17 July 2008
Girl Scouts Unveil Their New Uniforms
Posted by admin under: policies .
*sigh* God forbid the Girl Scouts have a uniform for pride and recognition. I’ll follow national rules, of course, but I still don’t know why Girl Scouts of the USA doesn’t want to have a recognizable uniform. Oh, yeah, because the girls said so. “A uniform is an optional way to identify girls as part of a group when representing Girl Scouts.”
How this makes girls not look like they’re more into clothing than leadership, personal ability, community service, and values is beyond me. If a girl in my troop refused to wear the uniform she’d have that right, but her family would be reminded that they might feel more comfortable in a troop that shares their point of view. Our girls wear uniforms.
Update: Hold the phone and turn off the sausages! If you delve deeper you’ll see that traditional uniforms have not been given the heave-ho, just de-emphasized. Page 8 of the new catalog shows the formal uniform for older girls, page 14 has the middle ages, page 18 has Brownies (they even kept the iconic beanie), and for the youngest the formal uniform is on page 19. Okay, so just like my daughter, the Girl Scouts just have a dizzying number of clothing options. I won’t retract my criticism, though, since the “new look” featured only one uniform, but the option is still there for troops that want to look like Girl Scouts.
- Girl Scouts Official Uniform Policy
- It’s Time and It’s Expensive
- Boy Scouts are Clearing Out the Closets
- Heart Attack Prices
- On Merit Badge Books and Uniforms
20 Comments so far...
Matthew Says:
17 July 2008 at 9:40 pm.
when i went to england for the world scout jamboree i was very surprised to learn that we are the only group that does wear our uniforms. besides the BSA the venture scouts were the only other ones there that wore uniforms, more scouts didn’t even bring ones. when they wore their uniforms it was more along the line of a mostly buttoned up shirt with a neckerchief that wasn’t in their collar, that was all and that was for formal events.
Piper Says:
20 July 2008 at 8:46 am.
How can you question the declining number of Scouts across the country and in the same breath criticize GSUSA’s choice to update their clothing options. In this day and age of Holister and Abercrombie, what girl in her right mind is going to put on a stiff, dirt brown uniform and declare to her friends, “Yes! I’m a Girl Scout.” Image is everything in this country, and I applaud Girl Scouts for attempting to keep up. It’s not the uniform I wore, and thank god for that. We would have no girls in Scouting if they were required to wear the uniform of 20, 30 40+ years ago. Just because they look different, doesn’t mean they’re getting different lessons. If they can wear pink, hip clothing while learning about leadership, the outdoors, courage, confidence, character, etc. WHY NOT? I can only hope Boy Scouts will get with the program and update as well, before Girl Scouts puts them to shame, once again.
admin Says:
20 July 2008 at 7:57 pm.
The Boy Scouts has updated their uniform, Piper, but essentially changed the fabrics although they did ditch red in favor of green. Image should not be everything in this country. Girl Scouts teaches that image is essentially of zero importance when compared to values of loyalty, friendship, and helpfulness. In my other post you can read what I believe are the real reasons for declining membership: http://www.boyandgirlscouts.com/international/same-mistake-same-impression/
I think Girl Scouts are trying to treat a symptom that probably exacerbates the problem, not helps it. My troop constantly stresses the importance of being proud of being a Girl Scout. What other girls do they know that go rafting down river rapids? How many homeless people have they helped to feed? How many of them know how to build a safe campfire with minimal supervision? Being a Girl Scout is cool in and of itself. The uniform declares that fact to the world. It’s not just a tool for selling cookies. Wearing hip clothing is the norm for the rest of their time, but Girl Scouts is about being part of an organization that is a country-wide and world-wide sisterhood of capable young women who will know how to take care of themselves and their families. Plus, I simply like the way the uniform looks.
Cici Says:
20 July 2008 at 9:40 pm.
Ask someone what they know about Boy Scouts. They’ll probably say things like they do flag ceremonies, they camp, they walk little old ladies across the street. Eagle Scouts are supposed to be goodie-two shoes that are patriotic and skilled outdoorsmen. Ask someone what they know about Girl Scouts. “They sell cookies” You know why? That’s the only time they all wear their uniforms.
“Image is everything in this country”? Do you really believe that? That is tragic. That is exactly the image that we try to fight and empower the girls against in Girl Scouting. If image is everything, then ugly girls don’t have a chance. Fat girls? There’s no hope for you. God forbid you can’t afford skinny jeans and an iPod. You are exactly the demographic for the MTV generation. All those hip hop videos and trendy commercials were made just for you.
I hope you don’t have a daughter between the ages of 5 and 17.
