https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 11:36:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892615 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:55:10 +0000 fancyfunction 1892615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a Brownie and I thought it was a lot of fun! I "flew up" to Girl Scouts but decided not to continue with it - I believe that was around 4th grade. I remember I used to love wearing my uniform to school on Tuesdays when we had our meetings. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892597 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:07:50 +0000 78h2o 1892597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: we did similar things. I have a vivid memory of having to start a fire in the middle of a down pour as part of survival skills training. We camped under the stars in just sleeping bags (and once it rained on us), camped in tents, camped in shelters that had canvas sides and wooden floors, and stayed in lodges. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892587 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 21:48:00 +0000 loveisstrange 1892587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: Honestly, our troop did that kind of stuff. We learned knots, survival skills, wilderness cooking, how to pitch a tent, orienteering, what to do in an emergency and life saving skills, we did archery and horseback riding, we camped in every season and sometimes not even in tents and sometimes in the snow (we went probably 10 times a year), we hiked, we did high ropes and obstacle courses... Yeah, we also stayed in lodges with a/c and did french braiding sometimes but the point is that we did all the other stuff too. My troop may have been an anomaly because my dad was one of our leaders and he's the one that encouraged all the more "Boy Scout" skills, but I think troops are what you make them. Could also be partly regional too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892555 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 21:00:14 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1892555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: Got it, you wanted to be one with the great outdoors. I was happy with my Troop Beverly Hills camping experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892533 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:38:53 +0000 Radish 1892533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was both an active Girl Scout and active Boy Scout member from age 5-20. It definitely wasn't the cool thing to do. I am so done with both organizations for a variety of reasons, but if my girls wanted to do it I wouldn't discourage it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892524 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:32:52 +0000 Boheme 1892524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I liked it! I also liked 4H a lot, probably more than GS, but I was very into animals. If we ever have a daughter, the option will definitely be on the table for her! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892489 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:50:35 +0000 Skadi 1892489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Yeah, we did that maybe once a year.</p> <p>Compare that to the local Boy Scout troop, who went five or six times a year. They didn't go to a campground where your tent has wood floors and you have an outhouse (often with running water). By real camping, I mean they hiked to their campsites carrying their own equipment and set up their own tents. They learned to tie complex knots. They learned to use a compass and read topographic maps. They practiced archery and marksmanship. They chopped their own firewood. They whittled. They were sent out in pairs to gather as many edible nuts and berries as they could find to supplement their supper, which involved cooking complex meals over a wood fire.</p> <p>I know how much and how hardcore camping is will vary with the scoutmaster, but I was in four different troops. I talked to dozens of girls from different troops when I was at events, questioning whether they got to do more cool stuff than our troop did. The answer was always the same...most of their time was spent on fluff and there was very little of what comes to mind when you think of traditional scouting skills. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892476 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:43:13 +0000 Skadi 1892476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: Extremely left-leaning. They are closely tied with Planned Parenthood, anti-gun activists, globalism, I mean, if you're a parent who subscribes to those beliefs, I guess it's fine. Kind of like how if you're anti-gay and anti-atheist, you might be pleased with the Boy Scouts. But the people they've elected to their board, the speakers they invite to their yearly conferences, and the stuff they write in the handbooks (especially for the older set) just doesn't jive with our family's philosophy.</p> <p>These things <i>might</i> be overlooked if I believed they had some really good programs to offer our kids, but as someone who was a "lifer" in four different troops (I too earned my Gold Award) and attended countless jamborees and weekend activities, I just didn't see it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892316 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 17:14:29 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1892316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: what kind of camping did you do that made it not real? We slept in bean bags inside wood floor tents. It was cold. We ate outside. We learned to build fires using twigs shaped like an A and brush. </p> <p>Although we were around girls some of the parent volunteers like my dad were men. I didn't find the all - girl environment to be a negative. I still remember how cool it was to see troops from all over the area descend on the campground sporting the GS uniform. It felt empowering. Half of my extra curricular activities were same-sex. What was a negative for you? