How do I find a Jewish Girl Scout troop for my daughter?
Most Girl Scout troops, especially Daisy, Brownie and Junior
Girl Scouts, are organized at local schools. Girl Scouting believes
strongly in inclusion. Therefore, no girl is to be denied membership
based on ethnicity, religion or physical ability.
While no troop is inherently Jewish, some troops are based in synagogues
or Jewish Community Centers or other places with a religious affiliation.
A girl does not have to be of that religion to join that troop.
To find a troop for your girl, you can either contact your local Girl Scout Council or go to the
Girl Scouts of the USA website. Look for a button that says "Join" or "Find a troop" and go from there.
How does the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting (NJCGS) help?
We are a committee that serves as a bridge between Girl Scouting and the Jewish community. We are not a council and do not form
troops. The NJCGS has field liaisons in many Girl Scout Councils. Your local liaison may know of a troop that has Jewish members. To contact your local liaison, call your council office or e-mail NJCGS.
Does the National Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting (NJCGS) offer scholarships?
Yes, Girl Scouts in their last year of high school who have received both the Or Emunah and Gold Awards are invited to apply for our scholarship.
Information and application can be found at application form.
About the Jewish Award Program for Girl Scouts
Where does a Jewish award go on the
Girl Scout uniform?
The award pin is worn on the right side of the uniform, in line with the Girl Scout Membership
Pin worn on the left side. On the insignia vest or sash, the pin is worn below the membership stars or troop numbers
and above the next insignia.
The pin can only be worn while the girl is still in that program
level, e.g. the Lehavah pin (Brownie level) cannot be worn on the Junior
Girl Scout uniform. However, the religious award patches may be
worn on the back of the vest or sash of any age level.
To see an illustration, go to the GSUSA
insignia page
and select the appropriate uniform.
Are the requirements for the Jewish Awards for Girl Scouts available electronically?
Yes! Starting in the Fall of 2025, we have made pdf versions of all the award booklets.
Both the electronic and paper versions are available at no charge.
Since we like to know who is working on our awards and share that information with local liasons, they are not directly
downloadable.
You may order either electronic or paper booklets via our order form.
How can I order the pins and patches and what do they cost?
Order forms for the pins, patches and certificates are in the paper booklets for each award. Order forms are emailed separately with the
electronic booklets.
The price for all three for the Liorit, Lehavah and Bat Or are $5, Menorah and Or Emunah are $10.
We will send them when we have received a copy of the girl's completed record of requirements, the order form and payment.
We try to have a rapid turn-around but please allow at least two weeks for our volunteers to process and mail.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Currently, you can pay either by check or via Zelle. Please see order forms for more information.
Who can be a Jewish Award advisor?
The advisor can be a rabbi, a cantor, a Jewish educator or another knowledgeable Jewish adult.
Must a girl belong to a synagogue to earn her award?
A Girl Scout does not need to belong to a synagogue. Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors may work
with a family member or another person of the Jewish faith.
Since the Awards, like all Girl Scout activities, are progressively more difficult
with each age level, Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors are encouraged to work
more closely with a rabbi or other Jewish educator, when it can be arranged.
Does a Girl Scout have to be Jewish to earn one
of the Jewish Awards?
Either the girl herself, one of her parents or one of her grandparents must be Jewish for the girl to earn her award.
Who should review the activities completed by the
girl to receive an Award?
Either the girl's advisor or a member of the local Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting (if one exists) must review and sign off on the work before the girl can receive the award.
Do you have to complete lower level awards to be eligible for present level?
No, the lower level award is not necessary. Each Jewish Girl
Scout Award is designed to be age level appropriate. Therefore
a girl can only work on the Award for her own program age level.
How can I reach the Committee with more quesetions?
