Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. was founded on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, by Juliette Gordon Low, with a troop of 18 girls. Juliette had a dream of bringing girls out of their sheltered home environments to serve in their communities and experience the outdoors. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the world's largest organization dedicated solely to girls, with over 3 million members. It is part of a worldwide family of girls and adults in 136 countries through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). More than 40 million American women have been members of the Girl Scouts since its founding. About Mt. Wilson Vista Council In the early years of Girl Scouting, there were many local councils usually associated with a city. As Girl Scouting grew and professional staff expanded, councils recognized the need to maximize resources and began merging with neighboring councils. The Sierra Madres Girl Scout Council was formed in 1968 as a merger between the Pasadena Area Girl Scout Council, Glendale Area Girl Scout Council, and the Santa Anita Girl Scout Council. On April 1, 1992 the council's name was changed to Mt. Wilson Vista Council, to better reflect the council's full jurisdiction which serves 23 communities in the greater San Gabriel Valley area. Headquartered in Arcadia, California, the council is charted by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.                                  *** Brenda Berg, CEO of Mt. Wilson Vista Council, delivered a State of the Council Address at the March 2007 Annual Meeting that highlighted the many accomplishments of the council and its nearly 9,000 Girl Scouts and 4,500 volunteers, demonstrating the strength and impact of Girl Scouting in the San Gabriel Valley. In 2006, girl membership reached 8,777. New approaches to volunteer training and support were introduced. Almost 900 adult volunteers renewed their commitment to Girl Scouts by participating in education and enrichment classes. More than 30 Girl Scouts and troop leaders from our council participated in focus groups last May to assist in the development of GSUSA's new program model, the "Unique Girl Scout Experience." Twenty-one Girl Scouts and four adult volunteers became global citizens this summer when they traveled to the Our Cabaña World Center in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Almost 900 Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts enjoyed a true camp experience at Camp Mariposa this summer, the place for fun and friendship. An extraordinary number of Senior Girl Scouts - 128 - went for the gold in 2006 and earned Girl Scouting's highest honor, the Gold Award. Their commitment to leadership, community service and personal development translated into over 7,500 hours of service to the community. "By empowering girls and young women to build their own personal leadership through teamwork, trust, service and application of knowledge and skills, we use the power of our personal commitment and influence to pave the way for the next generation of women," Berg said to the audience of delegates, board members and council staff.

Do well your part today. The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers. -Juliette Gordon Low :: Related Links   Ways to Belong      For Girls      For Adults  Girl Scout Alumae FAQs Program Levels Types of Troops Benefits of Girl Scouting Girl Scout Promise Girl Scout Law Office Locations Staff Directory Board of Directors Council Shop Career Opportunities     Property Reservations Helping the Environment  Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scout Councils of California WAGGGS           What We Stand For Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls-all girls- where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and success. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives-like leadership abilities, strong values, a social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Mission Statement Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scout 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. Girl Scout Motto Be Prepared Non-discriminatory Policy Girl Scouts continues to have a non-discriminatory policy in all facets of the organization, including girl membership and volunteer participation.