Girl Scouts Turn 100 Today

Today, March 12, 2012, marks the 100^th anniversary of the Girls Scouts of America. 

The story of how Girl Scouting began in the U.S. is the stuff of legend.  Founder Juliette Gordon Low returned from England, where she had been involved with the Girl Guide movement, to her hometown of Savannah, Georgia – with a dream.  “The moment she reached her home in Savannah, she telephoned a friend.  ‘Come right over, Nina,’ she said excitedly. ‘I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!’”

On March 12, 1912, the first US Girl Guide company was formed in Savannah.  That year the girls voted to change their name from Girl Guides to Girl Scouts.

The quoted text comes from the Junior Girl Scout Handbook – my handbook – published in 1963.  Much has changed in the 50+ years since I was a Girl Scout.  While I impressed my husband-to-be with my ability to tie a clove hitch, today’s Girl Scouts are entering robotics competitions and earning badges in personal finance, web design, and digital filmmaking.    

Soroptimist International’s partnership with the Worldwide Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts was announced at the 2010 SIA Convention held in San Francisco.  This partnership is now extending for the global level into regions and clubs throughout the world.  Girl Scouting started with a dream – and now Girl Scouts are partnering with Soroptimists to help women and girls live their dreams.

Sincere congratulations to the Girl Scouts of America!