Girl Scouts of America are an inseparable part of American social life and an important part of the history and culture of this country. And since it’s the Girls Scouts Cookie season, let’s look a little closer at the history of the organization.
This is just a brief overview of the history of Girl Scouts in America, there are many more events and details that could be added to give a more complete picture of the organization’s history.
Today, the Girl Scouts of the USA is one of the largest and most recognizable youth organizations for girls in the United States, with over 2.6 million members and a network of more than 50 million alumnae. The organization continues to focus on developing leadership and life skills in girls through a variety of programs and activities, including outdoor experiences, STEM education, and community service.
The history of Girl Scouts in America dates back to 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low founded the organization in Savannah, Georgia. Low was inspired by her experiences with the Girl Guides in England, and she wanted to create a similar organization for girls in the United States. The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a youth organization for girls that was founded on March 12, 1912. The organization was originally known as the Girl Guides of America, but the name was changed to Girl Scouts in 1913.
The first Girl Scouts troop was made up of 18 girls, and the organization quickly grew in popularity. By 1914, there were over 7,000 Girl Scouts in the United States, and the organization had expanded to include troops in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
Girl Scout cookies were first introduced in the United States in the early 1910s as a way to finance troop activities and to teach girls skills in entrepreneurship and budgeting. The first recorded sale of Girl Scout cookies took place in 1917 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where local troops sold cookies as a service project to support their community. The popularity of Girl Scout cookies quickly spread, and by the 1920s, the sale of cookies had become an integral part of the Girl Scout experience.
The early years of the organization were focused on outdoor activities and developing the skills and confidence of girls. In 1915, the first Girl Scout handbook was published, which outlined the program and activities for the organization. In 1917, the Girl Scouts of America officially became a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
In the 1920s, Girl Scouts began to expand their focus to include more traditional “girls’ activities” such as sewing and home economics. This period also saw the introduction of the Girl Scout Handbook, which provided a comprehensive guide to the organization’s program and activities.
During the Great Depression, Girl Scouts continued to operate despite financial hardships. They focused on providing service to their communities, such as running soup kitchens and providing assistance to struggling families.
During World War I, Girl Scouts assisted with war efforts by selling war bonds and collecting food for soldiers. In the 1920s and 1930s, the organization continued to grow and expand its programs, including the introduction of the first Brownie Scout program for younger girls.
Girl Scouts played a significant role in supporting the war effort. They collected scrap metal and other materials to be used for the war effort, and they also raised money for the Red Cross. After the war, the organization continued to grow, and by the 1920s, there were over 200,000 Girl Scouts in the United States.
In the 1930s, Girl Scouts began to focus on outdoor activities and environmental conservation. The organization also began to expand its programming to include career development and financial literacy. During World War II, Girl Scouts again played a significant role in supporting the war effort, and they also worked to support the troops by sending care packages and writing letters.
During World War II, the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) supported the war effort through various initiatives. Some of the ways the GSA helped include: collecting items for the military, selling war bonds, and planting Victory Gardens to conserve food resources. Additionally, many Girl Scouts volunteered their time and services in local communities, such as working in hospitals or serving as air raid wardens. Through their efforts, the Girl Scouts made a significant contribution to the war effort and demonstrated their commitment to serving their country.
After World War II, the Girl Scouts of America continued to grow and evolve. In the post-war period, the organization shifted its focus to providing girls with opportunities for leadership development and outdoor experiences. This led to the creation of new programs and initiatives, such as the introduction of international travel opportunities and the expansion of camping and outdoor activities. The Girl Scouts also worked to promote diversity and inclusiveness, reflecting the changing social and cultural landscape of the country. Over the years, the organization has remained dedicated to its mission of empowering girls and helping them develop essential skills for success in life.
In addition to their contributions to the war effort, the late 1940s also saw the organization focusing on helping girls develop important life skills and fostering their sense of responsibility to their communities. The decade was characterized by a sense of optimism and a desire to build a better future, and the Girl Scouts embraced this spirit by promoting teamwork, self-reliance, and leadership among its members. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and a changing social landscape, the Girl Scouts of America remained committed to its mission and continued to provide girls with opportunities to grow and succeed.
In the 1950s, the Girl Scouts of America continued to grow and expand its reach, serving an increasing number of girls and young women across the country. During this decade, the organization focused on providing girls with a well-rounded program of activities that emphasized leadership development, community service, and outdoor experiences. The 1950s also saw the introduction of new programs and initiatives, such as the Brownie program for younger girls, and a continued emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness. Additionally, the Girl Scouts continued to partner with community organizations, schools, and other groups to provide girls with opportunities to learn new skills and make a positive impact in their communities. Despite the challenges posed by the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war, the Girl Scouts remained dedicated to its mission and continued to help girls develop the skills and confidence they needed to succeed in life. The organization also began to expand its programming to include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
During the 1960s, the Girl Scouts of America faced a number of challenges and changes, reflecting the broader social and cultural shifts of the time. Despite these challenges, the organization remained committed to its mission of empowering girls and helping them develop essential skills for success in life.
