Scouting for Girls

Scouting for girls is a popular activity that has continued to focus on building character, confidence, and friendships for girls of all ages all over the world.

Juliette Gordon Low spearheaded the first Girl Scout troop in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. By 1950, Girls Scouts of the USA was recognized as a charter by the U.S. Congress. With 2.7 million girl members and approximately 928,000 adult members/volunteers in the U.S., the organization has grown even stronger through the years. Its mission of building courage, confidence and character has endured throughout its decades of service. There are now approximately 10 million girls and adults that are located in approximately 145 countries, making this organization a truly international one.

With more than 400 employees of the Girl Scout national headquarters, located in New York City, the dedication to the organization is staggering. The purpose of the Girl Scouts is simple…empowering girls. The focus of the organization is to encourage and help girls "discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together." How does Girl Scouts of the USA accomplish these goals? They offer numerous activities and experiences for scouting for girls ages 5 to 17. Examples of these activities include the following:

• Field trips
• Community service projects
• Cultural exchanges
• Sports skills-building clinics
• Environmental stewardships
• Numerous other activities and volunteer opportunities

The three keys to leadership include the following:

• Discover-The purpose of this key point is to encourage girls to know themselves and use that knowledge to explore the world.
• Connect-Girls are encouraged to care about others by offering and gaining inspiration with their local team members and with members around the world.
• Take Action-A focus is placed on encouraging these girls to take action in order to make the world a better place.

Who can join? Membership is open to girls ages 5 to 17. Opportunities for involvement are also available for adults over age 17. With a focus on building character and self-esteem and serving the community, girls are given a safe and positive environment in which to grow and have fun with others. The rules are simple:

• Follow safety rules and guidelines
• Pay national dues which are $10
• Share and believe in the Girl Scout Promise and Law

Groups are divided by ages, with Daisy Girl Scouts for ages 5 to 6 year olds, Brownie Girl Scouts for ages 6 to 8, Junior Girl Scouts for ages 8 to 11, and Girl Scouts for ages 11 to 17.

• Activities-These girls meet in small groups of usually 10 or less. They do arts and crafts projects, go on day and overnight hiking and camping trips with their family, do simple community service projects, and enjoy many other activities.
• Details-Uniforms often include a Daisy membership pin, Daisy tunic, and/or other clothing accessories and options. They earn participation patches for their tunics or scrapbooks as well. Troop leaders are often volunteers and/or parents.

• Activities-Activities for this age group include working on Brownie Girl Scout Try-It projects, such as decorating t-shirts, learning a new skill, etc. They also go on fun outings to the zoo, overnight birthday celebrations, campouts, and more. They may learn new skills like swimming, sell Girl Scout cookies, and do community service projects.
• Details-Troop leaders may be community volunteers and/or parents. They can wear uniforms that include a sash or belt to display their various scouting pins.

• Activities-Activities for Junior Girl Scouts might include staying at a Girl Scout camp, learning many new outdoor skills, visiting museums, selling cookies, corresponding with other scouts around the world, and of course community service projects.
• Details-Troop leaders may be community volunteers and/or parents. Girls can wear their Girl Scout membership pins on their uniform sashes or vests and display other pins as well.

• Activities-These girls participate in a myriad of ways. They may learn emergency response skills, become a counselor-in-training, spend the summer at camp, participate in outdoor activities, like rafting, travel across the country, etc.
• Details-There is a variety of uniform components available for this age group. Pins can be displayed on sashes or vests, as can project awards and other insignia. There are also bracelets and charms available as well. Troop leaders are usually trained volunteers that may include parents.

For more information on scouting for girls, visit the website at Girl Scouts or contact your local Girl Scout council to find the troop nearest you at 1-800-478-7248.

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