The American Girl Scout

This is a collaborative platform for Girl Scout members who feel that the girl members do not have a significant voice in their own organization. The goals of this platform are: 1. For the public to be aware that GS is more than cookies.  2.The Gold Award gain equal representation and support as the Eagle Scout  3.Present to the adult leadership of the GS that we do not need to be coddled  4.Establish collective girl leadership across councils with honest and non-interfering communication.  5.Have Girl Scouts return to its roots as established by Juliette Gorden Low 6.Have profit no longer be the priority of GS and instead have dedication and leadership the priority.  7.Give older girls in the program a platform for they are under represented on GS media 8.Make a girl made handbook for and by current and recent scouts

[theamericangirlscout]

Quarantine is a way of preventing a disease from spreading. With some communicable diseases, the patient is quarantined (isolated) so she cannot spread the disease.  Sometimes people who have been exposed to a communicable disease are quarantined long enough to make sure they have not caught it.  Sometimes whole households have to go into quarantine, which ends after a stated length of time decided by the state board of health.  Isolation ends when the doctor decides the patient is no longer spreading the germs of the disease.

The Girl Scout Handbook (1947)

[mostly-history]

Images from two Girl Scout calendars (1953 and 1954).

[gillianaofficial]

My #GIRLagenda is to help girls find their voice, encourage girls as they challenge unfair policies and champion causes they care about. @girlscouts​

www.GIRLagenda.org

[nasa]

The Path to High Adventure Begins With Scouting!

Former NASA astronaut and Girl Scout alumna Jan Davis eating Girl Scout Cookies inside the shuttle Endeavour on Sept. 12, 1992. Image credit: NASA

Leadership, service, being prepared and doing your best – these qualities are exemplified by our astronauts, but are also shared by the Girl Scouts! Our astronaut corps has many scout alumnae, and over the years they’ve been breaking barriers and making names for themselves at NASA.

Today marks the 108th birthday of Girl Scouts in the United States, which has been inspiring generations of girls through leadership and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities to empower the explorers of today and tomorrow. To celebrate, we’re highlighting some of our Girl Scout alumnae over the years!

NASA astronaut and Girl Scout alumna Sunita Williams, who served as an International Space Station commander and spent 322 days in space during two spaceflight expeditions.

Former Scouts have served as crew members on numerous spaceflight missions.

From left: Susan Helms, the first female International Space Station crew member; Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle; and Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to perform a spacewalk.

Former Girl Scouts flew on more than one-third of the space shuttle missions and were pioneering forces as women began making their mark on human spaceflight. The first female crew member to serve on the International Space Station, the first to pilot and command a space shuttle and the first American woman to spacewalk were all Scout alumnae. 

They continue to break records, such as the first three all-woman spacewalks… 

Girl Scout alumnae and NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made history when they conducted the first ever all-woman spacewalk on Oct.18, 2019. They went on to complete two more spacewalks, successfully completing their task of upgrading the space station’s battery charge/discharge unit. Christina and Jessica’s historic spacewalk was a testament to the growing number of women (and Girl Scouts) joining our astronaut corps; it is a milestone worth celebrating as we look forward to putting the first woman on the Moon with our Artemis Program! 

….and the longest spaceflight ever by a woman!

NASA astronaut Christina Koch smiles for a selfie while completing tasks during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

Koch went on to seal her name in the record books by surpassing Peggy Whitson’s record for the longest single spaceflight in history by a woman!

Understanding how the human body adjusts to things like weightlessness, radiation and bone-density loss is crucial as we look forward to embarking on long-duration spaceflights to the Moon and Mars. Thanks to former astronaut Scott Kelly’s Year in Space mission, we’ve been able to observe these changes on a biological male. Now, thanks to Christina’s mission, we are able to observe these changes on a biological female. 

Girl Scout alumnae will also help lead human exploration farther than ever before as members of our Artemis generation!

 From left: NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Loral O’Hara and Kayla Barron

On January 10, 2020 we welcomed 11 new astronauts to our ranks – including three Girl Scout alumnae! As part of the first-ever class of astronauts under our Artemis lunar exploration program, Kayla Barron, Jessica Watkins and Loral O’Hara are now qualified for assignments including long-duration missions to the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars.