In the 1960s, the Girl Scouts embraced the spirit of the civil rights movement and made a concerted effort to increase diversity and inclusiveness within the organization. New programs were introduced to address the needs of girls from different backgrounds, and the Girl Scouts worked to ensure that all girls had access to the opportunities and resources they needed to succeed.
At the same time, the 1960s saw the Girl Scouts expanding its focus on environmental conservation and outdoor activities, reflecting the growing awareness of environmental issues and the increasing popularity of camping and other outdoor pursuits. The organization also continued to promote leadership development and community service, providing girls with opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
Despite the challenges and changes of the decade, the Girl Scouts of America remained committed to its mission and continued to help girls develop the skills and confidence they needed to succeed in life.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Girl Scouts faced challenges as the feminist movement brought attention to the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the organization. In response, the GSUSA made efforts to diversify its leadership and programming, including the introduction of the first African American and Hispanic National Board members in 1972.
During the 1970s, the Girl Scouts of America continued to evolve to meet the needs and interests of girls. In line with the cultural changes of the time, the organization emphasized diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging girls from all backgrounds to join and participate in scouting activities. The Girl Scouts also incorporated environmental awareness into their programming, encouraging girls to learn about and protect the natural world. Community service became an important aspect of the Girl Scout experience, with many troops participating in local service projects and initiatives.
In addition to these changes, the Girl Scouts updated their uniform to better reflect the fashion of the day and to be more practical for outdoor activities. New program offerings were introduced, such as a focus on science and technology, to meet the changing interests of girls and young women. Despite financial challenges and declining membership, the Girl Scouts remained a respected and influential organization for girls, providing a safe and supportive space for them to develop their leadership skills, confidence, and character.
Overall, the 1970s were a decade of change and adaptation for the Girl Scouts of America, as the organization worked to continue its mission of empowering girls and young women in a rapidly changing world.
In 1980, GSUSA celebrated its 68th anniversary and had over 3.5 million members. In the following years, Girl Scouts continued to adapt and evolve with the changing times and cultural norms, introducing new programs and initiatives such as the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, which recognizes girls who demonstrate leadership and make a positive impact on their communities through sustainable and measurable take-action projects.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Girl Scouts continued to grow and evolve, with a focus on community service and leadership development. The organization also began to expand its programming to include health and fitness, and financial literacy.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the Girl Scouts of America continued to grow and evolve. During this time, the organization placed a strong emphasis on leadership development and character building. The Girl Scouts also continued to respond to the changing interests and needs of girls, introducing new program offerings in areas such as sports, the arts, and outdoor adventure.
In terms of technology, the Girl Scouts embraced the digital age, launching a new website and incorporating technology into their programming and communication efforts. The organization also launched several new initiatives to engage girls and to promote healthy living, including a focus on physical fitness and healthy eating.
Despite challenges, such as declining membership and financial difficulties, the Girl Scouts remained a strong and influential organization for girls and young women. The organization continued to offer a safe and supportive environment for girls to develop their confidence, leadership skills, and character, and to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Overall, the 1990s and 2000s were a time of growth and evolution for the Girl Scouts of America, as the organization adapted to meet the changing needs and interests of girls and young women, while remaining true to its mission of empowering and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) has continued to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs and interests of girls and young women. The organization has expanded its programs and initiatives to include areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, as well as global and cultural awareness.
The GSA has also continued to embrace technology and innovation, using digital platforms and resources to connect girls and volunteers and to enhance the overall Girl Scout experience. The organization has also made efforts to increase accessibility and inclusiveness, including offering a wide range of program options and resources for girls with disabilities and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and in its programming.
Additionally, the GSA has continued its focus on community service and social impact, encouraging girls to become responsible citizens and to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. The organization has also established partnerships with corporations, foundations, and other organizations to help support its mission and programs.
Despite facing financial challenges and declining membership, the GSA remains a vital and influential organization for girls and young women. It continues to provide a safe and supportive environment for girls to develop their confidence, leadership skills, and character, and to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Overall, the Girl Scouts of America has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and interests of girls and young women since 2000.
Today, the sale of Girl Scout cookies remains a vital part of the organization’s fundraising efforts, with cookie sales providing crucial support for troop activities, program initiatives, and community service projects. The iconic Girl Scout cookies have become a beloved tradition, enjoyed by millions of people across the United States and beyond, and are widely recognized as a symbol of the organization’s commitment to empowering and inspiring
In recent decades, Girl Scouts have continued to be an important part of American society. The organization has adapted to changing times, with an emphasis on developing leadership skills, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging girls to take an active role in shaping their own futures. Today, Girl Scouts remains one of the largest and most respected organizations for girls in the United States, with over 2 million members.
very informative friend 🙂