GIrl Scout Cookie Sales: facing unfair backlash

[hlthe2b]

Fellow DUers--please help correct a misperception in the public's mind: the Girl Scouts DO NOT discriminate against Lesbians, (nor atheists for that matter). The Girl Scouts are and have always been distinctly separate organization from the Boy Scouts of America, who do discriminate.

I was at a local grocery store in Capitol Hill-Cheeseman Park (Denver, CO) which is a popular residential area for our gay community and heterosexual singles and families alike. Girl Scouts are at many local grocery stores selling cookies and I happened to be buying a box when a rude man came up and started screaming at the girls (and their startled mother/leader) that "he would never buy from a group that discriminated against homosexuals!" I responded to him that that was the BOY SCOUTS and not the Girl Scouts and he screams back that they do not allow Lesbians. THe troop leader/mother looked at me appreciatively but nodded to let it go. She mumbled something about "did he really think they would be allowed to sell there (an area with a high prevalence of GLBT) if they discriminated and then just let it go.. Apparently this has happened before... Unfortunately one of the little girls had started to cry at that point--the man's comments were delivered with a particularly hateful and offending tone.

Please if anyone believes that Girl Scouts discriminate as a policy, do some research... I'll include some links, but feel free to do your own. The Girl Scouts, because of their non-discriminatroy policy since the 80s have been the target of the "Christian" RW. They don't deserve to face the mistaken wrath of progressives as well. Please spread the word (and buy their cookies).

Here are some links:
"Founded by a strong woman, scouting has always tended to foster and promote strength in girls, and so Girl Scouts has often been a welcoming place for lesbians, as both scouts and leaders. Officially the Girl Scouts do not "discriminate . . . nor . . . endorse" on the basis of sexual orientation."
http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/girl_scouts.html

"For its part, the Girl Scouts do not prohibit lesbians from becoming members or leaders."
(this site encourages viewers to voice their concern as a result...)
http://www.realnews247.com/spec_rpt_boy_scouts_under_attack.htm

"Regarding lesbians, the policy says: "The Girl Scout organization does not discriminate, but we do not endorse any particular life style and we do not recruit lesbians as a group. . . . We do not permit sexual displays of any sort by our members. We do not permit the advocacy or promotion of a personal life style or sexual orientation. These are private matters for girls and their families to address. Girl Scout volunteers and staff must at all times serve as appropriate role models for girls."
http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/html/gsusa-problems.html

[Coventina]

1. Makes me glad I bought 3 boxes!

:-)

on edit: typo

[Drifter]

39. This won't

Girls Scout cookies is the biggest scam on Earth.

BTW - I have been part of the scam for many years, and will be involved for a few more. I have 3 daughters ranging from 7 to 16, and a wife who has been a leader for over 10 years.

Girls Scout Cookies cost $3.50 per box. The Girls Scouts get as little as 50 cents per box.
No matter how good the cookies are, they probably do not cost much more than 50 cents to produce.

This means that the company that makes them, gets a pretty hefty profit, with no need for Marketing or Sales.
This comes in the form of slave labor (the girls).

I have a better idea (I may do this next year).
I might make up a flyer to go with the sign up sheet.


Girls Scout Cookies are a rip off.
For every $3.50 box you purchase, the Girls Scouts only get $.50

This year, instead of buying a box, donate $1.00 directly to
the girls scouts. The Girls Scouts will receive %100 of your
donated, and it saves you money.

Then take the $2.50 you saved and go to the
store and buy twice as many cookies.


The Girls Scouts is a great organization, the cookies are a scam.

Cheers
Drifter

[DemonGoddess]

53. here's a link

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/faqs.asp#money_where Girl Scout cookies faq page.

As a Brownie leader in my younger years, yes, our TROOP only got so much per box, but our association ALSO got money from the cookie sales. At the time my troop was participating, the cookies cost us I think (I'm fuzzy on the figures, it was close to 20 years ago now, lol) it was 1.75 per box, we sold 'em for 2.75, the troop got 50 cents, the association 50 cents. In any case, my point is that the funds that are raised are broken down between the troops and the association which the troops belong to.

It's customary that the girls of a troop decide what to do with their cookie money, but the association cookie funds are used for activities association wide.

[hlthe2b]

57. Yes, DemonGoddess... that is right...

The high "overhead" paid to the bakery/manufacturer has been a point of contention since I was a girl scout (several decades ago, well just say). But, it is true that the funds aid both the troop, and the Girl Scout Council, as well. That organization has been instrumental in keeping Girl Scouts the vibrant, growing, international organization that it is today. It is also important for its role in dealing with some of the conroversy that became the subject of this thread...

