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Welcome to Girl
Scouting for Seniors
and Ambassadors
Thank you for your commitment to Girl Scouts has they move up to Seniors and Ambassadors. This guide
will help you understand the changes in the program from Cadettes to Seniors and Ambassadors, how the
girls grow and change, the resources that are available for this grade level, and other helpful hints.
Your support and guidance to the girls will have a lasting impact.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
800-798-0833
www.GSEIWI.org
Girl Scout Crisis Line: 319-764-8833
Welcome to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors!
Through your leadership and willingness to volunteer, girls in 9th-12th grades will have
the opportunity to learn about themselves, build new friendships, and make the
world a better place.
The diagram below shows the various components of the leadership experience
and their tie to the larger goal that girls have the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.
When Discover, Connect, and Take Action activities are girl led and involve learning by doing and cooperative
learning, girls achieve the desired and expected short-term leadership outcomes, ultimately resulting in Girl Scouting
achieving its mission.
Throughout the Girl Scout experience, the girls will gain tips and strategies for creating healthy relationships and longlasting friendships. The three leadership keys are woven into the Girl Scout Processes: how you partner with the girls
and engage in activities.
*More information on the Girl Scout Leadership Model is available in the Leadership Essentials training course.
Leadership Essentials is required of all GSEIWI Troop Leaders and Co-leaders. For further information on Leadership
Essentials, visit the training courses section of our website.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 2
National Leadership Outcomes for Girl Scouts
This chart will help you guide the girls as they reflect on what they have learned and how they used their leadership skills to make
a difference in the world. The leadership outcomes will show girls how they developed while the possible indicators will show you
how those outcomes are exhibited.
Leadership Outcomes
(Below are the 15 Girl Scout Leadership Outcomes that stem
from the three Leadership Keys)
DISCOVER
•
Girls develop a strong sense of self
•
Girls develop positive values
•
•
Girls gain practical life skills—girls practice
healthy living
Girls seek challenges in the world
•
Girls develop critical thinking
CONNECT
•
Girls develop healthy relationships
•
Girls promote cooperation and team building
•
Girls can resolve conflicts
•
•
Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world
Girls feel connected to their communities,
locally and globally
TAKE ACTION
•
Girls can identify community needs
•
Girls are resourceful problem solvers
•
Girls advocate for themselves and others,
locally and globally
Girls educate and inspire others to act
•
•
Girls feel empowered to make a difference in
the world
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Possible Indicators
(When the outcome is achieved)
DISCOVER
•
•
•
•
•
Girls are able to compare how various situations bring out
various aspects of self
Girls can give examples of using the Girl Scout Promise and
Law in deciding to ”do what’s right”
Girls are able to list ways in which media promotes/inhibits
healthy behavior
Girls report using a variety of resources to pursue topics of
interest
Girls consider various factors before deciding what to believe
(i.e., how credible is the source, is there a hidden agenda)
CONNECT
•
•
•
•
•
Girls are able to name communication strategies that help
them in their relationships (i.e., listening to the ideas of others,
encouraging others instead of criticizing them)
Girls consistently prefer solving problems in teams or as a
group and explain why this can be more effective than
working alone.
Girls explain why one strategy works in one situation but not in
another
Girls demonstrate increased interest in interacting with
others from different backgrounds
Girls describe how being involved in their community resulted
in stronger connections to others
TAKE ACTION
•
•
•
•
•
Girls use community asset mapping to identify opportunities
to better their communities
Girls outline steps, resources, and time lines for their project
with minimal adult guidance
Girls identify concrete steps they can take to affect desired
changes
Girls can explain what makes a successful persuasive
message/action for various audiences
Girls explain how shared power helped them create better or
longer-lasting changes (i.e., working together vs. doing it
alone)
page 3
Girl Scouting is a learning experience. You know it’s happening when:
 Girls are allowed to make mistakes (non life-threatening.)
 Everyone has a chance to voice her opinion.
 Brainstorming is an accepted way of generating ideas.
 Girls and adults are talking with each other.
 Girls are participating in self-government.
 Girls and adults say “our” project.
 The leader asks the girls what is going to happen.
 Girls are making their own plans and adults are encouraging them.
 There is evidence of compromise.
 Girls are actively directing an event.
 Discussions are among girls, more than between adults and girls.
 Adults are close enough to answer questions when needed…and far enough away not to interfere.
 Girls are planning complete events.
 Girls encourage their friends to join the troop/group.
 Girls actively participate in evaluation.
 Older girls’ events have greater attendance because they have been planned by girls.
 Girls take responsibility for getting consultants, drivers, and permission forms, and checking for safety issues.
 The leader comes back “less tired” and more relaxed than her girls.
 The girls take the adults along “to drive the car and sign the checks.”
 A girl says, “I can do that – I can do anything.”
 An adult does not speak for the girls when the group is asked to report.
 Girls and adults trust and respect one another.
 Strengths are utilized; weaknesses are given an opportunity to strengthen.
 Everyone’s schedules are taken into consideration.
 Meetings run smoothly and in a timely fashion with everyone participating.
 Both sides live up to agreements and project commitments.
 Responsibilities are rotated equally or agreed upon democratically.
 Girls have equal voice in decision making.
