Jane Chastain : Politically Direct

Don’t Buy the Cookies!

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61 Responses to 'Don’t Buy the Cookies!'

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1. Hi Jane,

   I read your article last year and enrolled my daughter in AHG instead of GS. I have to say the pressure is enough on me as her Dad, but from conservative friends and family who say it depends on the individual scout troop. I disagree with them and explain that only 10% of that box of cookies goes back to the troop, the rest to Nat’l and Local GS councils that get to decide what “programs” these girls are “indoctrinated” with. Not to forget the huge “United Way” funding.
   Conversely, I believe that AHG has an identity problem. They need to be more than that “anti-GS” organization. They have no budget, virtually no national exposure, and no publicity. Here in liberal Fairfax County, VA and many other school systems where they have “outlawed” the Boy Scouts from PTA sponsorship, how do you think an organization like AHG will be allowed to distribute recruiting flyer’s. AHG needs a large media campaign to highlight the ‘positives’ If even a start from some conservative “talk-show hosts”.

   

   Patrick Gray

   28 Feb 08 at 7:37 am
2. Thanks Jane for shedding the light on such an important issue. As Edmud Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Too many Christian Girl Scout leaders are sitting by and “doing nothing” because they haven’t been willing to open their eyes and see where the national organization is going. Sounds like the founders and leaders of American Heritage Girls are fighting the battle against evil. God Bless them.

   

   Linda B

   28 Feb 08 at 8:19 am
3. I applaud you, Jane, for putting into writing what I have been explaining to those who are interested in joining our group. As a former GS leader and a current AHG leader, I have found AHG to be a breath of fresh air. I was not comfortable with the direction GS was following when my eldest daughter and I were active in it, yet I did like the aspects of the different badges and “worlds” they were exposed to while earning them. We left GS with a bad taste in our mouth and I heard about AHG right before we moved. Unfortunately there wasn’t a group in the state we moved to so our involvement with AHG has only been over the past two years upon our relocation again. It is such a rewarding program and the other women and girls involved have become our closest friends. The girls are learning more about themselves, the world around them, and more about God–the foundation of our group. I agree with Patrick about the lack of exposure in the public schools for the promotion of AHG alongside the GS and BS flyers in the back to school packets. If it hadn’t been a program in my church I probably wouldn’t have heard about it. AHG is still young, just celebrated its 11th birthday, and has a long way to go to deconstruct the mountain GS has built and rebuild it with a strong Christian foundation which is less likely to crumble. A building is only as good as its foundation…as is any group, too. We are doing our best to get the word out about AHG in a positive light, not as the GS hating group. Yes we are often lumped in as “oh you’re a GS troop” to which I politely reply, “No, we are an AHG group -a christian based scouting program for girls, similar to what GS was founded on many many years ago but doesn’t closely follow any more.” I’ve had many ask further questions about it and referred them to the AHG website for more information after inviting them to come visit our group. Thank you again, Jane for the positive article about AHG. Your voice is in the public venue and helps us quieter community ones have a stronger base to launch from. As the AHG oath says, ” I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community” of which we personally do as an active duty military family (with our hero coming home in less than 40 days!).

   

   Dianne D.

   28 Feb 08 at 11:52 am
4. I wholeheartedly agree with this article! I was a very dedicated Girl Scout myself, and I am very sad to see how much the program of Girl Scouts has changed. I think their founder, Juliette Gordon Lowe, would be sad too. My daughter and I found AHG through our church 5 years ago and we have been dedicated members ever since. As far as the comment about our publicity, try checking to see how many churches and religious schools are helping to promote AHG.

   

   Mindy Weaver

   28 Feb 08 at 11:59 am
5. OMG….. This is the funniest thing I have ever seen….. my girls will stay on GS and will grow up to be every little bit of feminist I am… Paraniod delusional people like you need to be put away

   

   Ana

   28 Feb 08 at 1:58 pm
6. I am a Girl Scout leader and am very distressed at the direction the GS are going. As a troop leader and with my co-leaders we do everything we can to counter act or ignore the leanings of the national group. Over the years they have definitely moved to a militant feminist agenda. I have seen it in the badge program and the other programs that they have developed over the past few years. The charm program is blatantly anti-conservative and openly hostile to the gentile arts. It is a shame. Those of us women that have our children in the group do so as a way to change the thinking from the bottom up
   Because of the need to be completely feminist the local councils are so mismanaged and underfunded that they cannot really do much. Our local council has reorganized 3 times in the past four years. They cannot get competent administrators because they are so focused on the need to promote the feminist agenda that they wont hire a qualified male over an unqualified female. I truly see Girl Scouts as a whole not being around in the very near future.

   

   Denise

   28 Feb 08 at 3:33 pm
7. Although we would probably agree on many things politically we would differ here.

   Let me state up front, I am rabid anti Liberal antii PC, but some of your comments are part of the reason I left the GOP and am now an independent

   Why is it always eluded to that to be a “conservative” or some great patriot you have to be a Christian? The inclusion of other religions all of a sudden starts the screams of liberalism and the commies are coming.

   America was NEVER founded as a Christian nation as our forefathers left England to escape religious prosecution fro tyrannical puritanical Christian based belief and based our country on freedom of religion and expression, but some would act as though to be a real American or patriot you some how have to be in the “Christians only club”.

   Many of our forefathers stressed “Creator” but did not go as far as to push Christianity as many of them were Deists, Agnostics, and even a few Atheists.

   I am of German descent and follow the faith of my ancestors and family that came over from Germany in the late 1940’s after the war, I am an Odinist as I believe in the Gods of my northern European peoples, does this make me a lesser American as it seems to imply by the attitudes of the hard core Christian base?

   Let me also add that I am a former Infantry Marine, and US ARMY Paratrooper that has served and too an oath to protect the freedoms of people to live and believe as they choose, like yourself.

   I do not agree with the brainwashing that the colleges and some youth groups are perpetuating on our children and have to combat it every day with my own daughter, but for one minute do not lump my faith or beliefs in with the gay lobby nor some liberal agenda.

   I do not agree with Wicca but I do agree with its right to have a place in peoples lives, and why should they not be able to honor their Gods in the pledge or other Oaths?

   This Nation is NOT a theocracy and was never intended to be, SEPARATION of church and state.

   I really wish the GOP would stop trying to rewrite history as it is as bad as revisionist Liberal history in many cases.

   As I said I agree with much of what you say, but am tired of the attitude that to be a conservative and a good American you have to be part of the Christianity club.

   

   Chris

   28 Feb 08 at 7:11 pm
8. Chris,

   I don’t believe that there was a mention of the Christian faith in my article or the GOP for that matter. I am a conservative in that I believe in the principles upon which this country was founded, that of a small central government, with most of the power vested in the people and the individual states. And, yes, our Constitution guarantees us freedom of religion and free association.

   As a social conservative, I also believe in a high moral code spelled out in the 10 commandments which are part of many faiths. Be a little more specific. What comment did you find objectionable?

   Here in the U.S., 70 percent of people recognize the divinity of Jesus Christ. A full 95 of us believe in a creator God, in whose image we are made and we feel He should be honored, which is at the core of what organizations like the AHG and the Boy Scouts believe. If that doesn’t jive with you believe, so be it. Your kids don’t have to join. However, they can join, if they are willing to hold to the same moral code. If you say you are conservative, I believe you. You also sound like a fine American to me. Lighten up!

   

   Jane Chastain

   28 Feb 08 at 8:15 pm
9. I didn’t know about this and bought 2 boxes the other day. That will be the last time.

   Debbie
   CA

   

   Debbie

   28 Feb 08 at 8:33 pm
10. Hailsa!

    Firstly, I want to thank you, Jane, for responding to the email that I sent you so quickly. (Within a couple of hours!) That impresssed me.
    So, per your suggestion, I am posting my initial email to you here:

    Not going to take up your time here. Just going to suggest that you don’ bother lumping Asatu into those new-age, fluffybunny, “do as thou will” sort of groups.

    We (Asatruar) honor the gods of the northern European folk, and we don’t “dance
    ’round the fire nakid at every chance we get”

    Your article made a lot of sense, so I don’t want to poo-poo it. But I felt the need to clear things up about Asatru for you.

    If you’re interested in learning more about Asatru, check out the AFA
    website at http://www.runestone.org

    Wassail!
    -Rick (from Boston)
    RKN
    AFA

    

    Rick

    28 Feb 08 at 8:42 pm
11. The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their (relatively) new program, Venturing – a youth program designed for young women and men who are 14 through 20 years of age. You will find young women and men enjoying high adventure activities, developing leadership skills, and participating in Crews and Sea Scout Ships. And of the young women who are joining Venturing by the thousands, many are former Girl Scouts. Why? Because they want to have fun, they want to believe in God, they want to be good citizens, and they want to prepare themselves to serve their nation as a good leader. And they are tired of being young femi-Nazis. Ask them. Girl Scouting is losing many fine young women to the Venturing program, and that is just fine. Know a Girl Scout? Tell her about Venturing!

