About Girl Scouts

Who We Are

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Today there are 3.6 million Girl Scouts—2.7 million girl members and 928,000 adult members. Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first group of Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the United States Congress on March 16, 1950. Through membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, GSUSA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.

What We Do

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.

Our Structure

Girl Scouting is open to all girls ages 5-17. Girls participate through approximately 200,000 troops and groups in the United States and 90 countries through Girl Scouts Overseas. Through local Girl Scout councils, the opportunity for Girl Scout membership exists in every corner of the U.S.A. More than 50 million women in the U.S. have enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood.

Approximately 99 percent of all adults in Girl Scouting are volunteers. Women and men interested in volunteering in a variety of capacities are encouraged to contact their local Girl Scout council.