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National Girl Scout Day

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National Girl Scout Day on March 12th honors the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. It celebrates the organization's mission to build courage, confidence, and character in girls worldwide.

The Historical Origins & Evolutionary Journey

National Girl Scout Day commemorates the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. This day honors the organization's century-long legacy of empowering girls and young women through leadership, outdoor activities, and community service.

The Foundational Catalyst

Juliette Gordon Low, known as "Daisy," met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, in England. Inspired, she returned to the United States and established the first Girl Scout troop with 18 members. The organization grew rapidly, emphasizing self-reliance, citizenship, and outdoor skills.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

While National Girl Scout Day is not a federal holiday, it has been officially recognized by presidential proclamations and congressional resolutions over the years. The Girl Scouts of the USA itself promotes the day as a time for reflection and celebration.

Modern Global Legacy

Today, the Girl Scouts have over 2.5 million members in the US and affiliates in more than 90 countries. The movement has adapted to address modern issues such as STEM education, environmental stewardship, and social justice while preserving its core values.

How to Celebrate National Girl Scout Day

National Girl Scout Day offers countless opportunities to honor the organization and its impact. Whether you are a current member, alumna, or supporter, here are actionable ways to celebrate:

For Individuals and Families

  • Share your Girl Scout memories on social media using the hashtag #NationalGirlScoutDay.
  • Volunteer to lead a troop or assist with a local event.
  • Purchase and enjoy Girl Scout cookies—proceeds support troop activities.

For Schools and Community Groups

  1. Organize a uniform day where students wear Girl Scout attire.
  2. Invite a local troop to present their community service projects.
  3. Host a badge-earning workshop on first aid, coding, or environmental science.

Corporate and Organizational Rituals

Many companies offer matching donations for employee Girl Scout cookie sales or sponsor troop events. Celebrate by highlighting alumnae in leadership roles and fostering partnerships with local councils.

The Global Impact of Girl Scouting

The Girl Scout movement extends far beyond the United States. Through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the organization reaches millions in over 150 countries. National Girl Scout Day underscores the global sisterhood that transcends borders.

Key Global Initiatives

  • UNESCO partnerships: Girls' education and literacy programs in developing nations.
  • Environmental action: Tree planting campaigns and plastic reduction projects.
  • Health and wellness: mental health first aid training and nutrition education.

Core Societal Themes in Modern Girl Scouting

Today's Girl Scouts engage with pressing societal issues, including:

  • STEM education: Over 100 badges in science, technology, engineering, and math.
  • Financial literacy: Cookie sales teach budgeting, goal-setting, and entrepreneurship.
  • Inclusivity: Open to all girls and gender-expansive youth, with resources for LGBTQ+ members.
  • Mental health: New badges on emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Industry Transformations: The Cookie Legacy

Girl Scout cookies are more than a snack—they are a $800 million annual enterprise and the largest girl-led business in the world. Sales teach five essential skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. National Girl Scout Day often coincides with cookie season, highlighting this entrepreneurial engine.

Cultural Traditions Across Regions

While National Girl Scout Day is primarily a US observance, International Girl Guide and Girl Scout Day is celebrated on February 22 (the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell). In many countries, local founding dates are honored. For example, Girl Guides UK celebrate Thinking Day on February 22. This section clarifies the primary US date and acknowledges global variations.

Historical Timeline

1912

Juliette Gordon Low founded the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia, with 18 girls on March 12.

1913

The organization published its first handbook, 'How Girls Can Help Their Country'.

1917

The first cookie sale by the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to support troops.

1920

Girl Scouts became an international movement with troops in China and other countries.

1936

Juliette Gordon Low died, leaving a legacy of over 1 million members.

1950

The Girl Scouts were granted a federal charter by the U.S. Congress.

1965

First African American Girl Scout troop in the South integrated.

1994

Girl Scouts launched its first national science badge, 'Science in Action'.

2012

Centennial celebration of Girl Scouts, with over 50 million alumnae.

2020

Girl Scouts introduced virtual programming and updated badges for mental health and cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

National Girl Scout Day is observed annually on March 12 to commemorate the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. It celebrates the organization's mission to empower girls through leadership, community service, and outdoor activities.
National Girl Scout Day is celebrated on March 12 each year, marking the anniversary of the first Girl Scout troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912.
National Girl Scout Day was established to honor the founding of the Girl Scouts by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12, 1912. The day is recognized by presidential proclamations and the Girl Scouts organization.
You can celebrate by sharing memories on social media, volunteering with a troop, buying Girl Scout cookies, wearing your uniform, or donating to the organization. Many councils host special events and ceremonies.
No, National Girl Scout Day is not a federal holiday. It is a commemorative observance recognized by the Girl Scouts of the USA and supported by government proclamations, but schools and businesses remain open.
National Girl Scout Day (March 12) celebrates the US founding, while Thinking Day (February 22) is an international day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts honoring the Baden-Powells. Both promote sisterhood and service.
Girl Scout cookies are cookies sold by troops to fund activities and teach entrepreneurship. The sale started in 1917 and now includes varieties like Thin Mints. It is the largest girl-led business, building skills in goal setting, money management, and ethics.
The Girl Scout motto is 'Be Prepared.' It encourages girls to be ready for any challenge, aligning with the organization's focus on self-reliance and responsibility.
Girls from kindergarten through 12th grade can join as members. The program is divided into levels: Daisy (K-1), Brownie (2-3), Junior (4-5), Cadette (6-8), Senior (9-10), and Ambassador (11-12).
No, Girl Scouts is a single-gender organization for girls and gender-expansive youth. Boys can join the Boy Scouts of America or other co-ed youth groups. However, the organization welcomes transgender youth who identify as girls or non-binary.
The Girl Scout Promise states: 'On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.' It reflects the values of faith, service, and integrity.
As of 2024, the Girl Scouts of the USA has over 2.5 million youth members and more than 1 million adult volunteers. Globally, through WAGGGS, there are over 10 million members.