 Adults can let go of their own ideas, traditions,
histories, and stereotypes.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 4
Resources
Completing the National Program Portfolio
What is a Journey?
A key part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is the leadership journey, a coordinated series of activities
grouped around a theme. The activities included in the Journey guides may be done by troops, groups, individually
registered girls, or as part of larger program events. Each age-level journey series includes an adult guide and a
corresponding girl book. (The facilitator set includes one girl book and one adult guide. Sets are available for $15 in all
council shops. Additional copies of the girl’s workbook are available for $7). The adult guide includes sample meeting
sessions, activity ideas, and tips for successfully providing a strong leadership experience for girls. The adult books
are a wonderful resource, because they are very flexible!! A troop/group could hold a meeting completely following
the sample sessions included in the book, or choose only specific pieces selected by the girls. The girl’s guide
includes activity pages, stories and materials that support the activities planned in the leader guide.
The first series of journeys, It's Your World –Change It!, helps girls develop a deeper understanding of themselves,
understand how powerfully they can act when they team up with others who share a vision, and make a difference in
their communities by inspiring, educating, and advocating. The second series, It’s Your Planet – Love it!!, calls for
action for the environment, to explore the natural world, become stewards of our fragile planet, and investigate the
science that keeps our Earth spinning. The third series, It’s Your Story – Tell It!!, uses storytelling theme in a fun and
grade-level relevant way for girls to better understand themselves and their potential. Building a strong sense of self
is the main goal of the third set.
Each journey is tied to some of Girl Scouts' 15 national outcomes for girls, as defined in the Girl Scout Leadership
Model. These outcomes are integral to the three leadership keys, Discover, Connect, and Take Action (see preceding
page for Outcome overviews).
It’s Your World --Change it! Series:
Introducing the first journey for the Senior Girl Scout Level: GIRLtopia
Girl Scout Seniors know the world is not ideal. This journey is their chance to imagine a
perfect world—for girls. They’re invited to create their vision as an art project—in any
medium they choose. Then they’ll take action to make their vision a reality. Leaders,
after all, are visionaries!
During this Journey girls may earn the girls may earn awards.
(Senior Girl Scout Journey Award Visionary Iron-on Patches are available for and/or
the Senior Girl Scout Journey Award Visionary Pins are available in all Council shops)
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 5
Introducing the first journey for the Ambassador Girl Scout Level:
Your Voice, Your World: The Power of Advocacy
How often have you seen something that really needed to be changed and wondered, "Why
isn’t someone doing something about that?" This journey gives Girl Scout Ambassadors a
way to be that someone—an advocate with the power to start the first flutter of real and
lasting change. While creating their own "butterfly effect," they'll gain an array of skills—such
as networking, planning and learning to speak up for what they believe—that will benefit
them as they prepare for life beyond high school.
During this Journey girls may earn the girls may earn awards.
(Ambassador Girl Scout Journey Award Advocate Iron-on Patches and/or the Ambassador
Girl Scout Journey Award Advocate Pins are available in all Council shops)
It’s Your Planet – Love It! Series:
Introducing the second journey for the Senior Girl Scout Level: Sow What?
So, what do you hope for from your food? Great taste? Pleasing smell? Good looks, too? As
you dig into Sow What and get down to the roots, you’ll crave a whole lot more. You’ll see how
your food network can serve up what’s best for Earth-and best for you. In this journey, Girls
investigate the food network. As they ponder the “dirt” on land use around the world (corn’s
a big issue!), girls think about who and what they can cultivate.
Seniors may earn the Harvest Award on this journey. This award is available as a pin, or a
patch.
(Senior Girl Scout Sow What? Award Iron-on Patches and/or the Senior Girl Scout Sow What?
Award Pins are available in all Council shops)
Introducing the second journey for the Ambassador Girl Scout Level: Justice
Through the ages and across the world, people have yearned for justice. And yet justice—for
Earth and all its inhabitants—continues to elude us. As Ambassadors do the math and create
their own unique equation for justice, they will find they are also networking and gathering ideas
for college and careers
Ambassadors may earn the Sage Award as a part of this journey. This award is available as a pin,
or a patch.
(Ambassador Girl Scout Justice Award Iron-on Patches are and/ or the Ambassador Girl Scout
Justice Award Pins are available in all Council shops)
It’s Your Story - Tell it!
Introducing the third journey for the Senior Girl Scout Level: Mission: Sisterhood!
Seniors learn how widening their network broadens their world and benefits the world as well.
Seniors may earn the Mission: Sisterhood! Award on this journey.
(Senior Girl Scout Mission: Sisterhood! Award Iron-on Patches are and/or the Senior Girl Scout
Mission: Sisterhood! Award Pins are available in all Council shops)
Introducing the third journey for the Ambassador Girl Scout Level: Bliss: Live It! Give It!
Ambassadors learn to dream big, now and for their future, and begin their legacy as leaders who help
others achieve their dreams, too.
Ambassadors may earn the Dream Maker Award on this journey.
