Facts

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

More Than 90 Years

Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia.

An American Institution

Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950.

Still Growing Strong

Today, there are 3.3 million Girl Scouts—2.4 million girl members and 928,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers.

Empowering Girls

In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

At Home and Abroad

Girls at home and abroad participate in more than 236,000 troops and groups in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 300 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States.

An International Family

Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.

A Pivotal Part of Women's History

More than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood—and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.

Annual Report

We are acutely aware of girls' changing needs. That's why in 2008 we embarked on a journey to develop strategies which will ensure that the Girl Scout Movement is perfectly situated to honor the legacy and promise of the next 50 million Girl Scouts. Learn more about these crucial objectives and goals in our Annual Report.