American Heritage Girls?

[MrsPete]

I never said the article was right. I said it was an example of the mentality of American Heritage Girls. I was a GS for 7.5 yrs and my DD is in her 2nd yr. I fully support girlscouts.

I wasn't knocking YOU. I was criticizing a journalist who'd publish information that's completely false. She obviously didn't bother to take a look at SafetyWise, any program materials, or other GSUSA guidelines. It looks like she talked to a couple disgruntled scouts and took their word as gospel.

 

[sha_lyn]

OK... sorry I thought you were saying that you needed to set the record straight for me. That's what I have about posting online soemtimes. It is hard to "read" anything beyond the written word.

The scary thing is that the authors "facts" are very much the opinion of the extremely fundemental Christians. IE...they see no difference between the Untied Way unbrella and being directlly involved with planned parenthood

As for girl power and domestic violence, they are enricment patches, not badges.
http://www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/endorsers/GS2002.htm - scroll down to the bottom of the page for a pci of the GS girl power patches and a link to the info

http://www.growing.com/nonviolent/youth/dvaware/index.htm

 

[TPCShauna]

I forgot to mention in my prior post that I, personally, am not Christian but all of the girls in my troop are. We meet in a Presbyterian Church and do community service for several organizations supported by various Christian churches.

Every Christmas, we have a holiday party after we sing Christmas carols at the local senior center. Some are secular and some aren't but the girls choose all of them.

I was a GS way back when I was in school and I am a leader now because of what I learned then. DH earned his Eagle and has been recruited to volunteer with the Boy Scouts here. He and I both choose to work with GS because we don't want to affiliate ourselves with an organization that teaches that discrimination is OK.

 

[leafette]

To the OP, I would recommend calling your local Council office and asking if they can refer you to another troop.

I am a GS Leader and I have had a parent call and ask to be moved into another troop because my troop "doesn't do enough outdoor activities". My Council put her daughter's name on the waiting list but also explained that my troop is the most active in our area. We've been working towards our first camping trip for three years which is how long it has taken us to follow the recommended Girl Scout progression for outdoor activities and camping. (I actually have a waiting list for MY troop - the girls and parents have said they are willing to wait even though I don't have space and keep trying to put them in other troops.)

Part of the reason it has taken us so long to prepare for camping is because I can't get parents in my troop to agree to spend the night on the trips! We need at least two additional parents besides myself and my assistant leader and we had to cancel a camping skills day, a day hike and a backyard camping trip because none of the parents wanted to go. We are first year Juniors and started a program where we require each girl and Mom to plan and teach a badge. The parents are complaining that it takes too much of their time.

I would recommend that you try talking to your leader. She might want to do more activities but is overwhelmed and could use a hand. If there is somewhere in particular that your daughter wants to go, you and she can research and bring the info to the troop meeting. Yes, there are leaders who just want to do crafts or girly things or have a social club. OTOH, there are leaders (like me) who encourage the girls to plan, set goals, budget their earnings, go on field trips they want to do and earn the badges THEY are interested in. I'll be honest when I say that I do it all for the girls but I could DEFINITELY do without the parents most of the time and I have "good" parents!

BTW, I don't have children and I spend at least 5 hours a week on Girl Scouts. In addition to being a troop leader, I am the local Service Unit Manager (like a volunteer manager for other leaders in my area), I start up new troops and mentor new leaders and I am a trainer for my Council. Sometimes, (like during the cookie sale), I spend well over 10 hours a week. I spent 42 hours at cookie booth sales last March and that doesn't include any of the rest of the volunteer work I did for GS that month. My parents complained that they had to do a total of 3 hours at a booth in 3 weeks.

I know that you and DD are frustrated but please try to remember that your leader is a volunteer who has stepped up to this position because she wants to provide this opportunity for girls. I'm sure she would appreciate some support and maybe a little help. Good luck!

Believe me, I've tried. I got Brownie leader training and took Cabin Camping and was signed up for Platform Tents/Outdoor Cooking so I could help with the camping. We had even signed up for a campout last year but the council was "taking too long" to confirm, so she just cancelled it and decided to have a campout in her backyard. This year we did NOTHING, not even an attempt at camping because she's annoyed at how long everything takes and how many training classes the GS requires. My DD confessed that most of the meetings involve "playing" at her house. We've never done any service unit events because she refuses to attend service unit meetings and doesn't even get the info.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

please elaborate

I see nothing shocking about

Girl Scout Creed


Girl Scout Promise:
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.



