On March 12, 1912, the Girl Scouts of the United States began with a simple meeting in Savannah, Georgia, when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low gathered a small group of girls to launch a new organization designed specifically for them. What started with just 18 girls in the first troop quickly grew into one of the largest and most influential youth organizations for girls in the world.
Juliette Gordon Low was born in Savannah in 1860 and was known for her adventurous spirit, creativity, and dedication to helping others. She grew up during a time when girls and women had limited opportunities and were often expected to follow strict social roles. Inspired by her belief that girls deserved the same chances for adventure, leadership, and personal growth as boys, Low set out to create a movement that would encourage girls to explore their abilities and develop confidence.
Low’s inspiration came partly from her experiences in England, where she met Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides movement. She became involved with the Girl Guides in Britain and quickly saw the potential for a similar organization in the United States. Determined to bring the idea home, she returned to Savannah in early 1912 and began organizing the first troop of American Girl Guides.
On that historic day in March 1912, Low reportedly told a friend and teacher, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight.” Soon afterward, the first troop was formed. The girls learned a wide range of skills, including outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, along with practical abilities like first aid, map reading, cooking, and teamwork. These activities were meant to build independence, leadership, and confidence.
The organization quickly gained popularity. In 1913, the American Girl Guides officially changed their name to Girl Scouts, reflecting a spirit of exploration and adventure rooted in American history. That same year, Low established a national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and began traveling across the country to recruit new members and leaders. Within a few years, troops had formed in cities across the United States.
The Girl Scouts also encouraged girls to contribute to their communities. During World War I, members helped support the war effort by planting gardens, preparing care packages for soldiers, and volunteering with organizations like the American Red Cross. These activities reinforced the movement’s emphasis on service, responsibility, and civic engagement.
From its humble beginnings with 18 girls in Savannah, the Girl Scouts grew into a nationwide and eventually global movement. Today, millions of girls participate in Girl Scout programs that promote leadership, outdoor exploration, community service, and personal development. Juliette Gordon Low’s vision—to give girls opportunities to discover their strengths and make a difference in the world—continues to shape the organization more than a century after its founding.
