Explanation of the Girl Scouts promise, law and program goals of having good character. Also refer to guiding principles, duty, God, honesty, trust, ethics, morality, attitude, reputation, courage, responsibility, reliability, truth, integrity, pride, dignity, loyalty, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Girl Scout Character Program

by Ron Kurtus (4 January 2003)

The Girl Scouts is a values-based organization, not a religious one. The Girl Scout Promise and Law are its guiding principles. There are four goals for the Girl Scout program that define and promote character values. These concepts provide a good model for other organizations concerned with the character of their members.

Questions you may have include:

• What is the Girl Scout promise?
• What is the Girl Scout law?
• What are the 4 goals of the Girl Scout program?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:

• To serve God and my country,
• To help people at all times,
• And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

(Girl Scout administration note: The word "God" can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on one's spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, it is okay to replace the word "God" with whatever word your spiritual beliefs dictate.)

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be:

• Honest and fair,
• Friendly and helpful,
• Considerate and caring,
• Courageous and strong, and
• Responsible for what I say and do,

and to

• Respect myself and others,
• Respect authority,
• Use resources wisely,
• Make the world a better place, and
• Be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Four Program Goals

All program activities are based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the following Four Program Goals.

1. Develop full potential

Girls will develop to their full potential. Girl Scouting will:

• Foster girls' feelings of self-acceptance and unique self-worth
• Promote girls' perception of themselves as competent, responsible, and open to new experiences and challenges
• Offer girls opportunities to learn new skills
• Encourage girls' personal growth
• Allow girls to utilize and practice talents and abilities

2. Relate to others

Girls will relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect. Girl Scouting will:

• Help girls develop sensitivity to others and respect for their needs, feelings, and rights
• Promote an understanding of individual, cultural, religious, and racial differences
• Foster the ability to build friendships and working relationships

3. Develop values

Girls will develop a meaningful set of values to guide their actions and to provide for sound decision-making. Girl Scouting will:

• Help girls develop meaningful values and ethics that will guide their actions
• Foster an ability to make decisions that are consistent with girls' values and that reflect respect for the rights and needs of others
• Empower girls to act upon their values and convictions
• Encourage girls to reexamine their ideals as they mature

4. Contribute to society

Girls will contribute to the improvement of society through the use of their abilities and leadership skills, while working in cooperation with others. Girl Scouting will:

• Help girls develop concern for the well being of their communities
• Promote girls' understanding of how the quality of community life affects every member of society
• Encourage girls to use their skills to work with others for the benefit of all

In conclusion

The Girl Scout promise, law, and four program goals are excellent character guidelines for any group, organization or individual.

Reader Feedback and Questions

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Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject.

Websites

Girl Scouts of America

Just for Girls - Girl Scouts

Character Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Character

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. What is one item in the Girl Scout Promise?

2. What does the Girl Scout Law require?

3. What is the value of the Girl Scout Program Goals?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in understanding Character. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Character topics

Girl Scout Character Program