A Year In The Life of Juliette | A Girl Scouts of Black Diamond patch program that celebrates the life of founder Juliette Gordon Low. Each month has a different topic relating to something that was important to Juliette Gordon Low. |
Ambassador | A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Ambassadors are in grades 11 and 12. |
Alum | A former Girl Scout member. |
Annual Meeting | The yearly meeting local Girl Scout council holds to elect its board of directors and conduct other business essential to Girl Scouting in its geographic area. |
Annual Report | Review of services offered as well as income and expense financial statement distributed to Council delegates and Annual Meeting attendees. |
Badge | Embroidered Girl Scout earned proficiency badges. Used to indicate increased knowledge and skills in a particular subject. |
Badges vs. Patches | Badges are awards given to girls once they've completed all badge requirements and vary for each age level. Badges are to be placed on the front of the girls' vests or sashes. Patches, often referred to as "fun patches" represent fun activities that troops can participate in that are not designated as official GSUSA activities or requirements. Patches are placed on the back of the girls' vests or sashes. |
Because of Her Patch Program | A 12-month Girl Scouts of Black Diamond patch program where Girl Scouts celebrate some of history’s most notable women, ranging from activists to athletes, from scientists to poets. Each month, Girl Scouts learn about a great woman’s impact on the world. |
Birthplace | See Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. |
Bridging | When girls move from one program grade level to the next; may include an award for the girls completing the bridging award requirements, and likely will include a ceremony. |
Bronze Award | The highest award Girl Scout Juniors can earn. Earned by girls in the 4th-5th grades. It recognizes efforts in a wide range of Girl Scout experiences and a commitment to working to better ones' life and the lives of others. |
Brownie | A Girl Scout Brownie is a Girl Scout in 2nd and 3rd grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting. |
Cadette | A Girl Scout Cadette is a Girl Scout in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting. |
Camp Rocky Ledges | Camp Rocky Ledges is a 154 acre property located in Milton, WV. It is home to several service unit camps and activities, troop overnights, and council programs and trainings. This property features 10 miles of hiking trails, a pond for canoeing or fishing, and an amphitheater. |
Camp Giscowheco | Camp Giscowheco is a 111-acre property located in Triadelphia, WV. It plays host to service unit meetings and activities, troop overnights, and council programs and trainings. This property features 2 miles of hiking trails and a generous open field for enjoying hours of kickball, whiffle ball, volleyball, badminton, or other fun outdoor games. |
Cookie Cupboard | A location that stores cookies for troop leaders to pick up cases of cookie orders to be distributed to the girls in their troops. |
Cookie Program Business Skills | These are the 5 skills every girl learns by participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It's not just a fundraiser, it's financial empowerment: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Decision Making; (3) Money Management; (4) People Skills; and (5) Business Ethics. |
Council | Corporation chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA that is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of Girl Scouting in a defined geographic area. |
Daisy | A Girl Scout in grades K-1. |
Day Camp | camp program within a 12-hour period that lasts for a minimum of three days. |
Destinations | A trip or event beyond girls’ own troops and councils. Destinations fall into one of five different categories: international, outdoor, science, people, or getaways. All destinations events provide an opportunity for individual members to broaden their perspectives and give Girl Scouting enhanced visibility. |
Digital Cookie | The Digital Cookie platform allows girls to customize the way they learn and earn during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, using technology in new and engaging ways, all while earning cool cookie business badges along the way. |
Digital Order Card | Online cookie ordering system. |
Early Bird Registration | Members of Girl Scouts re-register for the upcoming new membership year before a designated date set each year by the Council. |
eBudde | Web-based cookie management website provided by Little Brownie Bakers. |
Edith Macy Conference Center | A national center owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA for training Girl Scout adults. Located 35 miles north of New York City, the 404- acre site contains modern classrooms and residential units. |
Fall Product Program | A product sale that begins in the fall and allows troops to earn additional money. The products include a variety of nuts, chocolates and magazines. |
Five Skills | These are the 5 skills every girl learns by participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Decision Making; (3) Money Management; (4) People Skills; and (5) Business Ethics. |
Flag Ceremony | Honors the American flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it represents. |
Founder's Day | Celebrated each year on Oct. 31 in honor of Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday, |
Friendship Circle | Representing the unbroken chain of friendship among Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. Involves Girl Scouts standing in a circle, crossing their right arms over their left, and clasping hands with their friends on both sides. Everyone then makes a silent wish as a friendship squeeze is passed from hand to hand around the circle. |
