What is Girl Scouting?

Girl Scouts is the pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls, all girls, where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.  In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that lead to strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.  In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.  Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.

What do Girl Scouts do?

The Girl Scout program offers experiences that can change the way girls see the world and their place in it. Girls learn the importance of personal responsibility, the value of goal setting, the spirit of teamwork and the thrill of accomplishment.

Girl Scouts will tell you about adventures like overnights in the mountains, how they care for the environment, sell cookies, the latest detail of a wacky science experiment, helping people in our community, or the name of “their” horse at Horse camp. Along with the fun and new friends comes a safe environment where girls learn and develop skills they need for success throughout their lives.

What is Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay?

Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay is chartered by the Girl Scouts of the USA to provide support and organize Girl Scouting and Girl Scout troops/groups in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. You can read more about the Council at About Us.

How can my daughter and I sign up for Girl Scouting?

There is a rich assortment of activities for girls from kindergarten through high school. Any girl can become a Girl Scout by accepting the Girl Scout Promise and the Law. Adults, 18 and over, who meet the membership requirements are welcome to join. No one is denied membership in Girl Scouts for financial reasons.

Call 1 (800) 624-4757 to join. For more information, visit Join or Contact Us.

Can I volunteer?

Yes!  In a national survey by GSUSA, parents reported significant benefits from Girl Scouting, not only for their daughters, but for themselves including:

• More quality time with their daughter
• Improved relationship with their daughter
• Opportunity to give back to the community
• Opportunity to build friendships with other adults

Visit Volunteers & Training to see the many ways you can become involved.

Where can I find out about local Girl Scouting events?

Visit the Council Calendar, an online version of the Activity Guide. You can also call or e-mail the Council office for information about upcoming events. A summer activity guide will also be mailed to your daughter in February.

What about the Girl Scout uniform?

Girls do not have to have a uniform to participate in Girl Scouting. Simply wearing The Girl Scout pin qualifies as being in uniform. Often girls will elect to have matching t-shirts for their group or buy only a vest or sash to hold recognitions and pins. It is the girl’s choice.

There are several places where Girl Scout merchandise is sold, including books, gifts, accessories and uniform pieces. Visit Shop to find one near you. The Council Shop at the Girl Scout Service Center in Castroville carries official pins, badges, insignias, books and some uniform components.

Where can I find fun websites for my daughter?

Visit the Just4Girls section of www.girlscouts.org, Girl Scouts of the USA, the national organization. They maintain a terrific site. Another great site is www.studio2b.org, which focuses on older girls.