They took a moment after graduation to share inspiration and insight for current and future Scouts!

Q: A question from the Girl Scouts: What inspires you?

A: “Being a part of an awesome team has always been what inspires me. Whether it’s your Girl Scout troop, a sports team, your class – I think for me always the people around me who push me to succeed and support me when I make mistakes and help me become my best self is what inspires me to show up and do my best.” - NASA astronaut Kayla Barron 

Q: How has being a Girl Scout helped you in becoming an astronaut?

A: “Being in the Girl Scouts when I was younger was really cool because, well, first it was just a group of my friends who got to do a lot of different things together. But it really gave us the opportunity to be exposed to a lot of different areas. Like we’d get to go camping. We’d get to ride horses and learn all of these different skills, and so that variety of skill set I think is very applicable to being an astronaut.” - NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara 

Q: What would your advice be for the next generation of Girl Scout astronauts?

A: “My advice would be to find something that you’re passionate about. Ideally something in the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, and to pursue that thing that you’re interested in. Pursue that passion, whatever it is. And don’t give up on your dreams, and continue to follow them until you arrive where you want to be.” - NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins 

To all the Girl Scouts out there, keep reaching for the stars because the sky is no longer the limit! 

Astronaut applications are OPEN until March 31 for the next class of Artemis generation astronauts who will embark on missions to the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars. If you’re interested in applying to #BeAnAstronaut or just want to learn more, click HERE. 

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

[zamuelsart]

girl scout doodle uwu

[eatsleepdraw]

The Scout

Instagram/tumblr :@richkenneyart

Facebook: @richkenneyart

[hoard-of-plushes]

[papermonocle]

Things I learnt today: During WW1, MI5 used Girl Guides to send secret messages. They used Girl Guides because they quickly found that Boy Scouts couldn’t be trusted and were’t efficient enough.

[girl-scout-camp]

“Green trees around us, Blue skies above, Friends all around us, In a world filled with love. Taps sounding softly, Hearts beating true, As we all say, Goodnight to you”

— Green Trees

[themushroomprince03]

So, I'm a PA at a week-long Girl Scout Camp, (I lead the arts and crafts station) and this is a conversation that I had with a 5-6 year old Girl Scout:

Girl Scout: *holding spoonful of hair gel and glitter* Time to eat!

Me: NO DON'T EAT THAT

Girl Scout:

Girl Scout: ...What will happen if I do?

Me: I'll have to drag you all the way to first aid.

Girl Scout, suddenly terrified:

Girl Scout: *whispers* Will they have to put me down?

[undertangerinesky]

Juliette Gordon Lowe was a feminist icon who has empowered young women across America for over a century.

But: did you know she was an extremely talented artist as well?

[vintagecamping]

The Girl Scout Leader magazine.

From 1923 to 2009, Girl Scouts of the USA published The Girl Scout Leader magazine. All registered adults received the magazine as part of their membership.

March, 1953

[drmonkeysetroscans]

I love a gal in a uniform.

[theamericangirlscout]

Every Girl in a Tent Badge

“Outdoor education is one of the four areas that form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Every Girl in a Tent continues a strong tradition in camping and learning outdoor principles such as Leave No Trace. Camping experiences and programs like Every Girl in a Tent afford every girl the opportunity to:

Explore nature and learn to appreciate and protect the outdoors

Be challenged to grow in new ways and become better problem solvers

Unplug from screens and social media – and know that it’s ok to take a break

Develop leadership skills and become team players

Have fun exploring and building social bonds within a safe space like Girl Scouts!”