    

    Alan Cross

    28 Feb 08 at 9:26 pm
12. Since when is acceptance and being tolerant of others a bad thing? I believe the less discrimination and religious intolerance the better. We DO live in America!

    Since when is a strong woman a bad thing? Afterall isn’t life about embracing your gifts and striving to better yourself.

    Don’t you remember being a girl and the worst thing in the world was the possiblity of not being accepted?

    I think your article is too skeptical and closed minded.

    

    Jen

    29 Feb 08 at 9:56 am
13. Jen,

    If you will read my bio you will find that I broke a lot of barriers for women and have spent my life achieving in male-dominated fields. The difference in the Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls and the Boy Scouts is the goals. AHG and BSA are about building strong young people. However, they set high moral standards, given to us by a creator God and believe we should honor God by adhering to those standards. They are open to all young people who want to achieve those goals. They also believe that a democratic government is better than a Marxist-Socialists government and do not tolerate certain behaviors because some are destructive. Yes, you could say that is discriminating.

    

    Jane Chastain

    29 Feb 08 at 10:50 am
14. Hi Jane,
    Thank you for your recent research and article. I am a recent chairperson of American Heritage Girl troop this year. I have 2 girls who used to be Girl Scouts. I love their leader and had a lot of fun along the way. Yet at camp one year, my eyes were opened to how far GSA has gone to supporting Lesbians as acceptable Camp leaders. At a camp here in Ohio, the head person was a self touting Lesbian (let’s call her “Chris”). “Chris” was the main song leader (she was really good too), wearing men’s clothes, unshaved legs, and talked about her “Life Partner” right in front of my then third grader. Wait a minute. Yes, that’s true. This was really scary and of great concern to me and my husband. After all- should this sort of behavior really be a part of my child’s camp experience? What exactly was her agenda? What GSA may not realize, is that this is a matter of Child Protection, not a matter of hating anyone for their feminist beliefs or sexual preferences. The majority of GSA leaders “in the field” believe in God and want to be able to feel proud about this and accepted from the bottom all the way to the National level. This is simply no longer the case with GSA. I did complain about “Chris” -was told they were an “equal opportunity employer.” While “equal opportunity” certainly has its place in the business world, I do believe that protecting our children should come prior to keeping a Lesbian happy in her work of preference. We should not have to worry about our child’s safety at camp. We should all be weary of individuals such as “Chris” who choose a career that will give them one on one access with young girls in a camp setting- and have read that this is a safe haven for Lesbian acceptance. The GSA will always flourish- because this is the world we live in. But for parents of faith, it certainly is nice to have the choice of a proclaimed Pro Life Organization such as American Heritage Girls. BTW, I have a degree from Miami University, I held a high level Human Resource position for 10 years- and I even considered myself a feminist back in the 80’s. Back then, feminist meant something alot different that what it does today. Every girl should get a degree, every girl should be able to take care of herself, but I will encourage both of my girls to be mothers too- if they so choose. It is a ballancing act, but where will our world be if no one wants to be a mom and make the personal sacrifices needed to raise “Girls of Integrity”. I encourage all GSA leaders to open your eyes to this organization and its plans for our girls.

    

    Sharon

    29 Feb 08 at 4:01 pm
15. Sharon,

    Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately, your experience with GS camp is all too familiar.

    I have done a lot of exciting things in my life, but — in an effort to make my mark — almost missed life’s most rewarding experience, being a mom. Being a homemaker is one of the hardest, most demanding jobs. However, in the whole scheme of things, your children aren’t with you very long and your business skills do not evaporate. There is plenty of time to raise your children and then do other things. One of the big feminist’s lies was “You can have it all.” The truth is you can’t have it all, all at once.

    While I do know some men who are stay-at-home dads and do a wonderful job, most women choose to take the primary child rearing role. Thankfully, in a free country we still have that choice. Homemakers are vitally important for a country because they are raising, good productive citizens. Bravo!

    

    Jane Chastain

    29 Feb 08 at 4:41 pm
16. “I can still remember the pride I felt as I stood at attention in my crisp Girl Scout uniform to recite the promise:

    On my honor, I will try:
    To do my duty to God and my country,
    To help other people at all times,
    To obey the Girl Scout Laws.

    How times have changed! Now God has an asterisk telling the girl that “it is okay to replace the word ‘God’ with whatever word your spiritual beliefs dictate.”

    The word “duty” (to God) has been replaced with “serve” and the new all-inclusive Girl Scouts are free to serve anyone, including themselves, which seems fitting after reviewing some of their materials which stress “girl empowerment” and moral relativism.”

    This was the passage I took Issue with, and although yes you numbers may be true about belief in God, that does not change history that we were not founded as I stated.

    Also
    “I also believe in a high moral code spelled out in the 10 commandments which are part of many faiths.”

    Could be taken out of context but is almost eluding to if you do not follow suit to follow the 10 commandments you are not moral.

    We do as you have stated have something similar called the 9 noble virtues that we live by.

    After a re read of the article I can honestly say my defenses are up as I live in a small town in Nevada and have had to defend my faith from closed minded individuals whom feel that if you are not a “God fearing American Christian” you are not a real American and some devil worshiping loony.

    I can see by your article though that you do indeed have some very good points, and valid at that.

    I do applaud your thoughts and see that on first read misunderstood much of what you were saying.

    I can also however respect your points and offer my hand in an apology dear lady

    Chris

    

    Chris

    29 Feb 08 at 11:44 pm
17. I am so very glad that the Girl Scouts have done this. I didn’t know it and I thank you for telling me. AMG sounds close minded and a hate filled organization. I must now go out and buy Girl Scout cookies and thank them for a wonderful job of allowing all girls regardless of affiliation in their organization.

    

    sara

    1 Mar 08 at 6:51 pm
18. Thank you Jane for imforming us about what the Girl Scouts have been up to. I had no idea until I read your blog and I never bought Girl Scout cookies before but now that I know I’m DEFINITELY making sure I buy at least a few boxes of cookies each month. I think what they’re doing is great and is a move to a better more open minded, loving and accepting future for everyone. From what you’ve written it sounds like the Girl Scouts are leading the way to a better future, a future where it’s okay to believe in anything, to love yourself for who you are and strive to be your best. I think what they’re teaching the future is a message of love and hope. I’ll be sure to tell all of my family (I have a big family) and friends (who also have big families) about the Girl Scouts and encourage them to support the Girl Scouts as well.

    

    Anny

    1 Mar 08 at 8:21 pm
19. Jane,

    UCLA students have once again revealed the racisn of Planned Parenthood.
    Visit http://www.laadvocate.com/pp/ and click on the interview at the bottom. It has three parts and you have to come back and click on each part. You will see that Planned Parenthood is a racist organization.

    Will GSA sever the relationship with PP?

    

    John

    2 Mar 08 at 11:10 am
20. Hello Jane,

    I wanted to say thank you so much…..for a good laugh that is! I found your post to be very amusing. We are all entitled to our opinions and lifestyles. I was a girl scout from Daisy to Junior, and I fail to see how teaching tolerance of others is bad, and teaching hatefullness and close mindedness could be a good thing to teach a child. To me it is quite the opposite, I believe that tolerance for the vast diversity of life, for nothing in the world is the exact same as the other is beautiful, and teaching hate towards fellow human beings before you get to know the person as a person with a heart, soul, and feelings is terrible. After all there is enough hate in this world as it is, don’t you agree? why not show understanding and compassion that’s what Jesus did is it not? I also don’t see why raising strong women, who can think for themselves, make their own decisions in life and better themselves could be bad. I applaud the Girl Scouts for being open minded, accepting, and compasionate towards their fellow human beings. Unlike some people apparently.

    

    Rose

    2 Mar 08 at 12:10 pm
21. You ignorant closed minded biggots !!!

    How dare you insinuate that your chosen religion is “correct”. there is no factual evidence to give support to any religion over another. Religion is a choice based on faith and belief and for you to negate anothers choice is arrogance of the highest degree. When it comes to religion we are all standing on the exact same foundation. Christianity has nothing at all that places it as higher or more important then any other faith.

    In a country that openly prides itself on freedom, you should be ashamed that you would even consider speaking out against this. Your opinions place you in the same class as a white hooded cross burner. You are wrong and you know it.

    

    P&S Murray

    2 Mar 08 at 12:25 pm
22. I’m sorry such an intelligent person as yourself would be so narrow minded. As I believe Chris stated what makes the 10 commandments the end all of being moral?

    What wrong is there in being a feminist?

    Actually what wrong is there in being a homosexual? to have someone love you unconditionally that will treat with you respect and vice versa is all that should matter…not their gender!!!

    oh…yes, I forgot…my bible tells me so…ahh but the bible is a man written story rewritten by King James who put his own slant on things. But yet in the good book it says:

    “For with what judgement you judge, you will be
    judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be
    measured back to you.” (Matthew 7:2)

    and of course let us not forget:

    “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your
    heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do
    not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your
    Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

    I do believe there are much to many people in this word passing judgement instead of praising tolerance and understanding. No wonder we’re a world in crisis!