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892239 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:14:26 +0000 jedeve 1892239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a GS all the way through Cadets! I didn't finish my gold award though. I still use skills I learned. </p> <p>I loved if as a junior. I had two main beefs with it though:</p> <p>1. I wanted to do more outdoors/adventuring skills. We definitely did some but I wanted to learn more about how to carve and tie knots and stuff. Don't get me wrong, we weren't homemaking instead (well actually my silver award was a quilt...) we were doing science experiments and learning to be leaders and stuff. I just wanted to camp and canoe more!</p> <p>2. My leader was kind of a B. </p> <p>I have boys and unless they change more soon we won't have them join. Anyone know of alternatives? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892179 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:39:25 +0000 78h2o 1892179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: That's too bad that they were having problems with attendance. When I was a girl scout, we went on camping trips with a whole bunch of local scouts... I think they were called "jamborees"? I know we went at least once a year, but maybe more than that? We'd also go with just our troop to a nearby girl scout lodge at Hidden Falls, where we'd sleep indoors in bunks. There was also a week long camp, I think once a year. I don't think our whole troop went, but I know my mom went, and I think I served as a junior counselor or something there. I would say in all we camped 3-5 times a year.</p> <p>ETA: I just searched and am happy to see the Hidden Falls place still exists! <a href="http://www.girlscoutsnorcal.org/camp-and-properties/rental-directory/hidden-falls" rel="nofollow">http://www.girlscoutsnorcal.org/camp-and-properties/rental-directory/hidden-falls</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892056 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:35:25 +0000 sarac 1892056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was never involved, so I can't speak to the experience. I imagine that the skills and experiences you gain from it are largely dependent on your leaders. From a political standpoint, though, I'd love to have my daughter join. The girl scouts are exactly the kind of organization I'd like to be involved it. </p> <p>We have a regional co ed scouting organization, though, so likely we'll do that. It looks like it combines the serious skill building of boy scouts with the liberal attitude of girl scouts, so I'm hoping that my daughter is excited about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892053 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:34:01 +0000 immabeetoo 1892053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: not only are they discriminatory, they have a history of hiding and covering up sexual abuse by adults. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/20/boy-scout-abuse-files/1646033/" rel="nofollow">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/20/boy-scout-abuse-files/1646033/</a> They're completely separate organizations; Girl Scouts is extremely inclusive.</p> <p>In regards to camp, I can only speak for the area I worked in but everyone loved to talk about camp but no one ever used it. Tons of money was spent on upkeep and programs were cancelled due to lack of registration, troop leaders didn't take their kids, etc. It's tough. I love camp/the outdoors and hope GS both nationally and council-wide can find ways to encourage camping without sacrificing huge dollar amounts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts/page/2#post-1892013 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 14:00:18 +0000 Ellie 1892013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a Girl Guide, which is similar but different (here in Canada). I was a girl member from the age of 6-14 and then later I became the leader for 2 groups. </p> <p>In regards to @Skadi's comments, I don't think that the all-girl environment is unhealthy at all. Infact, I found to be the opposite. While I was a leader, I also did some volunteering at a local school. I noticed in the classroom setting (boys and girls), some of the girls were hesitant to speak up or do things in front of the class. In some situations, like when we were doing physical activities, the boys dominated and some girls seemed to give up or claimed disinterest. These were the same girls that when in the all-girl Guide group environment showed confidence and bravery and happily participated in whatever we were doing. I think for some, an all-girl environment can be a nice break.</p> <p>And I think that the experience and skills that I learned as a girl member still enrich my life today. I think important skills, like my leadership, communications and personal relationship skills are in part due to my Guide experience. As a leader I tried to instil and give girls the opportunity to develop those skills. Yes, maybe knot-tying or tent-pitching skills aren't in high demand, but the process of learning and succeeding and accomplishing things is very beneficial. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891976 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:46:38 +0000 MrsSCB 1891976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think Girl Scouts can be a great experience. I would be fine with my daughters being in troops. Boy Scouts, no way, not unless they change their policies re: homophobia. My husband is an Eagle Scout, but he agrees that any sons we have will not be participating unless serious changes are made. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891957 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:40:31 +0000 BSB 1891957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was never in Girl scouts. Don't think my parents knew about it. </p> <p>My niece was in it for a few years.