Yes, (to those who have brought up this issue), you could just make a donation to the Girl Scouts. Please do so-- for those who have argued that that made more sense. The fact is, that the GS have become synonymous with the cookie sales. Simply asking for donations would likely never rise to the success of the cookie sales, even if the percentage per box each troop recoups is relatively small.

[Me.]

60. Archway Cookies

is who makes them and yes, I agree that it is scamish. What I don't understand is why the GS leadership doesn't negotiate a better deal. At least $1. a box.

[sandnsea]

70. National gets a chunk too

That's the problem I had with it, that national got more than the girls and seemed to spend their time creating new PR and new programs and new uniforms and new shit for the girls to buy. Putting money into the actual camps and local troops, not so much.

Still, cookie sales are the biggest fundraiser of the year and the troops can't do without them. I can't imagine girls getting as much money standing in front of a store with a coffee can, and it doesn't teach much about earning your own way either. Cookie sales does make them feel like they're self supporting.

[BOHICA06]

2. Thin Mints .......hmmmmmmm

They got my dollars already, but will spread the word.

[LostinVA]

3. The BSA and GSA have NOTHING to do with one another

Two totally separate organizations. It's akin to being angry at US Air because you got horrible cabin service from Northwest.

Buy the cookies. They are overpriced, but the percentage the troops get is pretty much the only money they do get. They don't have this whole good-old-boy funding network like the BSA.

[Virginian]

27. Donations are tax deductible.

I heard that since you are paying more than the value of the cookies, you can deduct the amount above the value of the cookies if you itemize.

Of course I heard this years ago and the tax laws may have changed. Who keeps tax records at that level anyway?

[moc]

35. Thanks for the info. I'll have to check this out. We bought 16 boxes.

We have a Girl Scout in the family. :-)

[LostinVA]

41. Bizarre and interesting!

[annabanana]

4. Oh dear!

It's a shame that the girls were subjected to this. The Girl Scouts are a really good group and don't deserved to get tarred with this brush.
(And they sell really good cookies, too)

[SammyWinstonJack]

5. Bought three boxes.

[xchrom]

6. the girl scouts are GREAT!

they are a terrific organization for young ladies -- and i have always, always admired their non-discriminatory practices.

i feel the same about the ywca as well.

[OneBlueSky]

7. I don't care if they caused global warming and the Iraq war . . .

NO ONE TAKES MY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! . . . :)

[spinbaby]

9. Mmmm...Girl Scout Cookies

Thin Mints....drool....

[leftofthedial]

8. Girls Scouts could be affilliated with the KKK

and I'd still be addicted to Thin Mints.

[trotsky]

10. Oh, that's terrible.

The Girl Scouts are the polar opposite of the Boy Scouts. They don't discriminate against homosexuals OR atheists. And yes, the right wing hates them enough just for that. Not to mention the "horrible" idea of teaching girls they can be independent and strong!

My daughter will turn 5 this June and I'm very excited to sign her up. Almost makes up for the pain I feel for my son who cannot join the boy scouts.

[tyedyeto]

11. He's probably part of the same group who said...

That Girl Scouts took God out of their Promise. They didn't... just allowed girls to represent their own faith because they realized that girls in their organization come from many walks of life and they are an inclusionary organization and does not discriminate against race, religion or lifestyle.

Thank you for standing up to the creep.

Thin mints straight from the freezer. LOVE 'EM!!!!

[Pool Hall Ace]

12. I bought 5 boxes . . . the Girl Scouts rock !

:kick:

[Justitia]

13. Is anyone else shocked that someone would yell AGAINST discrimination

outside a grocery store in CO?

I would fully expect the opposite!

This guy was totally wrong, but on the flip side, it sure is a different experience hearing about someone LOUDLY and in PUBLIC denouncing discrimination against gays.

BTW, is there somewhere I can order Girl Scout cookies online?
No one ever seems to be selling them in my neighborhood and I really want some!

[hlthe2b]

14. I think you mistake Denver... Very liberal city within a purple

State (Colorado's state houses both went Dem in the last election and we elected a nominally Democratic Senator). Denver and Boulder have always been very liberal bastions.

[phusion]

18. the stretch between CO Springs

and Denver seems very conservative to me. Also Ft. Collins is no liberal holdout either from what I've seen.