    To have an opinion is fine as we all have one, but to use it to degrade an organization is another. Whether you believe with what girls scouts are teaching or not…the fact remains they’ve helped thousands of young ladies grow into productive woman. My daughters both firmly believe that girls scouting is a tremendous part of who they are today. Both are strong in their convictions, love attending college and both what to make a difference in their lives!

    I don’t think I really understand where girl scouts failed them?

    Blessed Be,
    Lady Pagan

    

    Michele

    2 Mar 08 at 12:37 pm
23. Thank you for giving me yet more reasons to support the Girl Scouts and not the Boy Scouts.

    

    Jack

    2 Mar 08 at 3:31 pm
24. I have rarely, in my life, read such ridiculous material. Everything this country was founded on is represented by the tolerance, acceptance of diversity, cultivation of inner strength, and OPEN-MINDEDNESS of the current direction of the Girl Scouts. After reading this dissertation on regression, I will spend every extra dollar I have on Girl Scout cookies. Shame on you.

    

    Steph

    2 Mar 08 at 4:34 pm
25. This is so good to know, thanks for the info.
    I was planning on putting both my kids into the pagan Spiral Scouts to avoid the discriminatory practices of the Boy Scouts, but maybe I’ll let my daughter join girl scouts after all.

    I’m off now to buy EXTRA cookies from the girl scouts

    

    Amy

    2 Mar 08 at 4:38 pm
26. Jane,
    thank you for posting this “article” if you will. It has renewed my faith in the Girl Scouts that they will continue to turn out open minded women fo rmany years to come. Nothing like AHG to crush a girls abitions and tell them they can’t do something. Good old Girl Scouts will always be there to lead the way.

    

    Heather Sargent

    2 Mar 08 at 6:00 pm
27. Oh my goodness! I thought this type of thinking went out with McCarthyism? In a free America people should embrace the very diversity that makes America what it is today a melting pot for immigrants from all over the world. I think I’ll buy extra boxes this year… Kudos to the Girl Scouts of America, and the Spiral Scouts!

    

    Johnny

    2 Mar 08 at 7:37 pm
28. It disgusts me that people like you are trying in this day and age to encourage discrimination in so many forms. You judge those who don’t indulge your sick interpretation of “good” values and morals. I will do everything I can to teach every child I come into contact with to accept and embrace diversity in every way. This article is revolting. However, at least it sheds light on how narrowminded some people can be. I am more proud to be a Girl Scout leader now than I ever have been before! I commend all who support Girl Scouts and all their efforts to help make the world a more caring, helpful, and accepting place.

    

    Kristina

    2 Mar 08 at 9:32 pm
29. Thank you, Jane for posting this information. Reading your blog made the thin mints and tag alongs I recently ate so much more sweeter. If I weren’t watching my weight I’d buy many more boxes. I was a girl scout for a few years and really enjoyed my experiences, now I am even more grateful for my participation in the girl scouts organization. I plan on putting my future daughters in girl scouts (I’m already engaged so its not that far away). As your average red-blooded American, I believe in tolerance and equality for all, personal choice and responsibility, and raising strong independent children regardless of gender. What you’re preaching is not part of what America was founded on. Rather, our great nation was founded on religious FREEDOM, not freedom of Christianity. You’ve lost sight of what the founding fathers believed in through spreading your hatred for others. Jesus stated that we should not judge others, thats not the job of mankind, but is rather the job of God. The Bible also teaches that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So either you do not love yourself, Jane, or you are not following the teachings of Christ.

    Thanks again, Jane.

    P.S.
    Thanks to Amy for mentioning the Pagan Spiral scouts, I will definitely look into it, from one pagan to another.

    

    Cait

    2 Mar 08 at 9:57 pm
30. To all:

    I am sorry that everyone feels that they should live anyway they like. Right next to me is a street corner with a stop light. Unfortunately, 5 times, while I, as a pedestrian, had the light and started to walk across the street, a car came speeding from the west, cut through the red light, turning right. Had I been in the street at that moment I would have been killed.

    The traffic light was placed there for a reason. To save human lives.

    Are we suggesting that everyone should ignore the traffic lights and just zoom around. Wouldn’t that be tolerant, if we allowed anyone to do what they liked? Yes, it would be tolerant, but unfortunately some people might (and will) get killed.

    I want to ask you all to reconsider what you are saying. Sometimes there are guidelines and rules, so that we will truly be happy. Sometimes stating that we are opened minded is just another way of saying that we don’t want to follow any rules at all. Are the rules there to restrict us? and make us feel trapped? Or are the rules to insure that we keep living and don’t end up dead?

    

    Randall

    2 Mar 08 at 10:37 pm
31. “I want to ask you all to reconsider what you are saying. Sometimes there are guidelines and rules, so that we will truly be happy. Sometimes stating that we are opened minded is just another way of saying that we don’t want to follow any rules at all. Are the rules there to restrict us? and make us feel trapped? Or are the rules to insure that we keep living and don’t end up dead?”
    The trouble with your traffic analogy is that is that the interaction is cars and pedestrians is something that most of us agree on because we can all see it. The correctness of Christianity and the bible and the wrongness of homosexuality is not. It is an issue where many sides think many other sides are completely fooling themselves.
    The trouble is, since it seems that G-d is not going to come and settle this once and for all in a way we can all agree on (at least not until it’s too late for us nonbelievers to avoid eternal torment according to some), this issue probably will not be settled in this lifetime. We have a disagreement about the fundamental nature of reality. The Girl Scouts at this moment lean more towards our side in their official policy. We happen to like that. You obviously don’t.

    

    Djiril

    2 Mar 08 at 11:30 pm
32. I am of an alternative religion and if your belief that our system is corupt by alternative religions I feel so very sorry for you and your family. You are a narrow minded individual and now that I know of the background of the girl scouts and the path they have taken, I will see it in my power to support them with everything I can do so with.

    I feel for you and pray to my gods that you find it in yourself to remember the admendents of the US in that we are all free to choose our own religious path.

    I hope that every other alternative religious person that reads your remakes (Jane) will follow my same path and continue to support a group of courages young girls in thier fight for freedom both as an independent woman and in thier religious beliefs.

    

    Faye

    3 Mar 08 at 5:14 am
33. I am saddened by the tone and message of your bigoted, small-minded article. As an American woman and mother of four, former Girl Scout, former Girl Scout leader, and current mother of a Girl Scout leader, I AM EMBARASSED FOR YOU. You obviously have decided to use your own twisted idea of faith, (most likely, I surmise, some sort of “Christian” faith) to try to persuade others to discriminate and exclude CHILDREN from an organization that has chosen to rise above labels and persecution. Have you looked around our shared Earth and realized yet that WE ARE ALL ONE PEOPLE?!? Have you forgotten that Christ’s message (as well as the message of many of the worlds’s other religions) is one of tolerance and inclusion and acceptance? Throughout history far too many people have suffered and died in the name of religion. HOW DARE YOU try to defame an organization because you are too weak and insecure in your own faith to accept the beliefs and choices of others!!! As far as I am concerned, the only people who should be excluded from the Girl Scouts are those who intend to teach harmful messages to our girls and young women. Thankfully, in this effort, people like you are now out of harm’s way. I say GOOD RIDDANCE!

    

    Tina

    3 Mar 08 at 10:03 am
34. I am glad that you have brought this information to light. It is nice to know that we still live in a country that people can find a place for themselves, no matter who they choose to be. I am glad that AHG is up and running, the girls from conservative families need a place to feel welcome and safe, just as the pagan children and the children from other “alternative” families. Our nation is one for all! Our forefathers would have been proud, they may not have agreed with everyone’s personal choices, but they would have been proud that we have made them welcome here in the United States of America.

    

    Carmin

    3 Mar 08 at 11:42 am
35. I LOVED Girl Scouts. I was taught then to be an independent woman, to not depend on other people to do something, but to do it myself. I was taught that I didn’t have to stay home with the kids while hubby got to go to work to earn the money. I’m having a wonderful time in life now THANKS TO the Girl Scouts. If my daughter wants to join the Girl Scouts and become an even more independent woman, so be it. I will NOT hinder anyone from becoming independent and break free from the chains women wore for so long.

    Oh yeah, I’m also Pagan and a bi-sexual. No one really cares or thinks of that except for close-minded people like you who don’t like change or people different from yourself. People like you make me want to hibernate.

