Defending GSUSA

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on some of what I've read
lately here on Scouts-L.

1) GSUSA has a quality program, most of its members are satisfied with it.
There are red tape/rules/paperwork/etc. These rules don't bother us most of
the time. The program is centered around the Promise and Law and focuses on
5 "Worlds of Interest:" The World of Well-Being, The World of People, The
World of Today and Tomorrow, The World of the Arts and The World of the
Out-of-Doors. This allows for a variety of activities: camping, crafts,
science programs, service projects, music, sports, history. We're 83 years
old and counting and we have a lot going for us.

2) Just to clue some of you in on the basics of GSUSA program, here is a
quote from GSUSA's Safety-Wise publication:

"The Girl Scout program has four fundamental goals, and the experiences and
activities enable each girl:
1. To develop to her full individual potential.
2. To relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect.
3. To develop values to guide her actions and to provide the foundation for
sound decision-making.
4. To contribute to the improvement of society through the use of her
abilities and leadership skills, working in cooperation with others."

Does this sound like the type of organization you'd like your daughters to
join?

3) Girl planning, decision-making, and leadership skills are a fundamental
part of the program from Daisy Girl Scouts (age 4-6) on up. They are
emphasized in every adult training course, program level training, outdoor
training, contemporary issues training, etc.

4) I believe it has been pointed out that Girl Scout program is only as good
as its volunteers. Like BSA, we are a volunteer organization, our troops are
dependent upon having adults with the proper training for the activities the
girls choose to do. I'm sure both BSA and GSUSA need quality people with a
variety of skills to volunteer in order to improve their programs.

5) I'm aware that Girl Scout program will vary from troop to troop and from
council to council. Quality-control in a large volunteer organization is
difficult. It's hard to please everyone. I find it hard to believe that
every BSA group is perfect, that every member is satisfied with the
activities their group does.

I am not commenting at this time on whether girls should join Boy Scouts or
boys should join Girl Scouts (no, I'm not trying to start a new controversy).
I simply wanted to set some of you straight on Girl Scout program. I think
we have a great program, I know there are lots of other folks who think so
too. I'm sure the Boy Scouts have a fine program also. Let's stop comparing
and judging these programs. Let's get back to the sharing and anecdotes on
this list that help all of us have better program for our kids.

YiS

Barbara Van Dyke
Brownie Girl Scout Troop 1541
Junior Girl Scout Troop 717
Service Unit Manager, Association 22, Service Unit 6
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital

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