October 31st marks Girl Scout Founder's Day, a celebration honoring the founders and the positive impact scouting has brought to girls since its establishment. This day pays tribute to the birth of the visionary founder, Juliette Gordon Low.

History

• Origins: Girl Scout Founders Day marks the birth of Juliette Gordon Low, who was born on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. She founded the Girl Scouts in 1912 to provide girls with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community service.
• Growth: Since its founding, the Girl Scouts has grown into a nationwide organization with millions of members. Founders Day celebrates the organization's rich history and its ongoing mission to empower girls.

Significance

Girl Scout Founders Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Recognition of Founders: It honors Juliette Gordon Low’s vision and dedication to creating an organization that empowers girls.
2. Celebration of Achievements: It celebrates the accomplishments of Girl Scouts and the positive impact they have on their communities.
3. Inspiration and Motivation: It serves as a source of inspiration for current and future Girl Scouts, encouraging them to pursue their goals and contribute to society.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Learn About Juliette Gordon Low:

   • Read Her Biography: Read books or articles about Juliette Gordon Low to learn about her life, vision, and contributions to the Girl Scouts.
   • Watch Documentaries: Watch documentaries or short films that highlight her achievements and the history of the Girl Scouts.

2. Participate in Girl Scout Activities:

   • Troop Meetings: Attend troop meetings and participate in activities that reflect the values and mission of the Girl Scouts.
   • Community Service: Organize or participate in community service projects that benefit your local community, such as cleaning parks, visiting nursing homes, or collecting donations for those in need.

3. Celebrate with Events and Parties:

   • Founders Day Party: Host a Founders Day party with your troop, complete with decorations, games, and activities that celebrate the Girl Scouts.
   • Ceremonies: Attend or organize a ceremony to honor the achievements of Girl Scouts and recognize the contributions of volunteers and leaders.

4. Engage in Girl Scout Traditions:

   • Girl Scout Promise: Recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law with your troop to reaffirm your commitment to the values of the organization.
   • Badge Earning: Work on earning new badges by completing activities and challenges that promote skills and knowledge.

5. Support and Promote Girl Scouts:

   • Share Stories: Share stories and photos of your Girl Scout experiences on social media using hashtags like #GirlScoutFoundersDay and #JulietteGordonLow.
   • Recruitment: Encourage friends and family to join the Girl Scouts and support their participation in the organization.

6. Visit Historical Sites:

   • Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: If possible, visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, which is a National Historic Landmark and offers tours and educational programs.
   • Local Girl Scout Centers: Visit local Girl Scout offices or centers to learn more about the organization’s history and current programs.

Fun Facts About Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts

1. First Troop Meeting: The first Girl Scout troop meeting was held on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, with 18 girls attending.
2. Nickname: Juliette Gordon Low was affectionately known as “Daisy” by her family and friends.
3. Global Movement: The Girl Scouts is part of a global movement, with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) representing over 10 million girls in 150 countries.

Inspirational Quotes by Juliette Gordon Low

1. "The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers." – Juliette Gordon Low
2. "Right is right, even if no one else does it." – Juliette Gordon Low
3. "Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best." – Juliette Gordon Low

Conclusion

Girl Scout Founders Day is a celebration of the legacy of Juliette Gordon Low and the enduring impact of the Girl Scouts organization. Whether through learning about the founder, participating in Girl Scout activities, or supporting and promoting the organization, there are many ways to honor this special day. Girl Scout Founders Day encourages reflection on the values of the Girl Scouts, celebration of achievements, and inspiration for future generations of girls.