FAQ for Older Girls

What if I am not sure what a requirement means? If when you read a requirement, it seems to mean a couple different things–one really hard that will take hours to do and the other more reasonable and quicker to accomplish, interpret it the more reasonable way! Ask your program advisor for help in making this decision; they have the final say on how to interpret a requirement.

What if I cannot do a particular requirement because of my circumstances? You may find that you need to adjust a requirement because of your learning differences, learning preferences, ability differences, or other circumstances. That’s fine! If you find yourself not just working but struggling, be sure to talk to your program advisor about how the requirements should be interpreted or adjusted so you can get the most out of the Religion in Life for Girl Scouts program.

What if I’ve already done a particular requirement?

As long as you completed a particular requirement at an older Girl Scouting level (i.e. Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador) and the requirement is basically equivalent in content and in spirit, then count it as “done”!  You might find that you have done part of a particular requirement in your religious education program, in school, or as part of another experience or program; if so, count that part as “done” and then complete the rest of the requirement. If you are not sure whether you’ve completed a requirement (or part of it) somewhere else, be sure to ask your Religion in Life for Girl Scouts advisor, your parent or caretaker, or the Director of Religious Education at your congregation. The UUA’s online religious education materials can be helpful in figuring this out; you can search Tapestry of Faith programs.

If I work with others on this program, are there ways we can share the “work” of the requirements?

For sure—and this can be the most enjoyable way of managing your time! Although you will all need to complete the spirit of each requirement, there are ways to break down many of the tasks. For instance, you can split up the research tasks and share your findings, rather than each girl doing all the research by herself. For example, if you need to look up three topics and you have a group of 3 girls: you can each look up a different topic and then share what you find out so that everyone learns about all three topics. Similarly, if your task is to “FIND OUT” something and one of you knows the information already, she can just share it with the others; it is fine to be resources for each other. You can also do tasks together (for example, join together to interview a member of your congregation or perform some service together). Some activities, such as expressing your ideas about a topic, can be done quickly and enjoyably in conversation with each other.

Is it OK to work online? Must I be able to work online?

Although you will likely want to look at the online program materials as you begin the program, you don’t have to stay stuck to the computer! You may wish to download the program and to keep track of your progress on an electronic device or computer. You may prefer to print out the paper version of the program to use as your working copy, then go back to the computer now and again to do web research or click on the embedded links.  You don’t have to have access to the Internet to get information; print resources and people are also good sources of information.

What if my family is not part of a Unitarian Universalist congregation?

Many of the Religion in Life for Girl Scouts requirements make reference to connecting with people in your congregation, but those requirements can be adapted to your situation. If you are doing this program with a group at a friend’s congregation, of course you can use that congregation as “your” congregation. You can also find a congregation close to you, contact the minister and/or director of religious education, and have them point you towards resources in the congregation.  Another possibility is the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), a worldwide Unitarian Universalist congregation without walls, that you can adopt as “yours” if you don’t already consider it your congregation. Note: Even if you are part of a local congregation, you are welcome to use the resources of CLF, such as the online sanctuary, Quest for Meaning. Both websites have great material for all ages, and Quest for Meaning has live Sunday services you can attend online.  You can also combine the CLF resources with face-to-face, telephone, or other live contact with individual Unitarian Universalists you already know, including people in your own family.

How does the UUA’s Religion in Life for Girl Scouts medal program relate to GSUSA’s My Promise, My Faith pin program?  

The relationship between the UUA’s Religion in Life for Girl Scouts religious recognition program and GSUSA’s My Promise, My Faith pin program is found here.

What if I’m not a Girl Scout?

You do not need to be a registered Girl Scout or a member of a Girl Scout group or troop to complete the Religion in Life for Girl Scouts program, although it will likely be more meaningful to you if you are a Girl Scout. The older girl program explores issues that are relevant to all UU girls in middle and high school and includes “Girl Scout Links.”  If you opt to do the program even though you are not a Girl Scout, you may learn something new about Girl Scouting while completing the program.

What if a link takes me to a Unitarian Universalist religious education page with more activities on it; must I complete those also?

Through this program, you’ll find links to stories and other materials on the UUA’s website.  Some of these links will help you find, for example, a story you need for your Religion in Life for Girl Scouts program, which was originally included in materials for religious education teachers. If you follow a link and find a new page that includes activities for a religious education class, you don’t have to do the religious education activities to earn the Religion in Life for Girl Scouts emblem.

Next Page: Part One: Religion and Spirituality