(Ambassador Girl Scout Dream Maker Award Iron-on Patches and/or the Ambassador Girl Scout
Dream Maker Award Pins are available in all Council shops)
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 6
Senior and Ambassador Girl Scout Resources Continued…
The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting is the newest resource from GSUSA and you are going to love it! It
is a badge and handbook in one great binder for girls. The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, available for
use in September 2011, will include badges, handbook sections covering traditions and history,
Cookie Badges, awards log, accessory pages, and more. . The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting will work
with national leadership journeys to add skill-building to the leadership skills girls learn through the
three keys of Discover, Connect, and Take Action. Journeys are the only program resources that
cover all 15 outcomes. Badges build specific skills and are primarily aimed at the Discover “Girls
develop a strong sense of self outcome. National leadership journeys and The Girl’s Guide to Girl
Scouting make up the National Program Portfolio.
Badges for Seniors & Ambassadors included in the Senior or Ambassador Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting :
Artist
The Girl Scout Way
Citizen
Cook
First Aid
Athlete
Naturalist
Financial Literary Badges – one for each year
Cookie Business Badges – one for each year
Make your Own Badge
Plus
My Promise, My Faith Pin
Journey Summit Pin –can be earned by completing all three Brownie Journeys
Silver Award Requirements
PA Requirements
There will also be optional (for purchase) badge requirements that fit in the Senior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting that
work together with Journeys. See chart below for what is included for Skill Building Badge Set topic areas . There are
not Skill Building Badge Sets for Ambassadors.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 7
Earned Awards
All the earned awards (Jo urney Awards and Badges) for Girl Scout Seniors & ambassadors are designed to expose
girls to new hobbies, skills, and fun activities while learning more about themselves (Discover), forming new
friendships (Connect), and helping make their world a better place (Take Action).
Earning the awards is only one aspect of the Girl Scout Program for Senior s ;& Ambassadors and should not
become the primary focus of all meetings. Girls should be encouraged to enjoy different types of activities,
not just the ones that end with a tangible award.
Earned awards are official recognitions in the form of Badges, Journey award patches, and pins presented to
girls after meeting certain requirements. Earned awards are worn on the front of the Girl Scout
Senior/Ambassador vest or sash.
Senior
Ambassador
Additional Earned Awards Include:
• CIT (“Counselor in Training
Earned by Senior/Ambassadors as they learn to work with younger girls in a camp setting.
• VIT (Volunteer in Training)
Earned by Senior/Ambassadors as they learn to work with younger girls in a variety of settings.
• Gold Award
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Senior/Ambassador can earn,
represents a girl's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and her community as she grows and works
to improve her life and the lives of others.
A patch, fun-patch or participation patch, is a non-official recognition or emblem signifying the completion of a
specific set of activities and worn on the back of the vest or sash.
A Court of Awards is a ceremony to recognize girls’ achievement, planned by girls together with the Troop Leader, at
which the girls receive earned awards, insignia, etc. The ceremony can be held anytime and as often as girls and
adults wish.
Publications and Websites
Girlfriends
A newsletter just for you, girlfriend! Grades 6-12 Council publication sent directly to the girl.
Website for Teens
http://girlscouts.org/forgirls/teens_13_
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 8
Girl Scout Gold Award
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award Girl Scout Seniors and
Ambassadors can earn. Your role, whether you’re a troop/group volunteer or a
project advisor, is to encourage Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors to think
critically, be open to multiple perspectives, investigate thoroughly, work
cooperatively, and identify resources within and beyond their local communities.
You are supporting girls as they develop into leaders for today and tomorrow. If at
any point during the award process you have questions, feel free to contact the
nearest Girl Scout Leadership Experience Manager. Angela Grunder is the
council coordinator for Girl Scout High Awards. She can be contacted at
[email protected] or by calling 563-583-9169.
.The Girl Scout Gold Award is designed to be completed by an individual girl. To
earn the award, each girl must complete two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador
journeys or complete one Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador journey and have
earned a Girl Scout Silver Award. After completing either of these requirements, a
minimum of 80 hours is suggested to complete the steps to earn the Girl Scout
Gold Award
The Girl Scout Gold Award project is something that fulfills a need within a girl's community (whether local or global),
creates change, and is something that carries on even after she is done with her project. If it is an event, the event should
be something that people will want to continue for the next year; if it is a service, it should be something that creates
change or action with long-term possibilities, empowering others besides just the girl; if it is something tangible, it should
come with a plan for use and maintenance within the community. The project is more than a good service project—it
encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills.
Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award is a great honor and girls who have earned this award can apply for special scholarships
that many colleges have designed especially for awardees. A full list of scholarships available to Gold Award recipients is
available at http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/scholarships/Default.asp.
Girls who have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award often enter the four branches of the United States Armed Services
at an advanced level and salary due to the leadership experience they have shown during the time they worked
towards the Gold Award
For more information, the Girl Scout Gold Award Packet and the Volunteer Guide Packet is available online at
http://www.gseiwi.org/new forms/program/Gold-Award-Girl-Packet.pdf and
http://www.gseiwi.org/new forms/program/Gold-Award-Adult-Packet.pdf
Both Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are fully eligible to work on and achieve
the Girl Scout Gold Award.
For Senior Girl Scouts:
Bridge to Ambassador Girl Scouts
Ask Girl Scout Seniors these questions. Do you have a lot to give? Do you want your
voice to be heard? Are you excited to get involved with people and causes you care
about? If they say yes, then Girl Scout Ambassadors is for them!
