Five Ways to Celebrate Girl Scout Founder Day: Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday
Socialite Juliette Gordon Low seemed like an unlikely heroine for the early 1920s—But "Daisy," as she was known to her friends and family, was unstoppable when she set her mind to something. Inspired by the newly founded Boy Scouts of America program, she was committed to bringing something similar to girls. She used family connections to encourage the formation of troops up and down the East Coast.
The idea of girls participating in sports or outdoor activities was met with skepticism by some and outrage by others.
But Low, who had lost much of her hearing as a teenager, simply ignored people when they told her ‘no’ and continued. Her efforts built an organization that became a movement, changing how the public and girls viewed their roles and abilities.
Every year, on her birthday, October 31st, Girl Scouts celebrate Daisy and her many accomplishments. Looking for ways to get your troop involved? Here are a five simple ways:
- Learn about Juliette Gordon Low through a short biographical video. Visit the Girl Scouts of the USA website for a history of Girl Scouting.
- Celebrate Daisy with some birthday fun. Host a birthday party with your troop complete with cupcakes with Girl Scout colored frosting or sprinkles. Instead of gifts, have your troop mention what "gifts" Girl Scouting has given them. They might say friendships, outdoor adventures, badge-earning activities, special council, or partner events. Visit What Girl Scouts Do for inspiration.
- Honor Daisy’s legacy and commitment to making the world a better place. There are many ways to volunteer in your community. Check with your school or local park for neighborhood opportunities, or try this birthday-themed activity:
Collect and donate birthday supplies for a food bank. Through troop funds or a food drive, collect cake mixes, frosting, candles, all the things someone might need to celebrate their birthday. Contact a local food bank to learn how to donate.
- Take part in a Girl Scout tradition or event. From singing favorite Girl Scout songs we all remember to cooking s’mores over a campfire, there are many traditions to choose from. Make a swap with Juliette’s “pearls” to be reminded of the sacrifice she made to ensure the growth of Girl Scouting. Trade the swaps with another troop.
- Girls aren’t the only ones who can celebrate Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday. Alumnae and Girl Scout fans can support the Girl Scout movement through volunteering and financial support.
While most people think volunteering for Girl Scouts means being a troop leader, there are a variety of opportunities, both short and long-term, including:
- Lend a hand at a special event.
- Helping our archives committee document our council’s history
- Coaching a Girl Scout on her Gold Award project
- Clean-up camp crew, perfect for a corporate volunteer project.
While October 31st is the Girl Scouts's official Founder's Day, there are ways to honor Juliette Gordon Low all year round. Share photos of your celebration on Facebook or Instagram.
