Girl Scouts of the USA launched refreshed program pathways designed to reflect modern leadership and outdoor exploration in 2017. These new girl scout journeys 2017 focus on skill building, community impact, and girl-led experiences that resonate with today's families.
The updates introduce clearer outcomes, flexible meeting plans, and stronger alignment with STEM, outdoors, and entrepreneurship goals. Below is a quick reference to how the new journeys compare across key dimensions relevant to volunteers, families, and council staff.
| Journey Theme | Core Focus | Key Outcomes | Grade Bands |
|---|---|---|---|
| It's Your Planet-Love It | Environmental stewardship | Action projects, advocacy skills | K-12 |
| It's Your Story-Tell It | Communication and media | Public speaking, digital storytelling | K-12 |
| It's Your World-Change It | Community impact and entrepreneurship | Business planning, financial literacy | K-12 |
| Outdoor Adventure | Nature skills and safety | Camping, navigation, risk management | 2-12 |
Outdoor Skills and Confidence Building
The 2017 refresh places outdoor experience at the center, with new badge activities that teach navigation, first aid, and Leave No Trace principles. Girls gain confidence as they progress through age appropriate challenges in a supportive setting.
Troops receive updated resources for planning campouts, earning the Camping badge, and coordinating safe travel in local parks or regional camps. These outdoor components connect directly to the It's Your Planet-Love It and Outdoor Adventure journeys.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy
Cookie Program updates under the It's Your World-Change It journey introduce basic budgeting, goal setting, and customer service skills. Girls practice setting sales goals, handling money responsibly, and reflecting on their outcomes.
Volunteer leaders get step by step guides for booth planning, money handling best practices, and council approved materials that align with school economics standards. The focus remains on ethical decision making and transparent money management.
Digital Storytelling and Communication
In the It's Your Story-Tell It pathway, new girl scout journeys 2017 incorporate digital tools for creating podcasts, videos, and online campaigns. Girls learn to craft clear messages while practicing safe and responsible online behavior.
Troops use modular meeting plans that blend offline activities with guided online components, making it easier to fit media projects into limited meeting time. Council websites often host templates and tutorials to support volunteer facilitators.
Family, Equity, and Inclusion
The 2017 updates emphasize accessibility, offering more adaptable activities for girls with different abilities and backgrounds. Resources include guidance on inclusive ceremonies, financial assistance information, and culturally responsive materials.
Councils promote equitable participation through training for adults, scholarships for events, and partnerships with community organizations. These efforts aim to remove barriers so every girl can engage fully in her journey.
Planning and Implementation Recommendations
- Review the four core 2017 journeys and select themes that match your troop's interests and community needs
- Use the comparison table to match journey goals with available volunteer capacity and council resources
- Schedule outdoor training for adults and gather site approvals before planning campouts or hikes
- Integrate digital storytelling projects with school technology standards to maximize cross curricular impact
- Prioritize inclusive practices by accessing council diversity guides and financial assistance materials early in the year
FAQ
Reader questions
How do the 2017 journeys align with school curriculum standards?
The new girl scout journeys 2017 incorporate skills that support social studies, STEM, language arts, and financial literacy standards, making it easier for volunteers to connect badge work with classroom learning.
What changes were made to the Cookie Program in 2017?
Updates focus on goal setting, budgeting, and ethical sales practices, with clearer council guidelines and digital tools that help girls track progress and practice responsible money management.
Can troops adapt journeys for girls with different abilities?
Yes, each journey includes flexible activities, alternative instructions, and accessibility suggestions so leaders can include girls with varied learning styles and physical needs.
How do outdoor components support girl development in 2017?
Outdoor badges and campouts build confidence, teamwork, and practical safety skills, while reinforcing environmental stewardship goals from the It's Your Planet-Love It journey.