I was a brownie/girl scout. I think what the troop learns or is "about" depends heavily on the leader, not so much the organization. I grew up in conservative Indiana - but, right by Purdue University. For a few years we had a very interesting grad. student from Purdue leading. She was really "different" (at least from the average mom we encountered later) and probably cast some seeds of ideas which wouldn't be officially condoned by the national group (or by many parents...) Loved my time with her, when she moved on the troop had a series of nice/dull moms - I lost interest and wandered away to jr. high.