The Girl Scouts Promise contains the word "God." The word "God" has never been removed. The word God can be interpreted in many ways and girls are allowed to substitute whatever word their spiritual beliefs dictate. Not all religions use the word God, and some religions have more than one god.
According to the Girl Scout Constitution, "The motivating force in Girl Scouting is spiritual. The ways in which members identify and fulfill their spiritual beliefs are personal and private." Girl Scouts welcomes girls and adults of every race, ethnicity, ability level, and religion who accept the Girl Scout Promise.
The Girl Scout Promise is as follows:
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
No. Families have always been encouraged to be part of their daughter's experience in Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts encourages families to get involved with their daughter's troop. Parents also must sign the membership form and provide permission for all Girl Scout activities.
No. As a leadership organization, we aim to inspire girls with examples of women who have a wide range of beliefs but share a willingness to take a stand for their beliefs. We hope every girl who is a member will find the courage, confidence, and character to lead in accordance with her own beliefs, interests, and values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
The essence of the current Girl Scout program materials follows the example of the first Girl Scout handbook. The program materials for girls at all age levels feature hands-on activities that build leadership traits such as a strong sense of self, team building, and problem-solving skills. Girl Scout troop leaders have the option to utilize the program materials that best serve the needs of their girls.
No. The Girl Scout Promise states that girls will "serve God and my country." Girl Scouts participate in flag ceremonies, donate cookies to troops overseas, and wear the American flag on the sash as part of the official uniform. Patriotism, citizenship, and community service are basic tenets of the Girl Scout Program and are embedded in the Preamble to our Constitution.
No. Although Girl Scouts has policies supporting religious diversity, no policy by GSUSA prohibits or requires the saying or singing of a grace, blessing, or invocation before meals, or at a meeting, conference, or other group gathering. The decision to say grace, a blessing, or have an invocation is made locally at the troop or group level and should be sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of the participants.
Girl Scouts does not have—and has never had—a relationship with Wicca. Even if an outside organization states their patches may be worn on a Girl Scout uniform, it does not mean they are sanctioned or endorsed by Girl Scouts.
Official GSUSA insignias (e.g. badges) representing sanctioned programs and objectives are worn on the front of the uniform vest or sash. Official religious recognitions are worn on the front of the uniform vest or sash. Optionally, interest-related activity patches are worn on the back. Girls may attend or participate in activities with the direct written permission of their parents or guardians.
