GSUSA will be introducing a new program resource in September 2011. The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, a new girl handbook, will have one book available for each program level - Girl Scout Daisy through Ambassador. According to GSUSA, the book is described as a book for girls, but the guide is considered to be a leader resource as well.

The current state of Girl Scout materials includes a wide variety of product lines. GSUSA states, “Research has shown that girls, parents, and volunteers have been confused about what constitutes national program materials. Therefore, to provide a nationally consistent experience for every girl, GSUSA will offer each girl two national program resources by September 2011: The journey of her choice and The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting.”

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting will contain three main sections:
1. Girl Scout Traditions
2. Cookie Sale Program Activities
3. Earned Awards (badges, religious awards, Bronze, Silver, Gold)

According to several councils, GSUSA encourages each girl to own her own copy since the Girl’s Guide will contain information such as:
Girl Scout history
Girl Scout traditions
What’s special about being a Girl Scout
List of emblems and awards (membership stars, GSUSA strip, council strip, etc.)
Awards log
Diagram of sash/vest with badge placement
Bridging award requirements for relevant program level
Bronze, Silver, Gold Award requirements for relevant program levels
Additional program information for each level (Program Aide or Counselor in Training info)
Journey map for relevant program level
Map showing all the councils and special Girl Scout places (Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, World Centers, etc.)

Girl Scouts will still have an opportunity to earn the cookie badges. According to GSUSA, there will be two sets of skill-building badges related to the Girl Scout Cookie Program. A girl will still be able to earn the Girl Scout Cookie Activity pin when she participates in the cookie program.

According to GSUSA, The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting will be on sale in September 2011. There will be a one-year period (June 2011 to June 2012) to transition away from existing handbooks and badge books to The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Currently, council shops are retiring, on an incremental schedule, existing resources and merchandise items to make room for new materials.

Existing resources are still valid and available for use until the Girl’s Guide is published. By June 2012, GSUSA expects troops will be fully on track with the journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. Many of the former program pieces will be retired. A list of discontinued items will be placed in this site's Earned Awards section soon.