</p> <p>I would let my daughter try it out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891941 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:34:15 +0000 catlady 1891941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a brownie for a few years. I liked doing some of the crafts but I wasn't upset when I quit (I had too many other activities). It didn't really make much on an impression on me either way so I don't think I'd mind if LO wanted to join but I probably wouldn't think of it unless she asked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891893 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:13:14 +0000 meredithNYC 1891893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: By politically charged, do you mean left-leaning/feminist? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891890 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:12:21 +0000 meredithNYC 1891890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did it until 8th grade and then I volunteered as a troop leader when I was in college. Personally, I loved it, but I do agree that the leader(s) has a lot to do with how fun the troop can be. We did a lot of camping and volunteer work and it was just fun. I would love for Gwen to be a part of that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891878 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:08:35 +0000 plantains 1891878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a brownie and loved it. I would love for DD to be GS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891866 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:03:12 +0000 lady grey 1891866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: I did girls scouts for many years and I loved it. The leaders are volunteers, usually one of the girl's mom, so I think that can effect the group a lot, as far as what type of activities they do etc. We did lots of projects, crafts, volunteering and camping. I learned how to chop wood and build a camp fire from doing girl scouts. fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891859 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 13:00:50 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1891859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had no idea there was even a negative stigma associated to Girl Scouts. I was in it for many years and loved it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891855 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:59:08 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1891855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a Girl Scout for a few years and found it incredibly boring. I don't remember doing a single exciting thing and we never camped once (all camping I did was just with my family) and when I stopped I remember telling my parents that I wanted to be a Boy Scout because they got to do all the fun stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891552 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:17:58 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1891552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a Girl Scout and only have positive feelings. The group activities that earned us badges were fun and usually taught us something new. We learned CPR and hiked a mountain. Selling cookies was a good way to practice greetings with adults. I had a blast on the camping trip and the science museum slumber party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891544 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:15:58 +0000 ShootingStar 1891544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. J: Ugh, so sexist. Just another reason for me to dislike them I guess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891534 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:11:11 +0000 Mrs.Pinecone316 1891534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think girl scouts are great, always happy when its time they all start selling cookies! But it isn't something I would be excited to sign a future daughter up for,(unless she really wanted to) maybe because it was never an interest of mine growing up? But nothing personal against the organization, I didn't realize there was a stigma? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891525 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:06:43 +0000 Mrs. J 1891525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loved girl scouts! I was one 1st-8th grade. I would definitely enroll a theoretical daughter in it. </p> <p>@ShootingStar: I had a friend in HS that was a girl Boy Scout--they would NOT let her get her Eagle Scout award, which was bogus to me. She could do everything else but that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891521 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:04:37 +0000 HabesBabe 1891521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: Boy Scouts have very discriminatory policies-- Girl Scouts are welcoming to all. Sad, but I'll have C join GS, but I won't let H join BS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891508 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:59:46 +0000 birdofafeather 1891508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: Wow, I was a Girl Scout for the same amount of time, even got my Gold Award. It was a completely different experience for me! We went camping 2x a year as well as mini weekend trips and I have very positive associations with the all-girl environment. </p> <p>By the time I got to high school, we barely met as a group but I stayed connected. It wasn't cool to do but I still was involved. I guess I was lucky to have leaders that really invested in us and liked to camp. I would definitely enroll my daughter if there is an active group! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/negative-stigma-against-girl-scouts#post-1891490 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:54:28 +0000 PurplePeony 1891490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: that pretty much sums up my experience, too, although I wasn't so concerned about being nerdy at that point...but none of my friends wanted to be involved anymore and the troop was super small and really no fun. So there wasn't much to keep me in. I later switched schools and there was a more active troop there, but by that time I *was* concerned with being cool and Girl Scouts just weren't. </p>