Citrus Council’s Response to BSA Announcement

As many of you are aware, on October 11^th, a historical shift occurred in the scouting world when Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to accept girl members into the Boy Scout ranks at the Cub Scout level.

While we would certainly have preferred that their vote go in a different direction, this action in no way influences or changes our very important Girl Scout mission. Every aspect of our programming (local and national) has been designed to be girl focused and girl-led. We remain committed to that ideal as well as the core values and vision of the Girl Scout Movement as established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912.  Notably, over 59 million living American women can count themselves as alumnae of this incredible organization that began with one woman’s heart and determination to make the world a better place more than 100 years ago.

Our approach to empowering girls and young women, is a proven method for preparing women leaders. Numerous research studies and countless testimonials, clearly recognize that participation in Girl Scout programming has proven highly effective in enhancing leadership qualities, as well as other key indicators of success, for the girls involved. This method is especially effective in at-risk communities; studies have shown that girls who experience our fully immersed single-gender Girl Scout programming demonstrate higher levels of self-confidence and academic success than girls who have not had benefit of our gender-specific and girl-led program opportunities. We greatly respect our BSA peers and the amazing job they have done shaping young men into highly productive American citizens for more than 100 years, however, there are many unanswered questions as to the effectiveness the BSA programming will have on girls. It is unclear as to the impact this will have on the growth and development of girls. The results of which may not be seen until after a generation of girls go through the programming.

As a council, we recognize the convenience this may offer to families who have both boys and girls. Please be clear, we deeply respect the right of all to make the scouting choice they feel best for their family. However, we also deeply hope Girl Scout’s unique girl-led environment, character-building traditions, relevant badge opportunities, and proven life-success outcomes will significantly factor into discussions as families consider their options. Girl Scouts of Citrus will stand true to our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place and to the convictions we share through our traditions. We also stand by the value of our program as manifested in years of statistically proven outcomes that demonstrate why a fully immersive single-gender scouting experience offers a powerful and unique choice.

In light of recent cultural challenges and images of violence on the evening news, now more than ever, our girls need a safe space to develop their courage, confidence, and character and to see dignified and composed role models.

The decision of BSA does not diminish our mission, but reinforces the need to provide programming that is relevant to the interests and goals of today’s girl.

Hurricane Irma Relief – Scouterships Available

In the last few weeks, Central Florida has been directly and indirectly impacted by two major hurricanes. Hurricane Irma left many without power during its landfall and still many more are faced with rebuilding their homes. Hurricane Maria did not directly impact Central Florida, but it has impacted many in our community, who have family and friends in Puerto Rico.

Throughout this ordeal, many Girl Scouts, Troop Leaders, and volunteers demonstrated their leadership abilities and took action to help their communities rebuild or collect the much-needed supplies. Countless more organized additional efforts to help however they could locally and abroad.

In appreciation of the compassionate efforts demonstrated by our community and our members, the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will be waiving the registration fees for new Girl Scout members and renewing Girl Scout members through October 31, 2017.

• Visit www.citrus-gs.org
• Click JOIN NOW
• Fill out your information & click Continue
• Select a troop OR choose UNSURE, entering ‘Irma’ in the comment box
• Select Financial Aid as the payment method

• Visit MY GS
• Click RENEW
• Select Financial Aid as the payment method

The Citrus Council will also be outlining a series of programs, entitled the ‘Do Anything’ Programming, designed to prepare girls for the many adversities they may encounter in life. The ‘Do Anything’ Programming will allow Girl Scouts to prepare themselves in first aide, vehicle maintenance, open fire cooking as well as additional skills.

Finally, the Juliette Birthday Bash is an annual event which takes place to celebrate the life and vision set forth by Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low. This celebration is open to not only Girl Scout members, but to their families as well. This year, the celebration will take place at Medieval Times, on October 28 – Register here.

Given the caliber of devastation and equally demonstrated comradery in our community, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will be offering a reduced rate of $10 to all Citrus Council Girl Scout members, and a rate of $29.99 for non-members, to attend this year’s Juliette Birthday Bash at Medieval Times.

“…ours is a circle of friendships, united by our ideals.” – Juliette Gordon Low