National Girl Scout Day

Celebrated on 03/12/2026

Quick Fact

National Girl Scout Day, observed on March 12, marks the anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. On that first meeting, only 18 girls attended, but today the organization boasts over 1.7 million members. The iconic Girl Scout Cookie program began in 1917, and the Thin Mint has been the top-selling cookie for decades.

Origins and Establishment of National Girl Scout Day

National Girl Scout Day was established to commemorate the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. The organization was founded by Juliette Gordon Low, who envisioned a group that would empower girls to develop leadership skills, self-reliance, and community service. Inspired by the Girl Guides movement in the United Kingdom, Low held the first meeting with 18 girls, and the organization quickly grew, receiving a federal charter in 1950.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the decades, the Girl Scouts have evolved to address changing societal needs, from wartime service during World Wars I and II to promoting STEM education and environmental stewardship today. National Girl Scout Day is now celebrated with special events, cookie sales, and community service projects. Many troops host open houses to recruit new members, and the day is often recognized by local governments with proclamations. The organization continues to adapt, adding programs like the Digital Cookie platform for online sales.

Facts & General Observations

• More than 50 million women in the United States have been Girl Scouts since the organization's founding.
• The Girl Scout Cookie program generates over $800 million in annual sales, with Thin Mints accounting for about 25% of all cookies sold.
• The highest honor in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award, has been earned by over one million girls since its inception in 1916.

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