In 1911, while living in the United Kingdom, Juliette Gordon Low met with the founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell. From this meeting, Low developed the idea to create a girls-only organization that brings girls out of their homes to the great outdoors to serve their communities and provide a platform for them to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. Upon arriving in the United States, Low began planning to start Girl Scouting.

On March 12,1912, Low gathered 18 girls and organized the first Girl Guide troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia. That officially led to the founding of the organization. Later that year, Low tried to merge the Girl Guides with the Camp Fire Girls, but the organization rejected her proposal because Camp Fire was the larger group. She made the same attempt with Girl Scouts of America, but the founder, Clara Lisetor-Lane, believed Low copied her organization and threatened her lawsuit. Girl Scouts of America eventually shut down as it lacked financial resources.

In 1913, the organization’s name was changed to Girl Scouts of the United States and became headquartered in Washington, D.C. After being incorporated in 1915, the Girl Scouts of the United States moved its national headquarters to New York City. In 1916, Low created the aviation badge, which served to encourage girls to break barriers. From 18 girls in 1912, Girl Scouts of the United States grew to 200,000 girls in 1930. Low died in 1927 and willed her carriage house to the local Savannah Girl Scouts.

In 1941, the Girl Scouts established the Wing Scout program for senior Girl Scout members interested in flying and serving their country. Unfortunately, the program ended in the 1970s when United Airlines, the main sponsor for the program, suffered financial setbacks. The organization finally changed its name to Girl Scouts of the United States of America in 1947, and on March 16,1950, it received a congressional charter. There are currently 2.5 million Girl Scouts — 1.7 million girl members and 750,000 adult members in the United States.

Girl Scouts provides a supportive, girl-led environment that builds courage, confidence, and character while developing essential life skills. Key benefits include hands-on STEM exploration, outdoor adventures, entrepreneurial training through cookie sales, and opportunities for prestigious leadership awards (Gold Award). It fosters lasting friendships, civic engagement, and a strong sense of self. Here are the key benefits of joining Girl Scouts:

Skill Development & Leadership: Programs focus on building practical skills, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and communication.
STEM & Outdoor Activities: Girls gain early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), alongside traditional camping and outdoor adventure experiences.

Confidence & Self-Esteem: The environment encourages girls to take risks, learn from failures, and develop a strong, positive sense of self.
Lifelong Friendships & Community: Girls build a supportive sisterhood and connect with their local community through service projects.
Awards & Recognition: Opportunities to earn high-level awards, such as the Girl Scout Gold Award, which can enhance future educational and career opportunities.

Values & Character: The program instills positive values, encouraging girls to act with integrity, responsibility, and empathy.

The program is designed to help girls reach their full potential and become leaders in their own lives and communities.