The Birthplace of Girl Scouts
Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low believed that all girls should have the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. On March 12, 1912, she assembled 18 girls from Savannah, Georgia, for a local Girl Scout meeting. Her goal was to bring girls out of isolated home environments and into community service and the open air. Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars, and studied first aid.
From the beginning, diversity was a core value of the organization. At a time of segregation and before laws promoting civil rights were passed, Juliette ensured that African American, Native American and Hispanic girls were able to become Girl Scouts. She led efforts to make Girl Scouting available to girls in rural and urban areas, whether their families were wealthy, middle class, or poor, native born or immigrants.
Within a few years, Juliette’s dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has a membership of nearly four million girls and adults, a significant growth from its modest beginnings nearly a century ago.
From the beginning, diversity was a core value of the organization. At a time of segregation and before laws promoting civil rights were passed, Juliette ensured that African American, Native American and Hispanic girls were able to become Girl Scouts. She led efforts to make Girl Scouting available to girls in rural and urban areas, whether their families were wealthy, middle class, or poor, native born or immigrants.
Within a few years, Juliette’s dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has a membership of nearly four million girls and adults, a significant growth from its modest beginnings nearly a century ago.