Girl Scout Week 2016

Every year, the Girl Scouts of the USA celebrates Girl Scout Week during the week that includes March 12th, the day in 1912 on which Girl Scouting began in Georgia.  On that day, Juliette Low called her cousin and told her to come on over, because she had something for all the girls in America and the world, and it was to begin that night.  This year, GS Week begins on Sunday March 6th and ends on March 12th, the 104th birthday of Girl Scouting.

How do we celebrate?  The week begins with Girl Scout Sunday and ends with Girl Scout Sabbath/Shabbat.  Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout. If a place of worship is the group sponsor, girls may perform a service, such as greeting, ushering, or doing a flag ceremony. These days can also be a time when girls explore other faiths.

Girl Scout week - then and now

Girl Scouts initially established seven days of service during Girl Scout week. Many of the goals of service by Girl Scouts still guide us today as we discover, connect and take action.

Then - From the 1966 Cadette GS Handbook
"GIRL SCOUT week is a time to take a good look at what the troop has done during the winter; to plan for the coming spring and summer months. It is also an excellent occasion for a special rededication ceremony or a Scouts' Own."

Sunday (or Sabbath)

Then - plan to demonstrate your understanding of the first part of The Promise... duty to God
Now - take part in a religious service, wear your Girl Scout uniform. Say or sing grace at a meal. Consider earning your My Promise, My Faith pin.

Monday

Then - Homemaking Day - teach a homemaking skill to a younger girl.
Now - Service to Family - give back to the people in your family or your home.

Tuesday

Then - Citizenship Day
Now - Service to Community - give back to your school, church, or any agency that helps our community.

Wednesday

Then - Health and Safety Day
Now - Health and Safety Day - learn how to incorporate healthy living, exercise, stress relief, nutrition, and FUN into your everyday life.

Thursday

Then - International Friendship Day
Now - International Friendship Day - learn how you can make a difference in your global community.

Friday

Then - The Arts Day
Now - Arts and Culture Day - learn how you can support the arts in your local community.

Saturday

Then - Out-of-Doors Day
Now - Service to the Planet -learn how you can make a difference through conservation and ecology.