Age Level Characteristics

submitted by: Karen McNaughton
Troop 250
Girl Scout Council of Greater Saint Louis

written by: Carolyn L Kennedy

I hope the following can help some leaders besides myself. It comes from "Age-Level Characteristics" _Outdoor_Education_in_Girl_Scouting_, written by Carolyn L Kennedy. Published by GSUSA, 1996. I came across the info while planning "Basic 8" (camping skills) activities for my day camp unit. I don't think I've seen any type of summary of girl characteristics in any other training or reference materials I've collected over my five years as leader. I would assume it applies to all girls and not just American girls.

5-6 years olds

• Have short attention span.
• Want to do things for themselves.
• Are friendly, helpful, cooperative.
• Need adult and peer approval.
• Are developing fine motor coordination.
• Understand more than can be verbalized.
• Question lots of things about their environment; want to know why.
• Learn by doing, experiencing, playing.
• Are curious.
• Like to collect things.
• Cannot easily see a viewpoint different from their own.
• Like to make things.

6-9 years olds

• Have better control of large muscles than smaller ones.
• Like to join groups, but often need individual attention.
• Can cut and paste, hammer and tie things.
• Are learning to read and write, developing copying skills.
• Are developing number concepts, beginning time and distance concepts.
• Like to start projects - may not finish them.
• Can remember and do things in a sequence of commands.
• Have limited understanding of abstract words.
• Love to playact.
• Want to assume responsibility.
• Are usually very cooperative.
• Reflect values, attitudes, and prejudices of family.

9-12 years olds

• Have good manual and manipulative skills.
• Have good eye-hand coordination.
• Like peer group activities - friendships are important.
• Are mastering concepts of time and distance.
• Can express abstract ideas in poetry, drawings, songs.
• Begin to show special talents - arts, music, etc.
• Take personal pride in completion of their own projects.
• Assume responsibility for their own acts.
• Wish to be helpful.
• Question values and attitudes - start to set their own.
• Can apply logic - can understand some abstract concepts.
• Develop pronounced hero worship.

12-15 years olds

• Are undergoing rapid physical growth and development.
• Are self-conscious about body image.
• Have increased appetite.
• Need more physical activity.
• Are prone to peer pressure.
• Maintain close, supportive relationships with friends.
• Idolize public figures, e.g., rock stars, teachers, leaders.
• Seek more privacy.
• Test imposed limits.
• Develop own sense of values, influence by peers.
• Can use logic and alternatives to solve problems.
• Are able to plan ahead.

15-18 years olds

• Are interested in clothing and appearance.
• Have emerging sexual feelings.
• Are able to think abstractly.
• Are able to organize their ideas orally and in writing.
• Develop goals and values.
• Are able to formulate complex plans.
• Often take high risks, thinking themselves immune from consequences.
• Are passionate about beliefs and causes.
• Show anxiety and guilt in conflicts between parents and peers.
• Seek acceptance from peers, but are becoming more independent.
• Have friendships that will last longer.
• Are often over-committed.
• Enjoy family activities but still prefer peers.

Clare Zimmermann: How about age level characteristics for adults?

• Will take responsibility unless she can pass it on to new, unsuspecting leader
• Loves new adventures and experiences, but is liable to pout when told she can't wear earned badge.
• Is apt to wear outrageous clothing like hats covered with odd paraphernalia and t-shirts with handprints all over them.