Girl Scout Founder’s Day – Oct. 31, 2026

Girl Scout Founder’s Day
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AmericanFunHistorical
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United States
Date change rule:
Every October 31
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Girl Scout Founder’s Day honors Juliette Gordon Low every October 31, commemorating her vision in establishing the Girl Scouts. This day celebrates her legacy of empowering millions of girls to develop courage, confidence, and character. Join us in recognizing the impact of scouting by supporting local troops or sharing your own Girl Scout story.

Want to sponsor Girl Scout Founder’s Day? Learn how

Expected Girl Scout Founder’s Day Deals

On Girl Scout Founder’s Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to celebrating the enduring impact of the Girl Scouts. Many local councils and organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA often highlight donation drives or special recognition events for volunteers and alumni. Retailers such as L.L.Bean and REI, which align with the outdoor and leadership aspects of scouting, may offer special discounts to Girl Scout members or leaders, or partner on community service initiatives. Educational suppliers like Lakeshore Learning Materials might provide resources for troop activities. Look for local businesses to offer small tokens of appreciation to Girl Scout volunteers. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as October 31 approaches.

Platform Guide for Girl Scout Founder’s Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GirlScoutFoundersDay. Share photos of your favorite Girl Scout memories or how you’re celebrating Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #GirlScoutFoundersDay. Tweet about the impact of Girl Scouts on your life or recognize a deserving leader.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GirlScoutFoundersDay. Share stories of courage and leadership inspired by Girl Scouts in your community.

Social Media Tips for Girl Scout Founder’s Day

Individuals

Wear your uniform or favorite Girl Scout gear, volunteer for a local troop, or simply share a story about how scouting impacted your life.

Creators

Produce a short video celebrating the achievements of Girl Scouts throughout history, or interview current members about their experiences and aspirations.

Brands

Partner with local Girl Scout councils for a donation matching campaign, or sponsor a special event that promotes leadership and community service among young girls.

Partners & Brands for Girl Scout Founder’s Day

  1. Girl Scouts of the USA

    The national organization founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character. It serves millions of girls and adult volunteers across the United States.

  2. L.L.Bean

    Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, this outdoor retailer often supports youth outdoor programs and aligns with the Girl Scouts' emphasis on outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship.

  3. REI

    A consumer co-op founded in 1938, REI promotes outdoor recreation and conservation, frequently partnering with organizations that encourage youth engagement with nature, including scouting groups.

  4. Patagonia

    Established in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia is known for its outdoor apparel and commitment to environmental activism, resonating with the Girl Scouts' focus on nature and community service.

  5. Build-A-Bear Workshop

    Founded in 1997, this interactive retailer has partnered with Girl Scouts on various initiatives, including special uniform-wearing bears and badge-earning activities, celebrating sisterhood and fun.

  6. Scholastic Corporation

    Founded in 1920, Scholastic is a global publishing and education company. They often provide resources and books that support literacy and learning for children, aligning with Girl Scout educational goals.

  7. National Women's History Museum

    This museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the stories of women, naturally aligns with the legacy of Juliette Gordon Low and the empowerment of girls and women.

Girl Scout Founder’s Day Hero

Juliette Gordon Low

Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927) was the visionary founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Born in Savannah, Georgia, she overcame hearing loss and other challenges to dedicate her life to empowering girls. In 1912, after meeting Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, she organized the first American Girl Guide troop in Savannah, which quickly became the Girl Scouts. Her lasting influence is seen in the millions of girls who have developed leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of community through the organization she created.

History of Girl Scout Founder’s Day

Juliette Gordon Low became the founder of the Girl Scouts in the U.S. on March 12, 1912. It is believed that she did so with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement.

She gathered 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, her hometown, and decided to impart the lessons to them that she had learned abroad. It involved several programs, such as outdoor activities, adventures, special projects, and youth education.

The movement was initially known as the Girl Guide before changing to the Girl Scout in 1915. Juliette Gordon Low started the movement to train girls to be confident in their pursuits in life. Some of the activities included drilling and camping, which were military. She also decided to teach the girls how to tie knots, read a map, cook, apply first aid, and take care of livestock.

She remained active in the movement until her death in 1927 at the age of 66. The Girl Scout Founder’s Day falls on her birthday. At the beginning of the movement, she faced stiff opposition from people who did not think girls should participate in such activities. Most notable was James E. West, the chief executive of the Boy Scouts of America, who claimed that the Girl Guides’ activities were inappropriate for them, being girls. But she persevered, gaining more insight from the Girl’s Guide in England.

Girl Scout Founder’s Day timeline

1910
Girl Guides is Born

The Girl Guides is founded in Great Britain in 1910 after requests from girls interested in the Boy Scout movement, established in 1908.

1912
The U.S. Girl Guide Troop

After returning from overseas, ‘Daisy’ Low begins the Girl Guide troop.

21st century
Millions of Girl Scouts

Early in the 21st century, there are more than 10 million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide.

2011
Celebrating 100 years

The Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. celebrate 100 years since its founding.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Girl Scout Founder’s Day

Local businesses can honor Girl Scout Founder’s Day by supporting local troops or recognizing volunteers. Consider offering a special discount to Girl Scout members or leaders, hosting a troop for an educational workshop, or donating a portion of sales to the local Girl Scout council. Businesses can also highlight the achievements of women leaders and entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation of Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout Founder’s Day FAQs

When is Girl Scout Founder’s Day?

Girl Scout Founder’s Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31, a perfect weekend day to reflect on the organization’s rich history and impact.

How many girls are currently in the Girl Scouts?

As of 2024, Girl Scouts of the USA reports approximately 1.7 million girls and 700,000 adult volunteers, continuing to be one of the largest leadership development organizations for girls in the world.

What is the significance of October 31 for Girl Scout Founder's Day?

October 31 is significant because it marks the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, who was born on this date in 1860. It’s a tribute to her vision and dedication.

Is Girl Scout Founder's Day a federal holiday?

No, Girl Scout Founder’s Day is not a federal holiday. It is an observance within the Girl Scouts organization and among its supporters, celebrated annually to recognize its origins.

How To Celebrate Girl Scout Founder’s Day

  1. Join the Girl Scouts

    As long as you’re a female, you can always join the Girl Scouts. Even adults are encouraged to join in one capacity or the other.

  2. Donate to the Girl Scout movement

    You can volunteer or give to the movement through avenues on the internet.

  3. Share your Girl Scout memories

    You can use hashtags on social media to share your memories of being a Girl Scout and create more awareness about it.

5 Interesting Facts About Girl Scouts

  1. Over 2.5 million members

    The Girl Scouts have grown big since it started and include girl and adult members.

  2. More than 100 years old

    The Girl Scout movement is 109 years old.

  3. Going international

    The founder was very keen on partnerships with the movement in other countries, especially England.

  4. Buried in her Girl Scout uniform

    When Juliette Gordon Low died, she was buried in the Girl Scout uniform.

  5. Helping other organizations

    The Girl Scout has been of help to other organizations such as the Red Cross.

Why We Love Girl Scout Founder’s Day

  1. It empowers girls

    The movement is all about instilling confidence in girls to achieve their dreams. So many girls who have gone through scouting are happier for it.

  2. It involves outdoor activities

    We love that girls can explore the outside world and are taught how to cope and survive outside.

  3. It is fun and serious business

    The Girl Scout has elements of military preparedness, but it is also fun.

Girl Scout Founder’s Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 31 Saturday
2027 October 31 Sunday
2028 October 31 Tuesday
2029 October 31 Wednesday
2030 October 31 Thursday