    

    Tam

    3 Mar 08 at 12:11 pm
36. When my sister brought this article to my attention I was sure it was a joke. What person in their right mind would take money away from children who had nothing to do with the decision you disagree with? I am a Girl Scout Leader and have always been proud to be. However, I am also a feminist, a gay/lesibian/bisexual/transgendered activist and a very faithful Christian (how God hasn’t struck me with lightning while I’m standing here I guess we’ll never know). People like you and the WBC with your sheer close-mindedness and biggoted ideas only make hate stronger. And as far as I know, hate was not a lesson of Christs’, it is not one of the Fruits of the Spirit and it sure as hell is not a value I will be teaching any of my scouts. In fact, I have half a mind when they get a little older to show them this article as an example on how not to treat people. When Jesus said love everyone, he didn’t mean just those who look or think like you—he meant everyone. When I have children I would love for them to have a lesbian scout leader (hell, why not even a transgendered scout leader) so she will be exposed to others and learn to love them for who are and not who they love. As far as AHG goes, being a place for little conservative girls to feel welcome and other organizations being places for all the other little girls to feel welcome–segregation anyone? Is that really where we are again? I had hoped as society we had come farther. Our forefathers would be proud? Yeah, they probably would be since most of them owned slaves and didn’t consider anyone different from them as real people.

    I can’t change your views and I can’t make you support GS. Go ahead and support AHG, but I doubt their cookies are as good. You know how good of bakers us left wing, feminsit, marxist, lesbians are.

    

    Allie

    3 Mar 08 at 12:30 pm
37. Ms. Chastain,
    As a very independent thinking woman, and Girl Scout Leader and former Girl Scout(11years), I find your article both obsurd, insulting, and way off base. While there are many things that have changed since I was a young girl in Girl Scouts the premise of the institution still remains the same, and that is to bring young girls together to learn and experience new things in which they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do. I have not met any militant ‘feminists’ as you refer to nor have I seen any Girl Scout badges that require girls to learn to be a feminist. While Girl Scouts may not center its’ teachings on Christianity or any other one religion, it does teach some moral foundation that are important and are within the teachings of Christianity. The biggest thing that Girl Scouts teaches the girls is tolerance and acceptance of others no matter their race, religion, or sexual preference. I think that is also a point made throughout the Bible. “Judge others less not we be judged.”
    As far as cookies, the sales of the cookies bring .56 cents per box to the troop. The rest of the money goes to our local unit, then the local council, state council, then to Girl Scout USA and finally the fees to cover the cookie costs. These fees cover camp maintenance, building costs, materials, fee free programs, costs of supplies and uniforms for girls who can not afford these items.
    It is because of narrow minded thinking and views, that America should be thankful for groups like Girl Scouts who wish to expand the minds of girls and teach them that being kind, helpful, polite, and viewing others as equal to themselves is a good thing. That they can have fun and make friends with a world of girls and experience goes as far as their imaginations will take them.

    Shame on you, Ms. Chastain.

    

    Perri

    3 Mar 08 at 1:45 pm
38. What is so wrong with allowing non-Christians to join the Girl Scouts? If anything it teaches tolerance and diversity. What is wrong with senior girls researching freethinking women who have made major contributions to society on behalf of women?

    

    Heather

    3 Mar 08 at 2:52 pm
39. It is clear by these posts that some readers really don’t get it. No one has addressed the apparent “mission creep” of a once venerable institution whose goal was to develop character and an outward focus in young women. Saying that anything goes is nothing less than moral relativism that rarely helps anyone make meaningful decisions. Ms. Chastain’s faith is apparently important to her and her disappointment in a tradition that has changed is understandable. Christians aren’t Christians some of the time, they are Christians all of the time and believe in right and wrong.
    Applaud or disagree as you might, but I appreciate a woman who truly cares about girls of today. today’s young women have unprecedented challenges and the Girl Scouts are doing them no great service by reflecting society in lieu of holding up high moral standards.
    Vagina monologues - wiccan religious recognitions - new age leadership institutes. CEDAW is good legislation.. Girl Scouts, you have got to be kidding!

    

    Pat

    3 Mar 08 at 7:06 pm
40. This article provided with the most amusement I have experienced in quite a while. You spoke about how you are glad that the United States did not support the legislation to end discrimination against women, citing that the legislation would support prostitution. Yet in an earlier sentence you stated that girls should be encouraged to be “homemakers”. Let me ask you something–if the woman stays at home earning no money while her husband buys all the food, her clothing and shelter, and pays all of her bills–is that not prostitution? After all, is she not earning her keep by keeping him satisfied?

    

    Bekah

    3 Mar 08 at 7:56 pm
41. Since when does drawing a line in the sand between right and wrong constitute hate? People can still be shown love and respect as Christ demands, without their behaviors being condoned, and without our children being taught that all behaviors are okay.

    Just as Girl Scouts is not for everyone, neither is AHG. Just because AHG is not for you, that is no reason to jump to the conclusion that they teach hate. Drawing a line between right and wrong does not constitute hate - and I see nothing in AHG’s program that supports, teaches or even hints at hate.

    Today’s culture has seemed to adapt the meaning of tolerance to equate to agreement or acceptance - is it no longer possible to be tolerant, while respectfully disagreeing? Can’t I still be tolerant of other ideals, without wanting my children to be taught that those ideals are true and right?

    I believe that there are families for whom Girl Scouts will support and uphold their values and ideals - but I also believe that their are many families for whom Girl Scouts is NOT an option. I am glad that an alternative to GS exists, so families can choose an organization that best meets their needs. No hate here.

    

    Marie

    4 Mar 08 at 10:26 am
42. I liked picking mushrooms, in fact there are two mushrooms that look almost exactly alike. They both have a white cap, they both have fringes of the cap left clinging to their stem, both are like white buttons when they emerge from the ground. One is called “agaricus campetris” the other “amanita phalloides” Do you know how to tell them apart? Do you know which one is deadly poisonous and which one is sold in the grocery store? If you make one mistake, you could be killed.

    The thought that any behavior goes is just like picking mushrooms. All looks good, in fact two look almost identical. At the moment, eating them is pleasant and enjoyable. But their intrinsic makeup or molecular content is what makes all the difference. This is an objective fact.

    We need to recognize that perhaps there really is an almighty being, in objective reality, who has laid down a foundation stone for our moral behavior, and he and he alone knows which behaviors will keep us alive and which behaviors will not.

    For those who don’t believe in God, I simply ask you to see the incredible complexity of our DNA, such arrangements could not possibly come from chance.

    For those who do believe in God, I simply remind you that we have an obligation to listen to Him and heed his moral instructions, doesn’t he know what will create our true happiness?

    Even simple mathematics teaches us that when we claim that all assertions (religions) are correct, this cannot possibly be true. If we claim that our religion is correct, then we have an obligation to show others why, but not in the sense of bashing others over the head, as is correctly stated. In my case, Christianity forced me to chose, because no teacher of a religion ever rose from the dead, except Jesus Christ. No religious teacher said “I am the way the truth and the life” so either Jesus was divine or he was a lunatic. No religious teacher said “Kill me and 3 days later I will arise from the dead” Jesus did foretell this ahead of time and then did rise from the dead. Even the religious leaders of the time knew what he said, sent temple guards to guard the tomb and make sure no one could possibly steal away the body. If the guards failed, they were immediately put to death.

    But we do know what happened, some of the guards went to the religious establishment and told them what had happened, and they got paid off to tell a lie.

    When someone comes along and foretells things and then demonstrates his power over death, I would like to think that we would consider his claims and his authority.

    Most Christians I have met, didn’t chose their religion, like choosing lettuce in the grocery store. I came to Christ, because I had to consider his claims and authority, not because I was free to pick and choose. Belief in God isn’t a subjective matter, it is chosing to believe in what is objectively true.

    As one who was molested as a young boy, for over 4 months, I think I have a right to say that some kinds of behavior are immoral and wrong. Conversely some types of behavior are right and true. It is simply wrong to say that all is okay and that we should be tolerant of all.

    Making this same mistake with two mushrooms could get you killed, and this is most certainly true with our moral behavior.

    

    Randall

    4 Mar 08 at 12:37 pm
43. Hi Jane,
    Loved this information. How about a photo of an AHG uniform, some girls proudly wearing it so that those of us who were scouts but don’t have young daughters involved in scouting can identify those wearing the AHG uniform and compliment them for their choice!

    Nice work - as always!
    Your friend…

    

    Ellen Shaw

    6 Mar 08 at 6:55 pm
44. Hi Jane!

    I’m not the least bit surprised about the problems the Girl Scouts are going through. Their problems go way back before World War 2. If you have ever read Jeannie Wakatsuki Houston’s book Farewell To Manzanar, the problems were inherent for quite a long time. My parents used to talk about racial discrimination in the Girl Scouts which had been going on for many years before my older sister was born (1960). The Ethnic minority communities knew there was racism going on before WWII, and those things transformed into other problems you now see today. When the crackdown on racism started, these other evils you now see began to fill the void left behind. My parents in their contempt for the Girl Scouts never enrolled my sister with them. Now to this day, if you come across the Japanese American community members who refuse to help out the Girl Scouts in any way, you can bet that they had been exposed to their dark side years ago, and have refused to reconcile with them. If you wound a Japanese American’s dignity, there’s a good chance you will be dealing with plenty of wrath and unforgiveness for smearing someone’s good name. The Girl Scouts will continue to reap the seeds of destruction now.

