Girl Scout History
From 18 girls in Savannah to a global movement to make a difference.
Blazing trails and redefining what’s possible for girls everywhere? Girl Scouts have been true to this since 1912.
Juliette Gordon Low—also known widely by her nickname, “Daisy”—started Girl Scouts in 1912 in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The first troop was made up of 18 girls who all shared a sense of curiosity and a belief that they could do anything.
At a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. That small gathering of girls over 100 years ago ignited a movement across America where every girl could unlock her full potential, find lifelong friends, and make the world a better place.
Learn more about Girl Scouts’ trailblazing founder and explore Girl Scouts’ impact throughout American history.
American President Theodore Roosevelt presents a family silver plate to Girl Scouts to be melted down for cash for the WWI war effort, 1918.
1910s 
Promotional booklet, "Who Are the Girl Scouts?," published by Girl Scouts Inc., circa 1933.
1930s
Central Los Angeles Girl Scouts prepare “Kits for Korea,” 1954.
1950s
Girl Scout Cadettes, Earth Day, 1970.
1970s
The website for Girl Scouts of the USA debuts on February 1, 1996. The site is visited by more than 18,000 people in its first three months of operation.
1990s
Girl Scouts enjoy summer camp in eastern Pennsylvania, 2015.
2010s
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) 1926 World Conference, Great Hall, Camp Edith Macy, New York.
1920s
Girl Scouts present President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with a checklist documenting service hours, March 12, 1944.
1940s
Girl Scout Seniors at a Speak Out conference, 1960s.
1960s
Girl Scout Daisies at a playground, circa 1984.
1980s
Girl Scouts in San Antonio, Texas, at the 2002 National Conference on Latinas in Girl Scouting.
2000s
Girl Scouts participate in a track and field activity, 2021.
Now
