Activity consultant (AC) |
Activity consultants are service unit volunteers who provide safety information and manage risk by approving activities, events, and programs. |
Adult | An adult is a person who is at least 18 years old. |
Adult/girl partnership |
A partnership between Girl Scouts and the adult volunteers who lead them. The partnership allows girls to make age-appropriate decisions and take age-appropriate action to plan and carry out troop activities. Adult volunteers do less and girls do more as they progress through the Girl Scout program levels. |
Adult recognitions | Recognitions acknowledge the hard work of adult volunteers. They can be as simple as a “thank you” from a Girl Scout to her leader, or esteemed awards presented via a nominating process. |
Ambassador | A Girl Scout in grades 11-12. |
Annual meeting | The yearly meeting council holds to elect its board of directors and conduct business essential to Girl Scouting. |
Awards | Girl Scout awards recognize a girl’s achievement in skill development or leadership. Awards for each program level are detailed in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. |
Girl Scout Glossary
Girl Scouts has been around for over 100 years. During that time, we’ve created our own lingo. Check out this glossary if you’re stumped by a term.
Don't see what you're looking for? Submit a suggestion for a glossary term to be added.
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Badges
Badges are awards girls earn by completing skill-building activities. Find grade-level appropriate badges in each Journey book and in each Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting.
Be a Friend First (BFF)
A six- to eight-week series program based on the aMaze Journey created for middle school girls to help them develop healthy relationship skills, understand relational aggression, and learn about conflict resolution and bullying prevention.
Birthplace
See Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.
Blue Book of Basic Documents
Contains the official basic documents of Girl Scouts of the USA: congressional charter, constitution, bylaws, policies, credentials, and council criterion standards. The Blue Book of Basic Documents is revised in accordance with action taken by the National Council and the National Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
A diverse group of volunteers who ensure that the Girl Scout mission is carried out in San Diego and Imperial counties. The board oversees strategic planning, fund development, appointment of the chief executive officer, financial oversight, and interaction with the community.
Bridging award
Rainbow insignia worn on the front of a Girl Scout uniform. The award indicates that a Girl Scout has completed bridging activities prior to entering her current program level.
Bridging ceremony
A bridging ceremony celebrates the transition from one progam level in Girl Scouting to the next.
Bronze Award
The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. Girls work together to complete a Bronze Award Take Action project that is meaningful to them. Through the project, they’ll learn leadership, work with people in their community, build confidence, and develop skills—all while making the world a better place.
Brownie A Girl Scout in grades 2-3. Brownie Ring
A form of troop governance used by Brownies. Girls sit in a circle and share in planning, problem solving, and decision making with their troop.
Buddy system
A safety practice that pairs two girls together to keep watch over each other in an activity (e.g., swimming or hiking). When an odd number of girls is present, a "truddy" may be formed with three girls.
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Cadette
A Girl Scout in grades 6-8.
Certified
Holds a current card, certificate, or other documentation from an established, reputable group, verifying completion of training in a particular field (e.g., first-aid certified).
Chair, National Board of Directors
The principal elected officer of the national Girl Scout corporation. The Chair of the National Board of Directors presides at its meetings and leads it in carrying out its governance responsibilities.
Chief Executive Officer, GSUSA
The Chief Executive Officer of the national Girl Scout corporation. The Chief Executive Officer is employed by and accountable to the board of directors. The Chief Executive Officer leads the national staff in achieving the organization's vision and goals and works in partnership with the National Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer,
Girl Scouts San DiegoEmployed by and accountable to the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Scouts San Diego provides strategic direction and vision for development and achievement of the organization's purpose. The CEO also provides leadership in day-to-day council operations. The CEO is appointed to the corporate board of directors as a member without a vote.
Connect (Leadership Key)
In Girl Scouts, one of the three keys to leadership. Girls care about, inspire, and connect with others locally and globally.
Connections Monthly email newsletter for supporters of Girl Scouts San Diego. Cookie booths Girl Scouts market cookies at these council-approved, stationary tables set up at grocery stores, convenience stores, banks, and other locations. Cookie Captain
Older Girl Scouts who help younger Girl Scouts learn about the cookie program. Cookie captains provide marketing tips, model how to treat customers and property with respect, and help girls learn products and practice making change.
Cookie cupboard
Local homes or warehouses where troop cookie managers and other adult volunteers pick up additional cookies for girls to market during cookie season.
Cookie Kickoff
A service unit event where girls have the opportunity to practice the 5 Skills learned by participating in the cookie program. The kickoff is a hands-on experience that helps girls increase their cookie knowledge and prepares them for cookie season.
