Girl Scouts refutes claims it teaches Islam, says faith badges are optional

Girl Scouts of the USA responded to reports that mosque-affiliated troops were teaching Quran study, prayer, and hijab practices, emphasizing that the national organization does not provide religious instruction. A spokesperson said the group welcomes girls of all faiths and that any faith-based patches, including four Islamic recognitions, are developed by independent religious bodies and are entirely optional. The organization’s website lists the approved faith programs and points families toward the Islamic Committee on Girl Scouting for resources.

A 2025 faith toolkit for Orange County, California, outlines activity booklets and medals provided by that committee, and a separate website offers an “All About Islam” patch requiring completion of the Five Pillars. Moms for Liberty New Jersey ambassador Alexandra Bougher criticized the badge system as potentially exclusionary, while the Christian scouting group American Heritage Girls highlighted its own transparent, Christ-centered curriculum. The controversy follows a White House correspondent’s report citing troops in California, Illinois, New York and Virginia that incorporated Islamic elements into local scouting activities.