What are the values that Girl Scouting represents?

by Betsy Denson

The ideals that Girl Scouting represents are as different as the girls who participate in the program. But there are some values that seem to be shared by all Girl Scouts. Courage to try new things. Confidence to be who you really are. Determination to carry through with a goal. These things are mentioned over and over again by girls asked about what they learned from Girl Scouts.

Tara F.of Troop #6051 says that the core value of Girl Scouts is the confidence it gave her. She joined Girl Scouts in ninth grade because one of her friends was involved and says, “when I joined, I was a newbie and felt a little out of place,” but that she came to feel very comfortable in her own skin. “I was kind of a loner but being a Girl Scout has helped me learn about other girls and different perspectives. I got the courage to join different groups and do service. That’s what I like about it – everything is interrelated. There are so many facets of Girl Scouts.”

There are other things Tara has gained as well. “I used to be so passive. I wasn’t ever competitive. I got the confidence to say ‘I’m going to college.’ I had a lot of ideas that I never really voiced before.”

That feeling of independence is echoed by fellow troop member Kehkashan D., who started the Girl Scouting program in Pakistan when she was 6 years old. She came to America when she was 11 and got involved in Girl Scouts again after her little sister joined a troop.

“When I came here I had no idea who I was,” she says. “Through Girl Scouts I learned to think for myself and make decisions that were important for me. I learned how to work in a team but also to be an individual.” Through discussions with her friends and voting on things as a troop, Kayki says she has become someone who stands up for what she believes in and makes her voice heard. “Just because I’m in a different country doesn’t mean I don’t have a say. I decided that I should be really involved my religion and my community.”

The freedom to explore all opportunities is what Allison P. of Troop #5238 most values about her experience. “We learned about different careers from our troop leaders and watched how they incorporated everything in their lives. Also going to the different workshops gives us the chance to see what’s out there.”

Allison started as a first year Brownie and joined Troop #5238 as a Junior. As an older Girl Scout, Allison talks about showing younger girls the ropes. “Now we organize the activities,” she says. “We planned a Daisy Day and decided on a theme and activities. It was fun to help them learn about things.”  

Troop member Meagan R. says that respect for self and others is the thing that she will take with her from Girl Scouts. “We work with so many people, both younger kids and adults. I’m glad I’ve had experience with both because I want to be a teacher. I think it will help me in getting a job.”

She says that Girl Scouts has kept her focused. “Every Thursday we have a meeting – it keeps me on track. I know I need to keep my life in order and to be a good person. Some people definitely lose that in high school. Girl Scouts has helped me keep it.”

Mandy H., who is also in Troop #5238, has been a Girl Scout since Daisies. She seconds what Meagan says about the good example Girl Scouts inspires her to set. “I have gained confidence and become more of a leader.” She talks about the Daisy Day the troop organized for 80 girls as an example and says that kind of preparation will help her in a career as an event planner. “I know I can do things now if I put my mind to it.”

There is one thing that all these girls, and Girl Scouts everywhere, know for sure – the values that Girl Scouting embodies can be narrowed down. The possibilities, however, can not.