Ambassador is the highest level a girl can be in Girl Scouts. As a Girl Scout Senior, girls
began exploring the wider world. When they become an Ambassador, they are ready to soar! Think of all that the
future holds and how being an Ambassador can set them on your way!
Are they planning to go to college? They can find out about life there by spending the night on a campus or attending
a workshop run by Campus Girl Scouts. Or, take a Collegiate Challenge destination, an event designed just for
Ambassadors.
If they’re interested in politics, learn how to lobby your elected officials and then visit the state capital -- or even
federal representatives -- and urge them to act on an issue they care about!
What about seeing the world? Girls can plan a trip to one of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
World Centers or go on a destinations trip with other Girl Scouts.
With all the confidence they have developed as a Girl Scout they can challenge themselves physically. They can try
kickboxing, SCUBA diving, a high adventure challenge course or go on a Survivor Encampment to see if they have
what it takes to survive in the wild!
There are three new journeys to choose from: Your Voice, Your World; Justice; and Bliss: Live It! Give It! and new
journey awards to earn.
Plus, they can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scouting’s most prestigious award. they might even become one of
the Girl Scout Young Women of Distinction, a national honor bestowed upon those who earn the Gold Award and do
something really extraordinary.
Bridging Requirements
Bridging Step One: Pass It On!
Share your talents and skills by teaching younger Girl Scouts something you learned to do as a Senior.
Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead!
Find out What Girl Scout Ambassador’s Do
Plan a Ceremony
The requirements for earning the Bridge to Ambassador Girl Scout Award can be found at:
http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/bridging_awards/ambassador.asp
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 11
For Ambassador Girl Scouts:
Bridge to Adult Girl Scout
Your moment is here! As a graduating Girl Scout Ambassador, it's time to embrace what you've learned in Girl
Scouting, honor how that will forever be a part of who you are, and step into the world as a young woman of courage,
confidence and character. It's time to begin your adult journey.
One of the ways that Girl Scout Ambassadors may wish to celebrate their transition to Girl Scout Adults is a special
Bridging Ceremony. Each troop may wish to recognize this special event in a personalized way. Parents, friends,
troop advisors, and Service team members are encouraged to attend.
Girls bridging to adult membership from Ambassador Girl Scout are also offered the
opportunity to become a Lifetime member of the Girl Scout movement at a reduced fee.
Further details are on the Girl Scout adult membership form.
Bridging Requirements:
Bridging Step One: Pass It On!
Share your talents and skills by teaching younger Girl Scouts something you learned to do as an
Ambassador.
Bridging Step Two: Look Ahead!
Find out What Girl Scout Adult’s Do
Plan a Ceremony
The requirements for the Bridge to Adults Award can be found online at:
http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/bridging_awards/adult.asp
Adult Girl Scouting!
Opportunities abound to continue enjoying the Girl Scout experience as a young adult!
Why volunteer?






Valuable experience for resumes/school applications
College credit and course work
Keep growing in knowledge and experience
Pass on your skills to the next Girl Scout generation
Make new friends and keep the old!
Keep having fun!
What can I do as an adult volunteer?





Train new leaders in leadership skills, CPR, or outdoor education
Volunteer at resident camp or for special events
Serve as a Service Team member for your Service Unit
Serve on advisory committees at the council
Volunteer at the council in your area of interest
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 12
Take Action throughout your Community
Service has always been a vital part of Girl Scouting, and Juliette Low made service a cornerstone of the Girl Scout
movement she founded. Take Action projects offer Girl Scout Senior/Ambassadors a unique opportunity to help
address needs in their community. At the Senior/Ambassador level, girls can take on more involved projects, and
take a greater leadership role in all areas of project planning, implementation and evaluation.
Through service, girls:
 Discover themselves and learn what issues are important to them.
 Connect with others, while learning about the needs of their communities.
 Take Action to address those needs.
How to choose a good Take Action project
Adult troop leaders can guide the girls in determining:
 Girls' interests and skills
 Community needs or wants
 If outside help or resources are needed
 How much time the project will take
 Safety considerations
Criteria for a good Take Action project
As a troop leader, ask yourself these questions:
 Is it age appropriate?
 Is it within the skill level of the girls?
 Does it follow Safety guidelines?
 Does it provide opportunities for girls to Discover, Connect and Take Action?
 Does it allow the girls to see the results of their efforts?
How to determine if a project works for your troop
 Identify a problem – Have the girls identify issues or needs of the community, problems observed or
experienced first-hand or learned about from media or bulletins in places of worship. Ask girls to select one in
which they have a genuine interest and narrow it to a scope and size they can handle.
 Look at possible solutions – What can girls do to help? What other community groups might be able to
participate? What resources or skills do the girls have that might make a difference? How much time are they
willing to spend? Identify a target population and the number of girls available to serve. Evaluate practical aspects
like transportation, safety, equipment, budgets, etc.
 Make a commitment – Community service should be ongoing, not isolated. One time projects are not as
effective as continued opportunities to serve. So find a way to make it last. Even after your part in the project is
done. Also, all projects need not be large or time consuming but rather provide a series of experiences that help
girls become responsible citizens.
 Reflect on the impact of service – Giving service can change the way we look at our own lives. Service can
influence career plans and promote new attitudes. Beyond evaluation, reflection allows girls to consider what the
experience has meant personally.
