The Girl Scouts is a recreational and service organization founded (1912) in Savannah, Ga., by Mrs. Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927). It was originally modeled after the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, organizations created in Great Britain by Sir Robert Baden-Powell during the early 20th cent. The membership is divided into five age groups—Daisies (5 to 6), Brownies (6 to 8), Junior Girl Scouts (8 to 11), Cadette Girl Scouts (11 to 14), and Senior Girl Scouts (14 to 17). Girls of every race, creed, color, national origin, and economic group are eligible. Good citizenship and service are stressed in their activities, which focus on such fields as science, math, technology, physical fitness, the arts, and the outdoors. There are some 3.5 million scouts and adult volunteers in the United States. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (founded 1928) serves as the international federation for the organizations of 136 countries.

Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2005.

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