I have two daughters. One is in second grade and the other is in fifth. I have been a Brownie/ Girl Scout leader for them but have become disappointed in the program. Do you know of any other programs for young girls that incorporate community service and ideas for teaching them confidence? I loved the access to field trips, etc. that we were able to get being Girl Scouts and would like to continue to take my girls on interesting excursions and learning trips. However, the program itself was outdated, and in our area, attracted girls with behavior issues and uninvolved parents. I am looking for something better to offer my girls.

A few months ago, I went to a briefing hosted by the Girl Scouts. I was impressed with some of their work, but disappointed their platform for speaking to girls in the US: "I always tell them how lucky they are." I find this disturbing, because it's all relative. 

In any event, I do know that some chapters of Girls, Inc. do great things, and there are also likely local initiatives in your area—perhaps through Women's Way or another women's organization. In New York City, there is something called The Girls Project, which is great, and also the Lower East Side Girls Club, which runs a cookie academy. You sound motivated enough—I might recommend that you start your own thing. 

—Amy