Sensitive issues such as religious beliefs, human sexuality, cultural and family values, eating disorders, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, child abuse, suicide, and teen pregnancy are topics that our children think and/or talk about at one time or another. Girl Scouting plays a role in helping girls to make informed, responsible decisions about their well-being. Girl Scout volunteers have guidelines listed in Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 3: Engaging Girls at All Grade Levels that cover how to handle these conversations if and when they arise.
By obtaining your permission to discuss these topics with your daughter or for your daughter to participate in a sensitive issue program, you will be allowing a healthy interaction that will hopefully allow your daughter to gain the confidence needed to come to you, the parent, for your influence.
The leader’s part in any of these discussions is to act as a caring adult who can help girls acquire their own skills and knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, rather than as an advocate of any particular position.
You will only be notified if, during any sensitive issue discussion, the leader feels that immediate parental intervention is needed for the safety and well-being of your daughter.
A standard permission slip must be completed in addition to this Permission Slip for Activities with Sensitive Issues.