Can Girl Scouts of America Survive in Modern Times?

Can Girl Scouts of America survive in modern times? It's a question that many of us "old scouts" consider from time to time. Considering the somewhat ancient roots of girl scouting in the United states and the growing number of competing organizations isn't it possible that Girl Scouts of America will simply pass into the pages of history as nothing more than a fond memory of simpler times? Possible but not likely, precisely because of its roots and the way it matches up with organizations which compete for the same member base- young girls of America.

In 1912, before there had been a World War, a Great Depression, another World War, a Cold War, a man on the moon, computers, dvd's or ipod's, Juliette Low was inspired to bring some southern girls out of their Georgia homes to meet regularly and enjoy one another's company, the great outdoors and the chance to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. This simple idea caught on and within the first decade according to the Girl Scouts of America their organization had gained 70,000 members across the country. These girls were engaged in activities that could lead them to earn and accumulate some 25 badges.

Some 50 years later Girls Scouts of America was still functioning to improve the lives of girls across the nation. Along the way GSA ( Girls Scouts of America) had not lost track of time but worked hard to stay relevant. In the 70's American Girl Scouts were involved in activities which aided Vietnamese immigrants, shared knowledge of the importance of health and nutrition and developed interest in expanding knowledge of environment and ecology. These were not the issues of the first Girls Scouts but they were very much the issues that confronted Girls Scouts in the 1970'.

Today Girls Scouts of America continues to grow and develop with the times. The numbers of Girl Scouts in the United states according to GSA figures has advanced to the 3 million mark. But far more interesting to many is the kinds of interests scouts now pursue. Who would have thought in the time of Juliette Low that one day American Girls Scouts would pursue the badges of the 2010's like Global Awareness, Stress Less and Environmental Health. Scouts are involved in activities that reach out in service to the community and around the globe to places as remote as Afghanistan. A simple group that was created for girls a century ago has successfully morphed into organization for girls who are living lives that could never have been imagined.

Along the way other equally well intentioned organizations have developed to meet the needs of girls and young women. Organizations that have a faith focus like Gems for example have caught the interest and drawn the participation of some. For other girls there are many sport, music and art programs that are offered through public school systems. Community organizations reach out with recreational and social groups to keep young girls active and involved.

In the midst of such competition, Girls Scouts of America continues to stay true to its past, its goals and its willingness to grow and change with the times. This seems to be enough to keep the dream of Juliette Low alive and well and living in the United States of America.

Sources: www.girlscouts.com