(And I’m not talking about outdoor skills! )
My son’s Cub Scout pack just returned from its family campout this past
weekend. The weekend was great fun but also a reminder on how Girl Scouts could be better.
4 ways Boy Scouts are better than the Girl Scouts:
#1. Girl Scout troops need to be better about sharing sisterhood.
Watching how troops operate in our service unit and in talks in online leader groups reminds me we have a lot to learn. We too often operate in a microworld of our 4 or 14 scouts. We too often don’t tap into the strengths and potential friendship of other troops in our service unit or council. It should not be a stressful thing to earn bridging requirements, because shouldn’t we be trying to meet other scouts anyway?
The Boy Scouts have it figured out, I hate to say. There’s no division of my group, your group, my age level, your age level. They work together and develop friendships and leadership skills. Isn’t that what scouting is about?
#2. Boy Scouts are better about tapping into local resources.
Sorry, sisters, but it’s true. When you have a larger group for your meetings, it’s easier to get speakers and activities than if you did it in a small troop alone.
Why is it we focus on Mother-daughter teas and father-daughter dances? (Which, honestly, every group seems to do these days; I’ve counted four this year alone in my town). Why not have a cool science night or other speaker or event with your service unit or multiple troops?
#3. The Boy Scouts have the lock on adventure activities for older boys.
Why is it Girl Scouts are craving Venture Scouts? Because it’s a program that challenges them.
Girl Scouts needs to step away from Barbies and cookie ovens and work on retention of these older Girl Scouts. They need challenges. Many of them want outdoor experiences beyond volunteer hours at camporee. Let them explore through scouts, or they will go elsewhere.
#4. Boy Scouts are better about family.
Sorry, but it seems like family involvement at all in Girl Scouts requires a membership application. I have a hard time charging parents a fee to spend time with their kids.
In our Cub Scout pack, families are part of the equation. We’re welcome at meetings and on hikes and camping trips. I don’t need a background check to help at a popcorn both with my son. Our pack has open conversation with our parents, and it’s better that way.
Use Resources Wisely 