Safe and sound Take Action projects
Refer to Safety-Wise Activity Checkpoints for health and safety guidelines for all Girl Scout activities. The Safety-Wise
Activity Checkpoints are found online. There is a link on the GSEIWI website.
Additional considerations
Girl Scout Take Action projects:
 Cannot raise funds for another organization
 Cannot endorse commercial projects or services unless you have received written permission from GSUSA and it
must be consistent with Girl Scout principles and activities.
 Cannot work on or support a political campaign as a Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 13
Growing with Girls: An Advisor’s Role
This resource guide provides adult advisors for Senior Girl Scout and Ambassador groups with information
and tools to guide girls as they further expand their leadership experience in Girl Scouts.
As of 2008, Girl Scout Seniors are now defined as girls in grades 9 and 10. The new Girl Scout Grade level Ambassador Girl Scout-- is for girls in grades 11 and 12. Research reflecting both girl development and girl
opinion shows that girls do best when they are able to work in an environment focused on their specific
peer group. The Girl Scout grade level ranks of Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors allow girls to focus with
girls their age on concerns specific to their own development.
The advisor working with girls of these grade levels enables girls to focus on their own ever-expanding
leadership role in the 21 st century. As the girls grow in their Girl Scout leadership skills, adult volunteers must
also grow in their ability to transition – as the advisor steps aside to allow the girls to lead the group. The
focus in working with Senior/Ambassadors is to mentor and foster independence as girls plan their program
to discover, connect, and take action to make their world a better place. Girls in 9th through 10th grades will
develop their leadership skills through the GIRLtopia, Sow What??, and Mission: Sisterhood Leadership
Journeys, and badge awards. Girls in 11th through 12th grades will take action as leaders through exploration
and achievement with the Your World Your Voice, Justice, and Bliss: Live It! Give It! Leadership Journeys,
and badge awards. Girls of both grade levels may work on and achieve the Girl Scout Gold Award, the
highest achievement for girls in Girl Scouting.
Getting girls going in Girl Scout Senior and Ambassador levels can be a balancing act as the girls lead the
group and the advisor gently monitors the program and mentors girls as leaders. Girls of these grade levels
must be responsible for selecting and choosing their Girl Scout experience. An advisor’s role changes to
ensuring girl safety when necessary and guiding girls through their decisions. The girls set the course to
follow for the group...all you need to do is nudge them along to get them going. This can be a balancing act!
The Girl Scout Senior and Ambassador Leadership Experience, like all Girl Scouting, is flexible. As new
GSUSA materials are introduced, advisors should feel empowered to share options for earning awards and
leadership development with their girls.
As the girls and advisors work together to design their unique program, keeping the Keys to Leadership in
mind – Discover, Connect, Take Action – will provide a framework for a balanced, fun, and meaningful
programs in which girls of high school age discover their true leadership potential.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 14
As an advisor working with Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, be aware that girls themselves best
describe leadership and will see you as a role model for their futures. A report from Exploring Girl
Leadership (2007) from the Girl Scout Research Institute provides valuable information that describes how
girls see leadership and how leadership develops as girls grow. An excerpt that will assist advisors in serving
as a role model follows:
Ten Tips for Good Leadership from Girls
In January 2006, students from the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools attended the Student
Leadership Conference in Australia. Following are ten leadership tips they developed:
A good leader:
1. Knows when and how to be a good follower.
2. Aims to earn and keep her follower’s trust, because she will need it to be successful and to make a
difference.
3. Keeps it honest and respectful when giving feedback. A good leader keeps in mind that criticism is
not always a bad thing, and so is willing to actively listen to it.
4. Knows the difference between directing and delegating. When leading a project or group, a good
leader delegates things to other members, and offers direction when it gets off course.
5. Keeps a balanced lifestyle to make work time more productive and avoid procrastination.
6. Recognizes that she is never alone. Similar issues occur within schools and communities, no
matter where the leader is from. If a leader is having trouble, she can reach out for help and ideas
to those who can offer further insight.
7. Understands that a key to a good presentation is being able to read the audience. A good leader
adjusts her demeanor to keep her audience receptive and interested.
8. Creates an effective and unique leadership environment by being tolerant and open to other
members’ ideas.
9. Is able to manage her time and balance her activities by identifying what is urgent versus what is
important.
10. Is aware of her emotions and personal obligations.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 15
Leadership Changes with Age
Girls’ definitions of leadership also differ with age (see the chart below). The Girl Scout Research Institute focus
groups reveal that as girls grow and develop new skills and ideas about the world, leading moves from a more singular
approach with elementary school age girls (girls lead with action—what I can do) to influencing others at the middle
school level (girls lead with voice—how I can impact others). As girls enter high school their ideas about leadership
become inner-directed again with an emphasis on confidence (girls lead with vision–who I am as a leader) as they
seek to validate their own ideas and become comfortable acting on them.
Elementary School – Girls
Lead With Action
Middle School – Girls Lead
with Voice
High School – Girls Lead With
Vision
If I help my friend, she will feel
better, and I will too.
If I were my best self, I’d be a public
speaker.
Leaders make the world better for
themselves and others around them.
