What is Girl Scout Outreach?

Girl Scout Outreach is a special program designed to reach girls who have not had a chance to experience Girl Scouting. We seek to empower underserved girls with the self-confidence to make positive health, education, and career decisions.

What does the Outreach Department do?

Specially trained outreach staff goes into schools and community groups where traditional Girl Scout troops have not been established. We provide an after-school program that generally lasts six weeks, one day a week, for an hour and 15 minutes; or an in-school program for six sessions of one hour each. We provide age-appropriate activities and educational programs centered on topics ranging from science to arts and culture to character education. We welcome teachers' suggestions, and work to complement the needs and current curriculum of each school.

What does the Outreach Program cost the school?

Absolutely nothing! This program is free for any participating school. All we ask is for a meeting space. We've worked in classrooms, libraries and auditoriums. In addition, we require no paperwork. All arrangements can be done over the phone or by e-mail. We can make special arrangements to accommodate your school's schedule.

What about the girls? How many can you serve, and at what grade levels?

Girl Scouts is for every girl age 5-17. We can accommodate any number of girls -- some school groups had over 100. We maintain safety standards, always making sure there are at least two adults present and one additional adult for every 20 girls. Girl Scout programs are developed to appeal to girls in all age levels.

What is the cost to the girl?

Participation in our after-school program costs only $12 per girl and is paid by her family. This one-time payment covers her Girl Scout membership for one year. There are no other required costs, and girls are not required to purchase uniforms or sell cookies. There may be some costs for optional events throughout the year. In all cases, financial assistance is available.

The Outreach program lasts a few sessions. What happens when that session is over?

Our goal is that girls will continue to learn from Girl Scouts through the traditional troop setting. While we are providing the program, we also look for adults who can serve as volunteer troop leaders for the girls. Troop leaders do not have to be a parent - a troop leader can be an aunt or other family member, friends or community volunteers. Men are also welcomed to lead troops with a female co-leader. Learn more about volunteering here. We also invite the girls to various optional events throughout the year, including camping weekends and fun workshops.