Age range

Website: www.girlscouts-chicago.org

Mission/Goals: Girl Scouts programs aim to increase self-confidence and to support girls as they develop to their fullest potential.

Source(s): www.guidestar.org; www.girlscouts-chicago.org

Type of Evaluation: Quasi-experimental

Note: The evaluation reported here includes Illinois councils.

Objective: The study was designed to measure the extent to which the four program goals of Girl Scouting are being achieved. These four program goals are that, through participation in Girl Scouting, girls will: 1) Develop to their full potential; 2) Relate to others with increased understanding, skill, and respect; 3) Develop values that guide actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and 4) Contribute to the improvement of society through the use of their abilities and leadership skills, working in cooperation with others.

Impact/Outcomes: In general, Girl Scouts reported significantly greater opportunities to experience the outcomes of self-reliance, self-competence, social skills, respect for others, feelings of belonging, values/decision-making, helpfulness/concern for the community, teamwork, leadership than in school. The size of the differences between girls' report of opportunities in Girl Scouting versus opportunities in school increased as the age level of the girls increased. On all nine outcomes, parents rated opportunities for their daughters in Girl Scouting to be significantly greater than in other clubs or organizations. Brownie Girl Scouts reported significantly higher scores on self-reliance and feelings of belonging than did non-member girls. Junior Girl Scouts did not report significantly higher scores on outcomes than non-member girls. Cadette Girl Scouts rated themselves significantly higher than non-member girls on self-reliance, self-competence, respect for others, teamwork, and leadership. On all outcomes except social skills, Senior Girl Scouts rated themselves significantly higher than did non-member girls.