Girl Scout Law:
I will do my best to be ...
Honest and fair, Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, Responsible for what I say and do,
To respect myself and others, Respect authority, Use resources wisely,
Make the world a better place, and To be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Motto:
"Be Prepared."


Girl Scout Slogan:
"Do A Good Turn Daily." from http://oldwww.nationwide.net/~troop3335/creed.html

I guess it's shocking that GSUSA allows a child to substitute a more appropriate term based on her belief system for the word "God" in the Promise. Or that Girl Scouts care more about a leader's leadership abilities than her sexual orientation.

As has been mentioned, the Girl Scouts have religious awards, and certainly do not ban prayer. In fact, Girl Scout Graces are a big tradition before meals at camp. It's up to the individual troop or group to decide what grace will be said, so Christian troops will say Christian graces, while more diverse troops will choose more inclusive, or even non-religious graces. I guess that might be consided "shocking" to some, too. I think it's exactly how it should be.

 

[allison443]

Believe me, I've tried. I got Brownie leader training and took Cabin Camping and was signed up for Platform Tents/Outdoor Cooking so I could help with the camping. We had even signed up for a campout last year but the council was "taking too long" to confirm, so she just cancelled it and decided to have a campout in her backyard. This year we did NOTHING, not even an attempt at camping because she's annoyed at how long everything takes and how many training classes the GS requires. My DD confessed that most of the meetings involve "playing" at her house. We've never done any service unit events because she refuses to attend service unit meetings and doesn't even get the info.

It sounds like you would be a great leader-please consider it for your daughter's sake! I have been a leader for 13 years for all of my daughters. It can be a great experience!

 

[allison443]

just a little taste of the mentality of American Heritage Girls

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=25503

Yep, how dare GSUSA teach girls such horrible things are equal rights, girl power etc.

The author of the article states with horror that GS "supports Title IX, which mandates gender equity in school funded sports." Actually Title IX bans gender discrimination in schools, whether it be in academics or athletics.
Is this a bad thing?

That article was poorly written and factually incorrect. Thanks to Mrs. Pete for your great rebuttal

Believe me, I may have my issues with some aspects of GS, but it bothers me when people make false arguments about it.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Thank you for this. You put into words what I would love to be able to express.

OP, talk to the leader. If you are not satisfied after that, go to your council.

To the OP, I would recommend calling your local Council office and asking if they can refer you to another troop.

I am a GS Leader and I have had a parent call and ask to be moved into another troop because my troop "doesn't do enough outdoor activities". My Council put her daughter's name on the waiting list but also explained that my troop is the most active in our area. We've been working towards our first camping trip for three years which is how long it has taken us to follow the recommended Girl Scout progression for outdoor activities and camping. (I actually have a waiting list for MY troop - the girls and parents have said they are willing to wait even though I don't have space and keep trying to put them in other troops.)

Part of the reason it has taken us so long to prepare for camping is because I can't get parents in my troop to agree to spend the night on the trips! We need at least two additional parents besides myself and my assistant leader and we had to cancel a camping skills day, a day hike and a backyard camping trip because none of the parents wanted to go. We are first year Juniors and started a program where we require each girl and Mom to plan and teach a badge. The parents are complaining that it takes too much of their time.

I would recommend that you try talking to your leader. She might want to do more activities but is overwhelmed and could use a hand. If there is somewhere in particular that your daughter wants to go, you and she can research and bring the info to the troop meeting. Yes, there are leaders who just want to do crafts or girly things or have a social club. OTOH, there are leaders (like me) who encourage the girls to plan, set goals, budget their earnings, go on field trips they want to do and earn the badges THEY are interested in. I'll be honest when I say that I do it all for the girls but I could DEFINITELY do without the parents most of the time and I have "good" parents!

