Dear Girl Scout Family, Neighbors and Friends,
Yesterday, on International Day of the Girl, Boy Scouts of America announced plans to open its membership to girls. I want to assure you that Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is more committed than ever to ensuring that girls take their rightful place as leaders in their communities, their country and the world.
With more than 100 years of research, experience and results, Girl Scouts remains the premier leadership organization for girls. Our unique girl-led approach and girl-friendly environment is unmatched in creating a safe space where girls are free to be themselves, take risks and thrive.
Research shows that participating in Girl Scouts helps girls develop key leadership skills they need to be successful in life. Compared to non-Girl Scouts, our girls are more likely to have confidence in themselves and their abilities; seek challenges and learn from setbacks; take an active role in decision making; and solve problems in their communities.
In fact, the Girl Scout Gold Award, which represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, requires girls to identify a community issue, create a sustainable solution and take action. With more than 80 hours of community service, the Girl Scout Gold Award is a top-tier credential that enables girls to earn college scholarships and enter the military one rank higher.
Simply put, Girl Scouts works. And we’re here to stay.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Nancy Wright
CEO, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
To learn how you can make a difference in a girl’s life, visit girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
I have boy/girl twins. Both of them are involved in scouting and I’m seriously considering moving my daughter over to the BSA. I have no problems with Girl Scout programming and opportunities, they are awesome. And my daughter likes her troop. But our family has had a better experience with the BSA. The BSA allows parents to participate in BSA den meetings and outings and the Girl Scouts exclude parents that are not leaders from everything. I am a registered member of the Girl Scouts, I’ve passed the background checks and I’ve completed the training to volunteer but I’ve been told by two different troops that non leaders cannot participate in troop meetings or events. As a former Girl Scout, I was looking forward to sharing the Girl Scout experience with my daughter. The only way I’m able to do things with my daughter is if I sign up for council programs outside of our troop meetings. Maybe it’s time for the Girl Scouts to consider some policy changes.
Hello Cynthia, thank you so much for your feedback. We value your input and invite you to share your concerns with us by emailing gsmarketing@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.