Girl Scouts is the premier leadership experience for girls of all ages and backgrounds, and our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is a safe place for girls to explore the world and discover their own potential. In a fun and enriching environment, they develop values, abilities and skills to last a lifetime. The very skills and qualities that prepare a girl for leadership also help to prepare her to be successful in school, in her profession, and to be an active member of her community. Girl Scout values – honesty, fairness, kindness, courage, personal responsibility, service, respect for self and others – are timeless, and we teach girls to lead with these values despite the challenges they face in today’s world.
In Girl Scouts, girls partner with caring adults and design fun and challenging activities that empower them and raise their voices within a local, national, and global sisterhood. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or just an adult who is willing to donate your time and talents, we can provide you with all the resources and information you need to have a fulfilling experience serving girls in Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee, and Northwest Georgia.
- 80% of women business owners were Girl Scouts
- 69% of female U.S. Senators were Girl Scouts
- 67% of female members of the House of Representatives were Girl Scouts
- Virtually every female astronaut who has flown in space was a Girl Scout
- A new study by the Girl Scout Research Institute reports:
- Of Girl Scout alumnae, 63% consider themselves competent and capable, compared to 55% of non-alumnae.
- Of Girl Scout alumnae, 77% vote regularly, compared to 63% of non-alumnae.
- 38% of Girl Scout alumnae have attained college degrees, compared to 28% of non-alumnae.
- Girl Scout alumnae also a report a significantly higher household income ($51,700) than non-alumnae ($42,200).
Did you Know?
Girls don’t have to join a troop to join the Girl Scouts movement.
Girls may participate in Girl Scout activities by attending events, special outdoor badge workshops, or through one of several nine-week series.
You don’t have to lead a troop to volunteer for the Girl Scouts.
Leading a troop is usually a long-term commitment, but if you have less time to give, there are other roles for volunteers. The briefest opportunity available is to volunteer at an event, a one-day commitment. Volunteers for series programming need only commit to 10 weeks, including training.
You don’t have to have a daughter to be involved in Girl Scouts.
A lot of volunteers in Girl Scouts are moms and relatives of girls – but a growing number are not. Anyone who wants to help build girls’ leadership abilities may apply to volunteer.
You don’t have to be a former Girl Scout to volunteer for the organization.
As with any 100-year-old organization, the program has changed over time to meet the needs of girls today. Training is provided on the current mission and program.
Men are absolutely welcome to volunteer!
Girl Scouts requires at least two adults when working with girls, one of which must be a female. The council has men who have spent several years as the leader of their daughter’s troop or helped with events. They have enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with their daughter and gained a better connection to the community.
Girl Scouts is not all about cookies, camping and crafts.
While having fun is a big component, Girl Scouting’s focus is on leadership development for girls. Women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.
Joining Girl Scouts is simple. Dial 800.474.1912 for information on area troops and groups or register online.