Live Your Best Life with Girl Scouts

Live Your Best Life with Girl Scouts.

Friendship, adventure, and making a difference—it all starts here.

All fun. No filter. Be a Girl Scout.

Right now, Girl Scouts are meeting furry friends at local animal shelters, giggling past lights-out at sleepovers, and learning how their favorite roller coasters work. Above all, they’re having a blast—because they know bringing the fun is all about being their true selves, trying new things, and cheering each other on.

Get ready to join the crew and bring a bit more happy to your life.

When you see a QR code in

Girl Scout

Promise, Mission & Law

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GirlScoutingbuildsgirls of courage, confidence, andcharacter,whomaketheworlda

Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Why Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts prepare for fun, friendship, and new adventures while making the world a better place.

Girl Scouts look at our world and take action to change it for the better. They make friends, challenge themselves with new experiences, write their own stories, and develop the skills and confidence to say, “I know I can do this!”

By participating in fun activities through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, Girl Scouts:

Discover

Find out who she is, what she cares about, and what her talents are.

Connect

Collaborate with other people, both locally and globally, to learn from others and expand her horizons.

Take Action

Do something to make the world a better place.

It’s all part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it’s what makes Girl Scouting a unique experience for girls.

Girl-led

Girl Scouts have the chance to follow their dreams and grow their skills—and the confidence that comes with that.

Learning by Doing

Hands-on activities are fun for Girl Scouts of any age, but they also help them feel empowered to shape their own experiences.

Cooperative Learning

There’s power in having a group of friends who will learn with you, grow with you, and always cheer you on. Girl Scouts see firsthand that teamwork, respect, and collaboration can fuel them through any challenge that comes their way.

With the help of supportive adults and troop leaders who help bring these three unique processes to life, girls try new things, share their full selves, and see how good it feels to lead from the heart.

Girl

Scout programs focus on 4 pillars:

Outdoors

As a Girl Scout, girls have plenty of opportunities to create their own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors.

Life Skills

Girl Scout badges covering topics like civic engagement, healthy living, and communication skills help Girl Scouts grow in confidence as they develop the skills to lead their best lives!

STEM

A brighter future for us all can be a reality, thanks to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Entrepreneurship

Girl Scouts gain the skills and the inspiration to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and take the lead.

Girl Scouts learn about developing financially stable futures and using their skills to make a big impact on the world.

When girls participate in Girl Scouts, they benefit in 5 important ways:

Strong Sense of Self

Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive identities.

Positive Values

Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.

Challenge Seeking

Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.

Healthy Relationships

Girl Scouts develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.

Community Problem Solving

Girl Scouts desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls learn five fundamental skills that are essential to leadership, success, and life.

Goal Setting

Girl Scouts set cookie sales goals and, with their team, create a plan to reach them.

Decision Making

Girl Scouts decide where and when to sell cookies, how to market their sale, and what to do with their earnings.

Money Management

Girl Scouts develop a budget, take cookie orders, and handle customers’ money.

People Skills

Girl Scouts learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as learning how to work as a team with other Girl Scouts.

Business Ethics

Girl Scouts act honestly and responsibly during every step of the cookie sale.

How many can you find?

What Do Girl Scouts Do?

Girl Scouts is all about cooperation, learning by doing, and trying new things! Every Girl Scout’s experience is unique, but these are the activities that we encourage everyone to include in their Girl Scout year.

Earn at least 4 badges or other awards. From cooking to cyber security, we have a badge that will interest every girl!

Go on at least one field trip. Our troops visit museums, planetariums, organic farms, and more!

Participate in at least one overnight. (Brownie Girl Scouts & older, grades 2-12) Whether it’s a night at camp or an overnight at the Mall of America, these are the events girls request most!

Take part in at least one community service project. From visiting the elderly to making dog biscuits for an animal shelter, Girl Scouts love to make the world a better place.

Enjoy at least one outdoor outing. Snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking—we want every girl to get outdoors and explore nature.

