As Girl Scouts, we know that our Movement is about SO MUCH more than just selling awesome cookies and making new friends– although, those are both great parts of it! Girl Scouts provides girls with a safe and supportive space to step outside their comfort zone, try new things, and take risks while discovering their true potential. Whether it’s learning how to pitch a tent during a troop camping trip or building a flying drone at a Girl Scout STEM event, there is something to help every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) grow and thrive.

However, not everyone knows about all of the great things that makes Girl Scouts special and sometimes people that are unfamiliar with our organization make false generalizations. See below as we bust 5 common myths about Girl Scouting!

1. Girl Scouts doesn’t have outdoor experiences.

False! At Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines, we have four different camps where girls have the opportunity to learn more about the outdoors through day camp, summer resident camp, troop camp, and program events. Girl Scouts have plenty of chances to build outdoor skills like learning to build a fire, identifying plants and animal tracks, and so much more more.

2. Girl Scouts is only for younger girls.

Myth, busted! Girl Scouts is for girls in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Older Girl Scouts have awesome opportunities to mentor younger girls, earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, travel to new places, and attend program events that explore everything from applying to college to STEM. Can’t find a troop of older girls in your area? That’s okay too, Girl Scouts can register as Girl Scout Juliettes so that they can attend events and earn badges individually.

3. Girl Scouts does not have a highest award.

As mentioned above, one of the biggest perks of being a Girl Scout is having the opportunity to pursue the Girl Scout Gold Award. Since 1916, Girl Scouts’ highest award has stood for excellence and leadership for girls everywhere. The Girl Scout Gold Award is earned by fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts annually, and approximately one million Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent since its inception. ​

4. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is only about selling cookies.

Nope, not true! Girl Scout Cookies are SO much more than just a sweet treat! Every box you buy helps power unique and amazing experiences for the awesome girls who sell them—it also gives her the opportunity to learn essential life skills, soar in confidence, and quickly discover the leader within. Girl Scouts learn goal-setting, decision making, people skills, money management, and business ethics. Now that’s sweet!​

5. Girl Scout troops are all the same.

​False, false, false! Each troop is different and it’s all about finding the right fit for your girl. Activities vary depending on the interests of girls and troop leaders. Most
troops explore STEM, outdoors, life skills, and community service, and attend
staff-led programs where they can explore their interest in sports, arts, entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure, camp, and more!

Interested in learning more about the TRUTH about Girl Scouts and all of the awesome opportunities we provide to girls? Visit www.nccoastalpines.org