Words to know:
- Economic insecurity: When families don’t have enough money and resources to meet their basic needs—such as housing, healthcare, food, education, and transportation.
- Financial assistance: When families receive support to help pay for expenses. In Girl Scouts, financial assistance can help pay for memberships, events, camp, uniforms, and troop dues.
- Fundraise: When individuals or groups collect money to support a cause, organization, or activity.
- Donation: A gift of money, items, or time given to help others.
Reflect and discuss:
- Why Girl Scouts is important?
- Why is it important to you to help families and individuals who are experiencing economic insecurity?
- You can’t always know how others are feeling or what challenges others may be experiencing— including who in your community might be suffering from economic insecurity. How can you express compassion and support to others, regardless of if you know their personal circumstances?
- Why is it important to care for your community?
- How can you help others? What actions feel most meaningful for you to do?
Did you know: When Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912, she was committed to funding and growing the organization. One famous story tells how she sold her precious strand of pearls- a wedding gift- to provide the funds needed to support the new movement.This act of personal sacrifice and commitment became a legendary example of her dedication to empowering Girl Scouts.
Take on the Pearl Challenge
Come up with your own fundraiser idea or use one below!
Make and sell items at a booth or to friends and family:
- Pearl Pops | Cake pops or donut holes decorated like pearls
- Oyster Cookies | Assemble "oysters" with two sugar cookies, frosting, and a candy pearl in the middle.
- Pearl Punch Stand | A themed drink booth with white grape juice + sparkling soda + boba or tapioca pearls
- Pearl Jar Messages | Small jars filled with “pearls of wisdom” or kind quotes
- Pearl Charm Bracelets or Keychains | Made of faux pearls and stretchy cord or keyrings.
- Pearl Slime | Clear or white slime with faux pearls mixed in.
Host a game or event and sell tickets:
- “Find the Pearl” Game | Similar to a cake walk or carnival game—people pick a shell (cup, balloon, envelope), and if it has a pearl inside, they win a prize.
- Pearl Photo Booth | Set up an "Under the Sea" or “Treasure Island” themed booth with props
- Pearl Treasure Hunt | Hide plastic pearls around a park or venue and offer prizes for finding them
- “Pearls of the Past” Fashion Show | A mini fashion show with donated vintage outfits, with a focus on old-school glamor and pearls
- “Black Pearl” Pirate Party | A fun event with pirate-themed games, costumes, and decorations—all built around finding the treasure (pearls!)
Remember, as a Girl Scout you cannot directly ask family, friends, or others for donations. To participate in the Pearl Challenge, funds must be raised through other means, and then donated to Girl Scouts.
Donate the money you raised and we’ll mail you a patch!