BTW, I don't have children and I spend at least 5 hours a week on Girl Scouts. In addition to being a troop leader, I am the local Service Unit Manager (like a volunteer manager for other leaders in my area), I start up new troops and mentor new leaders and I am a trainer for my Council. Sometimes, (like during the cookie sale), I spend well over 10 hours a week. I spent 42 hours at cookie booth sales last March and that doesn't include any of the rest of the volunteer work I did for GS that month. My parents complained that they had to do a total of 3 hours at a booth in 3 weeks.

I know that you and DD are frustrated but please try to remember that your leader is a volunteer who has stepped up to this position because she wants to provide this opportunity for girls. I'm sure she would appreciate some support and maybe a little help.

Good luck!

 

[TPCShauna]

Believe me, I've tried. I got Brownie leader training and took Cabin Camping and was signed up for Platform Tents/Outdoor Cooking so I could help with the camping. We had even signed up for a campout last year but the council was "taking too long" to confirm, so she just cancelled it and decided to have a campout in her backyard. This year we did NOTHING, not even an attempt at camping because she's annoyed at how long everything takes and how many training classes the GS requires. My DD confessed that most of the meetings involve "playing" at her house. We've never done any service unit events because she refuses to attend service unit meetings and doesn't even get the info.

You sound like you would be a WONDERFUL leader. You've already taken several steps to make it happen.

As a leader, I would have LOVED if a parent would have attended service unit meetings for me. Call your Council, find out your service unit manager's contact info and call that person to find out when the meetings are. TELL your leader (don't ask) that you will be attending the service unit meetings since she is so busy. That way, you will get all of the info about SU events and can hook into council and other troops.

We also have several troops that don't camp and I have worked with some girls from those troops to get them ready for camping. You CAN make it happen. It just might take some work on your part. It sounds as though you are willing to put in the time to get the training so I think you should go for it and look into being a leader.

 

[cybrkitn]

please elaborate

I see nothing shocking about

Girl Scout Creed


Girl Scout Promise:
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.



Girl Scout Law:
I will do my best to be ...
Honest and fair, Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, Responsible for what I say and do,
To respect myself and others, Respect authority, Use resources wisely,
Make the world a better place, and To be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Motto:
"Be Prepared."


Girl Scout Slogan:
"Do A Good Turn Daily." from http://oldwww.nationwide.net/~troop3335/creed.html

I will be sending you a PM

ETA: After reading a little farther down, I noticed that MrsToad had posted the answer. My repsonse is the top of Page 3.

 

[cybrkitn]

I guess it's shocking that GSUSA allows a child to substitute a more appropriate term based on her belief system for the word "God" in the Promise.

Yes, that is what shocked me. I was going to PM anyone who was curious to know mostly b/c I didn't want to turn this thread into something that it wasn't. The OP was asking a legitimate question and I felt it only fair not to anything up that could lead to bashing.

As far as GS or AHG - to each's own. That's the beauty of having different choices available. If you don't feel comfortable with something, you have another option available to you. In the end, though, it will be up to the OP and her DD to make the decision on whether to find another GS troop or try AHG instead.

 

[MrsPete]

Yes, that is what shocked me. I was going to PM anyone who was curious to know mostly b/c I didn't want to turn this thread into something that it wasn't. The OP was asking a legitimate question and I felt it only fair not to anything up that could lead to bashing.

As far as GS or AHG - to each's own. That's the beauty of having different choices available. If you don't feel comfortable with something, you have another option available to you. In the end, though, it will be up to the OP and her DD to make the decision on whether to find another GS troop or try AHG instead.

My girls are scouts, but I have nothing against the Heritage Girls -- not that we even have them in this area. Wonder why we don't have them here in the Bible Belt? My problem is with people spreading outright lies in an attempt to discredit an organization. People should be able to choose kids' activities based upon the truth.

 

[robinb]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Toad
I guess it's shocking that GSUSA allows a child to substitute a more appropriate term based on her belief system for the word "God" in the Promise.

Yes, that is what shocked me.

God forbid that all girls be made to feel welcome even if they're not Christian or they don't believe in God!

As far as GS or AHG - to each's own. That's the beauty of having different choices available.

But AGH is not a choice for non-Christian children as AGH does not want them. Which is exactly why I said I would never allow my child to join such an exclusive group, the fact that she is Jewish notwithstanding.

