Girl Scouts of the United States of America

I

Introduction

Girl Scouts of the United States of America, largest organization for girls and young women in the world. It was founded in 1912 by the American youth leader Juliette Gordon Low. The organization provides opportunities for girl members, ages 5 through 17, to develop skills in leadership, character, and service; make friends; and become a vital part of their communities.

II

Membership

There are more than 300 local Girl Scout councils across the United States. American girls living overseas participate through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, which has offices in more than 80 countries. All girls may enter the Girl Scout program. Girls participate at four distinct age levels: Daisy Girl Scouts, ages 5 to 6; Brownie Girl Scouts, 6 to 8; Junior Girl Scouts, 8 to 11; and Girl Scouts, 11 to 17. In 2002 the organization launched Studio 2B, a program for the 11- to 17-year-old age group that replaced the previous Girl Scout ranks of “cadettes” and “seniors.”

III

Organization and Activities

The Girl Scouts program is an informal educational program designed to be carried out in groups with adult leadership. Activities take place in small groups, sometimes called troops, or individually under the guidance of adult leaders or advisers. The program seeks to provide a wide range of activities that will meet the interests and needs of girls by developing self-potential, relating to others, developing values, and contributing to society. Girls explore potential careers or develop skills in such areas as the arts, computer technology, outdoor exploration and camping, financial literacy, health and fitness, mathematics, science, and sports. Older girls may participate in nationally sponsored leadership activities, international travel, special community service, and other projects. Handbooks on contemporary issues such as peer pressure and family problems address the concerns of girls and offer direction.

Girl Scouts of the United States of America has its national headquarters in New York City. The organization is part of a worldwide sisterhood, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

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IV

History

The Girl Scouts organization traces its origin to Girl Guiding, a movement that began in England in 1909, two years after the founding of the Boy Scout movement by Robert Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell’s sister, Agnes Baden-Powell, became the first president of the Girl Guides Association, which was formally established in 1910.

From England the movement spread to Canada, Australia, and other countries. In 1912 it was introduced into the United States by Juliette Gordon Low, who organized the first troop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The following year she changed the name of the organization in the United States to Girl Scouts. Thereafter, Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding spread quickly throughout the world.

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