The Girl Scouts Meet Modern Challenges in a COVID-19 World

Gaining confidence and growing from the experience of meeting challenges has always been part of the Girl Scout tradition. Last year, the Girl Scouts of Northern California and Girl Scouts of the USA debuted 42 new badges to pique the varied interests of girls in grades K-12. From cybersecurity to space science to outdoor adventuring to solve modern problems, fresh learning and leadership opportunities gained momentum.

But this spring, the Girl Scouts were confronted with an urgent need to meet an ultra-modern challenge in the COVID-19 health pandemic. With a confident Girl Scouts declaration of “We’ve got this!” troop meetings and scouting activities were reshaped and continue to support girls challenging themselves and mobilizing as leaders in a changing world.

Girl Scouts @ Home

Girl Scouts may not be able to meet in person right now, but it’s easy to participate in Girl Scout events online and in real time. Use the Girl Scouts at Home webpage to access information on badges that can be completed at home, community service projects, plus tips on how to talk to your girls about Covid-19 and information on virtual programs. Join engaging Facebook/Instagram Lives, or register for Virtual Troop Meetings and Tajar’s Treehouse, the Girl Scouts virtual summer camp.

Tajar’s Treehouse

This recreates the community of camp and connection one week at a time, bringing “camp” to living rooms, backyards and neighborhood parks.
In each week-long virtual camp session, campers get the opportunity to bond with girls their age, explore fun and relaxing activities, learn new skills and build their community. These are the cornerstones of a Girl Scout camp experience. Campers of all ages will come together daily for themed activities around art, nature, science and sisterhood. Add in daily cabin chats with trained, supportive staff and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a relaxing, no-pressure routine to brighten your girl’s day and make this summer one she will remember.

Meet Girl Scouts Virtually

If you would like to learn more about Girl Scouts and how you can get involved, you can visit the Virtual Open House for new families. A 30-minute session provides an overview of Girl Scouts and their program, and the next steps for joining or starting a troop in your community. Girl Scouts of Northern California staff will be there to answer questions.

You and your girl are also invited to join virtual Welcome Troop meetings hosted by Girl Scouts of Northern California staff members. This is a great place to start if you are a new member or are considering joining but would like to learn more about Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout activities may look a little different, but they continue to give girls choices that are important for developing their sense of self, their own voice and commitment to gender equality. Research from the World Bank Group shows that increasing women’s decision-making abilities is key to improving their lives, communities and the world. Research also shows that Girl Scouts participants are more likely to take an active role in decision making than other girls—80% vs. 51%.

“These are unprecedented times, and we know families like yours are looking for ways to bring optimism, joy and purpose to each day during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” says Ash Redfield, public relations and communication specialist with Girl Scouts of Northern California. “Your routine, and your girls’ routine, may have changed with everything happening in our world right now. What hasn’t changed is how Girl Scouts rises to meet challenges. We’re here for you and your family.”

To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, visit http://www.gsnorcal.org. Stay connected with Girl Scouts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.