Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls develop character and skills for success in the real world. By helping girls develop a strong self-identity and positive values, the Girl Scout organization builds girls of courage, confidence and character.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts' membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Georgia, to 3.7 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.

Our continuing mission is to build tomorrow's leaders, one girl at a time. That can only be accomplished by the participation of people of all races, ethnicities, religions and abilities as well as people from all socioeconomic levels and geographic areas. Every year, Girl Scouts of the USA finds more innovative ways to build upon the foundation laid in 1912. Girl Scouts helps cultivate leadership abilities in girls to ensure their roles as change-makers of the future.

In a new approach designed to be relevant to the 21st-century girl, Girl Scouts will send girls on innovative "Leadership Journeys" designed to benefit each of America's 2.7 million girls and their communities, the nation, and the world. The powerful new model engages Girl Scouts in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. It is based on a definition of leadership that girls agree on: A leader is defined not only by the qualities and skills one has, but also by how those qualities and skills are used to make a difference in the world.

The benefits of the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience are many:

• Girls embrace diversity, work collaboratively, advocate effectively for themselves and others, and become leaders now and throughout their lives.
• Girls acquire critical skills and take leadership journeys in a carefully developed curriculum with concrete and measurable outcomes.
• Girls help transform their local communities through diverse projects that they themselves develop, aimed at improving the quality of life.
• Girls work together to create national and global projects that harness the combined energy and leadership of Girl Scouts from many places.

Learn more about the new leadership journeys and Girl Scouts of the USA.