Participate in the world-famous cookie program. It’s more than just selling cookies—girls learn to set goals, practice money management, and develop skills to run their own business!

Attend a family event!

Girl Scouts love it when their family is involved. Many Girl Scout events include fun for the whole family.

Explore at least one STEM activity. From making slime to building robots, our Girl Scouts love to try out STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) activities.

Learn about at least one Girl Scout tradition. Simple traditions such as flag ceremonies or Girl Scout holidays help girls understand that they are part of a worldwide sisterhood.

Girl Scouts

Sisterhood Girl Led

Courage

Confidence

Word Search

Character Service Adventure Imagination Kindness

Resourceful

Leadership

Respectful

Community

Frequently Asked Questions

What costs are involved?

Finances are never a barrier in Girl Scouting. For those who may need financial assistance, it is available to cover the cost of membership dues, troop dues (for first year members), and a sash or tunic. Girl membership is $30. New troops typically charge additional dues of $5-25 per girl to help cover early troop costs. Suggested uniform pieces cost approximately $40. After the first year, most troop activity costs are covered by funds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To request financial assistance for your membership, just register online and choose Request Aid on the payment screen or call 888.747.6945.

How do we sign up?

Visit gsnwgl.org/join or call 888.747.6945 to get started! Both girls and adults can register as Girl Scout members. If you are registering online, enter your zip code, radius, and grade level, and you will see some available troop options in your area. If you don’t see one that looks like the perfect fit, email info@gsnwgl.org and a staff person will get in touch with you to find an option that works for you.

Can we start a new troop?

Yes! Don’t a see a troop that works for you? Want to start something new? Parents/Caregivers are always welcome to form new troops. We have lots of resources and training to help you get started! Call or email us today at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org,

How can parents/caregivers get involved?

What happens in a Girl Scout Troop meeting?

Every troop meeting is different, because they are girl-led! Here is an example of a typical troop meeting.

Opening: The girls open their meeting by reciting the Girl Scout Promise and Law and participating in an ice-breaker or teambuilding game.

Business: Girls divide up any meeting responsibilities and vote on upcoming activities, such as what badges they will work on next month.

Activity: This is the main part of the meeting, where the girls work on earning a badge or sharing an experience. Examples might include working together to make first aid kits to earn the Daisy Safety Award, painting pumpkins for veteran’s home residents, having a guest such as a therapy dog visit, or going for a walk in nature to earn the Eco Learner Badge.

Clean Up: Girl Scouts always leave a place better than they found it. The girls will learn to share responsibility and divide simple meeting chores.

Closing: Troops often end with a troop tradition, such as a song, story, or making a wish for the world.

Many parents/caregivers volunteer with their Girl Scout troop and find that it is a great way to spend quality time with their girls. We are always looking for volunteers to step forward to help lead a troop, and girls feel a sense of pride when they can say their mom or dad is a Girl Scout leader. Other parents/caregivers assist the troop as field trip drivers, meeting helpers, or troop cookie coordinators. Visit gsnwgl.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteering with us!

What supplies do we need to get started?

At your first troop meeting, the troop leader will share what is needed. Most girls will want a uniform to proudly display their earned badges. These can be purchased through our online shop or retail stores, and financial aid can cover these expenses. Other supplies, like scissors and markers, will be purchased with troop dues or donated by families. Visit girlscoutshop.com/GSNWGL for shop information.

Who is my daughter’s troop leader? How do I get in touch with them?

Girl Scout Troop Leaders are volunteers who have been through our background check process. The leader usually holds a parent meeting prior to or during the first troop meeting. Upon registering, you will be asked to provide your phone number and email address so council staff and your troop leader can get in touch with you. If you don’t hear from a troop leader within 10 days of registration, please contact the council.

When, where, and how often will the troop meet?

Every troop is different, but most troops meet twice a month after school or in the evening. Your troop leader will find the best time and location for the troop and touch base with you on the details.