Fundraising | Annual giving events and fund raising programs run by adults in the Council. |
Gift of Caring | An initiative as part of the product programs wherein customers can choose to donate money to buy products that will then be donated to local veteran, healthcare and other charitable organizations. |
GIRL Fest | GIRL Fest is a three-day four-night national encampment hosted biennially by the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond. During the event, Girl Scouts take over the mountaintop at ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, WV and participate in high adventure activities like rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, kayaking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, and a bunch more. At night, girls participate in traditional Girl Scout camp activities, while celebrating their national network of sisterhood. |
Girl Guide | Original name for Girl Scouts which is still used in World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) member countries around the world. |
Girl Led | Girls play an active role in planning activities, while adults provide guidance, ensuring that planning, organization, and set-up are age-appropriate. Evaluation of all activities is done jointly with girls and is integral to a high-quality Girl Scout experience. |
Girl Scout | A member of Girl Scouts of the USA or another country's national Girl Scout organization. The U.S. organization grants membership to any girl who has:
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Girl Scout Birthday | March 12 is the Girl Scouts of the USA birthday. It marks the first meeting of Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. |
Girl Scout Grade Levels | Daisy (Grades K-1) Brownie (Grades 2-3) Junior (Grades 4-5) Cadette (Grades 6-8) Senior (Grades 9-10) Ambassador (Grades 11-12) |
Girl Scout Handshake | Formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts by shaking with the left hand, while giving the Girl Scout sign with the right hand. |
Girl Scout Law | Girl Scout Law is the credo of Girl Scouting. A girl lives the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law to fulfill the Girl Scout Promise. I will do my best to be |
Girl Scout Leader | A registered Girl Scout adult, background checked and trained volunteer who meets regularly with girls to help them achieve the purposes of Girl Scouting. |
Girl Scout Leadership Experience | The engine for everything girls do in Girl Scouting. The experience identifies all the elements that need to be in place for Girl Scouting to achieve its mission; Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. When Discover, Connect, and Take Action activities are combined with the Girl Scout Processes of Girl-Led, Learning by Doing, and Cooperative Learning, girls achieve the desired and expected short-term leadership outcomes, ultimately resulting in Girl Scouting achieving its mission. |
Girl Scout Motto | "Be prepared." |
Girl Scout Movement | Also referred to as the Movement. All members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts joined together for the purpose of inspiring girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service so they may become happy and resourceful citizens. |
Girl Scout Promise | On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. |
Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) | The GSRI conducts original research, evaluation, and outcomes measurement studies, releases critical facts and findings, and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today’s world. |
Girl Scout Service Mark |
The Girl Scout service mark is composed of two parts: the symbol (the trefoil) and the logotype (the words "Girl Scouts" along with the registration mark ®). |
Girl Scout Sign | Official Girl Scout greeting. The right hand is raised shoulder high with the three middle fingers extended and the thumb crossing over the palm to hold down the little finger. |
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) | The official name of the national Girl Scout corporation, chartered by the U.S. Congress and incorporated in the District of Columbia. Also known as Girl Scouts of the USA or GSUSA. |
Girl Scout Trefoil |
"Trefoil" means three leaves. Each leaf in the Girl Scout trefoil stands for a part of the Girl Scout Promise. Within the traditional Girl Scout trefoil is the American eagle and shield, which are part of the Great Seal of the United States of America. The eagle is a symbol of strength and victory, and the shield on the eagle's breast signifies self-reliance. In his talons, he clutches on his right an olive branch, the symbol of peace, and on his left, a shaft of arrows, the symbol of might. The eagle faces right, which is the position of honor, looking toward the symbol of peace. The eagle and shield within the trefoil signify that Girl Scouts stand ready to serve their country. The stylized Girl Scout trefoil, symbolizes the continuing commitment to the three-part Promise. The three faces stand for the diversity of Girl Scouting and its focus on girls. |
Girl Scout Troop | Basic unit in Girl Scouting consisting of girls, adult leaders, and troop committee members. One of six pathways for girls to participate in Girl Scouting. This group of girls and adults (minimum of 5 girls and 2 adults) who meet on a regular basis to engage in Girl Scout Program activities. Troops are organized according to “Grade Level” which places girls together with others in the same social/developmental stage. |
