Joshua Bennett
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), commonly referred to as Girl Scouts, is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and has since grown to near 3.7 million members. While the organization is secular, it has partnered with religious groups, including Catholic parishes, and allows troops to decide whether their activities, badges, and rules are religious in nature. In 2024, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati cut ties with the Girl Scouts, citing differences in values and ideology. However, Girl Scouts continues to emphasize its commitment to inclusivity and has partnerships with other Catholic dioceses and parishes across the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Girl Scouts is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. | The stated mission of Girl Scouts is to "build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place" through activities involving camping, community service, and practical skills such as first aid. |
| Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. | The organization is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). |
| Girl Scouts has collaborated with Catholic parishes and schools. | Girls can earn Catholic Awards through parish service projects and faith formation events. |
| Girl Scouts is a secular organization that does not endorse any religion. | There is discretion at the troop level to include religious elements, and some troops have partnered with religious groups. |
| Girl Scouts has been criticized by some Catholic leaders for its support of LGBTQ+ rights and transgender inclusion. | Girl Scouts defends its commitment to inclusivity and handling of cases involving transgender children on a case-by-case basis. |
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What You'll Learn
Girl Scouts is a secular organization
The Girl Scouts' commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their willingness to accommodate girls from diverse backgrounds and their stance on transgender rights. In 2012, the organization defended its inclusion of transgender girls, stating that it handles "cases involving transgender children on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on ensuring the welfare and best interests of the child in question and the other girls in the troop as our highest priority."
However, the Girl Scouts' stance on inclusivity and certain social issues has led to criticism and opposition from some religious groups. For instance, in 2024, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati announced that it would cut ties with the Girl Scouts due to disagreements over gender views and the organization's partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts (WAGGGS). The archdiocese encouraged Catholic parishes to transition to American Heritage Girls, a "Christ-centered" alternative to the Girl Scouts.
Despite these differences, the Girl Scouts have made efforts to cater to Catholic members. They have implemented programs such as the "Catholic Faith Awards" and "My Promise, My Faith," which encourage Catholic girls to explore and strengthen their faith. Additionally, Catholic girls in the Girl Scouts can earn Catholic Awards and Religious Awards, recognizing their accomplishments within the context of their faith.
While the organization as a whole maintains a secular stance, it respects the spiritual motivations of its members and strives to support them in their faith journeys. The Girl Scouts' commitment to inclusivity and empowerment extends to girls of all religious backgrounds, and they work to ensure that all members feel welcomed and valued within the organization.
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The Catholic Church has cut ties with the Girl Scouts
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati's decision to cut ties with the Girl Scouts is based on the belief that the organization promotes ideologies that are contrary to Catholic doctrine. Archbishop Schnurr and other Catholic leaders have expressed concern over the Girl Scouts' stance on gender and sexuality, specifically regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and related initiatives. The archdiocese also pointed to the Girl Scouts' association with the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts (WAGGS) and its connection to International Planned Parenthood, which advocates for abortion and artificial contraception as preventive healthcare for women.
In response, the Girl Scouts emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and their century-long tradition of serving girls from diverse backgrounds. They also highlighted their willingness to engage in discussions with church officials and address concerns. The organization has implemented programmes such as the "Catholic Faith Awards" to encourage Catholic girls to explore their faith.
While the Girl Scouts have historically partnered with various religious groups, including Catholic parishes, individual troops have discretion in incorporating religious elements into their activities. The organization does not endorse any specific religion but provides opportunities for girls to earn religious awards and explore their faith.
The decision to sever ties has sparked mixed reactions. Some have expressed disappointment, hoping for a resumption of the century-old relationship between the Catholic Church and the Girl Scouts. Others have supported the move, prioritizing the alignment of youth programmes with Catholic values and teachings.
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Girl Scouts' commitment to the Catholic Church
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, a year after she met Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. The stated mission of the Girl Scouts is to "build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place" through activities involving camping, community service, and practical skills such as first aid.
While the Girl Scouts is a secular organization, it has long-standing partnerships with religious groups, including the Catholic Church. The organization allows troops to decide whether their activities, badges, and rules are religious in nature. For example, troops associated with Catholic parishes and schools have promoted and modelled what it means to be a faithful Catholic woman through their activities and the pursuit of Religious Awards.
GSUSA has also demonstrated its commitment to its Catholic members through its My Promise, My Faith program, which invites girls of all ages to explore their faith. Girls are encouraged to earn their faith organization's emblems and recognitions, and troop leaders play an important role in helping girls strengthen their understanding of their faith.
