"Where Girls Grow Strong": Assessing the Benefits of the Girl Scouts Summer Games Program

Abstract

TA pre-test /post-test design was used to examine girls? experience in a ten week Girl Scout summer program, Summer Games. The participants (N=26) ranged in age from six to fourteen. The initial survey indicated a range of prior involvement with the Girl Scouts. Among the participants, 15 were first timers, 2 have been members for a year, 6 for 2 years, 1 for 3 years, and 1 girl has been a member for 5 years. At the first meeting, an 11-item survey was group administered to the girls. At week five, a 19-item survey was group administered. The post-test survey included 8 items from the original survey as well as 11 additional items. The results from the pre-test showed that were they not enrolled in the Summer Games program, few would be in another structured program with other children their own age. The project looked at some of the potential skills (i.e., leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence) the girls might acquire from participating in the program.