Founded by Juliette Gordon Low, the Girl Scouts have a long history of spreading good in their local communities and throughout the country.
According to The Girl Scouts of America, the first troop was started by Low in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The troop was made up of 18 girls. Over the years, the program expanded throughout the United States, eventually going global in the 1920s with troops in China, Syria, and Mexico.
The Girl Scouts helped provide aid and support during many national and global crises. During the Great Depression, Girl Scouts helped with relief efforts. During WWII, Girl Scouts operated bicycle courier services and helped with aid projects. In the 1950s they made “kits for Korea” to provide necessities for Korean citizens.
As the country changed over the decades, becoming more progressive, the Girl Scouts helped to foster that change. From the 1960s through 1980s, troops addressed topics such as racism, drug abuse and environmental issues.
Since the ‘90s, technology has become increasingly more prevalent. A technology badge was created. The Girl Scouts also created the Girl Scout Research Institute to conduct studies and report their research in the 2000s.
From the 2010s to present day, Girl Scouts has focused on expanding into more STEM fields to provide girls with many different opportunities. They can win STEM badges, adventure/outdoor activities badges and community service badges too.
“The Girl Scouts is where I became acquainted with the idea that women can do anything,” Lisa Ling, American Journalist, said.
The Girl Scouts are more than just cookies; they represent decades of progress and change for America and American women.
