Girl Scouts Review

I've been involved in girl scouting for many years, a leader of older girls for 5 years now.  It really is a good place for girls to get a sense of community.  They get a bigger picture of their immediate community and it's needs.  Learning that, all by themselves they can make a difference in their communities is the gem of it.  And, if they have a good leader, they learn that community service projects can be a lot of fun.  Keeping it theirs and keeping it fun is the secret to a good group.

If they stay together throughout their teen years they also learn to overcome the embarassments of being in scouts and be proud of their accomplishments, (especially if their leader is patient and lets them set their own rules).   I've even witnessed girls helping each other through very tough times, likes deaths of parents, drugs and sexuality.  It is really very much like a family atmsphere as they grow in scouts, not necessarily best friends at school and in the outside world, but girls that really care about each other. 

I have no doubt that the girls in my group will go on to be women of character that are active in their communities.  It really does encourage leadership.

The cons for me have been few as far as the girls go.  It is difficult to deal with teenage issues at times.   Transitioning to allow the girls to take over and lead the way, is tough and takes  time.  

The biggest con is that It is difficult to work with council on many issues.  They are antiquated in their approach to procedures.  It can be mind numbing as well as time consuming to meet all of Girl Scout council requirements including attending meetings, limiting liability issues and providing mounds of paperwork.  Honestly though the core principals of building girls of character is still there.   And, at least some of the training is very helpful for older girl leaders. 

Council also pressures you to pressure your girls into doing a lot of council sponsored activities including helping with programs.  It's a balance that you have to juggle, always keeping in mind that you are the girl's representative with council and that their goals have to be first. 

The pros of being a leader is without question the fun you have.  I adore these girls, I have witnessed them grow in many ways.  We have traveled all over.  We have laughed until our faces hurt.    Let me not forget to mention the pride you feel, it wells up inside you just like the feeling you have with your own children and their accomplishments.