In recent years, I’ve chosen to abstain from buying Girl Scout cookies and supporting the Salvation Army due to their alignment with what I perceive as increasingly woke and divisive ideologies. The Girl Scouts, in particular, have embraced agendas such as abortion advocacy, Planned Parenthood-style sexual education, and various LGBTQ+ initiatives, causing me to distance myself from their cause. The Salvation Army, on the other hand, disappointed me when they called on Christians to “lament, repent, and apologize for racism.”
These changes in their stances have led me to walk past their tables without guilt, whether they are selling Thin Mints or ringing bells during the holiday season. I’ve become skeptical of how much of the money donated to these organizations truly goes towards helping those in need.
My concern with the Girl Scouts was further heightened when the Girl Scouts of Northern California introduced their “Camp Culture Code,” which I found deeply troubling. This code, particularly in the section on “Racial and Ethnic Diversity,” promotes a divisive and ideologically-driven approach:
The code emphasizes focusing on the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-identified (BIPOC) community members who are seen as furthest from racial justice, effectively creating divisions among different racial groups. It encourages Girl Scouts to advocate for equitable outcomes and labels any dissent as supporting “egregious forms of racism.”
I believe that organizations like the Girl Scouts should not impose divisive ideologies on young minds, and parents should have the right to opt out of such curricula. While it is essential to address racism and promote diversity, it should not be done through an ideological lens that forces children to adopt specific beliefs.
Furthermore, it has come to my attention that the Girl Scouts have introduced an LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration Fun Patch, encouraging girls to engage in activities like creating an LGBTQ+ music playlist and sketching portraits of LGBTQ+ community members. While promoting inclusivity is important, this patch appears to push a specific ideological agenda onto young girls.
In conclusion, my decision to distance myself from organizations like the Girl Scouts and the Salvation Army is rooted in my belief that they have drifted away from their original missions and have adopted divisive and ideologically-driven stances that I find incompatible with my values. It is crucial for parents to be aware of what their children are exposed to in such organizations and to make informed decisions regarding their involvement.