However, the relationship between the Girl Scouts and the Catholic Church has faced some challenges. In 2016, the Roman Catholic archbishop of St. Louis urged parishioners to cut ties with the Girl Scouts over the group's embrace of LGBT rights. More recently, in 2024, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati also decided to end its partnership with the Girl Scouts, citing concerns over the group's views on gender and sexuality, which they believe contradict Catholic teachings.
Despite these challenges, the Girl Scouts remain committed to their Catholic members and continue to work towards fostering an inclusive environment for girls of all faiths.
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Religious awards and Catholic Faith Awards
Girl Scouts is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It was founded in 1912 and has since grown to near 3.7 million members. The organization is not affiliated with any religion, but it does invite girls to take spiritual journeys via their faith's religious recognitions.
Girls can earn the My Promise, My Faith pin by exploring the connections between the Girl Scout Law and the teachings of their faith. This pin can be earned each year. The organization also hosts interfaith celebrations with faith partners during the week of the Girl Scouts' birthday each March. Celebration days include Girl Scout Sunday, Girl Scout Jummah, Girl Scout Sabbath, and Girl Scout Shabbat.
Girls can also earn faith-based awards through their own religious organizations. For example, Catholic Girl Scouts can earn Catholic Religious Emblems, such as the Bronze Pelican Award, the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal, and the Bishop Walter F. Sullivan Youth Award. The Pillars of Faith program recognizes girls who have earned all four Catholic Religious Emblems. Catholic Girl Scouts can also participate in programs such as "I Live My Faith" and the Marian Medal program to learn more about their faith and how to live it out.
While Girl Scouts does not endorse any particular religion, there is discretion at the troop level, and some troops may include more religious elements than others. For example, some troops use the word "God" in their pledge, while others do not. Girls can also earn badges and awards for completing certain tasks and mastering skills, regardless of their religious affiliation.
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Girl Scouts' partnership with Catholic parishes
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), commonly referred to as Girl Scouts, is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, a year after she had met Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. The stated mission of the Girl Scouts is to "build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place" through activities involving camping, community service, and practical skills such as first aid.
The Girl Scouts is a secular organization, but it has partnered with religious groups, including Catholic parishes, and the organization allows troops to determine whether their activities, badges, and rules are religious in nature. The Girl Scouts addresses the issue directly on its website: "We recognize that the motivating force for many of you is a spiritual one. We encourage you to develop connections to your spiritual and religious beliefs."
The partnership between the Girl Scouts and the Catholic Church is reflected in collaboration agreements in dioceses across the United States. For example, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys have partnered with the Church of St. Peter and St. Peter's Catholic School. As part of this partnership, Girl Scouts obtained recycling bins for the church and school, raised awareness of recycling in the community, and taught parishioners, staff, and students how to recycle.
Another example of a partnership is between the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and the Holy Name of Jesus Church. Two 14-year-old girls from this council created a Habitat Club at the church to encourage parishioners to contribute their time and resources to building homes and beautifying communities. They also supplied bagged lunches and snacks for volunteers and hosted a dinner for 65 college student volunteers.
In addition to these local partnerships, the Girl Scouts have also collaborated with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, reflecting their commitment to their 500,000 Catholic members. The Girl Scouts have also introduced programs such as "My Promise, My Faith," which invites girls of all ages to explore their faith, with the support of troop leaders and other adults.
However, in recent years, there has been tension between the Girl Scouts and the Catholic Church due to the former's embrace of LGBT rights and its relationship with organizations like Planned Parenthood. In 2016, the Archbishop of St. Louis urged parishioners to cut ties with the Girl Scouts over their support for LGBT rights. More recently, in 2024, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati also announced that it would be discontinuing its parishes' partnerships with the Girl Scouts, citing concerns over the organization's promotion of a "false and harmful" view of sex and gender. Despite these disagreements, the Girl Scouts remain committed to their partnership with the Catholic Church and Catholic communities throughout the country.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Girl Scouts is not a Catholic organization. It is a secular organization that has partnered with religious groups, including Catholic parishes, and allows troops to decide whether their activities, badges, and rules are religious in nature.
Girl Scouts has partnered with Catholic parishes and schools, and girls can earn Catholic Awards and Religious Awards through their troops. However, there have been recent calls for Catholic parishes to cut ties with Girl Scouts due to disagreements over gender and LGBT+ rights issues.
Yes, Catholic girls can join Girl Scouts, and there are Girl Scout troops associated with Catholic parishes and schools. However, the Catholic Church has encouraged Catholics to bring the light of Christ into their troops, and some Catholic parishes have discontinued their partnerships with Girl Scouts.
An alternative to Girl Scouts for Catholic girls is American Heritage Girls, which describes itself as a "Christ-centered" organization dedicated to helping girls respond to God's call to grow in purity, service, stewardship, and integrity.
