As a volunteer, it starts off as a 3 star experience. It is like the leadership is not accountable to the parents or to the volunteers for any mistakes that they make. It is like that they say that Girl Scouts is about female empowerment, but it is really about giving power to certain women and girls and the rest of us are either following or we are the lower class. I felt like I had to be neutral when I was filling out the surveys. I did try to be silent. I did try to express my concerns about certain issues. It was difficult to fall in love with Girl Scouts because it was constantly changing and everything was so forced and abusive. I felt used. I realized that Girl Scouts was bullying and playing games with me as a volunteer. It was like Girl Scouts was going after my weaknesses.
As a parent, I was trying to figure out if Girl Scouts was a good organization for my daughter. I was happy because my daughter enjoyed Girl Scouts. But it got to the point where I was not able to tell my daughter the truth of how I was being treated. I was silent. I wanted my daughter to have an activity where she could belong and learn new skills. I just kept being silent. It is like there is a web of lies. There are stories that some leaders and girls tell other people. It is like there is gaslighting. Again, I kept being silent. It was about betrayal and being uncomfortable. I felt small and belittled. I realized towards the end that I put Girl Scouts on a pedestal. I felt like Girl Scouts would go behind my back with my daughter.
This troop division is troubling and if you care about bullying or have any concerns about bullying DO NOT ENROll your kids.
Our daughter was bullied by the troop leader, her 2 daughters ( 1 of which is much older and should not even be attending) and their daughters friends in the troop. We contacted everyone we could and we were told to go into a different troop. The problem is not our daughter..its the troop leader and her lack of year around leadership. We also asked that the troop not hold gatherings at the school where my daughter attends. Its apparent after we have reached out so many times to everyone we could that my families complaint of bullying was more of an issue to the girl scouts than my daughter getting bullied. If you care about bullying or have concerns Buyer Beware.
GSWW is a great organization. I have been involved as a volunteer for over 5 years now & both my daughters love it! There are so many opportunities to do through GS anything is possible! Watching my girls learn while having fun & learning life skills is something I can't imagine they can do anywhere else. From camping, to sales experience, to fun outings & learning from older girls. So much is offered and they are always growing and adding new ideas/adventures. I can't wait to see my girls grow & graduate HS with the knowledge & skills they have learned through GS! It will be great!
This is a fabulous non profit! My daughter and I have so much fun at any GS event we attend. And the staff and volunteers are so amazing to take extra time with me. They are quick to resource leaders with training, information or their own wisdom. They really care about girls growing into fabulous women. Wahooo!