GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER'S DAY
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GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER'S DAY
On October 31st, Girl Scout Founder's Day recognizes the founders and all the great things Scouting has done for girls since its inception. It commemorates the birth of the founder, Juliet Gordon Low.
#GirlScoutFoundersDay
The day is special for all girls. It is a time to think about who we would like to be, let our imaginations run wild and turn those dreams into a reality. We can genuinely transform ourselves into something different—something more significant, bolder, and more daring than we ever thought possible.
“Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”
Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting. At the first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present. For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members.
- The organization’s original name was the Girl Guides of America
- By 1920 there were close to 70,000 members
- By 1930 there were over 200,000 members
- In 2005 there were over 3.7 million members
- Motto - “Be Prepared”
- Slogan - “Do a Good Turn Daily”
5 GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Girl Scout Founders Day, focusing on service, leadership, and tradition:
- Host a community service project in honor of founder Juliette Gordon Low. A few ideas include a clean-up event, a food drive, or creating care packages for local hospitals or military troops.
- Learn about Juliette Gordon Low’s life, her dedication to inclusion, and how the organization has evolved since 1912.
- Weather permitting, hold a small outdoor gathering, teach basic knot-tying or first aid, and share S'mores (or a campfire-style snack) to celebrate the organization's focus on nature and skills.
- Focus the day on recognizing and celebrating the women leaders and volunteers in your community or troop who embody the Girl Scout Law. Send thank-you notes or create small, personalized awards.
- Share your Girl Scouting memories and use #GirlScoutFoundersDay to post on social media.
GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER'S DAY HISTORY
Juliette Gordon Low, also known as Daisy, who was born on October 31, 1860, was the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, along with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement.
In 1912, Low formed a Girl Guide troop in Savannah, Georgia, and in 1915, the Girl Guides became the Girl Scouts with Low becoming the first president. She remained active with the Girl Scouts until the time of her death in 1927. Low’s birthday, October 31, is celebrated by the Girl Scouts as “Founder’s Day.”
Girl Scout FAQ
Q. What age do Girl Scouts start?
A. The Girl Scouts offers programs for girls between ages 5 to 18 years old.
Q. What levels of Girl Scouts are available?
A. The Girls Scouts offer six levels, including Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador.