About Girl Scouts

Think you already know what Girl Scouts is all about? Don’t fall for these common myths about Girl Scouts!

❌ A lot of organizations are similar to Girl Scouts.

✅ Girl Scouts is one-of-a-kind!

Girl Scouts offers unique, self-led programming, a safe space for youth across the gender spectrum, and a powerful global community focused on bettering the world.

❌ Girl Scouts don’t do much in the outdoors.

✅ Outdoor programs are core to Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts introduces many members to the outdoors and provides access to outdoor activities that build confidence, challenge-seeking, and interest in STEAM.

❌ Girl Scouts don’t learn about STEAM.

✅ STEAM is in our DNA!

Girl Scouts develop practical skills and interest in STEAM careers through programs and badges including engineering, robotics, environmental science, aviation, and more.

❌ Girl Scouts mostly just sell cookies.

✅ It’s so much more than cookies!

Through the cookie program, members fund their own travel, donations, outreach, and adventures—all while building confidence, entrepreneurship, and financial skills.

❌ Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award isn’t a big deal.

✅ The Gold Award is a great accomplishment!

The Gold Award requires advanced global thinking, organization, and team building to complete a rigorous project. Scholarships, colleges, and the military recognize its prestige.

❌ Families and dads can’t participate.

✅ Girl Scouts is for the whole family!

Parents and volunteers of every gender bond with and mentor Girl Scout youth while helping lead troops, coordinate cookie sales, run camp programs, and more.

❌ Troops are all the same.

✅ Different troops pursue different interests!

Affinity troops serve many interests (like STEM, outdoors, or arts) and identities (like LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or families impacted by incarceration). Join us and find your fit!

❌ Girl Scouts is only for girls.

✅ Girl Scouts represent a spectrum of genders!

Gender is not binary, and neither are Girl Scouts! We provide leadership opportunities for all youth who are not cisgender boys (assigned male at birth and identify as male).

❌ Girl Scouts is only for little kids.

✅ Older Girl Scouts do incredible things!

Kids join Girl Scouts in grades K–12, with exciting opportunities for every age. Older Girl Scouts fly planes, build websites, practice mentorship, and more!

❌ Girl Scouts members are all the same.

✅ There are all sorts of Girl Scouts!

Our community represents every race, ethnicity, income level, sexual orientation, ability, and religion; reflects a spectrum of genders; and connects across geographic locations.