Age Levels:
You may be more familiar with the "Cadette" (7-9th grade) and "Senior" (10-12th grade designation. A few years ago GSUSA combined them into the "Girls age 11 to 17 Program." Girls from 7th through 12th grade, including girls who are 18 before they graduate from High School participate in this program. 6th graders sometimes participate in Girls 11 to 17 rather than in Juniors.
Uniform:
Girls 11 to 17 may choose from a khaki sash or vest on which they display their awards. They may also wear other uniform pieces including t-shirts, jerseys, pants, shorts, hats and more – all designed with teenage style in mind.
Studio2B:
Studio2B is a program within a program. It was added with the combined age levels and teaches girls to:
- Become their best
- Belong to a group of friends
- Believe in themselves and their ideas
- Build around their values and make a difference
Interest Projects:
At this level, the girls badges are called interest projects and take quite a bit of concentrated work in the subject area. Girls may choose from a wide variety of activities and must complete several requirements to earn these, including one service project with each interest project.
Troop Structure :
At this age level, the adult “leader” becomes an “advisor” and girls are encouraged to make more of their own choices. They learn about planning, preparing and budgeting for what they want to do, while their advisor encourages them and guides them in the appropriate direction. This is an excellent opportunity for the girls to learn decision making and follow-through in a safe environment.
Silver Award:
The Silver Award is the highest award a Scout ages 11-14 can earn. A girl prepares for her project by completing some of the Stuido2B Focus books and earning some of the special awards in her age level. This helps her clarify her values and develop ideas for her project. She then plans, carries out and evaluates a community service project of her choice under the guidance of her advisor. The project should take approximately 40 hours to complete, so it is an achievement for a young teenager.
Gold Award:
The Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouting. It can be earned by girls ages 14 to 18. Preparation is similar to the Silver Award. After completing the initial requirements, a girl must have her community service project approved by her local Girl Scout Council before she begins work on her actual project. The Gold Award takes a lot of hours and dedication and any young lady who earn this can wear her award with pride.
Costs:
Girls must be registered with GSUSA in order to participate in Girl Scout activities. Other expenses are optional and are determined by the scout, family & troop.
- GSUSA registration: $10.00
- Sash: $5.75-6.25
- Vest: $19.50-22.50
- Girl Scout Pin: $1.35
- Council Identification Set: $4.00
- Troop Numerals: $1.25/number
- Cadette Handbook: $11.50
- Senior Handbook: $10.95
- IP Book: $9.95
- Focus Books: $4.95 each
- Dues cover activities, supplies, and sometimes snacks. Vary by troop.
Find a Troop:
Many troops meet at churches, community centers or schools, so those are good places to check. Local Councils are listed in the phone book and can help you locate a troop. You can also find your local council through the GSUSA Council Finder on their Web site.
Silver and Gold with Girl Scouts:
Girls 11 to 17 participate in wide and varied activities while working on Studio2B charms, Interest Projects or just having fun. They visit the mall and watch movies, complete science projects and sewing projects, cook meals and climb rocks, camp, hike and much more. There are a number of opportunities available to girls in this age group to travel, as well.
Even if she's never been a girls scout before, your daughter can join at the 11 to 17 age level and benefit greatly. The program for older girls offers numerous opportunities to enjoy, explore, learn, lead and build friendships. The program is designed with the 21st century teenager in mind – girls can take part in as little or as much as they like, and can fit in their busy schedule.
Girl Scouts age 11 to 17 have opportunities that other girls their age may never have. They learn skills and build self-confidence that will carry them into their young adult years and beyond. While your daughter may be reluctant to join a club that isn't seen as “cool” by her middle and high school friends, Girl Scouts is definitely worth considering – and possibly even cajoling!