GS VS. BS Handbooks

To Jon and all the other kind Scouters who took the time to write:
The replies I have received indicate that there is support for a combined
movement, however most Scouters feel that a merger simply will not happen due
to entrenched ideas and "protecting one's own" in the upper echelons. I feel
it is the kids who suffer. Would it be possible for BSA to try a pilot
program (in a limited area for a limited time) and open Tigers to girls? If
the Explorer Post are successful, why not move the program to the Tiger
level? I have heard rumors that BSA is reluctant to do this as BSA feels
that Girl Scouts would cease to exist if girls were allowed in Cubs. Some of
the members of this list desire a continuance of same-sex organizations, so
maybe GSUSA would still fill a need. Perhaps the "test unit" could have two
Tiger dens, one for boys only and one co-ed?
As for the differences in handbooks, perhaps it is the "teacher" in me
coming out but the GS handbook is superior IMO. The front of the book has
stories and opportunities for reflections. The back of the handbook has
Try-It requirements (equivalent to CS achievements). The GS must do 4 of the
activities to qualify for a Try-It. The activities range from the very
simple, requiring fewer than 10 minutes to complete, to very involved,
requiring many meetings. Girls are asked to consult community leaders,
members of different generations and races, and generally to stretch the
boundaries of their lives. The Try-It opportunities frequently refer to the
activities in the front of the book, thus reinforcing the learning that is
taking place. All Try-Its have several "hands-on" activities. Each lesson
is presented and reinforced several times (to insure that some of it will
stick). The stories in the front of the book guarantee that the meetings do
not become "craft classes". My Brownies used the book for three years and
feel that we could learn more. They earned all 40 Try-Its and enjoyed most
of them. The Guidebook for leaders is written as a "teacher's book" with
supplemental ideas.
The Daisy program begins in kindergarten with one leader (other parents
required to attend and assist). The girls are exposed to the GS program,
with a handbook that stresses craft ideas more than the stories and
reflections. Girls meet weekly and do all the things all other GS do, with
the exception of selling. No Daisy can earn money for the troop (which makes
getting supplies for all those crafts a real job). Daisy troops are made to
feel a part of GSUSA from day one (unlike a lot of the Tiger dens).
I often use GS activity ideas for my Roundtable and CS achievement ideas
with my GS troop. The kids are the ones that benefit. Our town's pack and 2
GS troops also go on a combined campout (easy since 2 of the leaders are
Bi-Scoutual). Maybe this whole merger thing will start as a grassroot
movement!

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