USA Girl Scouts Overseas

Immersed in cultures abroad, USA Girl Scouts Overseas volunteers go the extra mile to create thriving multi-cultural communities.

	USA GIRL SCOUTS OVERSEAS AT-A-GLANCE Approximately 16,000 girl members 6,190 adult members 48% percent non-military 52% percent military 220 USA Girl Scouts Overseas Committees in 90 countries First overseas troop formed in 1925, then known as Troops on Foreign Soil (TOFS); renamed USAGSO in 1985.
	IF YOU'RE RELOCATING A Let's Get Movin' form can be filled out to help GSUSA connect girls to a new Girl Scout troop. A completed form can be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to USAGSO. We write a letter to the new troop location notifying them of the girl's arrival. We also send a copy of the letter to the girl with the contact name for her new troop. Girl Scouts of the USA has published two books for girls about moving: New Address, New Friends, for younger girls and Let's Get Movin', for older girls. Each book has an activity patch associated with it. Visit the USAGSO Relocation Help page for the Let's Get Movin' form and information about the books and relocation.

By Susan Kantor

Anyone fortunate enough to meet the 19 USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) volunteers who flew into New York for a four-day conference at the Edith Macy Conference Center, July 11-14, quickly understands why Girl Scouting is flourishing around the world. Adapting as skillfully as the most seasoned ambassadors to the politics and culture of their host countries, these women are experts at clearing hurdles when it comes to delivering Girl Scout program to "their girls."

Overseas Community

Whether meeting in a beautifully furnished Arabian tent permanently installed behind the American ambassador's residence in Kuwait, or welcomed at one of the many American and international schools throughout the world, American girls are able to join an established overseas Girl Scout community that offers them, as well as their families, a profound sense of security and belonging.

Gathered for four days to attend the USA Girl Scout Overseas From A-Z Conference at Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor, New York, and national headquarters in New York City, the USAGSO volunteers received training on such topics as managing an overseas committee, travel and grant opportunities, recruitment, and insurance and safety. The conference gave attendees an opportunity to meet each other, share matters of mutual concern, and ask questions of GSUSA staff. There was also time for fun environmental activities such as baking cookies in a makeshift solar oven.

Challenges and Rewards

Life abroad for Girl Scout volunteers does have its challenges. There can be language barriers and shortages (both of consumer goods and/or utilities). It is harder to obtain sufficient volunteer training and Girl Scout resources. In some locations there are limits on personal freedoms. And some nationals have criticized the Girl Scout program for being "too focused on careers." In addition, as with all relocating families, disruptions caused by moving can be difficult, especially for older children.

On the other hand, most volunteers feel welcome and safe in their host countries, enjoy learning about the culture, appreciate what they describe as a "simpler life" (i.e., a life less influenced by American mass media), and are more relaxed about allowing their children to travel independently. "Any personal sacrifices I have made," said Kristi, a leader from Saudi Arabia, "have been outweighed by the benefits to my family. To those of us who have a passion for educating girls, the rewards far exceed the challenges."

Appreciation

Like their counterparts in the United States, all of the volunteers expressed concerns about retaining older girls in Girl Scouting. That's why Glenda (the Overseas Committee Chair from the Philippines who will soon be heading to Bangladesh) is thrilled about STUDIO 2BSM. "Girl Scouts is changing just when my daughter needs it," she said. "I didn't realize the wealth of resources available." One long-time volunteer noted that the "wrapping" may have changed, but not the message.

Overseas volunteers are gratified to know that their work is appreciated. "Being thanked by the mothers for what we are doing for their daughters makes being a volunteer worthwhile," said Dineen, a leader from France. Volunteers also are aware of what they represent. "Whether you want to be or not," said Lorelee, a 30-year Girl Scout veteran (and evacuee from Iran in 1979) who currently is an Overseas Committee Chair in Nigeria, "you are perceived as a symbol of America. What we are doing is something to be proud of. I know we make a difference."

The work all overseas committees perform certainly makes a difference to Sandy Thomas, Director, USAGSO, who formally thanked the volunteers at the conference on behalf of GSUSA for their leadership and commitment. "You are our role models, the life and breath of USA Girl Scouts Overseas," she told the group. "What you accomplish from thousands of miles away is astonishing. Please know that the USA Girl Scouts Overseas team in New York is available every step of the way to help you successfully manage your committees."

WHAT ARE USA GIRL SCOUTS OVERSEAS MEETINGS LIKE?

Whether it's a Daisy Girl Scout troop in Singapore, a mixed age-level group in Switzerland, a Brownie troop in France, or a STUDIO 2B troop in Kuwait, Girl Scout meetings overseas are much like those in the United States. The differences are based more on the ages and interests of the girls than on the country they happen to be living in. And for American girls overseas, knowing what to expect at a Girl Scout meeting, as well as being warmly welcomed into new groups or troops, clearly helps them adapt more easily to new locations. Left: USA Girl Scouts Overseas with British Girl Guides in foreign countries living together in Paris. Right: In Kuwait, girls experience a new world of friendship. Feels Like Home It's comforting to hear the Promise recited, see kaper charts consulted, badges worked on, familiar songs sung, and ceremonies conducted. For girls of all ages, outdoor adventures are most popular, while the STUDIO 2B approach is credited with helping to retain older girls. And though language is not a problem—even with as many as 15 different cultures in a single group (all of the girls speak English even if some parents do not)—there is the inevitable competition with the music, dance, gym, and/or swim classes that many girls attend. Also, as in the United States, some parents are enthusiastic supporters, while others, as one Overseas Chair tactfully observed, "need more persuasion" to become involved. But whether it's recruiting adults or girls, overseas volunteers are adept at overcoming obstacles. Having difficulty arranging a parent meeting? Meet online instead. No outdoor camp? Set up an indoor camp, complete with tents, hand-washing stations, and clotheslines to hang sack lunches. Left: For USA Girl Scouts Overseas in Singapore, every day is World Thinking Day. Right: Brownie Girl Scouts in Jordan enjoy working on their "Her Story" Try-Its. New Perspectives Clearly, though, what differs most overseas are the unique opportunities girls have to participate in the ceremonies and holidays of the host countries. In France, Girl Scouts march in a parade along the Champs Elysées for Memorial Day, and on Veterans' Day they place flags and flowers at the Normandy American Cemetery. Women connected with the various American embassies often speak to the girls about career choices, travel, and government and civic responsibilities. And at a World Thinking Day event hosted by the Singapore Girl Guides and attended by over 20,000 girls, the Girl Scouts were treated as honored guests, invited to a special tea after the event. Participants at the USA Girl Scouts Overseas From A to Z Conference, held in July at the Edith Macy Conference Center and national headquarters, came from all over the world. Whatever the differences in ages and interests, all overseas volunteers agree that nothing is as meaningful as the chance to develop deep friendships with people from other cultures while learning to appreciate and respect other perspectives and lifestyles.

Adapted from LEADER, Winter 2004. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.