    

    Edward

    17 Mar 08 at 3:52 pm
45. I am amazed that some of the GSA supporters responses have lost the key focus of what GSA has changed into and behind the scenes at that. I never received a form telling me that Lesbians will be welcomed as camp leaders and that they were partnering with Planned Parenthood. And, I resent it. I resent being at camp and finding this out for myself. I had to “fry like bacon” to get my breakfast only to be cornered by a lesbian needing marital advice with her then “life partner”. And she asked for it right in front of my 3rd grader. This hidden agenda is now not so hidden any more and that’s good that they are admitting to it so that parents can make an informed choice. GSA is upset because they know the Christians are on to them and they want to keep using us to sell those cookies. 85% of the profit goes to the National Council. I don’t like being taken advantage of, and it makes me mad that I actually pressured my neighbors for so many years to buy those stupid cookies. GSA is stumbling now, because there are leaders who are bucking the system by not attending the camps, not selling the cookies and having parents pay extra money for activities instead to support the wonderful service projects instead of selling cookies. Many have just gotten disgusted and quit all together. Yet, some continue to pay dues each year which also supports the National agenda.
    AHG sets up troop accounts so that an average of 45% of their sales pays for camps, dues or uniform needs. Imagine that! Not all local councils follow the national agenda of GSA, but they cannot deny the national agenda’s public intention to continue the relationship with Planned Parenthood and push the organization into a lesbian run one. That’s fine with me- go right ahead with out me.

    We have better things to do at meetings and we are having too much fun camping and earning badges within a Pro Life organization to worry about where the GSA is going any more. I am safe and feel right at home at camp getting to know women of other faiths. We pray freely at camp and thank God for the founders of American Heritage Girls. I know that my daughters are safe due to the high standards within the AHG organization.

    Acceptance and tolerance are two different adjectives. I do not accept the behavior of the lesbians or gays, but I do tolerate them as human beings and take heart that God loves all people and try to think about the positive efforts they give back to society. My human weakness makes it hard for me to love them but I am also called to do this.

    I do teach my daughters to be independent, to be careful- to be educated- to go to college and be able to support themselves before they get married. AHG also supports these goals for girls. Marriage is also a choice for them to make and is not for everyone.

    I find it interesting that some GSA supporters are threatened by this choice for Christians. Christians are the silent majority of our country. Before this we did not have a choice- and GSA had the monopoly as the only choice for Americans for their girls who want to be a scout. With 2 Girl Scouts of my own, it was not easy pulling them out of their social groups and telling them that GSA does not align with their faith core values. As their mother, I am just doing what my faith calls me to do. It’s my job to protect them as long as I can. And yes, they both cried. My oldest now understands and I hope she will be proud of my efforts to expose the truth about GSA to our community. She likes sports and art better anyway.

    GSA has many wonderful service opportunities for girls of all faiths or the lack there of- service of God AND country is what America is all about. But it is not what GSA is all about any longer as a whole. How many Christians have died and are currently dying just so all of us could have our freedom to believe what we want to- even if it is the most self serving. This is also what America is all about.

    I am teaching my girls to love their friends and their enemies and to pray for the safety of girls who are at the GSA “equal opportunity camps” this year. I am amazed that some moms are willing to sacrifice the safety of their daughter to support GSA’s ideals, but it is not my business to judge.

    At the very least, please do not drop off your daughters at any GSA camp this summer unsupervised by someone you know. There have been documented cases of abuse by lesbians here in Ohio. GSA has covered up even shielded lesbians from paying for their abuse (illegal- Hello? activities). GSA is actively recruiting lesbians to run these camps. If you do not take your daughter out of GSA, make sure you are chaperoning her yourself or with another trusted adult. Not all of the older girls running these camps are gay, however, the head counselors tend to be. I have witnessed this myself.

    I am thankful to the founders of AHG for fighting against Planned Parenthood and starting this organization for those parents who recognize the price to be paid of supporting GSA and what it has evolved into.

    I am proud that my daughters are part of a Pro Life Organization (AHG) which is based on what the original GSA program intended if you look into its original history.

    Many folks of faith also support Planned Parenthood, but they forget or choose not to think about what the majority of the activity (abortion) takes place there. This is killing our girls self esteem and integrity and injuring their souls - and for some, they never recover because they feel that no one would ever want them and no longer love themselves, let alone have the strength to love anyone else. Only after the abortion to they realize what they have done and it can be impossible to overcome. Buying cookies, paying council dues supports this agenda. Most parents may not like the idea of standing up to their own daughters and say “Sorry, you can no longer be a Girl Scout” because the agenda of GSA is too adult to discuss. You will have to wait until you are older” to understand. Or, just come out and say it after a while because my daughters wanted an explanation and I could not shield them any longer. Yet, as their mother, they are too young to be told anything about Lesbians or gays. They need to be children without worry so I tell them: “GSA has partnered with Planned Parenthood - which the majority of activiy involves abortion. This does not align with your Catholic faith. AHG is a Pro Life Organization and if you want to be a scout, this is our family’s choice for you.” “It does not mean that any local Girl Scout leaders know about GSA or intend to follow its National Agenda as a leader in this community.”

    Other countries do not respect the USA because we have Planned Parenthood for the parents who have lost track of their daughters and view it as an acceptable solution. We desperately need to continue to talk to our daughters about the realities of sexual activity and the price that can be paid. WE are viewed by the world as animals for this choice not “fighters of freedom for our girls”.

    We need to teach our daughters purity - and to save themselves from the many diseases and deaths that occur to those who engage in sexual activity before marriage. This is the world we are in because of freedom of choice and it makes it harder to live in for our girls of faith and not of faith equally.

    I am blessed to be part of a scouting organization that will back me up from the bottom all the way to the top.

    

    Sharon

    18 Mar 08 at 9:02 am
46. I praise God daily for all of you folks who have stood strong in your beliefs and supported AHG. We were involved in GS for 3 years, and I kept trying to make it work, but I could never quite figure out why it just didn’t click with us. Bless my sweet girl for being so patient, waiting for some good things to happen in her scouting troop. Even her GS camp got rained out last year (thank God!) Finally last summer I’d had enough. While my Boy Scout was working on Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the Community, I picked up a 1994 copy of the GS Junior Handbook (target age 8 - 11), and realized it’s trashier fiction than I would allow her read. There are way too many good books out there than for her to waste her time on that smut (regarding ‘long, no-time-out-for-breathing kissing’, and the ‘older 16 year old pregant sister, whose afraid to tell her parents’ -I suppose that’s intended to bring up the topic in our household. How convenient that earning a ‘becoming a teen patch’ addresses that for me, by requiring a trip to a clinic, and again, that some Councils will help parents with that one by having Council sponsored PP field trips). Then I finally did my background check on GS - a little late. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better. Wish I had seen your article and more like it sooner. I’m embarrassed that I used my sweet girl, in that little uniform, selling cookies to support an agenda I don’t agree with. And then the gut-wrenching thought hit me: the GS program for the younger girls is still considered ‘traditional’. Is GS ‘grooming’ our little girls by bringing them in with a good traditional program while they’re young, then slowly, the program changes, and supports their relationship with PP? Smooth-move on PP’s part. Future customers will be aware of their services, even before they need them. Brilliant!

    Having come through a very long grieving process for the loss of what I thought our girls group was, and wondering “Why, why did we stand strong for our boys, but let our girls organization drift?”, I can say now, thank God for each and every one of you American Heritage Girl employees, leaders, and supportive columnists. You helped me pull through, knowing I wasn’t alone in my journey to stand up for my beliefs. And yes, it was very difficult sacrificing my girls social life, and telling them that the national organization isn’t following God’s ways, and we’ll share the details with you when you get older.

    But the beauty of it was in the promise that God’s ways are always best! Even when we can’t see the end of the story yet, we had to trust & obey. The day we quit GS, in church we sang “Trust and obey, there’s no other way, if you want to be happy, then trust and obey.” As I was still crying daily, my dear hubby added “Don’t cry anymore, I’ve shown you the door…”

    6 months later, I am truly blessed to be a chairperson of a new AHG troop with 20 girl members. When our troop membership grew to double the size of our old GS troop, we thanked God, that just like Job, He had rewarded us with twice as many as we had had before the trial.

    I’d like to share with you some of the great things we can do:

    We don’t sell cookies,
    We bake cookies for the Kairos prison ministry.

    We made curtains for our local food pantry.

    We made placemats for the prison ministry.

    We plan to help with a Nursing Home Worship service in our community & visit with the seniors.

    We hope to make agape for the carnival workers who come to town once a year.

    We plan to help stock the shelves at our local food pantry.

