Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the United States of America
The current Girl Scouts logo, introduced in 2009.[a]
HeadquartersNew York City, U.S.
CountryUnited States
Coordinates40°45′3″N 73°59′0″W / 40.75083°N 73.98333°W / 40.75083; -73.98333
FoundedMarch 12, 1912; 112 years ago (1912-03-12)
FounderJuliette Gordon Low
Membership
  • 1.7 million girl members
  • 750,000 adults (2020)[1]
CEOBonnie Barczykowski
AffiliationWorld Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
Website
www.girlscouts.org
 Scouting portal
Girl Scouts raising the flag at a Municipal Band concert in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA), commonly referred to as Girl Scouts, is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad.[2] It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, a year after she had met Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting[3] (formally Boy Scouts).

The stated mission of the Girl Scouts is to "[build] girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place"[4] through activities involving camping, community service, and practical skills such as first aid. Members can earn badges by completing certain tasks and mastering skills. More senior members may be eligible for awards, such as the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.[5] Membership is organized according to grade level, with activities designed for each level. The organization is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).[6]


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  1. ^ Girl Scouts of the USA 2020 Annual Report (PDF). 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  2. ^ Maurer, Elizabeth (June 2017). "What Did Girls Want? Independence, Challenge, and a Cool Uniform". National Women's History Museum. Archived from the original on January 30, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  3. ^ Cook, David C. (2005). Mothers of Influence. Cook Communications Ministries. ISBN 978-1-56292-368-6. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
  4. ^ "Facts About Girl Scouts". www.girlscouts.org. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  5. ^ "Highest Awards | Girl Scouts". www.girlscouts.org. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  6. ^ "Member Organisation – USA". WAGGGS. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.