 

[cybrkitn]

My girls are scouts, but I have nothing against the Heritage Girls -- not that we even have them in this area. Wonder why we don't have them here in the Bible Belt? My problem is with people spreading outright lies in an attempt to discredit an organization. People should be able to choose kids' activities based upon the truth.

I totally agree with you on that

I never heard of the AHG before until the OP mentioned it. I was curious and decided to google them. It got me wondering what the difference was btwn them and the GS.

My original post wasn't meant to stir anything. In fact, it was originally supposed to be show that the GS, AHG and even the Boy Scouts all had the same Creed/Oath so it wouldn't matter if the OP choose the AHG or tried to find another GS troup. But as I was typing it and looking at the GS's site I saw a difference and then I didn't know how to proceed with my post. I was pretty much at a loss for words b/c I wasn't expecting to see the GS statement.

In any case, it really doesn't matter as it will be up to the OP to make the final decision. The idea of her becoming a GS Leader sounds like a good idea, too

When I was in grade school, I joined Brownies and they had done camping (of which I missed out on) and a lot of other things. My mom was even my Brownie Leader for a while too. I never graduated up to GS, though. I could have lost interest by that point. I was in third grade so I really don't remember the reason.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

My girls are scouts, but I have nothing against the Heritage Girls -- not that we even have them in this area. Wonder why we don't have them here in the Bible Belt? My problem is with people spreading outright lies in an attempt to discredit an organization. People should be able to choose kids' activities based upon the truth.

I agree completely. I have no problem with organizations based in religion (I belong to one myself ), but lying about other organizations is despicable.

I also think "American Heritage Girls" is a strange name choice for such an organization. You'd never know it's religious emphasis by it's name alone.

 

[sha_lyn]

I agree completely. I have no problem with organizations based in religion (I belong to one myself ), but lying about other organizations is despicable.

ITA...I believe choice is a wonderful thing. It is the scare tactics that AHG use that bothers me. There are several home school moms in this area who have daughters in AHG. To hear them talk about GS, you would think that GS=child abuse. One AHG leader was going after DD's GS leader telling her that if she was really a good mother who loved her DD, she would help co-lead the AHG troop instead of jeopardizing her DD's soul by staying in girl scouts.

Asfor the name, I think they wanted to jump in on the popularity of The American Girl Dolls

 

[Soubrette]

I also think "American Heritage Girls" is a strange name choice for such an organization. You'd never know it's religious emphasis by it's name alone.

Maybe a strange choice, but definitely a strategic one. A lot of conservative faith-based organizations legitimize their goals through the rhetoric of patriotism. American "heritage" for them is limited to a Christian heritage.

I'm a past Girl Scout, and I've been really impressed with the organization over the years.

 

[Soubrette]

Asfor the name, I think they wanted to jump in on the popularity of The American Girl Dolls

I'd never even heard of the American Heritage Girls before this thread. When I saw the title, I just assumed it was a "knock-off" series trying to capitalize on the success of the AG dolls and books.

 

[cybrkitn]

God forbid that all girls be made to feel welcome even if they're not Christian or they don't believe in God!

But AGH is not a choice for non-Christian children as AGH does not want them. Which is exactly why I said I would never allow my child to join such an exclusive group, the fact that she is Jewish notwithstanding.

Robinb, my comments are my personal beliefs for me. I do not appreciate the sarcasm and personal attack. You choose what is right for you and your family. No one else can make that decision for you. I respect your choice and I would appreciate it if you respect mine. Let's try and keep this thread civil and not turn it into a bashing thread b/c of the difference in opinions.

The OP was given a great option of becoming a GS Leader and I think that is a great idea. And as I have said before, the decision is soley up to the OP.

 

[sha_lyn]

But AGH is not a choice for non-Christian children as AGH does not want them. Which is exactly why I said I would never allow my child to join such an exclusive group, the fact that she is Jewish notwithstanding

AHG contradicts itself on that matter. I am paraphrasing here, too lazy to go find the actually wording...In one paragraph they mention that the moms started to group to install Judeo-Christian values (or to honor the Judeo Christian God or something along that lines) however their mission statement (or what ever they call the doc that leaders must sign) says that they must believe in the the one true God, his son Jesus Christ and the Holly Spirit. They must follow the old and new testement etc.