DEIA Programming, Resources and Training

Creating Culturally-Responsive Opportunities for Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is working to create fun, flexible program opportunities that reflect the needs and voices of youth members across diverse communities. We have unique council patch programs like African Americans in Congress and CHICAS: Discovering Hispanic Heritage. For eighteen years, we’ve hosted Encuentro leadership conferences for Latina Girl Scouts in grades 6-12.

Building Relationships in Our Communities

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital strives to be a reliable and trusted partner for community and religious organizations across our region. We value our longstanding partnerships with houses of worship, local organizations and civic groups that share the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. We also encourage these organizations to increase opportunities for Girl Scouts by  hosting events and providing programs. We urge our volunteers and staff to schedule events respectfully, with attention to the religious and cultural holidays celebrated by families in our diverse council.

Bringing Girl Scouting to Underserved Areas

For many years Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital has offered staff-led and volunteer-led community-based camps throughout the region during school spring and summer breaks. These camps provide non-member Girl Scouts with safe, fun places to learn about our Girl Scout traditions and programs while playing games, making crafts, and singing songs. Our Council works intentionally to create more accessible opportunities for our diverse communities of youth members.

Including Girl Scouts of All Abilities

Girl Scouting includes those of ALL abilities. Inclusion is a top priority at Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. We are proud that Christine Hoehl, in 2003, was the first Girl Scout Nation's Capital member with accommodations to earn the Gold Award. We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for every youth member and their family.

Our staff is committed to serving as resources and guides to ensure the participation of Girl Scouts with disabilities. This is done by providing adaptive resources, including American Sign Language interpreters and Braille translation; training and education on inclusion and disability awareness; and inclusion resources.

Inclusive Girl Programming:

The Gold Award and Inclusion - Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is committed to ensuring that youth members of all abilities are able to achieve the Gold Award - A Girl Scout’s highest honor.

This includes:

Girl Scouts with diagnosed disabilities
Girl Scouts who have IEPs/504 plans in the school setting
Girl Scouts who receive disability related accommodations within the school setting
Girl Scouts who identify as having disability/ “special need,” including those who may not have a formal diagnosis.
When a Girl Scout indicates they need accommodations, the Council staff will contact the family to get clarity on the types of accommodations needed. We will decide on reasonable accommodations. The Council then communicates directly with the Gold Award Panel about the accommodations and ensures the Panel feels capable of fulfilling them.
Our aim is to treat every Girl Scout with the attention and respect they deserve as a Gold Award Earning Girl Scout.

Accommodation Requests:

To request a disability-related accommodation, such as an ASL interpreter, Braille document, or adaptive camping equipment, click here.

Girl Scout Inclusion Resources:

External Websites/Resources for Engaging Girls with Disabilities:

For additional inclusion-related inquiries, please contact Customer Care at customercare@gscnc.org.

Council DEIA Resources

Reducing Economic Barriers

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is committed to bringing our leadership program to youth members, from every zip code--regardless of their economic status. Girl Scout troops are funded by a combination of money earned through Council-sponsored entrepreneurial programs, group money-earning activities, and dues. Financial assistance is available so that everyone can participate in Girl Scout activities whenever financial considerations might otherwise hinder their participation. Our amazing entrepreneurship programs as well as direct donations help make it possible for all members to participate fully in Girl Scouts! Your contribution can help ensure that we can continue our mission.

DEIA Training on gsLearn