4 in 5

Girl Scouts have a best friend in their troop.

Studies show a Girl Scout’s self-image stays strong— and even increases— at ages when most girls’ confidence takes a hit.

You want a brighter, happier tomorrow for your girl—and that’s exactly what we want too.

Studies show being a Girl Scout improves girls’ confidence and makes them better prepared to weather life’s challenges. That’s because everything a Girl Scout does is based on:

Finding their people

Forever friendship is a powerful thing. It’s what gives Girl Scouts the confidence to be themselves, unapologetically. It’s what makes them feel safe enough to try new things and cheer each other on. It’s the support that can help get them up on tough mornings, raise their hand in class, and even climb to the top of a mountain.

Discovering their joy

Every Girl Scout has their own curiosity, dreams, and talents, so when they decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or directing a music video, they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good. But mostly? They’re figuring out the things that will bring happiness to their lives for years to come.

Knowing their power

From planting trees to stocking the local food pantry, Girl Scouts learn firsthand that they have the power to help. In these complicated times, knowing they can make a difference (and feeling the joy that comes from doing it) may be more important than ever.

Building community

Groups of Girl Scouts from the same community, called troops, typically meet biweekly for an hour or two. Hand in hand with adult volunteers, girls complete exciting activities and projects, explore their neighborhoods, and make new friends. Together, they earn badges to reflect the skills they’ve learned, the growing they’ve done, and the adventures they’ve had.

Living their best life

While we know being a Girl Scout helps girls earn better grades and make healthier decisions in the long run, everything a Girl Scout does is designed to make sure they feel seen, supported, and cared for—right here, right now. In a time when anxiety and depression are affecting young people in record numbers, we can’t think of anything more important.

You Goal, Girl!

Test your Play IQ

Answer True or False for the following statements. Parents and caregivers can take the test too!

Give it a try!

Name five activities that sound fun, but you’ve never tried:

List your three top goals for this year in Girl Scouting:

Inspiration!

Ideas to inspire me:

Positive Mindset!

What are three good things you can focus on every day?

I danced, sang, or listened to music this week.

True False

I participated in creative hobbies like drawing, building, or singing.

True False

I have a physical activity I do for fun.

True False

I spend time using my imagination.

True False

I have an activity that makes me lose track of time.

True False

I am open to trying new activities.

True False

I do activities to help me relax.

True False

I know how I would spend an entire day to myself.

True False

I don’t worry about looking silly when trying something new.

True False

I can quickly name three things I like to do.

True False

How did you do? Did you answer false to anything? If you did, try to commit to making them come true!

Take note!

What are the good things people are saying to you?

Scavenger Hunt Day

Hike

Night Hike

Ways to Participate

Pick one pathway or enjoy them all!

Create a Girl Scout experience that meets your family’s needs. All opportunities can be done individually, as a family, or with a troop!

Troops

Join a group of fellow Girl Scouts around your age and in your community. Meet once or twice a month for hands-on activities, field trips, and friendship building.

eTroop

Sometimes it’s tough to make troop meetings work. Whether you participate on your own, your troop needs some help meeting virtually, or you are a Girl Scout all-star who wants even more Girl Scout time, eTroop has it all. During eTroop meetings you’ll earn badges as you experience Girl Scout traditions, handson activities, interactive games, and get moving. And because it’s eTroop, it’s 100% virtual, meeting online via Zoom. Join one session or all.

First Tuesday of each month, September-May 6pm CT/ 7pm ET

Juliettes

Individually Registered Girl Scouts

No troop, no problem! Participate on your own or as a family as a Juliette Girl Scout. Enjoy Girl Scout activities at home and add on to your experience with everything else Girl Scouts has to offer— events, camps, travel opportunities, and more!

Patch Programs

Think beyond the badge! Girl Scouts offers an amazing lineup of patch programs. From advocating for mental health awareness to celebrating Juneteenth to honoring Latina leaders, and beyond! We have activity guides for all ages.

Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards

Every Girl Scout goes above and beyond difference in their community and world. The Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, Gold Awards are the highest honors Girl Scout can earn. Through these Girl Scouts impact their communities, challenge themselves, support issues care about, and gain an edge on their

Camp

Girl Scout camp plants memories of resilience, capability, and friendship that stay with Girl Scouts at home, in the classroom, and wherever life leads. Girl Scouts can sign up individually or with friends to attend day camps, sleepaway camps, or wilderness trips.

Girl Scout Cookie Program

The Girl Scout Cookie Program prepares girls with the business smarts they need to get ready for their adventure. When girls participate in the Cookie Program, they build essential skills as they begin to think like entrepreneurs, help their troop earn proceeds to fund their Girl Scout adventures, and earn personal rewards.

Awards

and beyond to make a community and the greater Silver, and honors a these awards, communities, support issues they on their future.

Field Trips, Guest Speakers, and More

We have just the thing to help you plan incredible field trips, outings, and more, through Girl Scout experiences. Our Program Partners offer experiences in outdoor and adventure, STEM, arts and culture, life skills, entrepreneurship, and community service opportunities. Enjoy exclusive discounts with Member Perks too!

Earn Badges

Activities and Events

We all learn by doing. Get your Girl Scouts out of their normal routine and challenge their abilities with hands-on, expert-led events.

From Automotive Engineering to Archery, Girl Scout Badges offer amazing opportunities and lifelong skills!

Travel

Take the next step in your Girl Scout journey with local, regional, national, and international travel experiences! Travel individually, with your family, or with your troop.

Prepare for the Day Ahead

There is so much power in a new day—a fresh start. Get your day started on the right foot. Taking just a few mindful minutes each morning can help you feel prepared to meet your day with an open mind and open heart.

Today’s Intentions

What are your hopes and goals for the day or the future? Take time to jot them down.

Today, I hope I

In one year, I hope that In three years, I hope to

I’ll take care of my mind and body today by: Drinking plenty of water. | Eating fruits and vegetables. | Being kind to myself and others. add your own

End Your Day Strong

Mindfulness can help relax the body and turn off busy thoughts so you can get to sleep and rest up for the next day. One way to help yourself wind down and relax is with a mantra. Use one of the following mantras, or create your own, and repeat it to yourself as you try to doze off for the night.

Moonlight Mantras

Breathe in and breathe out.

I am calm and relaxed.

My mind is at peace. Tomorrow is a new day.

I am grateful for this time to rest.

Slow down, breathe, let it go.

My mind and body are ready for sleep. Add

Like this activity?

This is Rocket Science

By Emma Vanstone

You can get this book at your local Girl Scout Shop today!

Scientific Concepts – Air Resistance, Drag, Surface Area

When rockets return to earth, parachutes can be used to slow their descent. These parachutes are a fun way to learn about air resistance. We know that resistance slows the fall of an object and it increases with surface area. This means a bigger parachute should slow the fall of an object the most.

Supplies List:

• Coffee filters, different sizes

• Hole punch

• String

• Small containers

• Small toy figure or paper clips

Can you test this?

1. Make four small holes evenly spaced around the edges of each coffee filter using a hole punch. These will act as the parachute sheets.

2. Cut out enough pieces of string for all the parachutes you want to make. You’ll need four for each parachute and they should all be the same length, it doesn’t matter too much how long the string is, but about as long as your arm will work well.

3. Carefully tie a piece of string to each parachute hole and attach the other ends evenly around a small container.

4. Try adding small objects such as small toy figure, paper clips or anything that will add weight to the parachute to the small container.

“ “ Coffee Filter Parachute

5. Drop each parachute and time how long they take to reach the ground.

Remember: Test each parachute fairly. You need to use the same objects in the container and drop each from the same height.

More Fun: What do you think will happen if you add more weight to the parachute?

