Letters to the Editor
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That's the boyscouts!
"...an image tainted (perhaps unfairly) with shades of creepy (religious) conformity and assorted allegations of discrimination." There are religious badges available. They are mentioned in the Handbook, but not shown. I think this outreach is great. All girls are to be a sister to EVERY Girl Scout. This works both ways, so they will be welcomed at area events as are all Girl Scouts. Seems like a win-win to me.
Non-parents and parents of all kinds are are very much encouraged to participate. Even adult men can be Girl Scouts and troop leaders. (We all get background checks.) There is a man in our area who has a "It takes a real man to be a Girl Scout" t-shirt. A big bear of a guy, with two daughters. He is a very active Girl Scout! So, if you would like to twist the minds...um I mean be a role model to the next generation, call your local Council.
I am a G.S. leader (Shocking, I know!) Even I can be considered a role model by this organization. The soccer moms are often too busy to add yet another thing, so G.S.U.S.A. tends to pull in the moms who like the outdoors and charity and are pretty much up to learning anything for the sake of 'the girls.' And yes, liberal me just taught my girls how to do a flag ceremony for an investiture. Uf!
I lived in the Minneapple, and there is another advantage to giving outreach to this group, which tends to be low income. Scouting is very cheap. In my area it's $10 a year, plus more for activities (Usually $15-$35 about one offered a month.) There is also an opportunity fund which provides a sash and enrollment fees. Even in my rural area, the range of activities is impressive. Summer camp, Trips to see the Ice Capades, Mackinac Island, Indoor rock climbing etc...There are a ridiculous number of activities in the badge book to try.
So yeah Girls Scouts! (My daughter now wants to make a bridge out of Thin Mints. Yet another project...)