STUDIO 2Bsm Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is STUDIO 2B?

A: STUDIO 2B is an approach to Girl Scouts for girls 11-17. STUDIO 2B is based on the core values of Girl Scouting: the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the four program goals. For teens, these goals are: "Become their best selves, Belong in a safe space, Believe in the Girl Scout Law, and Build the world around them." The STUDIO 2B approach includes everything girls love about Girl Scouts with the addition of more flexibility and options.

Q: So is GSUSA getting rid of the current Cadette/Senior program and replacing it with STUDIO 2B?

A: No, GSUSA is not replacing the current Cadette/Senior program with STUDIO 2B. STUDIO 2B is a new way of working with girls. The idea is to ensure that the Girl Scout Promise and Law continue to be relevant to today's teen girls. Some materials and awards are new, but girls will continue to register as Girl Scouts and enjoy everything Girl Scouts have always loved- from camping to community service, along with opportunities to bridge to new experiences, work on Interest Projects and earn the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. They can also explore new topics in the STUDIO 2B Focus Book series or use the other STUDIO 2B resources.

Q: What's happening with the "Cadette" and "Senior" age level designations?

A: Some girls find the age level designations "Cadette" and "Senior" appealing. Others do not. The term that is most important to girls in Girl Scouts is in fact "Girl Scouts." The terms "Cadette" and "Senior" will be taken out of new print resources. However, girls who have an attachment to the current age level designations are welcome to continue to refer to themselves as "Cadette" or "Senior" Girl Scouts. Girls may also want to refer to themselves as "Girl Scouts" and use club names for their groups and troops.

Q: What is happening to troops? Can girls only participate as individuals (Juliettes)?

A: Girls can participate in a way that best suits their needs. They can be part of a troop, they can be involved with a specialty group, or they can be Juliettes (individual Girl Scouts). Troops may include girls across the 11-17 year-old age range, similar to today's Cadette/Senior troops, girls closer in age, or formed around a specific interest. Remember, the tag line for Girl Scouts is "Every Girl, Everywhere."

Q: Why do materials from GSUSA refer to "girls 11-17" — are girls who have turned 18 in high school being left out?

A: Girl Scouts of the USA uses the phrase "11-17" to reflect existing age level standards as written in the Blue Book of Basic Documents. Girls who are 17 or in the 12th grade continue to participate as always.

Q: What are the new changes to the Silver Award? What about the Gold Award?

A: Right now, GSUSA has not given us the specific new requirements for each of these awards. However, at this point we do know the following:

• Girls in grades 6-9 (or ages 11-14) may work towards the Girl Scout Silver Award and must be in grades 7-9 (or ages 12-14) to do the actual service project.
• Girls in grades 9-12 (or ages 14-17) may work towards the Girl Scout Gold Award and must be in grades 10-12 (or ages 15-17) to do the actual service project. NOTE: A girl has until September 30 of her graduation year to finish the final Gold Award project.

Until the new requirements are published (in summer 2004), girls can continue to work on the current requirements for the Silver and Gold Awards. During the transition phase, girls will be able to complete awards using both the old and new requirements as appropriate. The GSCNC Program Department will be publishing updates to Kaleidoscope and Going for the Gold in August 2004 to address the new requirements as they are stated at that time and how to earn the award during the transition. The following is a basic overview of what the awards will look like once the new requirements are fully implemented:

• To earn the Girl Scout Silver Award, girls must complete a 40-hour service project.
• To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, girls must complete a 65-hour service project.
• For both the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards, girls are required to use Interest Projects for some steps and Focus Books for other steps.
• To earn the awards, girls will complete Leadership, Career Exploration, and Challenge Awards.

Q: What is happening with Girl Scout uniforms?

A: Girl Scout uniform pieces are always official. GSUSA has not made a decision on uniforms for the future. Therefore, a teen Girl Scout can wear her uniform and display her earned recognitions including IPs, charms, and other awards. She also has the option to wear the STUDIO 2B t-shirt, as it is an official uniform, and display her earned recognitions on that or on a sash or vest.