Introduction

Founder’s Day, celebrated on October 31st, holds a special significance for Girl Scouts worldwide as it commemorates the birth of the organization’s visionary founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia, Juliette’s dedication to empowering girls and young women has left an indelible mark on generations of Girl Scouts. On this auspicious day, Girl Scouts have a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to Juliette Gordon Low’s extraordinary legacy and continue her mission of building confident, courageous, and compassionate leaders. Here are some suggestions for how Girl Scouts can celebrate Founder’s Day and honor their inspiring leader.

1. Juliette Gordon Low Biography Sessions: Organize interactive sessions where girls can learn about the life and accomplishments of Juliette Gordon Low. Utilize multimedia resources, including pictures and videos, to bring her journey to life. These sessions can help inspire and motivate girls to embrace the same spirit of determination, creativity, and resilience that Juliette exemplified.
2. Leadership Workshops: Juliette Gordon Low was a trailblazer who believed in the potential of every girl. Conduct a leadership workshop for your troop that focus on empowering young girls to become confident and capable leaders in their communities. Encourage discussions about leadership qualities, team-building, and problem-solving skills, fostering an environment where each girl’s voice is heard and valued.
3. Community Service Projects: In the spirit of Juliette’s commitment to community service, organize local projects that make a positive impact on the community. These could include environmental initiatives, supporting local shelters, or creating care packages for essential workers. Engaging in such projects reinforces the Girl Scouts’ values and the importance of giving back.
4. Juliette Gordon Low Heritage Walk: Plan a heritage walk or visit historical sites in your community that are connected to Juliette Gordon Low’s life or the early days of the Girl Scouts. This can help girls understand the organization’s roots and the remarkable journey it has undertaken since its founding. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council boasts a rich history in our ten-county footprint, including Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. Why not plan a visit to one of our camps or Girl Scout Houses to learn more about our council’s history?
5. Founder’s Day Awards Ceremony: Host an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions made by Girl Scouts or troop leaders in their communities. Acknowledge girls who have displayed remarkable courage, empathy, and dedication in helping others, just as Juliette did.

Conclusion

Founder’s Day is a momentous occasion for every Girl Scout to celebrate the vision and legacy of Juliette Gordon Low. By participating in activities that honor her life’s work, girls can gain a deeper understanding of her determination and spirit, drawing inspiration to become the best versions of themselves. As they embrace the values and lessons from Founder’s Day celebrations, they will carry forward the torch of empowerment, making a difference in their communities and beyond, just as Juliette envisioned over a century ago.