National Girl Scout Day - March 12, 2027

National Girl Scout Day takes place on March 12 to honor the remarkable organization founded by Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low, which has empowered millions of girls and young women to develop courage, confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to making positive contributions to their communities and the world. This day commemorates the first Girl Scout meeting held in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912, when Low gathered a small group of girls to begin a program focused on outdoor activities, practical life skills, community service, and personal growth that would evolve into a global movement.

National Girl Scout Day History

Juliette Gordon Low, born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia, grew up in a privileged family but faced personal challenges including hearing loss and the loss of her husband, which fueled her determination to create meaningful opportunities for girls. Inspired by the Girl Guide movement she encountered in England through her friend Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, Low adapted the concept to suit American girls by emphasizing outdoor activities, practical skills, self-reliance, and community service. On March 12, 1912, she organized the inaugural meeting in Savannah with 18 girls, officially launching what would become the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The organization grew rapidly in its early years, expanding from that first troop to thousands of members across the country within a decade, as word spread about the engaging programs that combined fun, learning, and empowerment. Low personally traveled extensively to promote the movement, securing funding, recruiting leaders, and establishing national headquarters while adapting activities to reflect American values and landscapes. By the 1920s, Girl Scouts had introduced badges for skills ranging from first aid and camping to homemaking and citizenship, providing structured opportunities for achievement and recognition that built confidence and competence.

During the 20th century, Girl Scouts played significant roles in national efforts, including selling war bonds and collecting scrap metal during World War II, promoting conservation and nutrition during the Great Depression, and supporting civil rights and environmental causes in later decades. The cookie program, which began modestly in the 1910s as a simple fundraising activity, evolved into a nationwide enterprise that teaches business basics, financial literacy, teamwork, and goal-setting while generating funds for troop activities and community service projects.

The Girl Scout Promise and Law have remained core elements since the organization's founding, guiding members to serve God and country, help others, live by the Law, and strive to do their best in everything they undertake. Over more than a century, the movement has adapted to changing times by incorporating STEM education, leadership training, financial literacy, outdoor adventure, and global awareness while maintaining its commitment to inclusivity and empowering girls from all backgrounds.

National Girl Scout Day emerged as an annual observance to commemorate the founding meeting and celebrate the ongoing impact of the organization, gaining widespread recognition through schools, communities, media, and official proclamations. The day encourages participation in Girl Scout activities, appreciation for volunteers, support for cookie sales that fund local programs, and reflection on how the movement continues to build capable, compassionate leaders who make meaningful differences in the world.

Why National Girl Scout Day Matters

Creates Lifelong Bonds and Shared Traditions

Girl Scouts form deep friendships through shared adventures, challenges, and service, often maintaining connections into adulthood through alumnae networks and memories of campfires, badge ceremonies, lanyard-making, and troop meetings. These bonds, combined with traditions like the Promise, Law, and cookie season, foster a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared values that strengthen communities and remind participants they are part of something larger than themselves.

Delivers Delicious Fundraising with Real Impact

The iconic cookie program teaches valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, customer service, financial management, and goal achievement while generating funds that stay local to support troop activities, camp scholarships, community service initiatives, and leadership development. Beyond the financial support, selling cookies builds confidence, public speaking skills, and responsibility, making the program a powerful educational tool disguised as a tasty tradition that brings joy to buyers and meaningful benefits to participants.

Empowers Young Women with Essential Life Skills

The Girl Scout program systematically builds courage, confidence, and character through hands-on experiences, goal-setting, teamwork, problem-solving, and service projects that prepare girls for success in school, careers, relationships, and civic life. By offering a safe space to try new things, take leadership roles, and learn from both successes and setbacks, the organization helps participants develop resilience, independence, and a sense of purpose that lasts far beyond their scouting years.

How to Celebrate National Girl Scout Day

Support Local Members

Connect with a Girl Scout in your life, whether a daughter, niece, neighbor, or friend, by attending a meeting, helping with a project, joining a cookie booth shift, or simply listening to their experiences and accomplishments. Offer encouragement, share stories of your own scouting memories if applicable, and express appreciation for the ways the program builds confidence and character in young women.

Design Personal Awards

Design personal "badges" for yourself or family members by setting fun, meaningful goals such as learning a new skill, completing a service project, trying a new outdoor activity, or practicing kindness daily. Track progress, celebrate completion with a homemade badge or certificate, and share the experience to inspire others, channeling the Girl Scout spirit of achievement and growth.

Purchase Iconic Treats

Support local troops by buying cookies directly from Girl Scouts, through booths, online ordering, or cookie booths at community locations. Whether you choose Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas, or other favorites, every purchase helps fund troop experiences, service projects, and leadership opportunities while allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat that carries positive community impact.

Facts About Girl Scouts

Founding Date

Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low held the first Girl Scout meeting on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, with 18 girls, launching the organization.

Cookie Program Origins

Girl Scout cookie sales began modestly in 1917 as a small troop fundraiser and have grown into a nationwide tradition supporting local programs.

Badge System Growth

The badge program has expanded from early skills like first aid and cooking to modern categories including STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, and global awareness.

Global Reach

Girl Scouts USA is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, connecting over 10 million members in 150 countries through shared values and programs.

Alumnae Impact

Many influential women, including astronauts, CEOs, politicians, and artists, credit Girl Scouts with building the confidence and skills that shaped their success.

National Girl Scout Day Dates