There are new Girl Scout uniforms coming for Seniors, and Ambassadors this fall!
One of the biggest pieces of new coming from this summer’s Girl Scout Convention are the new uniforms for Junior, Senior and Ambassadors Scouts. These should be available this fall.
The Importance of Girl Scout Uniforms
Girl Scout uniforms have always been about more than what a Girl Scout wears. They are a way to display accomplishments, show membership, and proudly identify as part of the Girl Scout movement. So whenever Girl Scouts USA introduces changes to the uniform, it is bound to generate plenty of opinions, and the newest uniform options for older Girl Scouts are no exception.
The new collection has generated excitement, questions, and more than a little debate among Girl Scout families and leaders. Some Girl Scouts love the new colors and the opportunity to have a uniform that feels more appropriate for their age. Others aren’t convinced they need another vest, especially if they already have a perfectly good khaki vest covered with years of badges.
(If you want to take a peek at what the new uniform looks like, check out this Facebook post that has photos of them).
What Is Changing in Girl Scout Senior and Ambassador Uniforms?
The traditional khaki uniform has been the standard for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors for years. The current Girl Scout Shop still lists khaki vests, cargo vests, sashes, and pocket sashes as official uniform options.
The new collection gives older Girl Scouts additional choices, including new colors and styles designed to feel more modern and age appropriate. The collection was developed specifically for older girls and includes different silhouettes and apparel that can be mixed and matched.
For Seniors and Ambassadors, the new colors create a visual distinction from the khaki uniforms that older Girl Scouts have worn for years. Seniors will now have a grayish green option and Ambassadors will have a vibrant jade green option.
That may be one of the biggest benefits of the new uniforms.
The Pros of the New Uniforms
1. They Give Older Girls Something That Feels New
By the time a Girl Scout reaches high school, she may have been wearing variations of the same uniform for years. A new color can make bridging to Senior or Ambassador feel like a genuine milestone. Having new colors gives girls a sense of progression as they move through high school.
Girl Scouts is designed as a journey through different stages of childhood and adolescence. Having a uniform that changes along the way can reinforce that feeling of growing up.
2. The New Colors Make Older Girls Easier to Identify
One major benefit of having different colors at each level is that the new colors may make it easier to identify Girl Scouts in a crowd.
The traditional khaki color has sometimes been criticized for looking similar to other scouting uniforms. The new colors provide a stronger visual connection to Girl Scouts and make the different age levels easier to distinguish.
An additional benefit is that when the girls bridge to the next level, they get a fresh start and a new uniform to wear, just like they did when they were younger.
3. They Offer More Personal Choice
A Senior or Ambassador who loves the traditional khaki vest can wear one, because once something is official, it is always official.
In addition to the new uniform, there is an optional blazer available for purchase. While it may be impractical for regular troop meetings, it as a great option for older Girl Scouts representing their council, participating in leadership programs, attending formal events, or making presentations.
It Is Still Okay to Love the Khaki Uniform
One of the biggest concerns expressed by parents and leaders who have been made aware of the uniform change is cost.
Girl Scout families already spend money on membership, badges, activities, camp, uniforms, events, and other Girl Scout expenses. If a Girl Scout already owns a khaki vest or sash that fits and has years of badges attached to it, buying another uniform may simply not make financial sense. In addition, if a troop is not doing many badges, if any at all, what is the point of purchasing a new uniform?
“Use Resources Wisely” Applies Here
There is also a wonderful Girl Scout Law connection here.
One of the Girl Scout values is to use resources wisely. If a perfectly good uniform already exists, replacing it simply because a new color is available isn’t necessarily the wisest choice for every family.
A family may decide that the new uniform is worth the investment.
That’s wonderful.
Another family may decide that their Girl Scout will continue wearing her khaki vest through high school.
That’s fine, too.
Let the Girl Scout Decide
Perhaps the most important part of this entire uniform discussion is remembering who the uniform is for.
It is for the Girl Scout.
If she is excited about the new green Senior vest, let her be excited.
If she loves the new blue-toned Ambassador option, that’s great.
If she wants the blazer for a special leadership event, fantastic.
But if she looks at her khaki vest,with every badge carefully sewn on, and says, “I want to keep this one,” that should be celebrated, too.
Girl Scouts is about building confidence, leadership, independence, resourcefulness, and decision-making. Allowing girls to have a voice in what they wear can actually support those very goals.
The new uniforms offer something exciting: choice.
Will your older girls be wearing the new Girl Scout uniforms for Seniors and Ambassadors?