Girl Scouts of the USA
American nonprofit organization for girls, known for its iconic cookie program and youth development activities.
Company Type
private
Founded
1912
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
About Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA operates through a network of 111 local councils that serve specific geographic areas across the United States. These councils deliver programs, manage volunteers, and organize activities for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization offers six program levels: Daisy (K-1), Brownie (2-3), Junior (4-5), Cadette (6-8), Senior (9-10), and Ambassador (11-12).
The Girl Scout program focuses on four pillars: STEM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Girls earn badges in various subjects, participate in camping and outdoor adventures, engage in community service projects, and develop leadership skills through girl-led activities. The organization emphasizes the Girl Scout Promise and Law, which promote character development, citizenship, and service to others.
The cookie program serves as both a fundraising mechanism and an educational experience. Girls learn goal-setting, money management, marketing, and customer service skills while selling cookies to support their local troops and council activities.
History of Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA was founded on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Low, inspired by the Girl Guides movement in the United Kingdom, gathered 18 girls for the first meeting and established an organization focused on outdoor activities, skill development, and community service.
The organization grew rapidly throughout the 20th century, expanding from its Georgia roots to become a national organization with local councils across the United States. The Girl Scout Cookie program, which began in 1917 as a simple bake sale, evolved into one of the largest and most recognizable fundraising programs in the world.
Throughout its history, Girl Scouts has adapted its programming to reflect changing times while maintaining its core mission of girl leadership development. The organization introduced new badges and programs related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), environmental stewardship, and global citizenship.
In recent years, Girl Scouts has focused on modernizing its programs to appeal to contemporary girls while maintaining its traditional emphasis on outdoor skills, community service, and leadership. The cookie program has continued to evolve, incorporating digital sales platforms and new cookie varieties while maintaining its educational focus on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Brands Owned by Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA owns 1 brand in our database.
Girl Scouts of the USA Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Nonprofit structure allows focus on mission rather than profit maximization
- +Iconic cookie program provides reliable funding and brand recognition
- +Network of 111 local councils provides geographic coverage and community connections
- +Long history (since 1912) provides brand stability and trust
- +Focus on girl leadership development addresses important social needs
Considerations
- -Dependence on cookie program revenue creates vulnerability to market changes
- -Competition from other youth organizations and activities for girls' time and interest
- -Declining membership trends in some areas challenge long-term sustainability
- -Volunteer-dependent model creates variability in program quality and delivery
- -Balancing traditional values with modern programming needs creates strategic challenges
Frequently Asked Questions About Girl Scouts of the USA
Is Girl Scouts a nonprofit organization?
Yes, Girl Scouts of the USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors and operated through local councils across the United States.
Who founded Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Low was inspired by the Girl Guides movement in the United Kingdom and wanted to create similar opportunities for American girls.
How much money does the cookie program generate?
The Girl Scout Cookie program generates over $800 million in revenue annually, making it one of the largest fundraising programs in the world. Proceeds support local troops and council activities.
Who makes Girl Scout Cookies?
Girl Scout Cookies are produced by two licensed bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. These bakers have held the contract for decades and produce all cookie varieties sold in the program.
How many girls participate in Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts serves approximately 2.5 million girl members and 800,000 adult volunteers across the United States through its network of 111 local councils.
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