“Helping younger kids”
“Being a good friend”
“Being a good model”
“Teaching other kids the things I
know”
“How to take care of my family”
“Having good communication skills”
“Speaking up for myself”
“How to resolve conflicts”
“Being a good role model”
“Influencing others”
“How to take care of my family”
“How to resolve conflicts”
“Being clear on my values/actions”
“Being comfortable making
decisions”
“Communicating with others”
“Planning and organizing”
“Having a sense of purpose”
“Having a positive attitude toward
change”
Excerpted from Exploring Girl Leadership; Research Review from the Girl Scout Research Institute, 2007
Ways to Involve Girls in Planning and Leadership/
Role of Adults in the Girl/Adult Partnership
Age Level Actions and Concepts
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Patrol system, representative government, Senior GS planning boards
Leadership projects—Program Aides, Leaders-in-Training, Counselors-in-Training
Girls' involvement in girl/adult planning teams
Girls' serving as girl members of the council board of directors or as delegates to national events
Girls' planning entire events, if experienced
Girls' working individually, as well as in committees
Group review and self-evaluation
Apprenticeship
Networking
Experiences providing specific tools for full girl/adult partnership—e.g., leading meetings, attending board training
workshops
Role of Adults in Partnership
 Let girls make mistakes and learn from them
 Mentor girls
 Be a facilitator and partner
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 16
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors in Multi-Level Troops
Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors may often be members of multi-level troops, with girls of younger
grade-levels. This can be an opportunity for learning and service, but also a challenge to create a safe space for Girl
Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors to develop their own program with their peers.
Advisors to multi-level troops can keep the following points in mind to ensure that Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout
Ambassadors stay and thrive in multi-level troops:
 If possible, have one adult (or more) that works specifically with each grade level in the troop.
 Ensure that Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors have time and space to be with their grade level.
 Ensure safe and confidential space in which Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors can share concerns
and sensitive issues that may not be appropriate in settings with younger girls.
 Support Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors in selecting and participating in activities/Council
programs that are just for Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors
 Allow Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors to have ownership of projects/activities they develop and
implement with younger girls.
 Ensure that the role of Program Aide is just one small part of their activity in the multi-level troop.
 And most of all ensure that Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors are provided the guidance and
support needed to work on their own achievements and leadership experience journey.
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors Training Opportunities
destinations Training:
Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors learn all they need to know about destinations—travel
opportunities for Girl Scouts—throughout the country and the world. They will learn about what destinations are
being offered, how to apply for a trip and how they can raise money to get there.
Girl Scout Gold Award Training:
Girl Scout Seniors and Girl Scout Ambassadors and their parent/guardian and/or volunteer guide will learn
about the steps towards earning the Gold Award. Attendees will come away with information on how to get started
on the award, and even ideas on what to do for the project.
Volunteer-in-Training (LIT):
VIT training helps the girls learns the “ins and outs” of volunteering with a younger troop. Girls need to take
Getting Started and Leadership Essentials trainings, and commit to 5-8 months of working with a leader in her area
planning meetings and helping run meetings for a younger troop.
Counselor-In-Training (CIT):
A CIT is a girl who loves camp and wants to learn some of the skills of a camp counselor. This is the perfect
program for those girls wishing to apply for a camp job after high school graduation. There are two levels of CIT
training, CIT 1 and CIT 2.
For more information on trainings available for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, please visit www.gseiwi.org.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Brainstorming: Generating Ideas!
Brainstorming is an excellent way of developing many creative ideas on an issue, and often works very well with
groups of teens! It works by focusing on the issue, and then coming up with LOTS of ideas about it! Ideas should
deliberately be as broad and odd as possible, and should be developed as fast as possible. Brainstorming is a lateral
thinking process.
During brainstorming sessions there should be no criticism of ideas. You are trying to open possibilities and break
down wrong assumptions about the limits of the problem. Judgments and analysis at this stage will stunt idea
generation. Ideas should only be evaluated once the brainstorming session has finished - you can then explore
solutions further using conventional approaches.
Group brainstorming can be very effective as it uses the experience and creativity of all members of the group. When
individual members reach their limit on an idea, another member's creativity and experience can take the idea to the
next stage. Therefore, group brainstorming tends to develop ideas in more depth than individual brainstorming.
Brainstorming in a group can be risky for individuals. Valuable but unique suggestions may appear silly at first
mention. Because of this, advisors need to chair sessions tightly so that other participants do not crush new ideas
and leave group members feeling humiliated.
Suggestions for effective brainstorming sessions:
Plan ahead, and have the girls select a girl moderator. The advisor should support, mentor, and redirect only when
absolutely necessary.
The moderator’s role is to:
 Clearly define the issue to be discussed, and lay out any criteria to be met.
 Keep the session focused on the issue.
 Ensure that no one criticizes or evaluates ideas during the session. Criticism introduces an element of risk for
group members when putting forward an idea. This stifles creativity and cripples the free running nature of a good
brainstorming session.
 Encourage an enthusiastic, uncritical attitude among members of the group. Try to get everyone to contribute
and develop ideas, including the quietest members of the group.
 Let people have fun brainstorming. Encourage them to come up with as many ideas as possible, from solidly
practical ones to wildly impractical ones. Welcome creativity!
 Ensure that no train of thought is followed for too long.
 Encourage people to develop other people's ideas, or to use other ideas to create new ones.
