Girl Scout Realignment Frequently Asked Questions

On August 27, 2006, the GSUSA National Board of Directors approved the jurisdictional realignment of Girl Scout councils nationally which supports the creation of high-performance councils, one of the primary goals of the Core Business Strategy. The result will be improvements and enhancements in the delivery of program services to girls in order to better serve them. The process of change will not cause a discontinuation or reduction of services to girls, but will ultimately enhance each girl’s Girl Scout experience.

1. Why are the Girl Scouts realigning councils?

Councils are being realigned to create the infrastructure necessary to prepare for the future of Girl Scouting. This realignment will result in the optimal impact on leadership development for the largest number of girls and significantly increase the number of volunteers participating in Girl Scouting. We will be making two key changes over the next few years: First, we are revitalizing the Girl Scout program age levels, redefining what leadership means for girls, and updating some activity options. Second, we are offering more impactful experiences and flexible time commitment options for volunteers. We are making these changes nationwide to ensure that Girl Scouting is a full and consistent experience.

2. Why have the Girl Scouts decided to change now?

Girl Scouts of the USA has recently adopted a business strategy to build more strength throughout the Girl Scout Movement. As part of this initiative, councils throughout the country are realigning their boundaries to make the most effective use of our resources and to offer even more program opportunities to even more girls. Three Ohio councils will combine our strengths to form a new high-performance Girl Scout council -- Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland. The realigned council will offer some of the same great programs girls have always enjoyed and provide new and exciting opportunities. The new council operation is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2009.

3. How will my daughter’s Girl Scout troop be affected?

Your daughter will remain in the same troop she is in, or as always, may choose to join a new troop at the end of the membership year.
Every effort is being made so that the girls can keep their current troop number. A plan has been developed by the CRC Service and Delivery subcommittee and will be posted here following approval by the CRC.

As our new council pools volunteer and staff resources we will be able to increase the number of program events offered in a wider range of locations, and it will afford all girls throughout the new jurisdiction the opportunity to meet more Girl Scouts.

4. How will realignment affect which camps and properties my daughter attends?

For some time girls have the opportunity to attend camps in any of the 3 Council area as long as there is available space. Information on the camps is shared in the Resident Camp Guide.

The realigning councils each manage properties that are available for troop camping and many other activities throughout the year. Each camp has a number of unique features, and we anticipate that following realignment troops will have the opportunity to enjoy a greater variety of camping experiences.

5. What will happen to the facilities throughout the realigning councils during realignment and once it is complete?

The new council headquarters will be in Columbus and it is intended that service centers will remain in their current location. After realignment is complete all facilities (service centers, resource centers, program centers, camps and shops) will be reviewed to assure the most appropriate use of resources in serving girls and volunteers throughout our 33 county jurisdiction.

6. Where will meetings and trainings be held?

The practice of conducting trainings at various locations throughout the council jurisdiction will continue. New opportunities in different locations, online workshops and services, and more, will be enhanced.

In preparation for the realignment, our Girl Scout councils have been meeting to determine the best practices we currently have and to think even more broadly to create the optimal services and programs for our new council. Every aspect of service to girl and adult members is being examined and discussed with input from girls, volunteers, and staff.

7. Where do we now go to purchase Girl Scout items?

You can purchase Girl Scout items as usual at your Council’s Girl Scout resource store. Following realignment stores will be located at the Council office in Columbus and at the service centers located in Zanesville and Mansfield. In addition, you will have the option to purchase items on-line following completion of realignment.

8. How will the Girl Scout cookie sales change?

The Girl Scout Cookie Sale program will remain the premier business and economic literacy program for girls and any Girls Scout who wants to participate will be able to do so. In fact, for the first time, Daisy Girl Scouts will be able to take part in some cookie activities. Decisions about the 2009 cookie sale are being made as part of the realignment process and troops will be advised of any changes in plenty of time to make plans.

9. Why are the Girl Scouts restructuring?

The council realignment will strengthen our organization’s infrastructure and resources at all levels of the organization including fundraising, public relations, property, staffing, and volunteer support. There is already a high level of cooperation between our councils because we draw upon many of the same resources. This realignment will help us develop and distribute our resources more effectively and decrease duplication of efforts.

On a national level, change is perhaps the oldest tradition in Girl Scouts. Ever since Juliette Gordon Low returned from England in 1912 and changed “Guide” to “Scout” in response to the preference of American girls, those in the Girl Scout Movement have prided themselves on their ability to make periodic adjustments to meet the needs of girls.

A renewed focus on leadership nationwide will ensure that Girl Scouting maintains the values that have been at our core for over 95 years, while being a relevant experience to girls today.

10. What can girls and their parents expect as a result of the changes?

Girls have asked for unique experiences that reflect their current needs and interests. Parents can expect Girl Scouting to utilize a new approach that is girl-led and girl-driven. This approach will offer girls a unique leadership development opportunity that will provide skills they need for a lifetime of personal and civic achievement. Girls can expect new and exciting activities at each new age level.

11. Is the restructuring due to a lack of funding?

While the Girl Scouts need to increase funding as do all nonprofits, our realignment is about joining all our local resources to create a premium, revitalized council from which to serve Girl Scouts in our area. Our realignment and restructuring, and our updated Program model, will make it easier for potential donors to see just how relevant and critical Girl Scouting is to today’s girls.

12. How will this affect staffing in councils?

When our Girl Scout councils combine and are able to maximize our efficiencies, we are likely to need as many, if not more, staff to serve our girls. Future growth will necessitate a strong group of staff and volunteers to continue providing the quality Girl Scout Leadership Development program for girls.

13. How will decisions about the new council be made?

A Council Realignment Committee is now in place, comprised of representatives from the boards of each council and three council CEOs. Talented volunteers and staff members from each aligning council are serving on subcommittees whose work will create the framework for our dynamic new council.

Once realignment is complete, January 1, 2009, decisions will be made by the CEO and the new Board of Directors.

Through this site, we will be sharing news about the activities of the subcommittees charged with moving forward the work required for a successful merger of our councils into the newly named Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council.

Girl Scouts-Heart of Ohio Council

Girl Scouts of Heritage Trails Council

Girl Scouts-Seal of Ohio