Cassandra Says:
20 July 2008 at 10:21 pm.
Are you a Girl Scout? Do you enjoy Girl Scouts? I have been a Girl Scout for 8 years now and I believe that it doesn’t matter what you wear or what you look like, but what you say and do. It’s what’s inside that counts. But I don’t need to tell you that, because teachers, parents, and leaders have told you that since before you have even started school. At least the good ones. As for the “Looks are everything in this country.”, that is a completely untrue statement. Only the beautiful people would have jobs and be successful, and anyone who thinks being pretty is the most important thing is ugly on the inside. I, personally, think you are an ugly person on the inside for saying “What girl in her right mind is going to put on a stiff, dirt brown uniform and declare to her friends, “Yes! I’m a Girl Scout.” Also, I think it is embarrassing when I tell someone I’m a girl scout and they ask for cookies. Boy Scouts are always in full uniform because it is a requiement,and they show this off. They don’t need to catch up to us at all. If anything, we should catch up to them. If we camp and rock climb and hike in everday clothes nobody will know that Girl Scouts do these things, just random girls. Boy Scouts do this in uniform and they get praise for it. This and you encourage sexism among the matter. People say that boy scouts are better than girl scouts because they camp and hike and backpack and girl scouts just sell cookies. I am embarrassed that anyone in their right mind would think looks are everything, especially a girl scout. The council shouldn’t stoop down to the level of people like you, because eventually they won’t even call it “scouts” anymore. I am joining Venturing in hope to find a stable National organization, but I will be continuing Girl Scouts because the experience has been terrific. Venturing is a boy scout organization where they allow girls join also. Maybe they can teach girl scouts a thing or two. I am a proud Girl Scout, whether or not I’m wearing a “stiff, dirt brown uniform”, I will honor the promise and law of Girl Scouting, because that’s what counts in this organization.
Dawn Says:
20 July 2008 at 10:25 pm.
In response to Piper regarding her remark about the new “trendy” Girl Scout uniforms, she says, “what girl in her right mind is going to put on a stiff, dirt brown uniform and declare to her friends, “Yes! I’m a Girl Scout”, I know about 10 girls who willingly wear their uniforms and proudly declare that they are Girl Scouts, one in which is my daughter. In fact their friends who are not Girl Scouts are envious at all the amazing things our troop has participated in such as white water rafting, camping in Yosemite and Northern California, planning a trip to Washington D.C. , talent shows, babysitting service etc. all at the ripe old age of 12-13 yrs. of age. The age where the girls supposedly don’t want to be Girl Scouts because it’s not “cool”. There are 6 girls who have sold over 500 boxes of cookies multiple years and have received their bronze award and working on their silver and most of those girls have been scouts since they were in Daisies which is kindergarten age!
As a Girl Scout Leader and a former Girl Scout, I’ve appreciated the uniform because it signifies that they are part of an organization and they want to advertise it. As Cadettes, they are not as well represented as Girl Scouts because of their khaki uniforms and most people equate Girl Scouts as wearing green and brown, but nonetheless you will always see our girls wear their uniforms to events with pride, even if the other troops aren’t. They never whine and ask if they can wear something more “trendy” instead, they know what is expected of them and wear the uniform and act like a proper Girl Scout while wearing it. It saddens me when I attend council events and our girls are the only ones who are properly attired. It makes me feel like the organization is giving in to society and becoming desperate in order to get more girls to become girl scouts.
As far as uniforms in schools, I disagree with that. I understand the basis of the decision but I think in school is where personality is represented. I know not all kids can afford the $100 skinny jeans and tennis shoes, but they can express themselves in other ways. My daughter’s school has a “color code” where they have to wear black bottoms and black, red or white tops. Being primary colors, you can be creative with these choices. But now there has been a backlash from the boys as they are only allowed to wear polo shirts and black bottoms and they don’t think it’s fair. Next year, ALL the kids have to wear polo shirts and black bottoms, instead of the administration letting boys wear t-shirts instead. So she’ll have to create “new” outfits that incorporate the polo shirts and still represent her style.
So Piper, if you are a parent that believes that your son/daugter should be keeping up with the latest trends in fashion, you either have a lot of disposable income or are trendy yourself. Because if you believe that “image is everything” in this country, then you need to be reschooled in your values and you are part of the reason that there is anorexia, depression, teen pregnancy and suicide in today’s society.
Valerie Klaassen Says:
9 January 2009 at 4:37 pm.
To Whom It May Concern:
I think that the Green Girl Scout Uniform Dresses with the matching badge sashes and the circular merit badges should come back in style as an option for myself and those who would like to wear this Girl Scout Uniform. Green and Khaki are very nice colors, and I like them too. Please call Ruby Ong at 202-237-1670 Ext. 287. Thank you very much.