 Appoint one person to note down ideas that come out of the session. A good way of doing this is to use a flip
chart. This should be studied and evaluated after the session.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 18
Senior and Ambassador Troop Structure and Government
In order for girls to lead a successful Girl Scout group, they need leadership from within. Adults should guide them in
the process of cooperative learning and learning by doing – not by doing it for them.
Troop government or structure is usually most effective when chosen by the girls. This may be formal or very
informal. Let the girls decide how structured they want this to be. If they start with NO kind of group government,
they may eventually see the need for some kind of structure before long! This is part of their learning experience.
If the girls have Girl Scout background, they are familiar with these systems.
 In a “Town Meeting”, the entire troop makes its decisions together. A Moderator is generally needed to lead group
discussions. Officers such as Secretary and Treasurer may be elected if the troop feels that there is a need. This
generally only works well in small groups but can work in large groups if the girls can stay on task.
 In the “Patrol” system, the group is divided into smaller groups called “patrols.” The patrol discusses topics that
concern the entire group, such as trips to take, times for special gatherings, presenters to invite, etc. Each patrol
appoints a patrol leader and the leaders of all patrols meet to make the final decisions for the entire group. Thus,
each voice is represented through the patrol leader.
 In the “Executive Board” system, a leadership team or steering committee is elected to represent the entire
group. This smaller group should have, but not be limited to, a president, secretary and treasurer.
The length of time in leadership positions should be limited in order to give all girls an opportunity to lead.
Girls will discover new concepts about leadership, as well as connect with each other and take action to make the
troop more effective through deciding on the structure themselves. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are able to
propose structures, select their type of governance, and set up and implement a leader selection and rotation
system. Encourage the girls to evaluate the system and make changes on a regularly set basis.
RECORD KEEPING
Advisors will want to support girls in their achievements by keeping
accurate records. Whether the girls choose to earn the Awards included in
the Leadership Journeys, Interest Project Awards, and Charms from the
Focus books, or the Gold Award, you can assist them by recording their
progress.
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors should be involved in developing a
system for tracking these in the troop, but mentoring will be needed. Girls
should also be encouraged to track their own achievements, but records
can be lost and misplaced. A helpful advisor truly will serve by also maintaining progress records. This can
also help you to see if a girl “stalls” in her progress and needs a nudge to get her going again! Find out what’s
happening. Maybe she has lost interest in that topic or has a barrier she is not sure how to overcome! You
can serve as mentor and advisor to assist her in overcoming the barrier or choosing another topic of more
interest.
The forms on the following pages will make it easier for you to keep track of what is going on with the girls.
Consider checking in with each girl periodically, to update your records. However—make
sure that girls do not feel pressured by earned awards. That’s not what the Girl Scout
Experience is all about! Girls should feel free to pursue what awards they want, at their
own pace.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
page 19
Tips for Money-Earning Projects
Monetary needs for a Girl Scout troop should ordinarily be covered by profits from the Fall
Product Program and Cookie Sale Program. However, Senior and Ambassador Troops may
have additional financial needs, due to larger scale projects, trips, and other special
activities.
If you find your troop needs more money for a special event, be sure to submit a “Request
for Money-Earning Approval from” before beginning your project! These forms are available
in the forms section of the website.
Here are some projects that troops have undertaken and have found successful. Be sure
to check Chapter 5 of Volunteer Essentials (page 50) for restrictions on any money-earning
project. Keep money in a safe place, under adult control at all times.
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can select, organize, and execute these ideas with support and mentoring!
Fundraising is an ideal activity that can be girl-led, cooperative, and is hands-on learning by doing!
1.
Conduct a “Game Day” for children. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can lead games for younger children
and charge a minimal amount for attending.
2. Carnivals are lots of fun! Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can set up their own booth at school or church
carnivals, or get together with other Girl Scout troops and put on their own carnival. Costs must be kept minimal,
and charges for attending should also be small.
3. Spaghetti dinners for families, neighbors, relatives, teachers and other friends are good, but much of the work will
fall upon the leader(s). Be sure you have enough help, and sell tickets ahead of time.
4. Face painting may be a good project for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. Be sure to have “patterns” for the
girls to use.
5. Bake sales are popular and work! Make arrangements with school, church, or a local merchant for a good location
and be SURE to have enough adult supervision.
6. Craft sales are often successful, but plan carefully to be sure the costs don’t run too high.
7. Recycle aluminum cans.
8. Hold a multi-family garage sale, but be sure to have enough adult help.
9. Hold a father/daughter picnic and “auction” box lunches that the girls have brought.
10. Family days are always fun! Have a “cake walk” for adults with baked goods donated by each family. There could
be a “musical chairs” game, charging each participant a small amount, and when the music stops the “winner” will
find a sticker on the underside of one of the chair.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Field Trips and Outings
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors value the opportunity to learn by doing through outings. Many troops
and girls value outdoor experiences. However, keep in mind that some girls may prefer field trip
experiences that involve no heat, bugs, or camping! While planning trips, girls learn about setting financial
goals, organizing transportation, and connecting with other organizations, and ultimately discover a larger
world.
As girls grow, they will want to create adventures further than their home town. However, don’t overlook the
fact that many girls (and adults) may not have had the chance to explore attractions in their own backyard!
So discuss all options. A trip to a local previously un-visited location can be economical and FUN!