Girl Scout Volunteer | An adult who contributes her or his time to Girl Scouts without the expectation of compensation. Volunteers typically give their time as troop/group leaders/advisors, coaches, mentors, board members, delegates, or assist girls in special projects in their area of expertise. |
Girl Scout Week | The week containing March 12, the Girl Scout birthday, the anniversary of the first Girl Scout troop meeting in the United States in 1912. This observance is celebrated each year, starting with the Sunday on or preceding the 12. |
Girl Scouts of Black Diamond | With support from dedicated adult volunteers, parents and staff, the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond delivers the best Girl Scout experience to 11,300 members: 8,500 girls and 2,800 adults in 61 counties within West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and Virginia. Our headquarters, shop and urban camp – the Girl Zone – are located in Charleston, WV. |
Girl Zone | Urban Camp located in Charleston, WV. |
Gold Award | The highest award in Girl Scouts. Open to Girl Scouts in high school, Gold Award projects find a sustainable way to solve community problems. |
Highest Awards | Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. They are the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give girls the chance to do big things while supporting an issue they care about. |
Individually Registered Girl or I Girls | Term used to refer to registered Girl Scouts who are not part of the traditional troop program. These girls still work towards the same badges and activities, they simply do not belong to a troop. They can join other girls at council-wide events and can participate in all Girl Scouts has to offer. |
Insignia | Girl Scout official emblem, buttons, badges, pins, and other official forms of recognition that may be worn on the uniform by registered members. |
Investiture | A ceremony in which a new member makes her Girl Scout Promise and receives her membership pin. |
Journeys | A fun and challenging experience spread over a series of sessions (usually 6-8 but with the potential to last far longer). The journey, which follows a designated theme, has a clear starting point (an invitation to explore and take action) and a definite ending point (opportunities to enjoy closure through reflections, rewards, and celebration). Along the way, girls are following a purposeful trail that allows them to have fun, get wiser, and experience all the joys of being a traveler (meeting new people, exploring new tastes and cultures, gathering keepsakes, making memories). |
Juliette Gordon Low | The founder of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. Also known as Daisy. |
Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday | Special Girl Scout day celebrating Juliette's birthday on October 31. |
Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace | The house where Juliette Gordon Low was born. It is now a Girl Scout museum and program center maintained by GSUSA. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the center is part of the largest national Historic Landmark District in the United States. |
Junior | A Girl Scout Junior is a Girl Scout in 4th - 5th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting. |
Kaper Chart | A chart showing the job or assignment of each girl or patrol on any given project. |
Kusafiri World Centre | A World Center experience via existing facilities in Africa. The “centre” has no fixed site; rather, location varies by event, bringing international experiences to girls and young women in different countries throughout Africa. |
Law | See Girl Scout Law. |
Leader | See Girl Scout Leader. |
Lifetime Membership | Granted to any person 18 years of age or older or a high school graduate or the equivalent who:
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Little Brownie Baker | Baker of the Girl Scout cookies for the Girl Scout Cookie Program at Girl Scouts of Black Diamond. |
Low | See Juliette Gordon Low. |
M2 | Fall program vendor who supplies magazines. |
Macy | See Edith Macy Conference Center. |
Membership Delivery Manager | Staff specialists that deliver the Girl Scout mission of “Building Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character who make the world a better place.” They manage troop leadership in designated areas of the Council. |
Membership Dues | Fee paid annually to Girl Scouts of the USA for registration which goes directly to National Headquarters. One of the requirements for becoming a member of GSUSA. |
Membership Number | GSUSA assigned number given to each adult and girl registered member. |
Membership Year | October 1 through September 30. |
Mission | "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." |
Motto | See Girl Scout Motto. |
Mountain Mamas of Appalachia Patch Program | A Girl Scouts of Black Diamond patch program where Girl Scouts journey through the mountains, hollows, forests, and cities as they discover and explore unique Appalachian themes. Each month, Girl Scouts learn about a Mountain Momma who has made significant contributions to her families, community, and country. These highlighted women demonstrate that Mountain Mommas have the opportunity to make the world a better place, while evoking positive change. |
National Board of Directors |
A body that manages the national Girl Scout corporation between sessions of the National Council. On the National Board are the Chair of the National Board of Directors, two Vice Chairs, the Secretary and Treasurer, and 35 members-at-large. Elected by the National Council, all of these positions have a three-year term. |