Learning Point: You should find that a bigger parachute catches the air better than a small parachute to slow the fall. This is because a bigger parachute has a larger surface area and creates more air resistance, slowing the fall.

You’re proud of what you’ve Your Girl Scout uniform shows much you’ve accomplished— and that you’re ready for what’s next. And each part of your

Girl Scout uniform is as unique

as

you are.

Developing an app? Building a community garden? Advocating for a cause you’re passionate about? Yup, there’s a badge for that. Find a list of the badges and awards that Girl Scouts can earn on the Badge Explorer.

https://www.girlscouts.org/en/members/ for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/ badge-explorer.html

Want to know where to place badges, patches, pins, awards, or other insignia on a Girl Scout uniform?

https://www.girlscoutshop. com/assets/images/ content/GSUSA_ PinsBadgeDiagram.pdf

Make your own fun paches!

If you could get a patch for doing anything (yes, ANYTHING) what would it be? Design your own patches on this Girl Scout sash.

Cryptogram

Daisies Grades K–1

Everything you’ll do as a Daisy—from planting a garden to making new friends—sparkles with that “first time ever” newness. Along the way, you’ll use your energy and spirit to help others and take pride in making the world a better place. Every Daisy meeting is an adventure filled with sisterhood, giggles, learning, and fun.

Brownies Grades

2–3

Brownies are excitement personified. You can’t wait to explore your world, play new games, and share your interests—from bugs to ballet—with friends. Trying new things broadens your horizons and teaches you skills you can share with others. Learning to lead has never been so fun.

Grade Levels

Juniors Grades

4–5

If there’s one thing Junior Girl Scouts have, it’s confidence. Whether you’re making posters for a canned food drive, designing a website for your cookie business, planning a troop hike, or just raising your hand in class, you’ve got something to say. Together with other Junior Girl Scouts, you can put your skills to use improving your community— and earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award in the process.

We serve girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade in six different grade levels.

Cadettes

Grades 6–8

Girl Scout Cadettes have got this. From road trips and camping with your best friends to organizing an eco-friendly fashion show and livestreaming it, you’re sure of your abilities and use your growing independence to realize your dreams. When you research a problem in your community and take action to solve it, you can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Seniors Grades

9–10

Who’s ready to spread their wings? Girl Scout Seniors. Whether you’re learning how to change a tire, discovering how to get your dream job someday, or even packing your bags for an international trip, you’re on your way. You’re also making your mark on the world. When you create a plan and put it into action to make sustainable improvements in your community and beyond, you can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Ambassadors

Grades 11–12

Girl Scout Ambassadors don’t just follow in others’ footsteps—they carve their own paths. Your innovative thinking, optimism, and ability to bring people together inspires everyone around you. And when you combine your passions with a plan, you can be a real world-changer. Your vision, experience, and dedication are all you need to get on the path toward becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout.

About Girl Scout Progression Girls grow up in Girl Scouting! Our program moves through a valuable progression of skills, abilities, and activities that change with every grade level. For example, a Brownie Girl Scout can earn the Pets badge in 3rd grade and then earn the Animal Habitats badge as a 4th grade Junior Girl Scout. Progression is present in badges, Journeys, Highest Awards, outdoor skills and experiences, travel, and entrepreneurship. Progression is even noticed in relationships with adult volunteers! For example, our youngest Girl Scouts rely on volunteer troop leaders to create their Girl Scout experiences, but over time, older Girl Scouts learn to make their own plans and rely on volunteers to guide—not direct — them as they shape their own Girl Scout experiences.

Raising Awesome Girls

Raising girls to be happy and healthy might seem more complicated than ever. From understanding the current mental health crisis to figuring out how to talk to your daughter about a bad day, we’ve got everything you need to support her.