Sample ideas for Outings:
 Festivals
 Restaurant Dinners (night on the town)
 Bookstores – a great gathering location also
 Attend a sporting event together (Professional or one that one of the girls is actually playing)
 Ice Skating / Roller Skating
 Musicals and plays
 Jewelry Studio/store that also gives classes on jewelry making/beading
 Challenge Courses
 Museums
 Radio Stations/ TV Stations
 Real Estate Agent to learn about choosing an apartment
 Spa days
Planning an extended trip?
 Please remember to consult the GSEIWI troop travel policies. For some travel opportunities, Council
pre-approval is required.
 The “Extended Travel” training is required of anyone taking girls on extended trips. Check the trainings
section of the GSEIWI website for more information.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Career Exploration
Opportunities for career exploration are particularly essential for
Senior Girl Scouts/Ambassadors. As girls make decisions for their
future, such trips can be integrated into the Leadership journeys,
badges, and troop activities.
Trip planning is especially essential for career exploration outings. Girls
will want to ensure that they create specific questions or topics to be
covered when they meet with business owners, politicians, or college
admissions staff. Advisors can help girls in ensuring that girls both
prepare for the visit and plan for a reflection session to review
information and experiences following the visits.
On-site tours to businesses and organizations:
Girls may especially be interested in those owned or managed by
women. Local chambers of commerce can assist with identifying these
businesses – sometimes there will already be women-focused
organizations that can serve as a resource, such as Women in
Management, or AAUW. Internet search engines can provide assistance.
Government offices at the city, state and federal level:
Visiting women government officials, whether elected or career employees, may prove especially
rewarding.
University/college campuses:
Admissions offices will gladly arrange tours. The Career Services centers on campuses are also a valuable
resource and provide tours and information on career planning for young adults.
Adult training programs:
Girls may also be interested in touring adult education sites, such as business schools, paralegal training
programs, medical/dental assistant training companies, aircraft maintenance training, floral design or
apprenticeship/journeyman programs.
All of the above:
Your girls may think of others - can assist girls in making informed decisions on their career path following
high school. Again, preparation and reflection following the visit will ensure that the experience provides for
real exploration of the world beyond high school!
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Older Girl Opportunities
 destinations - GSUSA sponsored (http://girlscouts.org/forgirls/travel/destinations )
Girl Scouts can discover the world through destinations. Girl Scout destinations offer girls
ages 11 -17 unique ways to explore new places and interests while connecting with peers
through domestic and international travel experiences. Girls gain a sense of empowerment,
enhance leadership skills, and benefit from valuable experiential learning opportunities.
Through destinations, girls will better understand their relationship to the larger world and
gain experiences that enrich and deepen their global awareness. Destinations are typically
held during the summer throughout the United States and some foreign countries. Most of
the time, girls must demonstrate a special interest in the theme or subject of the trip in
order to be accepted. Girls should feel comfortable living away from home, often in a camp
setting, and be able to provide at least two references.
Information about destinations can be found on the national website at:
http://girlscouts.org/forgirls/travel/destinations. Financial assistance is available through Girl Scouts of
Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois for girls accepted to a destination. Troop Leader/Advisors are encouraged to
review the destinations website with their girls and to inspire them to apply for opportunities matching their
interests and qualifications. One way to do this is to invite a former destination participant to share experiences
and to answer questions with the troop/group. If you need help identifying a former destination participant,
contact your local Leadership Experience Manager.
 Getaways - sponsored by various councils
Getaways are two to four day events across the country that does not require the destinations application. Girls
can apply or register directly with the sponsoring Council as an individual or a troop. Events may be regional or
national in scope and are updated throughout the year. Events are listed off of the destinations website:
http://girlscouts.org/forgirls/travel/destinations/event_list.asp?catid=5 ; check the site regularly for updates.
 Scholarship Opportunities
Colleges and universities recognize the merits of the Girl Scout experience by awarding and making available
scholarships and grants for Girl Scouts. There is a directory of scholarships available for Girl Scout Gold Award
recipients and some scholarships for girls who have been very active in Girl Scouting. They are also encouraged to
check with their high school guidance counselors or with the financial aid officer at the school they wish to attend
for information on other scholarships that might be available to Girl Scouts. Visit www.girlscouts.org or
http://girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/scholarships for more information about Girl Scout scholarships.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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Great Web Resources:
 www.gseiwi.org – Council Website
 Information on trainings, meeting ideas (crafts, games, songs), getting to know your troop,
ceremonies, time fillers, snack note and ideas, etc.
 Council Shop Online
 www.gsusa.org – GSUSA Website
 www.girlscouts.org/forgirls/teens_13_17 – geared especially for girls ages 11-17.
 http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/ - Girl Scout Central Website
 http://www.wagggsworld.org– World Association website. It contains information on Thinking Day and
links to international sites.
 http://www.scoutingweb.com- is a great site for Girl Scout leaders. The site contains information for
Girl Scout ceremonies, traditions, stories, poems, skits and songs.
 www.leaderlobby.net: This website contains resources for leaders regarding meeting planning, parent
involvement, activities, and more.
 www.enchantedlearning.com - is an educational site with crafts, world flags, maps, and many more. It
contains teacher-styled learning material and printouts.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
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