Girl Scouting began in Virginia with Troop No. 1 in Highland Springs in 1913. Girls of all backgrounds were welcomed into the movement, and in 1917 Girl Scouts established a troop for physically challenged girls. During the 1920s, innovative programming in flight, electricity, and natural sciences inspired girls to enter non-traditional careers. As the Great Depression permeated every aspect of American life, Girl Scouts led community relief efforts by collecting clothing, carving wooden toys, and providing meals to undernourished children.

In 1932, our council established the first troop of African-American girls south of the Mason-Dixon line. Later, in 1936, the first Girl Scout cookie was commercially baked and an extremely successful financial literacy program took off. During World War II, Girl Scouts volunteered in hospitals, operated bicycle courier services, and collected personal necessities used by soldiers on the battlefields. By the 1950s, Girl Scouts were leading initiatives and holding events nationwide to support civil rights and overcome prejudice. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. praised mixed-race Girl Scout troops as a "force for desegregation."

During the 1960s, our overseas programs offered girls a sense of connection to their Girl Guide sisters from around the world, and by the 1970s the first Girl Scout national environmental program, "Eco-Action," inspired girls to take the lead in protecting the environment.

Girl Scouts are on a mission to save the Earth. Girls earning their prestigious Girl Scout Gold Awards have built artificial reefs to sustain coastal ecosystems and rallied school systems to radically reduce waste. Throughout the 1980s Girl Scouts developed innovative initiatives to help girls and their families deal with new social issues, including youth suicide, drug abuse, and AIDS. The 1990s saw millions of Girl Scouts plunging into opportunities for exploring science and technology, and participating in national service projects on illiteracy, health, and fitness. By 2000, Girl Scouts had solidified its position as the premier leadership organization for girls.

LEADERSHIP ROLES