Join Girl Scouts!

What are the membership requirements for girls?
Membership in Girl Scouts is granted to any girl who:

• is currently enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade;
• has made the Girl Scout Promise and accepted the Girl Scout Law; 
• has paid annual or other applicable membership dues.

What are the membership requirements for adults?
Membership in Girl Scouts is granted to any adult who:

• is at least 18 years old OR is a high school graduate (or equivalent);
• accepts the principles and beliefs as stated in the preamble of the Girl Scout Constitution; and
• has paid annual, lifetime, or other applicable membership dues.

What do Girl Scouts do?
Most girls participate with a group of girls of about the same age, known as a troop, that is organized by adult volunteers. In a troop, girls earn badges for each new skill they learn and challenge they overcome. Badges are grouped into four areas—outdoors, entrepreneurship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and life skills. Girls can also participate in events held by their Girl Scout council and go to camp. As girls enter middle school, they can dig deep into what interests them—they might learn to code, make a PSA, travel to new places, or go on an outdoor adventure. Did we mention the potential for earning college scholarships? Learn more about the different ways to participate. 

NOTE: Programming and activities will differ temporarily in light of COVID-19. We are working hard to adapt to girls’ needs to keep them connected, engaged, and inspired from home and online. Girls can still earn badges; build new skills; participate in virtual events; help their communities through safe service projects; learn how to protect the environment; explore (STEM); and more.

What Girl Scout activities are most popular?
Girl Scouts offers programs to match almost any girl’s interests. Whether it’s camping and hiking, engaging in awesome science and math activities, exploring the environment, traveling the globe, learning first aid, running a cookie business, or building stronger friendships, girls discover all kinds of activities that stimulate their brains and strengthen their bodies. Looking for something else? Girl Scouts also lets girls build a unique experience around their own specific interests.

NOTE: Although outdoor activities are limited right now and travel is suspended because of COVID-19, there is still so much for girls to explore and do as Girl Scouts. Her experience will look different for the time being, but it will remain unique, enriching, and life-changing. We’re here for her—adapting to meet her needs every step of the way. 

What is the best age for a girl to join Girl Scouts?
Any age is a good age to become a Girl Scout! We offer programs for girls from kindergarten through high school. Learn more about Girl Scouts by age group (or grade level).

NOTE: Programming and activities will vary temporarily because of COVID-19. We will continue to adapt as the situation evolves. 

Is there anything for former Girl Scouts to do as an adult?
We also have an excellent  alum network   for adults.

When can we join?
Right now! In fact, it's always a good time to join Girl Scouts. Join before the new school year, or any time that works best for your family. We’re flexible and can tailor your girl’s experience to her needs, even in challenging times like these.

How much does it cost to join Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is a great value! Dues start at just $25 for the membership year beginning October 1, 2021. Your girl can also start her Girl Scout adventure now through an extended-year membership. For $35, she can jump right into spring and summer activities and keep the fun going through September 2022.

Your local council may require a service fee. Optional costs may also include a Girl Scout uniform and program fees for select activities. Of course, we don’t want cost to be a barrier, so don’t hesitate to ask your  local Girl Scout council  about financial assistance.

What about safety?
Safety is a top priority for Girl Scouts. All activities are supervised, and we provide our volunteers with top-notch training and program resources. We also follow comprehensive safety guidelines tailored to individual activities and girls' ages. And right now, we’re continually adapting our programming and activities to promote the utmost safety and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state recommendations for social distancing. 

We are also working hard to ensure that girls stay safe online. Different types of virtual events will have different protocols that keep girls safe, such as only identifying girls by first name and requiring registration or passwords to join. Plus, the names of the attendees are not shared with the audience, and access to registration information is limited to GSUSA and local council staff only. Each troop can also set its own safety practices for online troop meetings.

How do I sign her up?
It's easy! Just click "Join Us" under “Become a Girl Scout!” to fill out a registration form, and we'll direct you to your local Girl Scout council to find a troop or another opportunity near you.

Can parents and adults volunteer?
Yes! Be her cheerleader, guide, and mentor, helping her develop skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Right now, you can also volunteer virtually and keep girls engaged and inspired in challenging times. Volunteer today.

What she gets from joining Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts are happy and confident, and they thrive on new adventures and experiences. 

A Girl Scout knows she's having fun, but you'll know she's also gaining:

Important financial literacy skills (math, anyone?) as she participates in the largest girl-run business in the world—the Girl Scout Cookie Program

• Healthy relationship skills that will help her navigate through her school years, especially as she moves into middle school and high school
• Knowledge that will help her in science classes as she builds robots, conducts amazing experiments with her friends, or explores the natural world around her
• Leadership skills that will make it easier for her to speak up in class and advocate for herself and others

Girls become more empowered as they move through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience—a data-driven approach to what girls do and how they do it. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls discover new things, connect new skills to the real world, and then take action to use what they’ve learned to help their community! Every Girl Scout experience is girl-led and focuses on cooperative hands-on learning.

Underneath the fun, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience benefits girls in five important ways:

• STRONG SENSE OF SELF
  Girls develop confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
• POSITIVE VALUES
  Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
  
• CHALLENGE SEEKING
  Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
• HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
  Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
• COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING
  Girls learn how to identify problems in the community, create plans to solve them, and contribute to the world in a purposeful and meaningful ways.