Then you have Durango which seems to be pretty liberal. :)

Lovely state, though...I especially like the San Juan Mtns area.

[hlthe2b]

20. OH, YES...

From the Douglas County (far southern) suburbs down to the Springs, is very conservative. No doubt, given the RW fundie nuts (Focus on the Family :eyes:) and the Air Force Academy in the Springs. And, much of the influx of REPUGs from SOCAL have located in the southern suburbs down to Colorado Springs.

Yes, Ft. Collins is far too conservative and the western slope is quite libertarian.

[Justitia]

22. I am very glad and encouraged to hear that! I am guilty of picturing

CO as mostly conservative in my minds eye, conjuring up "Focus on the Family", the Air Force academy, etc.

And I should know better, being from TX myself, living in the cosmopolitan city of Houston.

I'm just happy to hear this about those cities (although the grocery store guy was woefully misinformed about the GS).

Go get 'em Denver & Boulder!

:hi:

[coffeenap]

17. Hi--"legally", the girls are supposed to sell within their council area.

You could check with your local GS council, they all have websites now, and ask if anyone is doing a site sale near you soon. (That is the in-front-of-the grocery sale.) If not, and you REALLY need them, I can send them to you. PM me if you can't find them.(Some things you just gotta have!:) )

[Justitia]

24. Thanks for the info, I would love to support our local girls, I'll find

them. Just occurred to me that my husband's office may have a few GS families too....

Thanks again.

[Justitia]

33. Thank you, great idea to check local websites for the site sale!

I like to see the girls in person, too. My sister was a GS, and they all remind me of her at that age O8)

[tyedyeto]

25. Here's what GSUSA says about online sales

Q: Can I purchase Girl Scout Cookies online?

A: For safety and security reasons, Girl Scouts of the USA's National Board of Directors adopted an online sales policy that reads in part:

"Sales on a Web site on the Internet* of any products sold in 'council-sponsored product sales,' such as Girl Scout Cookies, candy, nuts, calendars or magazine subscriptions, may not be conducted by anyone at anytime."

* "Sales on the Internet include online auctions, broadcast email messages, and/or posting on individual Girl Scout, troop/group or Girl Scout council Web sites."

Girl Scouts can use email to let family and friends know they are selling cookies. We suggest you contact your local Girl Scout council and ask for specific guidelines.

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/faqs.asp#purchase_online


On edit: I pasted more than I thought so deleted portions that did not have to do with online sales.

[coffeenap]

28. Just to be clear, my offer was as a gift. Because

I don't break rules, I am a leader! (Ok, maybe a few...):hi:

[tyedyeto]

30. The rules do say family and friends...

And we are a 'community' here. :pals:

[coffeenap]

32. Indeed!

:pals:

[coffeenap]

15. I am a GS leader--and before I became one I checked the published

policy on this and other forms of discrimination. The truth is, GS is for EVERY girl, just as their marketing literature says! (Of course, due to the nature of prejudice, there is probably an individual leader somewhere in this "glorious" country of ours who is at odds with this policy, She better watch out if my coleader and I ever lay eyes on her....)

[LostinVA]

49. Yes, there is

I volunteered to help out any of the local Council's troops, in any way. I was asked some personal stuff concerning marriage and sexual orientation, after I answered, I was told they didn't need me to help. The email I received from GSA HQ was very, very wishy-washy in their response, and basically said local Council's could do that.

It very much disappointed me. This was two years ago.

I still support the GSA, because it's a great organization for girls.

[Coexist]

16. I was a leader for 5 years. GSA is a WONDERFUL organization

Very inclusive and tolerant.

[tyedyeto]

21. You are right, they are a wonderful organization but ...

they are not GSA they are GSUSA.

Sorry for being anal about it. :hi:

[Coexist]

52. not a problem - I am several years removed from it

and made a dumb mistake.

[Atman]

19. Yeah, but I saw this movie once...

Hmm. Come to think of it, I'm not sure those girls were real Girl Scouts. In fact, I'm not even sure they were real lesbians!

Never mind. I'm going for some cookies now.

[niyad]

23. thank you for alerting me to that--down here in fundieville I can just

imagine hearing one of our local reichwingnuts screaming at them because they DO accept (oh horrors) lesbians and atheists.

THIN MINTS, mmmmmmmmmm (note to self: there is still room in the freezer!!)

[HockeyMom]

26. Samoas

And, "You Go, Girl!!