National Convention | A triennial (every 36 months) meeting at which the National Council elects officers and other members of the National Board and National Nominating Committee and amends the constitution, as needed. Delegates also determine Girl Scout policy by considering and acting upon proposals and giving guidance to the National Board on the direction of Girl Scouting in the United States. |
National Council | The membership body of the national Girl Scout corporation in meeting assembled. It includes:
The National Council:
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National Council Delegate | A person 14 years of age or over, elected by a local Girl Scout council as a voting member of Girl Scouts of the USA. Each local council and USA Girl Scouts Overseas can elect one delegate, as well as another one for every 1,800 girls under its jurisdiction. To count toward the 1,800, a girl must have been a member registered with Girl Scouts of the USA as of September 30 of the year preceding the National Council's regular session. The prescribed number of girls is adjusted up or down as necessary to keep the local council and overseas delegate total as close as possible to 2,000. National Council delegates serve for a three-year term. |
National Headquarters | The Girl Scout national organization's center of operations. In July 1992, GSUSA moved its national headquarters to 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City. |
Older Girl Awards | Consists of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. Honored to Girl Scouts who complete a Take Action project in their community. Also known as "Higher Awards." |
Opportunity Catalog | A catalog where parents and volunteers can search for troops, locations and meeting days that work for them and show the volunteer positions that need to be filled. |
Our Cabaña | A world center founded in 1957 located in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Girl Scouts and Girl Guides learn Mexican crafts and customs and perform community service. |
Our Chalet | This world center, located in the Swiss Alps, is a base for mountain-climbing, hiking, and skiing. Founded in 1932, it was the gift of Helen Storrow of Boston, Massachusetts. |
Outcomes | Every Girl Scout activity helps develop girls in these areas, teaching them the skills necessary to success at school and in life. Sense Of Self: Girls have 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 their mistakes. Healthy Relationships: Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively Community Problem Solving: Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create "action plans" to solve them. |
Patches | Also known as "fun patches." Supplementary insignia received by girls for simply participating in an event or activity. Girls wear participation patches and pins on the back of their Girl Scout uniform. |
Pathways | Various ways girls and adults can participate in Girl Scouting. Girl pathways include: Camp - girls can participate in a day or resident camp with a focus on the outdoors and/or environment. Events - girls participate in events (i.e. career day). Series - girls participate in a series of programs with the same group of girls relating to a specific theme or purpose. Travel - girls plan, earn money, prepare, and participate in trips. Troops - girls participate in a troop setting with the same girls over the course of the year. Virtual - girls participate using the Internet. |
Pax Lodge | A World Center where program and training events take place in Located in London, England. |
Pinning Ceremony | Ceremony where girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins. |
Policy | Established course of action determined by the Board of Directors of any Girl Scout Council. Policies must be followed. GSUSA policies are found in the Blue Book of Basic Documents. |
Product Sales | Council-wide program activities in which troops/groups may sell authorized, tangible products, such as Girl Scout Cookies, nuts, magazines, etc. |
Program Pillars | Four focus areas that create the foundation for program badge work: |
Promise | See Girl Scout Promise. |
Quiet Sign | Raising the right hand over the head to signal for attention and quiet at any Girl Scout gathering. When the hand goes up, mouths go quiet, and everyone joins in giving the quiet sign. |
Rainbow | Each color in the GSUSA Girl Scout Sign of the Rainbow relates to one of the Five Worlds of Interest in Girl Scouting plus the Junior Aide patch. Each color is also one step toward earning the Girl Scout Sign of the Rainbow. Red is for the World of Health and Fitness. Orange is for the World of Science and Technology. Yellow is for Exploring the Out-of-Doors. Green is for the Junior Aide patch and a symbol of Girl Scouting. Blue is for World Citizens. Purple is for Arts Around the World |
Recognition | Acknowledgement of accomplishment in the Girl Scout program. It may be a pin, certificate, patch, badge, letter, or other creative idea. |
Rededication Ceremony | A reaffirmation of a Girl Scout member's belief in the Girl Scout Promise and Law. |
Rewards | Prizes Girl Scouts receive for participating in product sales. |
Safety Activity Checkpoints |
Publication containing Girl Scout Program Standards and Guidelines that provide for the health and safety of all girls. |
Salesforce | Customer Relationship Management software used by the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond. |
Sangam | A program center located in Pune, India, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. |
Sash | A type of uniform available to grade levels Brownie through Ambassador. |
Senior | A Girl Scout Senior is a Girl Scout in 9th and 10th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting. |
Service Unit | Geographic unit of troops/groups within a region which facilitates delivery of services and the Girl Scout program to girls and adults. |