    We plan to help with Operation Christmas Child - to help children less fortunate than us around the world.

    These activities are all about LOVE, God’s love, and because God loved us first, we show our love, by loving others - especially those in the most unlovable circumstances.

    Try making cookies with your kids for prisoners sometime, see if your girls ask “Why are we doing this for the ‘bad guys’? Why aren’t these cookies for me? Mom, do you you love the ‘bad guys’ more than you love me?” These are the conversations I like to spark in my household, even more than standing outside the gas station selling cookies in January, guilt-tripping aquaintances to serve the almighty dollar.

    And we welcome girls of ALL faiths into our Troops.

    We strive for integrity by requiring that our leaders are Christian. By Christian, that means we’re not perfect, but we’re trying.

    “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

    “There is but one way to raise up a child in the way he ought to go, and that is to travel that way yourself.” Abraham Lincoln

    In hind site, for me, being in GS was like living the Old Testament - that’s all I thought there was, and I sensed something was missing, that was present in Boy Scouts, but we couldn’t quite get a grasp on in GS. Now I know, it was the Holy Spirit that was missing.

    In AHG, we’re living in the New Testament - our Messiah has come, and we’ve got Jesus!

    “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 8: 13,14

    “It’s easier to cut new steel, than to weld rusty metal.”

    Stay strong in your faith, and anyway, if you’ve read the last chapter…We Win!

    Jane - YOU GO GIRL!

    

    Julie

    28 Mar 08 at 9:37 pm
47. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for confirming that reincarnation does exist and that within reincarnation men can become women. Hitler made into a woman!! WOW! what a wake up call…. now it’s time to be a good little girl and take your cianide like you made all the good little boys and girls do. No better yet–kill them!!! kill them all!!! NO, better yet put all the “good” girls- who believe in a monotheilistic god in a concentration camp. Leave ALL others out. If this isn’t the making of Jim Jones all over again. Charles Manson would be proud!!!. David Koresh all the way!!! Now on a serious note: ALL above venting is just that, to get to see how insane you are for even coming up with a ludicrous idea such as the AGH. As a wiccan who came from the Bible thumping, Hell fire and brimstone past that I came from is very secure in my loving Earth and ALL who live in it, no matter what religion if any religion at all. It’s not what is professed out of the mouth, it is what lies in the HEART. A gentle spirit is going to spread love and gentleness, but a hard core Christian who is only thinking “gotta save souls” pounds, pushes, judges, condemns, throws “stones” to get that soul to Jesus. I know people from all walks of life and many different religions, and it breaks my heart to se the Christians doing exactly what Jesus told them not to. “He who hasn’t sinned, cast the first stone”. “All are welcome at my Fathers table” I am going to tell you, like so many wished they did. Hit your knees, ask for forgiveness from your God, and look in the mirror. For you have to be loving and kind to yourself before you can be kind to others and this article certaintly wasn’t kind. It was down right hurtful.

    

    Tina

    29 Mar 08 at 4:52 pm
48. Girl Scouts is what you make of it. I am in my 20th year (8 as a girl and 12 as a leader). I will miss it dearly when my daughter graduates from high school this May. I have an old Girl Scout badge book that includes a badge for ironing. Come on now it was time for some change. In the world of two income families (out of necessity), where is the harm in empowering our daughters to be strong women, make good, moral decisions, and expand their horizons to prepare for a long career. My daughter is drug and alcohol free. The girls in our troop are drug and alcohol free. I will not be surprised to someday see them as leaders in the community.

    I have watched the Boy Scouts become more and more bigotted and it really makes me ill. I like the Girls Scouts “Every Girl, Everywhere” motto. I have never run into a lesbian couselor. I have never run into a Girl Scout witch. Oh and by the way…AHG you’re a Christian organization but take members of all faiths? Jewish? Hindu? What? All leaders must be Christian? Sounds almost racist to me. Thank God no one has ever treated my girls the way you have. They would be devastated. How dare you take something wholesome and good and turn it into something terribly threatening to the wonderful girls. Shame on you.

    

    Richelle

    5 Apr 08 at 11:41 pm
49. Fortunately for me, I do not have the emotional attachment that many Girl Scout Leaders have- especially if you have invested so much of your time leading your troop and being a Girl Scout yourself. It took me 3 years to take any action myself. It took me 2 years to get our parish to get chartered. I don’t teach any of my girls to hate their girl friends for being Girl Scouts. In fact, they don’t know about the adult content of all of this. My oldest daughter does know some details because she is 12 and is beginning to ask questions about her faith and wants to know what our family values are when it comes to sex. I don’t want her to sell herself short and go down the wrong path.
    God Bless you for being such a great leader and such an excellent role model, but do not judge me as a parent for having a problem with GSA on a national level. Two of my finest leaders come from Girl Scouts. One was a Girl Scout all through college and has her own personal sad story to tell. I respect my GSA leaders, but working so hard representing an organization that has changed itself to be equal opportunity, thus allowing gays and lesbians in the camps, honoring lesbians as GSA role models, etc. is just not a match or attractive. Have you done your homework? Not to mention reducing God to an asterisk when their Catholic teaching is to honor Him in everything they do. I have first hand experience with the Lesbian run camps here in Ohio, and disapprove of the new National mandates of accepting lesbians and actively recruiting them into the young girls camps- where girls are dropped off at the age of 12 years old to be aides by themselves. This is a huge safety issue and I gather one day there will be a witness, and a girl will get hurt in the process. Neither one of my girls or any of them in my troop will be at risk. Girl Scouts has a relationship with Planned Parenthood and admitted they will continue to do so. Not every local council goes along with this, however, the cookie sales and the dues support this national initiative. As an American I understand the tolerance of all people, however, my Catholic religion teaches non acceptance of the gay lifestyle and is Pro Life. I want an organization like American Heritage Girls due to the safety issues our girls face today- especially at camp. All adult volunteers are background checked and I have proof of this before they spend anytime with the girls.
    Maybe I am naive about purity and abstinence. I just don’t believe in mixed messages for our girls. “I don’t want you to have sex, but if you do, here’s some birth control pills so you don’t get pregnant”. It’s like driving without a drivers license. Or saying “Don’t drink and drive, but if you do, be sure to drive slowly and maybe if you get in a wreck you won’t get hurt as much”. You would never say that to your own child. The message to our girls these days needs to be clear. God knows what makes us happy and abstinence before marriage leads us to happiness. Yes, I made some mistakes in my youth which I really pray every day that neither of my girls will make the same mistakes. As a parent, I want to be able to help Pregnancy Centers and Pro- Life agencies through service projects without looking over my shoulder and hoping that the council doesn’t find out about it.
    AHG is a Christian Organization- for more information go to http://www.ahgonline.org. You will see no hate there but an organization that is Pro-life offering relevant and modern badges for girls today and plenty of room for girl leadership with a Stars and Stripes program being the final goal. The program is family oriented and fathers can also get involved teaching badges in a 2 leader deep situation.
    GSA has indeed “taken something wholesome and good and as turned it into something terribly threatening to the wonderful girls”, not AHG. Shame on GSA. AHG is reacting with over 4000 members and growing rapidly. I will be able to accept non Catholic girls in my troop as long as the parents can agree with the statement of faith which can be found on the website.

    I’m no holy roller as they say, however, I just don’t understand why some people don’t get why a parent would not want a gay or lesbian counselor around their boys or girls at camps when the parents aren’t there to protect them. Who is going to protect them? Obviously the GSA council doesn’t seem to care about this part. I don’t understand why that makes me a bigot for being upset about this idea. I don’t hate gays, I just suspect them when they are fighting so hard to get into the BSA and GSA realm instead of using their talents among adults. It’s called easy access to our children, and I would rather not take my chances, thank you.
    I hope the corporate folks at GSA read all this stuff and change their initiatives because clearly they are losing members left and right.
    Good luck to you all!
    Happy and Blessed in Ohio!

    

    Sharon

    8 Apr 08 at 11:14 am
50. I was very disturbed after I read your article. I have wonderful memories of when I was a girl scout. I am now a leader and delegate for Girl Scouts. I am not a lesbian nor do I promote same sex and that is another topic that is not related to Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts for that matter. Let’s not confused the two topics - shall we. My daughter will be bridging up to Juniors and we are still very excited to be a Girl Scout. I think the values she is learning is wonderful. She has learned so much through the programs of Girl Scouts. Look at the society today and how messed up the children are. They do not have any leadership or values. Girl Scouts is always changing their ways to make it fun for the girls and how to empower them in anything they can do. She has learned about camping, the environment, all kinds of history, teamwork and has met so many great friends in return. This is not about politics or lesbians this about the girls future and what leadership roles will they take on after they complete Girl Scouts. I think you have this all wrong and we wonder why our children are misdirected in society. Wake up people it begins at home with good values and virtures.

