Girl Scouts and Camp Fire USA

    GIRL SCOUTING

Diocesan Committee on Scouting's Statement on Girl Scouts USA:

The Catholic Committee on Scouting has had a long and fruitful partnership with the Girl Scouts USA and is connected to the Diocese of Pittsburgh through its relationship with the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry within the Secretariat for Catholic Education.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Catholic Committee on Scouting understands that Girl Scouts of the USA and its local leaders do  not  take a  stand on or advocate for or  against any issue regarding girls’ health and sexuality.  It is the Committee’s understanding that the Girl Scouts’ policy precludes any sanctioning or funding of Planned Parenthood activities.

The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting believes engagement with the Girl Scouts is the best way to influence a secular organization that provides admirable character development for thousands of local youth, including many Catholics.  The Committee encourages parents to actively ensure that Girl Scouts, Campfire USA troops, associated with the Catholic Church are presented with the Church’s teachings and that the sanctioned local activities of these organizations do not undermine the Church’s teaching.

The Pittsburgh Diocesan Committee on Girl Scouting is committed to fostering the spiritual Development of the Catholic members of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. in this diocese and the development of youth ministry in the Catholic Church.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Mrs. Joyce Gillooly, Director for the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

                                                                                                January 2012

 Still have questions? Read through the Girl Scouting and the Church Q and A's to learn more.

GIRL SCOUT/CAMP FIRE AWARDS 

Guardian Angel Award

 Ø This diocesan award is designed for adult counselors (they will need access to a copier). The book introduces the youth to the different types of angels and includes  stories, crafts, songs and activities.

Ø Age requirement:  Daisy Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Star Flies or Kindergarten ages.

Ø This award may be applied for at any time and is presented on a parish level throughout the year

Family of God Award

Ø Purpose of this national award: to help children explore a wide range of activities to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish.

Ø Age requirements:  Grades 1-3.

Ø Book was revised and transliterated into Spanish in 2004.

Ø This award may be applied for at any time and is presented on a parish level throughout the year. 

I Live My Faith Award

Ø Purpose of this national award: to enable the participant to grow as Christian persons and to take their place as active and responsible members of their parish, family, troop/group and community.  

Age requirements:  Grades 4-6.

Ø This award may be applied for at any time and is    presented on a parish level throughout the year.

Kateri Award

  Ø Purpose of this diocesan award: to help the participants become more aware of God’s presence in their everyday lives. A parallel is drawn between the Sacraments as the basis of Kateri’s life and the life of the participant and how they enabled her to receive the grace she needed to endure life’s hardships and dedicate herself to God completely. 

 Age requirements:  Grades 5-6.

Ø Participants must work with a trained counselor. 

Ø Completed application for this award must be turned in to the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry no later than March 1st of each year and the emblem will be distributed at the Convocation. 

Mary, the Firs Disciple Award

Ø Purpose of this national award: is to involve the participant in an understand of Mary as a model of openness and spirituality - a woman of the church. 

Ø Age requirements: Grades 7-9.

Ø Participants must work with a trained counselor.

Completed application for this award must be turned in to the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry no later than March 1st of each year and the medal will be distributed at the Convocation. 

 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award

Ø Purpose of this diocesan award: to lead the participants in examining different areas of work and service, and to prepare them for future decisions. Those who wish to earn this award are invited to become familiar with Elizabeth Ann Seton, a woman who served God and the poor as a wife, mother, religious woman, founder of a religious order and educator.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

Ø Age requirement:  Grade 9 through college.

Ø Participants must work with a trained counselor.

Ø Completed applications for this award must be turned in to the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry no later than March 1st of each year and the medal will be distributed at the Convocation. 

The Spirit Alive Award

Ø Purpose of this national award:  to assist the participant in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the church’s ministry.

Ø Age requirements:  Grade 9 through college.

Ø Participants must work with a trained counselor.

Ø Completed applications for this award must be turned in to the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry no later than March 1st of each year and the medal will be distributed at the Convocation.