Service Unit Team | Group of adult volunteers who provide direct service to troops/groups within a service unit or local geographic unit. Group of adult volunteers who provide direct service to troops/groups within a service unit or local geographic unit. Service Unit Team positions may include: Service Unit Director, Service Unit Registrar, Service Unit Recruiter, and Service Unit Organizer. |
Silver Award | Highest award earned by Girl Scout Cadettes. It recognizes efforts in a wide range of Girl Scout experiences and a commitment to working to better one's life and the lives of others. |
Sister Troop |
Troop that participates in activities with another troop. |
Sit-Upon | Lightweight pad or mat the girls make to "sit-upon" when the ground is dirty or damp. |
S'mores | A sandwich made with graham crackers, chocolate and a roasted marshmallow. |
Sponsor | Sponsor business or community organization or individual offering a troop/group assistance with financial support, resources, personnel, meeting locations, uniforms, book, etc. |
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences relevant to everyday life. Whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, how to manage finances, or exploring careers in STEM fields, girls are fast-forwarding into the future. |
SWAPS | The tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes. Referred to as Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal. |
Tag-A-Long | Child who is not a registered Girl Scout or a registered Girl Scout not of the grade level for the specific program or event. |
Thinking Day | World Thinking Day. Official Girl Scout day where girls traditionally learn about the cultures and traditions of WAGGGS member countries. This day also commemorates the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell the founders of the Scouting Movement worldwide. |
ToGetHerThere | Fundraising campaign that is dedicated to girls' leadership issues with the goal to create gender-based leadership in one generation. |
Trefoil | International symbol of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. The trefoil represents the three parts of the Girl Scout promise. |
Troop Leader | This group of girls and adults who meet on a regular basis to engage in Girl Scout Program activities. Troops are organized according to “Grade Level” which places girls together with others in the same social/developmental stage. |
Trophy Nut Company | Approved supplier of nuts and candies for Girl Scout fundraisers. |
Tunic | A type of uniform available to Daisies. |
Unit | A small troop/group formed at a day camp or resident camp. Girl Scouts assigns campers to a unit based on age or interest. Also a portion of a campsite designated as the living and working area for a group of campers. |
Uniform | An article of clothing that symbolizes the high ideals for which Girl Scouts stands. The main uniform pieces are a tunic, sash, or vest, and Girl Scouts wear one to display official pins, awards, badges, and patches. |
USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) |
Girl Scouts of the USA's overseas arm, which delivers the Girl Scout program to American girls and girls attending American or International schools outside the continental United States. |
Vest | A type of uniform available to all grade levels. |
Volunteer | See Girl Scout Volunteer. |
Volunteer Essentials | Resource guide from GSUSA with guidelines for the health and safety of girls. Also contains council specific information. For all volunteers. |
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) | The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is a digital resource that supports troop leaders and co-leaders, making the process of running a troop easier and more efficient. |
Volunteer Policies | Essential for all Girl Scout members. Adherence to policies, procedures, and standards ensures a consistent and safe quality volunteer experience, and outcomes-based program delivery for girls. |
Women of Courage Patch Program | A Girl Scouts of Black Diamond patch program where Girl Scouts will face challenges and learn how to overcome them and are guided through activities that will help them connect with the outdoors. |
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) |
An association of Girl Scout and Girl Guide national organizations around the world. WAGGGS serves approximately eight million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 144 countries. Through Girl Scouts of the USA's membership in WAGGGS, each girl and adult registered as a Girl Scout in the United States becomes part of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout world movement. The World Association's mission is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world. |
World Thinking Day (formerly Thinking Day) |
February 22, the birthday of both Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide, and her husband, Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Boy Scouts. First celebrated in 1927, the day was renamed at the 1999 Girl Guide/Girl Scout World Conference. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world use the day to think of each other and exchange greetings, learn about other countries, and give to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. |
Years of Service Pin | The Volunteer Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member registered with Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for her/his years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals (5, 10, 15, etc.). This pin differs from the numeral guard in that it represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively provided service, whereas the numeral guard recognizes years of membership |