A Closer Look at the Processes
GIRL LED means that girls play an active part in guring out the �what,
where, when, how, and why� of their Girl Scout activities. This means
girls are more engaged in playing a critical role as decision-makers in the
planning and implementation of their activities. As part of an adult-girl
partnership, volunteers can use the Girl Led process to strengthen and
support girls� empowerment and decision-making roles in activities. Girl
led experiences have the potential to benet girls on numerous levels.
Research suggests that youth programs are most effective in producing
positive change and eliminating risky behavior when the learning
experiences are conceived of and implemented by the young people
themselves. Additionally, when girls are leading their activities, they are
also engaging in their own �Learning by Doing� process, increasing their
interest in and memory of skills learned and concepts acquired. Within the Girl Led process, adults provide grade-appropriate guidance,
ensuring that planning, organization, set-up, and evaluation of all
activities are done as much as possible by girls. In the higher grade
levels, these activities will be initiated and conducted by the girls
themselves, with adults serving only as resources and support. The
Girl Led process within the Girl Scout Leadership Experience ensures
that girls are engaged in learning, leadership, and decision-making
opportunities as they prepare to become active participants in their local
and global communities. LEARNING BY DOING is a �hands-on� learning process that engages
girls in continuous cycles of action and reection, resulting in deeper
understanding of concepts and mastery of practical skills. Educational
experts have found that girls learn best by participating actively and
completely in the learning process, and by controlling the nature
and direction of their activities and experiences. As girls take part in
meaningful activities by doing�instead of only watching�and as they
9