-Girl Scouts USA

[theamericangirlscout]

More resources:

https://www.rei.com/h/force-of-nature - A collection of art and stories celebrating fearless women.

https://volunteers.girlscoutsrv.org/training/camp-outdoor-training/ - Girl Scouts offers a variety of training opportunities for you to prepare for a safe and fun outdoor experience.

https://girlscoutsrv.box.com/shared/static/kxyf9gpaqroktorryybrgpob1vxl6ebo.pdf - Use this handy progression guide to chart your course based on girls’ age and experience levels.

https://volunteers.girlscoutsrv.org/reference/articles/safety-wise/#checkpoints - Use this information to ensure safety while planning and participating in particular activities.

https://girlscoutsrv.box.com/shared/static/04q2j67p5z8gcvltgyos.pdf - A detailed guide on planning girl supervision, training girls on the buddy system, dressing for outdoors, and creating emergency plans.

[theamericangirlscout]

Every Girl in a Tent Badge

“Outdoor education is one of the four areas that form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Every Girl in a Tent continues a strong tradition in camping and learning outdoor principles such as Leave No Trace. Camping experiences and programs like Every Girl in a Tent afford every girl the opportunity to:

Explore nature and learn to appreciate and protect the outdoors

Be challenged to grow in new ways and become better problem solvers

Unplug from screens and social media – and know that it’s ok to take a break

Develop leadership skills and become team players

Have fun exploring and building social bonds within a safe space like Girl Scouts!”

-Girl Scouts USA

[theamericangirlscout]

#goldengirls: Powering Girl Education with Renewable Menstrual Products

Around the world, millions of girls in developing countries and rural areas don’t have access to sanitary menstrual pads, so for her Gold Award project, Sarah M. from Girl Scouts Central Texas, decided to do something about it.

Traveling to rural Bolivia, she taught low-income families how to sew repurposed clothing, including fabric from unusable umbrellas, to create washable sanitary pads they can afford.

Girls in developing countries have been missing 20 percent of the school year or even dropping out because they can’t access sanitary menstrual pads. Thanks to Sarah, these statistics will change.

By involving the family and community, she’s transforming societal taboos into ongoing practical solutions, and spreading much-needed awareness for solving this global issue.

Q: Why did you choose this topic for your Gold Award Project? A: There is a global issue of girls lacking the menstrual resources needed to regularly attend school during their periods. In my local community, I have encountered the unapparent need for of menstrual pads for some girls in my high school. The high cost of menstrual pads forces the girls to resort to other means. In low-income families, menstrual pads are a luxury often overlooked. Girls go without.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in Gold Award Project? A: I decided to organize workshops in a non-English speaking country, and despite my Hispanic background and experience with Spanish, in order to effectively teach my workshops, I needed to have a strong sense of self. Without my cemented purpose of enabling girls and genuine commitment to taking on this challenge of helping others by exposing myself to their day-to-day lives, the impact of my Gold Award project would not have been as strong.

An example of this was when I held workshops at the center for homeless teen mothers in Santa Cruz. I was further inspired by their strength when they expressed their desire to continue making washable menstrual pads for other homeless girls in Santa Cruz. Their selflessness and transparent nature taught me that you need a strong sense of self, not only for yourself but for those around you. You have the ability to enact positive change in the lives of others but you need to believe you can.

Q: What has been the impact of your project and how is it sustainable? A: To individuals who may view real-life problems and their solutions as out of reach, my project showed them how obtainable a solution may be, given community support and involvement. It brought the rural communities together to collectively empower the girls in the community and solve the issue that has decreased female student school attendance around the world.

The communities impacted have continued access to sewing machines that I donated for making washable pads, as well as the knowledge of where to purchase materials and how to repurpose fabric. I am interested in continuing my project as a non-profit in the future and hope to hold additional workshops in Bolivia and expand to other locations around the world.

Q: What have you learned from working on this project? A: I have learned not to underestimate the impact of one individual and to allow myself to be inspired by others. Moving forward, I can already see—and will continue seeing— the positive impact of my project on my leadership development and growth as an individual.

Q: How has being a Girl Scout helped you? A: I recognize the true value of the Girl Scout experience and the impact it has had in me; Girl Scouts has helped develop the person I needed to be to follow through on my journey to make a difference.

[theamericangirlscout]

#goldengirls: Feeding Tomorrow

For her Gold Award project, Caroline M. from Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, planted pollinator-friendly gardens around the solar panels in her town of Niskayuna to create the first municipal solar pollinator in New York State, which is home to more than 450 pollinator species that are currently under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, colony collapse disorder, parasites, exposure to toxins, and other stressors.

