Juliette Gordon Low envisioned an organization that would prepare girls to meet their world with courage, confidence, and character.
In 1912, in the midst of the Progressive Era—and at a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote—this nearly deaf 51-year-old sparked a worldwide movement inspiring girls to embrace, together, their individuality, strength, and intellect.
Juliette, affectionately known as “Daisy” by her family and close friends, gathered 18 girls in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to share what she had learned abroad about a new outdoor and educational program for youth, and with this, the Girl Scout Movement was born. Along with Juliette, these first Girl Scouts blazed trails and redefined what was possible for themselves and for girls everywhere.
They played basketball. They hiked, swam, and camped. They learned to read the world around them—for instance, by studying a foreign language and telling time by the stars. They shared a sense of curiosity and a belief that they could do anything.
But most importantly, just like Girl Scouts across the country and around the globe today, they offered a helping hand to those in need and worked together to improve their corner of the world.
That small gathering of girls Juliette Gordon Low hosted over a century ago has grown into a global movement in which all girls can see themselves reflected—and that today includes nearly 3 million Girls Scouts in 92 countries and more than 59 million alumnae, united across distance and decades by lifelong friendships, shared adventures, and the desire to do big things to make the world a better place.
Want to know more? Read all about Juliette Gordon Low and check out our timeline, which tells the story of Girl Scouts during key moments in American history.
Learn more about Girl Scouts’ place in American history.