Facts About Girl Scouts
Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
100+ Years
Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia.
An American Institution
Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the US Congress on March 16, 1950.
Still Growing Strong
Today, there are 2.7 million Girl Scouts—1.9 million girl members and 800,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers.
Empowering Girls
As Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Girls grow courageous and strong through a wide variety of enriching experiences, such as field trips, skill-building sports clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships.
Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.
Around the Globe
Girls at home and abroad participate in troops and groups in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 100 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States.
An International Family
Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 146 countries.
A Pivotal Part of Women's History
More than 59 million women in America today enjoyed Girl Scouts during their childhood—and that number keeps on growing as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.
Annual Report
We are acutely aware of girls' changing needs. That's why we embarked on a journey to develop strategies that will ensure the Girl Scout Movement is perfectly positioned to honor the promise of the next 59 million Girl Scouts. Learn more about these crucial objectives and goals in our annual report (PDF).
Also see:
IRS Form 990 (PDF)
GSUSA 2016 Audited Financial Statements (PDF)
Blue Book
The 2017 edition of our Blue Book of Basic Documents contains important information and source documents, including the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, bylaws, policies, credentials criteria and standards for councils, our Congressional Charter, and more.
Download (PDF) English | Español (coming soon)
Fun Facts & Figures
Which famous celebrities are alumnae? What former Girl Scouts are ruling Wall Street? How many alumnae roam the corridors of power in Congress? Which cookie is most popular? Discover more interesting facts about Girl Scouts.
Download (PDF) English | Español
Questions?
Check out our FAQs for quick answers.