[msongs]

29. have you read the ingredients label on those cookie boxes? nt

[hlthe2b]

34. All things in moderation....

[coffeenap]

36. I know.. I am so weird that I have suggested that we also sell

something organic. One thing to remember though, is that the cookies are made locally. At least we are supporting jobs here in the good ole US. Each region orders its own cookies from an area baker. However, I am campaigning to have all of the products sold in the GS stores for the troops (badges, etc) made in the US or at least in non-slave labor factories. BIG issue with me and with our troop! THe national office tells me they have inspected all of the factories they use. So, we are well on our way. (Momma has a big mouth...):hi:

[BuddhaGirl]

44. do they still contain trans fats?

I havent' bought them for years because of that. Blecch.

[coffeenap]

48. Nope! They took it out--at least in our area. Here are two links

that the GSUSA site gives to help find out the nutritional info. on the cookies. Hope you find they are better than you thought!

http://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/
http://www.girlscoutcookiesabc.com/

[BuddhaGirl]

85. Cool! Thanks

n/t

[Wheezy]

31. Oh, okay.

I'll buy some cookies. But only because you asked. Not because of their yummery, buttery goodness, their crispity crunchiness, their silky peanut buttery oral orgasmness.

Wheezy <---- takes one for the team

[bluemarkers]

37. they changed

the thin mints aren't as good....

but I still support them and buy many boxes. Not so much popcorn.

[momster]

42. Depends on where you are

They don't come from one big supplier but several cookie-bakeries (new word alert!) across the country. So if you've moved at some time from one cookie area to another, you've probably changed bakeries. Although they "claim" to use to same receipe, things like mint extract and flour can have slightly different properties that someone with a especially sensitive palate can determine in the finished product. The only solution would be to get your cookie-fix from your old area.

Thin Mints (freezer division) Forever! I have two boxes still in the freezer and a couple more on the way. I don't dare open them -- one sleeve is never enough!

[LiberalinNC]

38. I heard an interview years ago saying that Girl Scouts have a don't ask

policy, unlike the boy scouts. I stopped buying anything from the boy scouts because of their descrimation policy....now bring on the GS cookies. YUMMY!

[Name removed]

40. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[KharmaTrain]

43. We're Big Supporters Of Girl Scouts here

My wife has been involved with being a leader for over a decade. We've seen a lot of ugly in the organization (tell me one that doesn't have it's dark side), but on the whole, GSA does a great amount of good for young girls...especially those in broken or latch key families. Almost all the girls who stay with the program end up doing well in school and it gives them a support structure that helps with the self-esteem and other pre-teen and teenage issues.

Inversely, I tried enrolling my son on Boy Scouts and we quit after two months...the fascism in that organization was something I didn't want my son around...and what many people associate with Girl Scouts as well...a sad, but unfair characterization.

On the cookie issue...I've been shaken down so many times to buy boxes of Fresh Mints that I now have a lifetime supply and then some.

Cheers...

[EOTE]

45. In the future...

I know that the troop leader had best intentions in mind, but I'd imagine that it would be best to confront this type of person fully and in a calm manner. I'm sure that man was mostly being reactionary, but I'd imagine if he was explained the policy of the Girl Scouts fully, not only would he learn something, but he might inform others as well.

I really think the primary area in which we on the left fail, is in disseminating our message. Because we believe so much that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, we equate that thinking it's rude to espouse our views when the person we're speaking to is so averse to hearing it. The person in this example was IMO, the exception. If he did, in fact, have his facts straight regarding the matter, I would applaud him for doing what he did.

[tavery]

46. the guy was a total asshole, period

[hlthe2b]

47. She clearly did not want to get into a detailed discussion...

in front of the girls--per policy. She (the leader) did the right thing, as this man wanted to make a rude scene and was in no way going to listen. I'd bet my money that he was gay, as he was following on the heels of a man that appeared to be his partner... that is why I felt especially strongly about trying to correct him on his misperception.

[TygrBright]

50. THANKS!

For standing up for GSUSA. They are one of the best youth organizations around, IMHO. And I say that as an ex-Campfire, no less.

I still like Campfire (in fact, I would STRONGLY urge it as an alternative to BSA, since it's now co-ed,) but I do think that GSUSA fulfills a unique niche and does so very conscientiously and effectively. They do empower young women to think independently about themselves, their identity, and what they want from life. And not only do they NOT discriminate, but they put a whale of a lot of effort and money into reaching out to those communities least likely to be served by other 'traditional' youth groups. And they're most supportive and encouraging of local leaders who want to orient programming in harmony with local culture.

Props to GSUSA!

I only wish I knew some Girl Scouts in my new neighborhood to buy Thin Mints and (whimper) Samoas and Scotch Teas from.

wistfully,
Bright

[hlthe2b]

56. thanks for your acknowledgement, but I'm only trying to set

forth the facts. The Girl Scouts are a progressive group that foster and empower strong, independent, free-thinking successful females. To have them linked to their discriminatory counterpart for young males, is so unfair, especially as they have to combat the hateful retribution from the RW "fundies." That they embrace ALL young girls and women, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion (or absence thereof) is something I'd think all DUers would want to embrace. These young women are key to the fight to preserve separation of church and state and prevent the Pat Robertsons and Falwells from making the US a "Xian" theocracy in the coming years.

My mother was a troop leader and promoted these ideals in a time when it might have been more controversial. She was a traditional stay-at-home mother, but there was no conflict in the message to young women that they had choices beyond home and family. I never got a chance to express my pride and appreciation to my Mom for her role in fostering Girl Scouts, but I do so now. I can tell all that there was never a time in my memory (lets just say decades, ok? LOL) when GSUSA was in any way promoting Stepford Wives or any other negative stereotype. Hopefully, a few who have posted on this thread will come to realize this.

Check out the posts above, Bright... I think you'll find some ways to locate cookie sales in your area. Thank you for supporting this wonderful organization and the next generation of women as well. :toast:

[AnneD]

51. We were a Girl Scout family...

GS are much more resonable about these sorts of things. They do NOT discriminate period! Had they, my daughter and I would not have been in the organization. I teach my daughter respect and tolerance. And she was always tops in cookie sales.

[Burning Water]

54. I love the

Thin Mints. I once ate a whole box in 30 minutes.

[hedgehog]

55. I don't understand the ingredient list

The package says no trans fat but then goes on to list partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Did someone screw up the label or what? I always thought these two were one and the same.

[tomreedtoon]

58. My only problem - why don't the GIRLS sell?

The only time I've actually seen the Girl Scouts sell cookies are in little card-table sales in front of stores at a mall. And they usually have an adult there to supervise (which is okay, but I never had an adult supervise me when I was selling Junior Achievement stuff).

Most of the time, the cookies have been sold by the Scout's MOTHERS, at work, in a kind of cattle-call thing.

The reason this offends me is that, besides raising money for the Scouting programs, cookie sales were supposed to encourage the girls to be outgoing and let them practice dealing with people in a business environment. Having Mom do sales doesn't do much for a girl's self-image or social skills. I don't know if there are top-salesgirl awards, but if there are, it's even worse for Mom to sell the cookies.

[hlthe2b]

59. I've seen both.... and some of the girls are more outgoing...

than others...And some of the parents are more intent on unloading the cookies than teaching the girls anything. It varies. It was so cold (about 3 degrees on Saturday, in Denver, that one of the Safeways let the girls set up inside--very nice of the manager, I think). They had the area staked out beside the Starbucks and set up tables with a girl seated at each side of the exit and entrance aisle. One girl was very vocal and had a line. The other girl was more passive, and the father was totally engaged in reading the paper. Thus, people tended to walk by her to the other girl to buy! It is a teaching moment, if parents choose to do so.

On Sunday, the girls were outside another store and very vivacious and knew how to sell. In fact, they wanted me to leave my dog (who I'd walked to the store and tied just outside while I ran in for milk)-- since people were as likely to approach because of the dog as the cookies!

When I was their age, we went door-to-door. That was tough. Although I think I always went with my sister or another girl-- looking back that was very risky. We just didn't know how risky then. Clearly we do now.

[sandnsea]

71. Child molestors

And legal liability. And the girls' safety. They don't encourage sending little girls off on their own to sell cookies anymore. That's why there's more of the tables set up than there were when we were kids. And everybody wants cookies, people usually come to you once they know your daughter is selling them.

[AnneD]

73. My daughter sold on her own...

but we had to be careful. The world is not a friendly place for children any more. I had a list at work (people would ask me if I DIDN'T put out the list) but my daughter talleyed and kept order list for call backs the next year (is that sharp or what, and it was HER idea) and always call my friends at work to tell them when the cookies would be in. She was able to go to the camp of her choice every year she was involved, plus the sales paid for all our kids dues and activity funds. It made the difference for this single mom and daughter.