Cordially,
Valerie A. Klaassen
Heather Says:
24 February 2009 at 11:08 pm.
I am now 34 years old. I was in Girl Scouts when I was 11 or 12 years old. I have to say, that I hated just about everything about it. I joined GS because I saw the kinds of things my brother did in Boy Scouts–camping, hiking, business ventures, jamborees, etc–and I wanted to be a part of that. Of course, being a girl, Boy Scouts was out of the question. Off I went to our local GS troop, where I dutifully sold cookies. And made little decorative crafts. And did some basic cooking. And sold lots of cookies. And then some more cookies. My brother earned patches like navigation, electronics, and route planning. I was left to earn patches like ‘personal health’, baby-sitting, and ‘crafts’. What an absolutely mind-numbing, disappointing experience it was. Our troop leader was a stay-at-home mom who felt we should all learn to sew, bake, and baby-sit. We never once went camping, or even got out-of-doors. I earned a fair number of patches, but left after a few years, and never once looked back. To this day, I still wonder why I wasted my time in it, when I could have been involved in the Boy Scouts’ Venturing program (which we didn’t know about back then), or some other organization, like Camp Fire. In looking at the GS catalogue that comes out every year, I see the same artificial, properly ‘feminine’ orientated presentation that bored me to death back then; if I had a daughter interested in Scouting, I’d steer her to the Venturing program, or something else like it, long before I’d consider GS. My brother learned to make his way through a forest by himself, armed with compass and knife. I learned to stick little cloves onto the skin of an orange, so I could hang it up and ensure my closet smelled nice. Oh, yeah–I also learned to sell cookies. Lots and lots of them.
Peggy Says:
2 March 2009 at 11:12 am.
I have been the girl scout leader of my troop here in Michigan for 12years and my girls wanted nothing to do with the new Studio 2 B because it was just a bunch of fluff. They wanted to do the harder and more challenging badges. They also wanted to do archery and shooting but like you said the Girl Scouts wont allow it. But we took them so they could enjoy the experience. We cut out the craft stuff years ago, they are now seniors in high school and are working on their gold awards. We are really proud of the remaining two that we have left they have worked hard and gone far. The rest of the troop that quit over the years did not want to work had they just wanted to have fun. Girl Scouting is all that you put into it. Venturing was not an option for them put there was not one close by.
Haley Says:
2 April 2009 at 1:02 am.
Uggh Heather that’s terrible. I didn’t know GS was like that. Now I’m glad my mom never let me join. (She thought I’d fight too much and be disruptive or something.. probably true.) I’m glad my family went camping a lot, at least, even though I never got to be a part of an organization like Scouts.
Aleen Says:
2 April 2009 at 11:45 am.
Girl scouts is what it is but if you want it to be something else then you become a leader and get girls who are interested in venturing things to join. In the begining the leader makes the decisions but then the girls take over. Venturing is for older girls.
I am a GS leader and a cubscout leader. Girls can do what the boys are doing if it interests them.
You make it what it is.
Siobhan Says:
29 April 2009 at 8:15 pm.
as a senior girl scout, i am truly glad they changed the uniforms. it’s nice to have something new. the only thing i hate about the girl scout uniforms is how expensive they are. i bought a navy blue blouse and it cost me like 45 dollars. and the vest was about the same. i could easily buy the same blouse for like 10 dollars at ross. and sure, we can technically spend our cookie money on it. but really, no one wants to do that. another problem with the cost is that kids GROW! they really do. the blouse i got when i was in 6th grade, doesn’t fit me 5 years later. i know it’s the way they make money and all, but it’s ridiculous!
Kelli Says:
3 June 2009 at 4:39 pm.
I really do like the new look. I am considering Girl Scouts for my 11 year old daughter. The lax attitude about uniforms has been one of the things that has kept our family out of Girl Scouts. We so wanted our girls to have a scouting experience that was similar to Boy Scouts and the uniform was a part of that.
I would be very comfortable with the khaki bottoms, white shirt, vest/sash option IF it were actually required. But if Girl Scouts still look like the motley, half assembled, mish mash, wear what you want group they looked like in the mid 90’s when I tried to put my older daughters in, we’ll be walking away from it once again.
admin Says:
3 June 2009 at 7:47 pm.
I’ve noticed that there is still a transition process going on right now with troops that existed before the uniform policy still tend to be unmatched. So, going into an existing troop may have mixed results, but if you start a new troop with your daughter and her friends (and a couple of other moms) then you’ll be sure that the troop adheres to the national uniforming policy. My troop has had a uniform policy for the past 9 years. I’m the “where’s your sash?” dad.