Making Raising Girls with Confidence a Whole Lot Easier

Raising girls to be happy, healthy, and successful is simpler than ever with help from Girl Scouts. We’re proud to stand with parents and caregivers as they raise up the next generation of girls and young women. From knowing how much to help with her homework to navigating sensitive issues in the news with your family, we’ve got everything you need to raise girls with confidence. https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls.html

Girls Speak Out About Mental Health

Four Ways Girl Scouts Builds Girl Leaders in the Outdoors Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors

Maze: Girl Scouts

Top Ten Reasons You Would Make a Great Girl Scout

write/draw/create your own!

write/draw/create your own! Youwant to learnmore

write/draw/create your own!

write/draw/create your own!

W r i t e or drawyourfavorite thingabout you r s e l .f Yourdreams are our dreams,andwehave funmaking them come truetogether. 6 4 1 3 5 7 10 9 8 2

Write or draw something you know you are really good at.

write/draw/create yourown!

Through volunteering with Girl Scouts, troop leaders experience the following benefits: believe their life is better because they volunteer with Girl Scouts. 88%

of Girl Scout volunteers say they have made new friends because they volunteer. 94% believe their volunteer experience has helped them professionally. 67% of Girl Scout volunteers are happy knowing they are making girls’ lives better. 95%

Change-makers. Trailblazers. Explorers.

We’re talking about Girl Scouts, of course, but we’re also talking about the people who become Girl Scout volunteers.

Volunteer with Girl Scouts

Just like the Girl Scouts they guide, volunteers lead with their hearts and bring a playful sense of curiosity to everything they do. Whatever your unique skills or interests, as a volunteer, you can help Girl Scouts unlock their limitless potential and make a lasting difference in the world.

See for yourself how empowering it is to be a role model. The best part? There’s no one type of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.

Finances are never a barrier in Girl Scouting. For those who may need financial assistance, it is available to cover the cost of membership dues. After the first year, most troop activity costs and volunteer registration fees are covered by funds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To request financial assistance for your membership, just register online and choose Request Aid on the payment screen or call 888.747.6945.

Your talents can help her shine.

When you become a volunteer, you’ll immediately start to feel and see the impact you can have on the lives of girls. You’ll be with them as they experience new adventures and learn new skills. You’ll watch their confidence soar. You’ll experience the joy of creating a more fair, equal, and compassionate world where every girl has a seat at the table.

How to become a volunteer.

Volunteer in a troop role, spending quality time with girls as the Troop Leader, Assistant Troop Leader, or Troop Helper. Help girls learn business and entrepreneurship skills as the Troop Cookie Manager or Troop Treasurer. Whether you can give a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, volunteering with Girl Scouts is flexible and fun. And don’t worry, training, curriculum, and resources are provided so you can spend more time with your Girl Scouts and less time planning.

You’ll help her reach her potential while achieving your own.

• Experience the confidence that comes with being a role model.

• Discover your leadership style as your girls discover theirs.

• Meet new people and make friends in your community.

• Build new skills and have fun during the activities with your girls.

Girls are ready to go, and they can’t do it without you! Sign up to become a Girl Scout volunteer today.

gsnwgl.org/volunteer

Be yourself with us.

Looking for a place where you belong? Somewhere you can make new friends, go on exciting adventures, and make a difference in the world? That place is Girl Scouts.

Join today! gsnwgl.org/join

Right now, Girl Scouts are camping out, creating dog parks, and cleaning our beaches. They’re making new friends, saying no to bullies, and creating bonds with local senior citizens. They’re creating new laws to protect other kids, the environment, and animals. They’re making useful objects from what would have been trash, building robots to help disabled people, and traveling the world together. On top of all that? They’re learning the ropes as Girl Scout Cookie CEOs.

Get inspired by the amazing stories of Girl Scouts and Girl Scout volunteers.

www.girlscouts.org/en/discover/ our-stories.html

Connect with us.

facebook.com/gsnwgl

pinterest.com/gsnwgl

twitter.com/gsnwgl

gsnw.gl/linkedin

gsnw.gl/instagram a gsnwgl.org

a 888.747.6945

a info@gsnwgl.org