National Girl Scout Day

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Cookies

Every year, March 12th marks National Girl Scout Day, a celebration of the organization that has helped shape young girls into confident leaders for over a century. This special day falls within Girl Scout Week, an annual tradition that spans from Girl Scout Sunday to Girl Scout Sabbath, highlighting the impact and values of this time-honored institution. While the Girl Scouts are often associated with delicious cookies (Thin Mints, anyone?), their legacy extends far beyond baked goods. So, grab a box of Samoas, sit back, and let’s explore the empowering world of Girl Scouting!

The Birth of Girl Scouts

On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low gathered a group of girls in Savannah, Georgia, for the first official meeting of what would become the Girl Scouts of the USA. Inspired by the Boy Scouts and determined to provide young women with the same opportunities for adventure, leadership, and skill-building, Low pioneered an organization that would change the lives of millions.

In an era when girls were expected to focus on domestic skills, Low emphasized outdoor activities, civic engagement, and personal growth. Over the years, the Girl Scouts have continued to adapt, incorporating STEM programs, financial literacy, and leadership training into their curriculum—while still maintaining the tried-and-true traditions of camping, community service, and, of course, cookie sales.

More Than Just Cookies

Yes, the cookies are legendary, and the annual cookie sales program has helped generations of girls develop entrepreneurial and business skills. But Girl Scouts is about so much more. Girls in the program participate in activities that range from archery and rock climbing to coding and environmental conservation. They take on community service projects, earn badges, and develop leadership skills that prepare them for the future.

Many notable women were once Girl Scouts, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, Olympian Venus Williams, and even astronaut Sally Ride! The organization fosters a sense of sisterhood, instilling confidence and resilience in young girls who go on to lead in every field imaginable.

A Full Week of Celebration

National Girl Scout Day doesn’t stand alone—it’s part of Girl Scout Week, which kicks off with Girl Scout Sunday and wraps up with Girl Scout Sabbath. Throughout the week, scouts celebrate with special activities, from volunteer service projects to camping trips and public recognition of Girl Scout achievements.

A Breakdown of Girl Scout Week:

• Girl Scout Sunday: Kicking off the week, scouts take time to reflect on the spiritual principles that guide them.
• Girl Scout Monday-Friday: These days highlight the values of leadership, community service, and education, with troops participating in various activities.
• Girl Scout Sabbath: The week concludes with another day of reflection and gratitude, focusing on how faith and values shape the Girl Scout experience.

How to Celebrate National Girl Scout Day

National Girl Scout Day is a time to honor the values of leadership, courage, and community that the organization instills in young girls. Whether you are a current scout, a former member, or simply a supporter of the movement, there are plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate the impact of the Girl Scouts.

For Current Girl Scouts:

• Plan a troop event, such as a hiking adventure, community service project, or badge-earning activity.

• Participate in a special Girl Scout Week ceremony with fellow troop members.

• Share your favorite Girl Scout memories and experiences on social media with #GirlScoutDay.

For Former Girl Scouts and Supporters:

• Reconnect with your old troop members and reminisce about those fun scouting days.
• Buy a box (or ten) of Girl Scout Cookies to support local troops.
• Donate to the Girl Scouts of the USA to help provide opportunities for future scouts.
• Mentor or volunteer with a troop, sharing your expertise and experiences.

Fun Facts About Girl Scouts

Think you know everything about Girl Scouts? From their historical roots to their innovative contributions, these fun facts highlight just how remarkable this organization truly is!

• The first-ever Girl Scout troop had just 18 girls, but today, there are over 1.7 million Girl Scouts in the U.S.!
• Girl Scouts have sold cookies since 1917, when they baked and sold them in their own kitchens.
• There have been more than 50 different cookie flavors over the years, but Thin Mints remain the best-selling variety.
• The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a scout can earn—fewer than 6% of scouts achieve it!
• Girl Scouts invented s’mores! The first recorded recipe was published in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook.

The Legacy Lives On

More than 50 million women in the United States have been part of the Girl Scouts at some point in their lives. Whether they remember the thrill of camping under the stars, the satisfaction of earning their first badge, or the sweet success of selling a record number of cookies, their experiences helped shape them into the strong, capable women they are today.

So, this National Girl Scout Day, let’s celebrate the organization that empowers young girls to dream big, take action, and change the world—one badge, one cookie, and one leader at a time!

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