;)

[sugarplumfairy]

Yup ;)

[REE1993]

In college, people often referred to us Gamma Sigs as "girl scouts", because we are a Service Sorority, and have a non-discrimination policy.

I was never a Girl Scout, but I agree that the principles, standards and purposes do mirror those of sororities (whether in theory or in practice).

[SirChrisAGreen]

GirlScouting will have me working as TheNavigator on TheZenith SpaceShip of mine where I will have TheDuty of watching and gaurding TheRoyalIntergalacticGirlScoutTroop [TROOP 00-00] which travels with me to PlanetBimini for OceanographyLessons.

My wife is one of the troop-members.

JoanOfArcOriginal, Lady Agnes Judi Green (Ribari), Doctor Of Sports Medicine, of Budapest (Hungary) European Union whom is currently raising our daughter The Grand Duchess to be Duchess Greta Melody Green in a Royal European Education Program.

It makes one wonder why they choose my ship...?

Is it because the residence-accomodations of TheZenith SpaceShip include postal-service, gyms, bath-tubs, cinema, bar, snack-kiosks, "smoking" and shopping-mall-access?

http://www.tomchao.com/eu/yugo19f.jpghttp://www.allier-tourisme.com/images/photos/coco-chanel.jpg

[33girl]

Dude, I don't know what you're smoking, but it's only polite to share.

[AngieWashU]

In college, people often referred to us Gamma Sigs as "girl scouts", because we are a Service Sorority, and have a non-discrimination policy.

I once heard a story about a group of teenage Girl Scouts who made themselves shirts with Gamma Sigma on them--a way to unify their Girl Scout troop without openly revealing their membership. :)