The National Jewish Girl Scout Committee is a non-profit organization which works in cooperation with Girl Scouts of the USA. Its functions are:
· to promote the Jewish Girl Scout award programs and religious services in Girl Scout Councils
· to assist Girl Scout Councils in extending Girl Scouting in the Jewish Community
· to encourage cultural exchanges with the Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation.
In this capacity, the NJGSC actively supports Friends of Israel Scouts - Tzofim.
The Jewish Awards for Girl Scouts are:
· Lehavah Award for Brownie Girl Scouts
Lehavah means flame. While working toward the Lehavah Award, the Brownie Girl Scout will learn about herself, her family and her religion. She will be asked to have others help her and to help others too.
· Bat Or Award for Junior Girl Scouts
Bat Or means daughter of light. The Junior Girl Scout will learn about Jewish holidays and festivals, the Torah, the synagogue, Israel and how history and heritage relate to Girl Scouting.
· Menorah Award for Cadette Girl Scouts
The Menorah Award pin shows a seven-branched candelabrum (menorah) superimposed on a Star of David. The Cadette Girl Scout will complete meaningful activities which increase her knowledge and experience within the context of Jewish living. The topics of interest are: Ethics, Heritage, the Calendar, Israel, the Arts and Women.
· Or Emunah Award for Senior Girl Scouts
The Hebrew phrase "Or Emunah" means Light of Faith. This program is value centered. The activities are meaningful and will increase knowledge and experience within the context of Jewish living. Learning sheds light on one's heritage and brings understanding to one's life. When she has completed this award, the Jewish Senior Girl Scout will have developed a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of Judaism.
You can order the handbooks for the Lehavah, Bat Or, Menorah, and Or Emunah Awards, at $3 for each book by filling out and printing our convenient order form.
Or you can contact your local Council Office to find out about your local Jewish Girl Scout Committee.
Additionally, the National Jewish Girl Scout committee accepts nominations for the Ora Award. This award is a recognition presented to adults who have given outstanding service to Jewish girls in Girl Scouting or who have extended Girl Scouting in the Jewish Community. Contact NJGSC for more information and a nomination packet.
Also available is our Girl Scout Shabbat patch. Typically this is presented to a girl who has participated in a Girl Scout Shabbat Service or who has worn her uniform to services during Girl Scout week. It is two inches at its highest point and the base is three inches wide. You can order it using our patches order form
In addition to the Religious Awards, NJGSC has other resources available to Girl Scout leaders.
Now available from this webite, in pdf format, our 10 year Calendar of Jewish Holidays and Festivals,our Guidelines for Camping with Observant Girl Scouts, and our piece on Blessings, Graces, and Prayers.
If you still want to know more, try our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
You can also contact NJGSC directly with short questions.
This page is maintained by Esther A. Heller ). She welcomes feedback .
Last updated February 12, 2007.