Purpose The Purpose of Girl Scouting is to inspire girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service that they may become happy and resourceful citizens. More Than 90 Years Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. An American Institution Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950. Still Growing Strong Today, there are nearly four million Girl Scouts-2.8 million girl members and 986,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers. Empowering Girls All girls-from ages 5-17-can discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together through myriad enriching Girl Scout experiences, including community service projects, cultural exchanges, sports skill-building clinics, and environmental stewardships. At Home and Abroad Girls at home and abroad participate in more than 236,000 troops and groups in more than 80 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and over 300 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States. An International Family Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 8.5 million girls and adults in 144 countries. A Pivotal Part of Women's History More than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood-and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.