Recently in Girl Scout Policies Category

Almost every day, I receive a reminder about the impact of the media on what we think, believe and how we see the world.      A few weeks ago, an Indiana politician felt the need to share his views on how Girl Scouts is ruining the American family.   His comments were "from the internet."   They didn't have much back-up or additional documentation from original sources.   His remarks were picked up on Fox, CNN and other national news outlets.   Of course, this set some phones ringing to troop leaders, service unit managers and our offices.

It was news to me that Girl Scouts was anti-family.   In fact, we work hard at having events that involve as many as we can within the confines of our insurance limitations. So, I would like to provide a brief outline for parents, troop leaders, and service unit managers about this council and its policies.

GSSA doesn't have a relationship of any kind with Planned Parenthood.   We don't talk to them, do any programs with them, send them any funds or accept any funds from them.   There is no relationship between GSSA and Planned Parenthood - period.

GSUSA has said multiple times that it does not have a relationship with Planned Parenthood.   Further, Planned Parenthood also denies having any relationship with GSUSA.

GSSA doesn't participate in any sex education.   We believe those discussions are best left for families and their church community.   The programs we present and materials we use don't address sex education.

Anna Marie Chavez, the new GSUSA CEO is a practicing Roman Catholic.   Because there has been an increasingly tenuous relationship with the Catholic Church, she has initiated a conversation with staff who works with youth programming to address misunderstandings between GSUSA and the Catholic Church.

The new Journey materials have been reviewed relative to criticisms about third-party websites that advocate for particular perspectives that might not be in concert with GSUSA.   In an effort to address those concerns, any references in the Journey materials that are questionable have been eliminated with replacement references.   These materials are available at the service centers.   Going forward, GSUSA will not reference any third party websites that might not convey messages that mesh with the Girl Scout curriculum.

Anna Marie Chavez, on a recent podcast to Girl Scout staff, provided what I believe is the philosophy under which we operate.   We do not teach girls what to think.   We teach girls to stand up for what they believe in - and we will continue to do so in the future.

For your convenience, here is a printable version of what GSSA stands for.

These outings require a little advance planning by your Troop Trip Coordinator.

Some quick reminders:

Overnights are not permitted without the approval of an Overnight Trip/Camping Application.http://www.girlscoutssa.org/forms_resources.php#checkpoints

This includes ALL overnights, whether at a state park, at one of our Council camps, the local church basement, a hotel, or your backyard.  Applications are to be submitted 2-4 weeks in advance, to  cmiller@girlscoutssa.org

Adults are not permitted to drive unless they have been Approved, are over the age of 21, and have a valid driver's license and auto insurance card on file with the troop. Copies of these documents must be attached to the Overnight Trip/Camping Application. 

Activity insurance will not cover members unless your trip is approved, every participant is registered as a member, each adult is an approved volunteer, and safety-guidelines and policies are followed.  

Download a copy of the most current 2011 Safety-Activity Checkpoint for each activity. 

"Tagalongs" cannot be insured unless they have planned activities, designated supervision, and insurance has been purchased for them.

Girls are not permitted to leave the meeting place unless you notify your SUM or Field Exec of the troop's travel plans.

Adults are not permitted to chaperone, stay overnight, drive, or handle troop funds, unless they are approved volunteers and current registered members.

A Troop Trip Folder can save you tons of time and will keep you ready to travel throughout the year. 

The Troop Trip Folder should include: health forms, for girls and adults, troop roster with emergency contact numbers, trip itinerary, maps, destination addresses & phone numbers, permission slips , copies of reservations, pre-payments, business contacts, etc., copies of every driver's license and auto insurance, copy of certifications - FA/CPR, lifeguard, canoe, archery, camping, etc.

Each driver, and your at-home contact, should have an envelope containing copies of the first three items. 

And, did you know......?
-Caravanning (following a lead driver) is not permitted.
-Emailed permission is valid; it should contain the details of the outing, the name of the girl, emergency contact numbers, and the name of the parent giving permission.
-Before you rent a vehicle (to charter a bus, rent a car, etc.) you must complete the Vehicle Rental Application and have it reviewed by a council staff member. **The use of 15 passenger vans is strictly prohibited.**
-Camp reservations will be cancelled, unless your Overnight Trip/Camping Application is received 2 weeks in advance.

For questions about trip applications, insurance, rental applications, safety-guidelines, volunteer approval, etc., contact: C. Miller at cmiller@girlscoutssa.org