[jumpoffdaplanet]

61. I've heard it's only the American BS that discriminate

The rest of Boy Scouting in the world do not.

Never actually looked it up, but it wouldn't surprised me if Boy Scouts in the USA were the only idiots.

And I love the Thin Mints and look forward to buy a bunch from the local GS.

[tavery]

62. how would it have been any more OK to make a boy in scouts cry?

[hlthe2b]

63. I don't believe anyone here has suggested it would...

:shrug:

I believe you have (seriously) missed the point.

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tavery]

65. Hatefulness in support of a just cause or reason is still hatefulness, and

[hlthe2b]

66. Read through the posts, Tavery...

JVS is in NO WAY supporting the Girl Scouts. :eyes:

[donheld]

67. I didn't know you were in my neighborhood

10th and Emerson. I think/hope most people know there's a difference between the Girl Scouts of America and the boy scouts.

[hlthe2b]

68. Cool! Hi, Neighbor!

Yes, one would hope that most know the difference....:shrug:

[MISSDem]

69. I don't buy the cookies anyway. When my nieces ask me to

buy stuff like this, ie, magazines, I tell them I will happily make a donation to their school but I won't support the fund raising company. Not to mention with the spotlight on childhood obesity is this a good example of what they should be promoting?

[sandnsea]

72. Activity and outdoor play?

Yes, I think that's what we should be promoting. The cookies aren't the problem, the lack of activity in our kids is the problem.

I imagine if I walked 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon, ran around for an hour, had another hour of PE, and then went home and ran around some more; I wouldn't be fat today. Just like I wasn't fat when I was a kid and that was my daily schedule, and I ate a sandwich and cookies for lunch every single day.

[SoCalDem]

74. I always buy them...even though they are outrageously priced

:)

[Aristus]

75. I ALWAYS buy Girl Scout cookies from anyone who is selling them.

This year, I may just buy double my usual amount. I'm not gay, but I insist on supporting organizations that further progressive causes.

[sendero]

76. I was not aware of that..

.... and I'm glad you pointed it out.

Not that I'd be so rude as to bark at some poor girls trying to do some honest fundraising anyway.

What an asshole.

[mdmc]

77. my mom says that the girl scouts are kosher

the op is right:kick:

[dogday]

78. Something wrong in America when the girl scout

cookie program comes under fire... It is a good program and all these people do is screw shit up....

[rasputin1952]

79. I have always bought GS Cookies when they come around...

I would never even contemplate berating the GS's that sell them. If I have a problem w/anyone selling something, I just don't buy w/a polite "no thank you, I can't do it this time around". By berating people, especially in public, one reinforces the stereotype, and that is never a good idea. I would suppose this individual has some deeper problems than just being misinformed about GS. To just walk up to people you don't even know, and accuse them of something that isn't true, is a little more than rude, it is downright hostile.

Makes little difference to me what this individuals social, sexual, political preferences are, but he should learn to curb his hatred, especially toward people who may well be innocent of those who he feels his wrath should be pointed at.

edited: need to use spell check...:)

[hlthe2b]

80. what truly amazed me...

Is an adult feeling free to berate young girls--essentially children--for what he mistakenly perceived to be national organizational policy and thus, totally out of their realm. You might be right about him having much deeper problems....:shrug:

[Geek_Girl]

81. Thank you for the Info

I was not aware that they were separate organizations. I may have to sign up my daughter for the girl scouts when she's old enough. Living in strong conservative area most of the activities I've had her involved in seem to have a strong christian ties like the YMCA. Being a wiccan that doesn't sit well with me sometimes.

[hlthe2b]

83. Super...

I think of my Mom every time I see Girl Scouts, as she was a leader many many years ago. Sadly, I never got a chance to tell her how proud I was that she embraced this progressive organization as a troop leader--even as a traditional "stay-at-home" Mom. I think the organization, even then, was years ahead of their time in their inclusiveness and philosophy which embraces strength and independence in girls/women.

[Danieljay]

82. I happen to support the Boy Scouts AND the Girl Scouts

Both are good organizations. I refuse to punish the kids for the ignorant policies of some of the higher ups.

[hlthe2b]

84. I agree with you on this.. and suspect most here would as well.

I would likewise not refuse to purchase something from a Boy Scout troop.

Nonetheless, I would definitely like to diffuse any misperceptions on the Girl Scout Organization and what they stand for. I believe they do deserve that.