Get Involved With Girl Scouts

There's much more to being a Girl Scout than selling cookies. They get to have fun (think girl power sort of fun) while learning how to be confident and successful in the real world. Check out what Girl Scouts are all about!

Girl Scouts - Today's Girls, Tomorrow's Leaders

Girl Scouts was founded by an American woman named Juliette Gordon Low. She wanted to help young girls turn into strong, successful leaders, so she gathered 18 girls together to form the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912. She emphasized the importance of community service and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and playing sports. Learning practical skills is also an important part of Girl Scouts. When you complete a task, like planting a garden, building a bird house, or giving first aid to an injured person, you receive a badge that you sew onto your uniform.

Girl Scouts - Movin' On Up

The four levels of Girl Scouts are based on your age. To move up to the next level, girls participate in a ceremony called bridging, where they walk across a symbolic bridge to their new troop and greet them with a Girl Scout handshake.

Daisy Girl Scouts - Named after Juliette Gordon Low's nickname, Daisy, the first level of Girl Scouting is for five to six year olds. They wear light blue uniforms.

Brownie Girl Scouts - Brownies are for six to eight year olds and they wear brown uniforms (of course!).

Junior Girl Scouts - Juniors are for eight to 11 year olds and they wear green uniforms.

Studio 2B - This is the highest level of Girl Scouts and it's for 11-17 year olds.

Once you complete all levels, you can apply to become a Girl Scout leader and help other girls be the best they can be!

Girl Scouts - Did U Know?

The Girl Scout motto is "Be prepared."

The Girl Scout sign is made by raising three fingers of the right hand. You give the sign when you greet other Girl Scouts, receive a badge, or say the Girl Scout Promise.

Unlike regular handshakes, the Girl Scout handshake is made by shaking hands with the left hand and giving the Girl Scout sign with the right hand.

Girl Scout Birthday is March 12th and Girl Scout Week falls during that week.

First Lady Laura Bush is the current National Honorary President of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

In Canada and the UK, Girl Scouts are known as Girl Guides.

Want more info? Head to the official sites of Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Guides of Canada!

Related Stories:

Get Involved With Boy Scouts

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Boys & Girls of America

More Ways to Get Involved!