    

    Lisa

    13 Apr 08 at 6:52 am
51. I am a Girl Scout leader and proud to be one. I had never heard of AHG until our annual council meeting a couple of weeks ago when one of the delegates talked about being solicited to join AHG and being given a pamphlet filled with anti-Girl Scout material. I did not see the pamphlet, but it caught my interest enough to google your organization.

    I am rather shocked by the unconcealed contempt toward Girl Scouts that I found in your letter. As an active Christian, I have been taught all my life not to judge others and to respect decisions that other people make, as it is their free will, granted to them by God. To see such anger in so many of the responses both pro and anti GS is distressing.

    I would like to address a few of the points you mentioned in your letter.

    “…now presents a moral dilemma as the Girl Scouts have become a training ground for the left-wing feminist agenda” and “the Girl Scouts have become: a tool of the radical feminist movement, anti-God, pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality” (from Confessions of a former Girl Scout http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=40508). Why would you stereotype all Girl Scouts as such? It is like saying that Catholics are alcoholics, etc. Such stereotypes do not aid any cause in the long run, but destroy what could be a wonderful organization.

    Addressing the asterisk after “God,” I personally feel that if a Muslim child cannot promise to serve our Christian God, at least she can admit to there being a higher power. Additionally, she is surrounded by a vast majority that does believe in God and is no doubt going to have religious discussions over a period of time. That one girl who is not taught about Christianity could be converted because GS accepts her into the organization. I find that idea much more appealing than telling these girls they are not welcome in my troop.

    As to changing “duty” to “serve”…why are you nitpicking over words that essentially mean the same thing?

    Then there is the “policy of nondiscrimination” that you disagree with. It seems to me that I learned that we are to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13). Discrimination is illegal in the United States, therefore “God says” we must not discriminate as GS. What we choose to do when we are not representing an organization is our personal decision.
    That would take care of the various religious badges and the homosexual staff/leaders issues without going into a repeat of personal views expressed by others.

    Other than disparaging an organization that I deeply believe in, I have no problems with AHG. I will not stereotype your members as haters if you will not continue to stereotype mine. If the two groups would focus on their own internal issues rather focusing on the other, both should prosper.

    If any of you are interested in the history of the Girl Scouts, Wikipedia has quite a bit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scouts_of_the_USA).

    

    Leah

    14 Apr 08 at 10:40 pm
52. I don’t understand why any true Christian would not have a problem with the girl scouts. I am an active Christian and do not disciminate, but that does not mean that I want a homosexual teaching my child. I am teaching my child morals from the bible, not society. For those of you who said they are Christians and don’t understand why we are against it, I suggest you spend more time in the Word. It is one thing to quote a scripture, and another to live by it. I don’t hate homosexual, liberals, feminist, or pro-choice supporters; but I don’t agree with what they do, believe, or teach. Some of you spoke of Gods forgiveness. He won’t forgive until they repent. The bible did not change it is the same, means the same, and always will. Stop taking the Word out of context to support your worldly views. Here is a way to tell. If you have to change His word to make your life fit into it, it is incorrect. GOD BLESS AHG!!

    

    Karoline

    23 May 08 at 9:11 pm
53. I can understand that some people have been exposed to things that make you uncomfortable. That does not mean you should judge the entire organization as bad. My point was simply that Girl Scouts (as I have been exposed to it) is not a tool of the radical feminist movement, anti-God, pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality. If I offended you for addressing the original comments, sorry. You should not judge members or the organization without knowing where others are coming from. Finally, I am not homosexual, liberal (unless wearing pants and working to support my family counts as liberal), feminist or pro-choice. Does that mean I am in error for believing in GS after watching my girls over the last 6 years become more confident in themselves, help people in need, etc?

    

    Leah

    31 May 08 at 9:07 pm
54. My mum already posted way ahead of me on this posting, but I feel like I have something to say in a field that I am assuming is being dominated by older adults. I am 22 years old, I have been a girl scout since I was in the first grade and I credit the Girl Scouts with making me the person I am today. I have no idea how ANYONE can question an organization that believes in the slogan “where girls grow strong” and “every girl everywhere”. An organization that will take on any girl no matter her religion, race, economic status, personal lifestyle choices or anything else? Sounds pretty amazing in this day and age where people (as you clearly proved) are still close-minded, ignorant, and trying to keep America back in the dark ages. You can thump your bible all you want, you can send your daughters to the AHG and frankly no one in GSUSA will miss you. Good riddance to anyone that wants to teach children to be close-minded bigots. I spent 9 years at Girl Scout camp and yes I grew up looking up to lesbian camp counselors (and straight ones as well) as the biggest role-models in my life. It was the years of Girl Scouting that showed me that it is okay to be who you are and it’s okay to be a girl and a strong, independent girl at that. I wrote my college essay (which got me into one of the top schools in the nation by the way) on how much Girl Scouting meant to me. I love the Girl Scouts, I support the Spiral Scouts, and really all I wanted to do was say goodbye and good riddance to people like you. In a world already in crisis, there is no need for anyone to be trying to TEACH HATRED to a younger generation.

    

    Rachel

    22 Jun 08 at 6:36 pm
55. FYI: As a Jewish Woman raising Jewish women with leadership quality, I appreciate that GSUSA does NOT push the religion thing. That is my choice with my family on my terms. I have visited the website of both of those mentionsed groups, and they push Christianity and Jesus Christ heavily. That is great if you embody that philosophy in all you do, but it sure leaves families like mine on the outside! I agree with a previous post that said if you are in the “Christianity Club” that is all good, but if you are not, where are you?? I was raised Christian, and never knew how prejudiced I was because I was inside looking out and all looked fine to me. See the world through Jewish eyes, and you view would be very different. GSUSA gives a wonderful umbrella philosophy that is generic enough to allow all races, creeds and religions to feel welcome. The others cannot boast that one.

    

    Karen

    17 Jul 08 at 7:43 am
56. I was raised by fundamentalist “Christian” parents in a male-dominated household; married young (age 19) with my virginity intact; dropped out of college to be a good wife and a stay-home mom for my daughter; registered to vote just to fight homosexuality in my community. I should have been blessed with a perfect life, right?
    I had been abused in every way by a domineering religious father (not as badly as he abused my mom), abused in every way by a domineering religious husband (worse than he abused our daughter), and abused by other men from our church during our marriage. Pathetic, huh? When I saw this cycle continuing with my precious daughter, I separated from the man I married which led to my being disfellowshipped from my church. Very sad times.
    I had nothing and no one — the church had been my family and my whole life. I went to secretarial school and got a job to support my dd and myself; she started kindergarten and signed up for Girl Scouts of the USA. My precious girl went camping, made friends, sewed, cooked, crafted, served our community, cleaned stadiums, sold her handmade crafts and thousands of boxes of GS cookies, served on scout and school committees, and traveled the state and the country with the money her troop earned. She earned her very first paycheck as a summer cook at GS camp. In her 13 years as a Girl Scout, she became the young woman I never had the dream or the chance to become, and she is my hero:
    She graduated with honors, placed first in her high school class…undecided between majoring in chemistry or Spanish, or in becoming a pastry chef. She also wanted to travel. In the end, she went to a state college on full academic scholarship and traveled during breaks to Japan and Europe and our National Parks. She spent a summer term studying in Ecuador. She graduated with a minor in Spanish and just this month finished her Pharmacy residency. She is now a young (26yo) Doctor of Pharmacy — a career she discovered in 5th grade as part of a GS badge program she doesn’t even remember doing — a career she plans to work full-time for now, and part-time, leave or come back to when she marries and has her own babies. (She will not suffer financially the way we once did!) She is camping her way around Vancouver Island right now before she starts her career as a pharmacist in a brand new hospital ICU.
    Back when she was in middle school, a wonderful loving, honoring, accepting man came into our life. I divorced the abuser and married the love of my life! He was the best, most supportive stepdad a girl could have. He was even man enough to be a Girl Scout! I have been blessed to be a stay-home mom to our now middle school son and daughter, and I have been my younger dd’s GS troop leader for six years. Having seen the doors my elder dd was able to walk through with the skills and confidence she learned and developed in scouting, I have finally grown into a person with skills and interests of my own. (Husband, a veteran teacher and musician, is in his second year as our son’s assistant scoutmaster in BSA, and we hope this wonderful generation of young men on their way to Eagle will open wide the doors of BSA one day.)
    We have friends and family from all walks of life and we love them all for who they are…sexual identity, different faith paths…some in scouting, some from our reconciling congregation of the Methodist faith (a very accepting community) and many from our work and neighboring community.
    The pain of the past is always beneath the surface in my life, and I have made sure that “my girls” learn that they have a fundamental right to personal boundaries and respect from others. I treasure how the GS program has given me a way to give back and help others. I find that I love and learn rather than judge and criticize. I have learned through my daughters that there is much more joy and peace in living a loving, giving way of life.
    Thanks to all who wrote so beautifully. I enjoyed the words from open hearts and minds, and wanted to offer my story of gratitude for the impact that GSUSA has had in my life.
    PS:
    *Cookie profits go to the troops and to the council, not to national GSUSA. Troop profit funds the troop and troop activities; council profit funds volunteer training, replacements/repairs/support of camps/campers, scholarships, enrichment and travel programs for girls, and maintains service centers for benefit of members/volunteers.
    *Pedophilia is not the same as homosexuality; the pedophiles are the sick ones we need to watch out for and protect our children from!
    *Our exchange student informed us the only women who shave their legs are prostitutes. I was remind that many cultures in this world have values that differ from our American experience, and different does not necessarily mean wrong, i.e., tattoos, piercings, hairstyles…
    *Planned Parenthood has a wonderful booklet that is offered free of charge — a set of articles to help parents “normalize” discussions about the human body and reproductive system during the preschool years and up. We were given a copy as part of the 5th grade parent info packet during that part of the school curriculum. I think that if all parents were open to teaching and discussion during all those years, our society would have little or no need for the organization.

