Girl Scouts USA

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), was born October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. A sensitive and talented youngster, Daisy, as she was known to family and friends, developed what was to become a lifetime interest in the arts. She wrote poems and plays, sketched, acted and later became a skilled painter and sculptor. Full of inspiration herself, it was her destiny to inspire others. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Juliette Low gathered 18 girls together to organize the first two American Girl Guide troops. Daisy Gordon, her niece, was the first registered member. The name of the rapidly growing organization was changed to Girl Scouts the following year. Within months, girl members were hiking through the woods in their ankle-length blue uniforms, playing basketball in a curtained-off court, and going on camping trips. The following year saw the opening of a national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the publication of the first Girl Scout handbook, How Girls Can Help Their Country, which featured knot-tying, first-aid, and outdoor cooking instructions.

In developing the Girl Scout Movement in the United States, Juliette Low brought girls of all backgrounds into the out-of-doors, giving them the opportunity to learn about nature and develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. She encouraged girls to prepare themselves not only for traditional homemaking roles, but also for possible future roles in the arts, sciences, business, and for active citizenship outside the home.

Headquartered in New York City, Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's largest voluntary organization for girls. GSUSA's Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Cloninger, describes the Girl Scouts purpose as "In Girl Scouts, leadership isn't just about building future leaders - it's about building girl leaders for today."

Girl Scouts of Central California South

In 1928, in Reedley, California, the first Girl Scout Council in the Central Valley was chartered and the first Girl Scout troop was organized. By 1938, just a decade later, there were troops all across Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare Counties. Between 1962 and 1963, the four separate Councils (Kings County Council, Tulare County Council, Reedley Council and Fresno-Madera's El-O-Win Council) merged and became Golden Valley Girl Scout Council, Inc. which was headquartered in Fresno. In 1999, the name was changed to Girl Scouts Golden Valley Council.

In 1947, the Bakersfield Council of Girl Scouts was chartered. The Bakersfield Kiwanis Club agreed to help finance the new Council. By 1950, girl membership had increased so much it was necessary to open an office and employ two staff members. In 1954, mergers with the Taft Council, the Ridgecrest Council and all of remaining Kern County formed the Kern County Council. By 1957, the Antelope Valley had been added. In 1960, the Council name was changed to Girl Scouts - Joshua Tree Council and Inyo County as well as the Santa Clarita Valley were added. The Council maintained the corporate office in Bakersfield with regional offices in Lancaster, Ridgecrest and Santa Clarita.

On the historic date, October 1, 2008, the Kern County portion of Girl Scouts - Joshua Tree Council and Girl Scouts Golden Valley Council realigned to form Girl Scouts of Central California South.

This reorganization symbolizes our commitment to provide girls in our five county service area with high quality and effective programs. We are pleased and proud to have come together as a new Council with one voice.