Girl Scouts of the United States of America

Inspired by the vision of Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts of the United States of America began in Savannah, Georgia, on March 12, 1912, when Low gathered 18 girls for the first troop. She wanted girls to have opportunities beyond the expectations of the time, with activities that encouraged independence, teamwork, and community involvement.

From its earliest years, the organization grew quickly and reached girls from many different backgrounds, including troops formed outside the United States and in Native American and Mexican American communities. That broad reach helped make Girl Scouts a lasting part of American life.

Today, the organization is widely known for combining leadership development with hands-on experiences, from the outdoors and civic service to entrepreneurship and STEM learning. Its legacy reflects Low’s original idea: helping girls discover their strengths and use them to make a difference.