Do you remember a time when an adult made a big difference in your life? Think back to the adults who were your role models. What characteristics did they possess that made them memorable? The adults who have a constructive impact on girls' lives are those whose behavior and example incorporate positive values.

Girl Scouting is a values-based organization with the Promise and Law providing the framework and ethical code. The motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one. Each girl is encouraged to become a better member of her own religious group and to respect the varying beliefs and practices of others. Girl Scouts are members of a global movement, which encompasses a vast range of faiths. Virtually all world faiths are represented in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Each member interprets "God" in her own way and there is no requirement for affiliation with an organized religion. The values expressed in the Girl Scout Promise and Law serve as the foundation for all the activities in the Girl Scout Program.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be

honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,

and to

respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

There are five age levels in Girl Scouting: Daisy Girl Scouts, Brownie Girl Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, Cadette Girl Scouts, and Senior Girl Scouts. Often you will hear people say, "I was a Brownie, but I wasn't a Girl Scout!" Brownie Girl Scouts are Girl Scouts ages six, seven, and eight or in first, second, or third grades. They are part of a worldwide movement that has members in more than 100 nations belonging to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Girl Scout Age Levels:

Daisy Girl Scouts
(grades K-1 or 5-6 years old)
Brownie Girl Scouts
(grades 1-3 or 6-8 years old)
Junior Girl Scouts
(grades 3-6 or 8-11 years old)
Cadette Girl Scouts
(grades 6-9 or 11-14 years old)
Senior Girl Scouts
(grades 9-12 or 14-17 years old)

The Four Program Goals
The Girl Scout Program has four goals for girls. These goals describe the ways girls will grow and develop through their Girl Scout experiences.

1. Develop to her full individual potential.

• Foster feelings of self-acceptance and unique self-worth.
• Promote her perception as competent, responsible, and open to new experiences and challenges.
• Offer opportunities to learn new skills.
• Encourage personal growth.
• Allow girls to utilize and practice talents and abilities.

2. To relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect.

• Help each girl develop sensitivity to others and respect for their needs, feelings, and rights.
• Promote an understanding and appreciation of individual, cultural, religious, and racial differences.
• Foster the ability to build friendships and working relationships.

3. Develop values to guide her actions and to provide the foundation for sound decision-making.

• Help her develop a meaningful set of values and ethics that will guide her actions.
• Foster an ability to make decisions that are consistent with her values and that reflect respect for the rights and needs of others.
• Empower her to act upon her values and convictions.
• Encourage her to reexamine her ideals as she matures.

4. To contribute to the improvement of society through the use of her abilities and leadership skills, working in cooperation with others.

• Help her develop concern for the well-being of her community and its people.
• Promote an understanding of how the quality of community life affects her own life and the whole society.
• Encourage her to use her skills to work with others for the benefit of all.

The Worlds of Interest
Another way to achieve a balance of activities for Girl Scouts is through the Worlds of Interest. These five broad interest areas provide a simple structure for varying activities.

	The World of Well-Being includes activities that focus on physical and emotional health; nutrition and exercise; feelings and self-discovery; personal relationships; sports, games, leisure-time activities; as well as home, safety, consumer awareness, and careers.
	The World of People includes activities that focus on developing awareness of the various cultures in our society and around the world, and on building pride in one's heritage while appreciating and respecting the heritage of others.
	The World of Today and Tomorrow includes activities that focus on discovering the how and why of things, exploring and experimenting with the many technologies that are encountered in daily life, dealing with change, looking to future events, roles, and responsibilities.
	The World of the Arts includes activities that focus on enjoying and expressing oneself through art forms, appreciating the artistic talents and contributions of others, and learning more about the visual, performing, and literary arts.
	The World of the Out-of-Doors includes activities that focus on enjoying and appreciating the out-of-doors, living in and caring for our natural environment, and understanding and respecting the interdependence of all living things.

Girl Scout Program

 

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