Tracy Says:
15 July 2009 at 9:49 pm.
Heather, I completely agree with you – I quit GS after one year because I wanted to go hiking and camping, not make tambourines out of paper plates and dried macaroni. GS is either completely sexist, or it just attracts the kind of girls who only want to do “girly” crafts in pink uniforms. That definitely was not me. I wish I had the chance to do the things Boy Scouts did back then, but unfortunately, there were no alternatives. Oh, and I always loved Boy Scout uniforms – to me it was part of the whole scouting experience and part of what I longed for.
merrywhiterose Says:
19 October 2010 at 1:08 pm.
The Girl Scouts was such a “sissy” organizations. The Boy Scouts did exciting things like hiking, making things out of wood, etc. while the Girl Scouts still did cooking, crafts with paper, and boring stuff. I never could understand why they haven’t changed before now. I was a Girl Scout leader and despite what the book offered, we did more things out of my son’s Boy Scout book. The girls loved it! Kids don’t like to stand out now so the new “uniforms” are more realistic and easier to accommodate all activities. They will attract more girls into the program. Just as long as they don’t preach religion, or tell homosexual parents that they can’t be leaders like the Boy Scouts have done!
Jen Says:
10 April 2011 at 10:52 pm.
It’s so discouraging to see these posts. It shouldn’t be about what they are or are not wearing. You should be focused on the experience they’re having. I was a scout for almost 10 years back when we wore the skirts and blouses. We wore ours when we did official events or took trips. Anytime we flew or rode a train our uniform was on. If we went to a meeting or a camp event then no uniform was required. I’m very sorry that the previous posters had such bad experiences – yes we made crafts but we also camped, learned archery, canoeing, sailing, we went hiking and traveled to other countries as a group.
Now, I am a scout leader. I have Brownies. The Brownie uniform is about lets says $80 if you get the whole set. Several of my girls have shot up over the past year. My parents would have wasted money if I said uniforms were required. The little girls decided on a sash instead of a vest. For more formal events they wear khaki pants/skort (it’s hot here) and a light blue polo shirt (bought at target). For our informal events like trips to the fire department they can either wear their “field trip shirts” which are tie dye shirts or just a tiddy looking shirt – they’re children and they shouldn’t have to worry about getting a uniform dirty – they should be focused on learning how to be leaders and good citizens.
thank you for your time.
kaline Says:
21 May 2011 at 1:27 pm.
It is great to hear all of your comments. I truly believe that the girls should have a uniform. That does not mean one that costs an arm and a leg. They are representing the promise and law of the girl scouts. It is up to the leaders to make the difference in the girls life based on what the girls want to accomplish. Not just being know for selling cookies. That is up to the leaders to guide them to be the best they can be and let it be known in the community what they are doing. If they do not wear their uniforms, how can they be recognized for their good works. A big part of being a girl scout is also community service. That is what has been missing in a lot of troops.
I will be taking over a junior troop next year. We are going this morning to help another troop in a neighboring town to get supplies for a Disaster Relief Team due to the floods in Louisiana. That is what is good about the girl scouts. We need to inspire the girls and leaders. Not focus on the negative thoughts. Let’s help those that don’t know what girl scouts CAN DO. Let’s be there to help NOT put down an organization that tries to help girls be leaders. Let us all remember, GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING THEY SET THEIR MINDS TO!
Karen A. Says:
19 July 2011 at 6:59 pm.
Sure maybe it can be updated some but there should still be a universal uniform. Its a organized youth group not just some random girls hanging at the mall…SHOW SOME PRIDE and where the darn uniform. Sure you want your kids to be an individual but cant they be an original and still wear uniform? I never had a single problem with being myself in my green jumper along with the other girls. Cant todays girls do the same? And if not..then whats their problem??
NewCadetteLdr Says:
13 October 2011 at 3:50 pm.
I don’t agree at all with any of the comments that portray the idea that ‘it’s not about what we wear as a GS, but rather what’s on the inside and what we do as a GS’. Really? In my opinion, GS is like a team. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “team” as “a number of persons associated together in work or activity”. Therefore, do any of you think we’d hear any Major League Baseball player say something like that and then show up wearing jeans and a tee-shirt to play ball? Does anyone really think we’d all be debating this obviously heavily contested subject (given the thread started back in 2008), if we were talking about sports, band, color guard, academic decathlon team/club, the National Honor Society, etc.? NO! Yet, girls agree to join these other activities all the time and in doing so, they also agree to wear (or endure wearing, depending on your opinion) some type of uniform that might not look cool, might look super feminine (such as with gymnastics), but nevertheless unites them all as persons associated together by their activity. So why do we have to make it so complicated? What’s the big deal? Personally, this is a hot topic because I’m a new Cadette leader in a Council who says the Cadette “uniform” is a vest/sash with a plain white shirt and khaki bottoms and is “required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement (such as in a parade or while performing community service).” I currently have some girls/moms pushing-back about having to wear this stuff ever. I was told by one, “why should the girls be made to wear this type of thing when GS is just a bunch of girls innocently getting together to have fun”. Interestingly enough the girls pushing back about having to sometimes where a GS uniform of some type, are all on teams in the town where they live and the schools they attend.
