Script for Service Unit Presentations

Objectives:

  •    Leaders will be able to explain what the religious awards programs are and why girls should be informed about them.

  •    Leaders will be able to outline the four basic steps for girls to participate in a religious awards program.

  •    Leaders will understand that their role is to provide information (not instruction) for the religious awards programs.

  •    Leaders will become familiar with the resources to make presentations on the religious awards programs to their Troops.

Resources:

  •    To Serve God Brochure

  •    Troop Leader Script, “Religious Awards Presentation Script: A Presentation by Girl Scout Leaders to Troops and Parents”

Script for Service Unit Presentation

 Introduction

Every time a girl makes the Girl Scout Promise, she is promising to “serve God.” One way she can “serve God” is to participate in the religious award program of her faith and to wear that recognition proudly on her uniform.

Our council wants every Girl Scout to know about the religious awards. You, as the leaders, are the best ones to tell your girls about these programs.

 Leader’s Role

Our role today is to provide information for you to pass on to girls and their families so that they may decide whether or not to participate in the religious award program of their faith. We provide information, not religious instruction. Girl Scouting recognizes that religious instruction is the responsibility of parents and religious leaders. But parents first have to know that these programs exist. And as the Girl Scout leader, you are critical in getting information about the religious awards to the girls and their families. 

 Religious Awards

What exactly are “religious awards programs?” They are programs that have been created by the national religious organizations/committees, not by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.. These programs encourage girls and young women to become more active members in their own religious groups, and they encourage spiritual development by providing specific religious instruction. These programs offer recognitions or pins that are approved for wear on the official Girl Scout uniform.

 Four Steps

Participating in the religious recognitions programs will involve four basic steps for Girl Scouts and their families.

First, the girl must obtain the specific booklet for her religion.  These books may be purchased directly from the religious organization. The “Interfaith Quick Reference Chart for Girls and Adults in Girl Scouting” lists the contact information for the different religious organizations.

Second, parents must review the specific guidelines for their particular program. Each faith group sets its own guidelines. Some programs require clergy to serve as counselors, other programs allow parents or other family members to serve as counselors. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to check the specific guidelines for their particular program.

Third, families should talk to their religious leaders and, if possible, show them the booklet before beginning a program.

Fourth, the girl needs to complete the requirements, obtain the proper signatures, and follow the instructions to order the recognition (these pins will not be available in the Girl Scout store).

 Adult Awards

Adult recognitions are entirely different. Whereas the girls “earn” their recognition, adults are nominated to receive a recognition. If you know of a Girl Scout leader who is also active in a religious institution, you could nominate that person for an adult award. Most awards require the completed application form, a resume of the candidate’s qualifications, and letters of recommendation from the religious leader and from the Girl Scout council. Many of these awards also require a minimum number of years of service before a person can be considered, so please check eligibility requirements for specific awards.

 Action Steps

You as a Girl Scout Leader are critical in passing on information to your Troop. We encourage you to do the following three things:

 First, show the “To Serve God” brochure to the girls in your Troop.

Second, use the sample script to make a short presentation to your Troop.

Third, recognize the girls who have earned their religious awards.

 Final Thoughts

We would like to leave you with two key thoughts: First, religious recognitions can have a positive impact on Girl Scouts; and second, as the Girl Scout leader, YOU are the key person in getting information about these programs to your girls and families. Thank you for your time today.

Please duplicate.

P.R.A.Y. 8520 Mackenzie Road, Ste. 3, St. Louis, MO 63123-3413
1-800-933-7729 / www.praypub.org