Adapting for differences
Girl Scouting welcomes everyone

by Betty Hunt

Troop meeting starts in 10 minutes and Sue just broke her only pair of glasses, Bethany has a cast on her foot, Denise has a migraine headache, and Margarita’s equilibrium is off due to an ear infection. By the way, this is the leadership team. So quickly, what adaptations need to be made?
While this fictitious leadership team is hindered by temporary disabilities, there are numerous Girl Scouts that deal daily with life-altering differences. Disabilities are a part of life, whether temporary or chronic, we all are faced with adapting to our differing ability levels. How many times have we heard a leader say “I’m craft challenged” or “I’m singing impaired?” What they mean is that in a particular area, skill level and desire are incompatible

Girl Scouts with special needs have challenges in one or more areas. Usually they are not severely impaired in all areas. Play to their strengths, search out special skills, and orchestrate opportunities for success. Isn’t that what Girl Scouts is all about, helping girls grow strong?
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouting, was hearing impaired. Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln, had a behavior disorder. Cher, singer and actress, has a learning disability. James Earl Jones, actor, has a speech disorder. Sandy Duncan, actress, has a visual impairment. Barbara Jordan, politician, had a physical disability. Jackee Joyner-Kersee, Olympic athlete has a health disability. Chris Burke, actor has an intellectual

impairment. Having a disability did not prevent any of these people from experiencing success in some area of life.
As a Girl Scout leader it is important to remember that Girl Scouting is for all girls. It is an inclusive organization where differences should be explored but more importantly, similarities should be exalted. Think about having girls come up with ways to adapt activities so that everyone can participate. What a wonderful way to practice being a sister to every Girl Scout!
For more information on how to provide quality program for an inclusive troop check out the GSUSA publication, Focus on Abilities, available in the shop or possibly within your service unit.

The State of Texas mandates yearly training for new and returning day/twilight camp directors. In addition, all adults working at day camps must be trained and have a volunteer application and criminal background check on file at the Girl Scout Center.

Day/Twilight Camp Director Training (for new directors and co-directors)
Training includes a full day of responsibilities required to be a day camp director: recruiting a core staff, health and safety issues, equipment requests, financial management, and program. Bring empty three-ring binder.

Saturday, January 10
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Adult Training Center, Conroe
Course Number 459
Cost: $3, Code 10-12-01-6240

Saturday, February 7
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Camp Casa Mare
Course Number 460
Cost: $3, Code 10-12-01-6240

Day/Twilight Camp Director Update Training (for experienced directors and co-directors only)
Directors and co-directors who have taken director training and directed a camp within the last two years are required to attend Update Training. This training