    

    Joyce

    18 Jul 08 at 4:37 am
57. PS — Do buy the cookies!

    

    Joyce

    18 Jul 08 at 4:41 am
58. American Heritage Girls accepts all races and religions as long as you can sign the statement of faith. It is not a hateful scouting group. As Christians and as a mom, I teach my girls to love everyone, and respect all people. However, respect and acceptance of alternative life styles are two different things. Yes, AHG competes directly with the GSA program and for the first time in U.S. history, it’s competitor is impressive. AHG is a religious program and fits the religious needs of any religion whose roots believe in one God. Thank God! It offers badges and leadership opportunities that are relevant to girls today. Churches or schools sign off on charters for their parish members. It accepts any girl who’s parents can sign the statement of faith. Like the Boy Scouts of America, you must believe in God to achieve the Stars and Stripes award (Eagle equal and then some), which is an Eagle like award, except in addition to service hours, the girls need to earn their religious emblem of faith to attain it. This was Low’s original initiative in starting the Girl Scouts of America. Her initiative has been altered by left wing feminists. This is wrong. The Girl Scout name should be changed to something else, because they are using the good name to fool good God fearing and loving people into thinking the national mission has not changed. They are hiding, like the devil hides. He hides behind the parent whos girl is already part of a friendship group in GSA, and the parent is praying for something to change. For someone to say, “Let’s try AHG”. There are doctors, engineers, teachers, mothers, and highly intelligent staff running the program and fully aware of what the GSA has turned into. Yes, this is how AHG was born, by moms like me who were brave enough to fight this initiative. But upon being trained in the program, I can say it is actually better than GSA for families who are concerned about Child Protection, Background checks and the like for adults who are leading their daughters. I am sure this scares the GSA corporate, yet they have lots of money- fueled through the cookies they have had us unwittingly sell and also largely funded by Planned Parenthood- the majority of activity being abortions. Abortion. Abortion. What is it? It is killing the unborn. Let’s talk about it. It’s wrong. It’s wrong. It is the new birth control. Now, it is funding a scouting group for girls. Is that right???? Hello??? Wake UP!??? Abortion is big business and it is helping pay the way to the new initiatives and goals of the new folks in charge at the corporate level of Girl Scouts. GSA admitted this on National TV. As a mother, I am sorry, but I am sickened by the fact that I had two of my girls in Girl Scouts and sold all those cookies. Being a part of GSA gives my personal rubber stamp on these scary evil activities. AHG does not hate anyone, but gives a wonderful choice to Christians and those that believe in God’s plan for us. For, after all, it has been scientifically proven that there is a God, and entity who created man. We need to prepare to answer to Him. I am part of AHG because it is Christ Centered and has a great program that serves my parish and my community. This is what we need to focus on when it comes to our girls. God is calling all of us to follow Him. He calls us every day to do the right thing by our girls. The right thing is not always easy. Being different is the Christian way, standing up for what is right and good is the basis of Christianity. I feel for you moms who love the Girl Scouts so much, and have closed your eyes to what is happening. I pray that you can make a difference, open your eyes and let go or better yet CHANGE the initiatives. Change is always difficult, it was hard for me. I have found out that there are so many other moms who are truly troubled by the Girl Scout initiatives. Where is God? He used to be there. Now he is just an astrix. AHG is thriving in 34 states- what does that tell us? AHG is a true competitor. God bless our country, God Bless all girls in scouting and keep them safe at summer camp this summer.
    P.S. I have lost weight without the cookies.

    

    Sharon

    18 Jul 08 at 7:23 pm
59. FOUNDING DATA: Juliette Gordon Low, founder, organized the first group of girls on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was incorporated June 10, 1915, in Washington, D.C. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the United States Congress March 16, 1950.

    NATIONAL HONORARY PRESIDENT — LAURA BUSH
    Chair National Board of Directors – Cynthia B. Thompson

    A BRIEF HISTORY OF GIRL SCOUTING
    Girl Scouts in the United States was founded by a remarkable woman named Juliette Gordon Low. In the late 1880’s, before most of today’s great-grandmothers were born, JULIETTE LOW was a REVOLUTIONARY. She was an ENVIRONMENTALIST, a CRUSADER, a woman DEDICATED TO SERVICE TO OTHERS. Above all, she was certain the future belonged to the young.

    Juliette was born into the wealthy Gordon family of Savannah, Georgia on October 31, 1860, a few months before the start of the Civil War. Known to her family and friends as Daisy, she was a person of MANY TALENTS, DIVERSE INTERESTS, and a STRONG SENSE OF DETERMINATION. She REFUSED TO LET ADVERSITY STAND IN HER WAY. A hearing problem that eventually developed into almost total deafness never stopped her from pursuing her goal.

    Juliette married an Englishman named William Low and went to live in England and Scotland. The marriage was not a happy one and Juliette was in the process of getting a divorce when her husband died. After that, she traveled for several years and settled in Paris to study sculpture. She met a man who started her on a venture that would become her life’s work. That man was Sir Robert (late Lord) Baden-Powell, an English General and war hero who had founded the Boy Scout Movement only three years earlier.

    The Boy Scout Movement had spread to several countries. In England, it resulted in the formation of a similar organization for girls. IT WAS THE GIRLS THEMSELVES WHO TOOK THE INITIATIVE, FORMING GROUPS SIMILAR TO THOSE THEIR BROTHERS JOINED. THIS NEW MOVEMENT WAS JUST THE SORT OF THING THAT APPEALED TO JULIETTE LOW, and she was soon back in Scotland leading a Girl Guide group of her own. As her interest in Girl Guides grew, JULIETTE WAS EAGER TO INTRODUCE THE PROGRAM TO AMERICAN GIRLS. Back in America, she telephoned an old friend to say, “Come right over. I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight.”

    The time was 1912. WOMEN LED FAR MORE RESTRICTED LIVES THAN THEY DO NOW, BUT CHANGE WAS IN THE AIR. WOMEN WERE BEGINNING TO REALIZE THAT MANY ACTIVITIES WERE BARRED TO THEM THROUGH CUSTOMS AND PREJUDICE. THEY WERE BECOMING CONVINCED THEY COULD DO HUNDREDS OF THINGS THAT UP UNTIL THEN ONLY “RADICALS” AND “ECCENTRICS” HAD SUGGESTED WOMEN COULD ACCOMPLISH. IT WAS TIME TO LAUNCH A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP GIRLS LOOK BEYOND THEIR SHELTERED LIVES. MOST IMPORTANT, GIRL SCOUTING POINTED THAT WAY TO INDEPENDENCE THROUGH FUN EXPERIENCES THAT BROADENED INDIVIDUAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL.

    The first meeting of Girl Scouts was in Savannah on March 12, 1912. In no time, troops were forming in many areas. By World War I there were enough Girl Scouts to make a real contribution to the war effort. Girls helped realize Juliette Low’s dream of becoming active, vital citizens.

    GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skill for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

    Today there are 3.6 million Girl Scouts 2.7 million girl members and 860,000 adult members. Through membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), GSUSA is part of a world-wide family of ten million girls and adults in 140 countries.

    WHAT WE DO:
    IN GIRL SCOUTS, GIRLS DISCOVER THE FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND POWER OF GIRLS TOGETHER. THROUGH A MYRIAD OF ENRICHING EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS EXTRAORDINARY FIELD TRIPS, SPORTS SKILL BUILDING CLINICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, CULTURAL EXCHANGES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, GIRLS GROW COURAGEOUS AND STRONG. GIRL SCOUTING HELPS GIRLS: DEVELOP THEIR FULL INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL; RELATE TO OTHERS WITH INCREASING UNDERSTANDING, SKILL AND RESPECT BY TEACHING VALUES TO GUIDE THEIR ACTIONS; DEVELOP A FOUNDATION FOR SOUND DECISION MAKING; CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIETY THROUGH THEIR ABILITIES, LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND COOPERATION WITH OTHERS.

    

    Moonbeam

    24 Jul 08 at 8:58 pm