In 2016, it was estimated New York State had lost 50 percent of its managed pollinator colonies and 70 percent of its commercial migratory bees. Wild pollinators have also seen their numbers suffer, with the Department of Environmental Conservation listing seven species of bees and 27 species of butterflies or moths as being Species of Greatest Conservation Need. And since New York has 7.3 million acres in agriculture production, many of its leading crops, such as apples alfalfa, soybeans, cabbage, pumpkins, and berries, rely heavily on pollination.

The planting efforts of Caroline and her team of middle school Girl Scouts increases the much-needed pollinator population, such as bees and birds, protects the agricultural economy, ensures greater local food supply security, and beautifies the entire area. She also advocated for $300,000 in state funding for pollinator benefit programs so her pioneering solutions can expand into new healthy growth for New York and beyond.

Q: Why did you choose this topic for your Gold Award Project? A: Local residents in my town were calling for more town land to be set aside for pollinator habitats. Not only did I agree with their idea, but I knew how to make it happen—and I did.

Our troop’s Sew What Journey created a pollinator garden near a walking path in a town park.

The project drew the praise of local environmentalists, town officials, and the media. Through my contacts and interest in the local environmental advocacy community, I learned about a national effort to create pollinator gardens at solar arrays. That was it!

Using the contacts developed at town hall, I went to work on creating solar pollinator gardens at the town solar arrays. Through my research, I learned my idea would make mine the first municipal solar garden in the state.

As I became more involved in advocacy on behalf of pollinator protection, I learned there were two programs in the state that could benefit from state funding. So, my work continued. I contacted and met with the governor, chairs of the New York State Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committees, state legislative staff, and my local state legislators. I also engaged younger scouts in the effort and gained media attention.

To be honest, I never thought I would attempt the Gold Award. Throughout the years, I had seen very few Girl Scouts in my area receive the award and those who did tackled issues that were not at all geared toward my greatest interest—local community action. However, during the completion of the Sew What Journey that I led for my troop, something changed. I saw how I could put some of my strongest skills and interests to work.

Q: How has your project been successful, and how have you worked to ensure it is sustainable? A: Loss of pollinators can impact the value of New York State's agricultural production, which currently totals $6.36 billion, and would seriously diminish this pillar of the state's economy which provides 197,745 jobs.

This is why I established the first municipal solar pollinator gardens in the state and worked to secure state funding to research and protect pollinators as well as the impact of solar gardens, including minimum guidelines for biodiversity and land management practices.

These efforts will help to secure local food sources and can serve as a model for national and international efforts. And while wild flowers require very little maintenance, I recruited middle school girl scouts to help sustain the program.

Q: How did working on your Gold Award project changed you? A: It made me a better advocate, communicator, researcher and consensus builder. It also reminded me not to fear failure and to always be intellectually curious.

Q: What have you learned from being a Girl Scout? A: The commitment to volunteerism and civic leadership I have learned through Girl Scouts are the guiding principles of my life. The people I have met through my Girl Scout experiences are mentors and friends who have helped me build courage, confidence and character. That is why, when it was time to launch a Gold Award project, I knew I wanted to take an action on the local level that could have far-reaching impact. I took the lessons learned and connections made through my scouting career and applied them to address—in a sustainable way—a local issue with state, national and global implications.

The issue of food source security through pollinator protection not only addresses the global issues of hunger and environmental protection. My work also secured $300,000 in state funding for pollinator benefit programs and made my town the first in New York State to create municipal solar gardens. All of this allowed me to put to work my advocacy skills developed through Girl Scout efforts such as Girls at the Capitol in 2016 and 2018, and the National Convention in Columbus, Ohio in 2017.

Through my role as a Gold Award Girl Scout, I have also become an advocate for the Girl Scout movement. I have addressed younger Girl Scout troops about the importance of scouting, attended an event with New York's lieutenant governor for the launch of a new badge, and completed interviews for the local media about the Gold Award itself, its history, and its importance.