With the badge system, girls complete a number of activities in an interest area to receive a badge- a small patch that can be sewn onto their uniforms. The badges are divided up into different worlds, or interest areas. The five worlds are: The World of Well-Being, which explores physical and emotional health; The World of People, which focuses on family and friends, citizenship in the community, international friendship, and global issues; The World of Today and Tomorrow, which helps you become aware of ways you can affect the world, and to gain some insights into what the future will hold; The World of the Arts, which includes a whole range of arts-- visual, performing, and literary; and the World of the Out- of- Doors, which covers the many experiences possible in the outdoors-- everything from recreation to nature and ecological studies, as well as camping in tune with today's concern for the natural environment. As one can see, these worlds cover almost every possible subject of interest. And if you cannot find a badge that suits a particular interest, you can always design your own badge, following certain regulations to make sure it is not too easy. Earning a badge gives girls a sense of pride, and accomplishment, especially when they had had doubts about their ability to finish certain requirements.

Badges are only one way girls learn about their skills. Most councils host events for girls to attend, either individually or with their troop. These events range from river and community clean-ups, to fun-filled days of sports in local parks. Most of these events are planned by older girl troops, which teaches many valuable skills. And, many ideas for these events come from the younger girls, so even though adults may do the planning, the girls have a sense of ownership, because they've had input.

As girls progress through the levels of scouting, they become more and more independent from their leaders. In fact, in many cases, leaders become merely adult advisors, someone there to act as the legal adult supervisor, and to guide the girls at times when they get stuck, and of course, to provide transportation to events.

So does this all make the Girl Scouts a feminist organization? Yes, it does. Feminism is a sense of individuality and equality of women. Feminism is teaching young women to believe in themselves, and instilling a sense of pride in their own femaleness. Because they are girls, because they are young women, the are special and unique. And the Girl Scouts do this. In everything they stand for, in everything they teach their participants, they are feminist. So the next time you hear someone say they are a Girl Scout, do not assume that they are a goody-two-shoes future housewife who likes sewing and makeup. And if they do happen to like to sew, don't assume that they are weak and not self-confident, because that's totally unfounded. Girl Scouts are all individuals, just like everyone else, and the Girl Scout organization empowers girls.



About the Author:
Anny Gately has previously written "Wild Women" for the October, 1997 issue of Grrowl!