Girl Scouts Denies Teaching Religion Over 4 Islamic Badge Programs as Mosque Troops Draw Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 26
Girl Scouts Denies Teaching Religion Over 4 Islamic Badge Programs as Mosque Troops Draw Scrutiny
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 26
Summary
GSUSA said Wednesday it does not teach religion, responding to criticism that mosque-based troops and Islamic patches folded prayer, hijab lessons and Ramadan activities into scouting.
Four Islamic recognition programs listed on Girl Scouts materials are developed and administered by outside faith groups, the organization said, and participation in any faith-based program is optional.
The scrutiny followed a Saturday report alleging troops in California, Illinois, New York and Virginia included Quran study, Islamic prayer and other faith activities, though the cited examples involved local troops, councils and partner groups.
A 2025 Orange County faith toolkit and a separate Islam patch site show Muslim Girl Scouts can access activity booklets, medals and Five Pillars assignments, reinforcing critics' concerns about exclusion and transparency.
American Heritage Girls, a Christian rival founded in 1995, used the dispute to contrast its model, saying it openly discloses religion-based programming to families before they join.