3 . Want more detail about the processes ? Take a look at the examples in Transforming Leadership Continued , available online at www . girlscouts . org / research / publications / gsoutcomes / transforming _ leadership _ continued . asp .
One last tip about using the processes : The girls ’ time in Girl Scouting isn ’ t a to-do list , so please don ’ t ever feel that checking activities off a list is more important than tuning in to what interests and excites girls and sparks their imaginations . Projects don ’ t have to come out perfectly , and girls don ’ t have to fill their vests and sashes with badges . What matters most is the fun and learning that happens as girls make experiences their own .
The National Program Portfolio
You ’ ll use several books , awards , and online resources to bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to life with girls . We strongly recommend that each girl has her own books from the National Program Portfolio . These books — the Journeys and The Girl ’ s Guide to Girl Scouting — and national program awards — like badges and pins — are an important part of how Girl Scouting helps girls experience the power of millions of girls changing the world together .
As you use the National Program Portfolio with girls , keep in mind that Girl Scouts of the USA ( GSUSA ) creates materials to serve our vast and diverse community of girls . To help bring topics off the page and into life , we sometimes provide girls and volunteers with suggestions about what people across the country and around the world are doing . We also sometimes make suggestions about movies , books , music , websites , and more that might spark girls ’ interests .
At GSUSA , we know that not every example or suggestion we provide will work for every girl , family , volunteer , or community . In partnership with those who assist you with your Girl Scout group — including parents , faith groups , schools , and community organizations — we trust you to choose real-life topic experts from your community as well as movies , books , music , websites , and other opportunities that are most appropriate for the girls in your area to enrich their Girl Scout activities .
We are proud to be the premier leadership organization for girls . While girls and their families may have questions or interest in programming relevant to other aspects of girls ’ lives , we are not always the organization best suited to offer such information . Your council can recommend local organizations or resources that are best suited to do so .
Also note that GSUSA continuously reviews national program content to guarantee that all our resources are relevant and age appropriate , and that their content doesn ’ t include violence , sex , inappropriate language , or risky behavior . We value your input and hope that you will bring to your council ’ s attention any content that concerns you .
National Leadership Journeys
National Leadership Journeys help Girl Scouts learn and practice the Three Keys , aid their communities , and earn leadership awards , progressing up Girl Scouting ’ s Ladder of Leadership ( as shown ) in the adult guide of each Journey as they do so . There are three series of Leadership Journeys , each about a different theme ; the girls in your group can choose the theme that interests them most .
After the girls choose a Journey , spend an hour or two reading the companion adult guide . It ’ ll give you a feel for how to bring the Journey to life , and you ’ ll get ideas for the steps girls will take ( with your support ) to earn their leadership awards . Don ’ t worry ; you don ’ t have to be any kind of expert to do a