Cookie program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. These are the 5 skills every girl learns by participating in the cookie program: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Decision Making; (3) Money Management; (4) People Skills; and (5) Business Ethics.
Cookie Rally
Council-sponsored event for girls to enjoy a high energy pep-rally featuring basic cookie program information and fun activities.
Cookie University
Council-sponsored event where experienced cookie marketers (Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors) enhance their knowledge and use of the 5 Skills to become CEOs (cookie entrepreneurs).
Cooperative learning
One of the three learning processes in Girl Scouts and part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Volunteers encourage girls to work together towards a common goal.
Council
The entire body of registered girl and adult members in a given geographical area. Girl Scouts San Diego is the council that includes members in San Diego and Imperial counties. In common use, "council" is used to refer to council headquarters or council staff and/or board. Currently, there are over 100 Girl Scout councils in the U.S.
Council shops
Our council retail shops that stock Girl Scout uniforms, insignia, and gifts.
Council-wide
Activities, events, programs or policies that apply through our council.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
A national award for girls who mentor younger girls in a camp setting and build skills to become a camp counselor. Unique programs are offered for CITs at our resident camps and day camps. The steps to earn this award are outlined in The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting .
Court of Awards
A ceremony to recognize and distribute awards to Girl Scouts.
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Daisy
A Girl Scout in kindergarten or first grade. Also the nickname of Girl Scouts’ founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
Daisy Circle
A form of troop governance used by Daisies. The girls and their leader(s) meet in a circle to plan, solve problems, and make decisions. The leader(s) plays an active role in structuring and directing the discussion
Day camp
A camp program held during the day. Girls sign up as individuals and go through the camping experience in temporary groups (units). The girls and unit staff plan and carry out activities, often focusing on a specific theme or skill. Day camps are council-sponsored (the camps require council approval to operate). Girl Scouts San Diego day camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.
Day camp aide (DCA)
A day camper in grade 7-12 who leads younger campers under the direct supervision of an adult. Day campers in grades 9-12 who have been DCAs may attend as Day Camp Counselors-in-Training. Advance training is required for all day camp teen mentors (formerly known as Program Aides).
Delegate
See National Council delegate, Girl Scout council delegate.
Destinations
A Girl Scout program that provides domestic and international travel opportunities. Girl Scouts apply individually and gather with others from around the country to experience new cultures and learning. Getaways and jamborees offer troops/groups similar experiences. See sdgirlscouts.org/travel.
Digital CookieTM
Web-based platform that Girl Scouts use to market cookies online.
Discover (Leadership Key)
In Girl Scouts, one the three keys to leadership. Girls are encouraged to understand themselves and their values and to use their knowledge and skills to explore the world.
Dunk bag
A mesh cloth bag with a drawstring used to sterilize and hang dry eating utensils when washing dishes while camping.
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Early Bird Registration
Members of Girl Scouts re-register for the upcoming new membership year before the Early Bird Registration deadline.
eBuddeTM
Web-based marketing management system for the cookie program used by troop leaders and troop cookie managers.
Emergency contact person
The person to call in an emergency or for guidance and advice who is not at the activity or function. This person should have all pertinent information to assist in an emergency.
Encampment
Any event where three or more troops camp together. A typical encampment is coordinated by a service unit for its member troops and independently registered members (a.k.a. Juliettes). An encampment may be held at a council property, or at another public or private site.
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Fall product program
The fall product program gives troops and individually registered members (a.k.a. Juliettes) the chance to earn startup funds for the new Girl Scout membership year by reaching out to friends and family, asking for their support through the purchase of nuts, chocolates, and magazines.
Family Guide
Brochure that includes basic information about Girl Scouts and answers frequently asked questions by new members and their families.
First-aider
An adult who has completed local Girl Scout council-approved first aid/CPR/AED training from a nationally recognized organization.
Fly-up ceremony
An event at which a Girl Scout Brownie receives her Brownie Wings and becomes a Girl Scout Junior.
Friendship circle
A circle representing the unbroken chain of friendship among Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world. Girl Scouts stand in a circle, cross their right hands over their left, clasp hands, and exchange a friendship squeeze.
Friendship squeeze
A hand squeeze that travels around a friendship circle from one person to another.
Founder’s Day
October 31, birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouting.
Four Her (4Her)
A way in which families contribute to the success of their girl's Girl Scout experience by promising four hours of service per family per year to the troop.
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Getaways
Getaways are short travel programs designed specifically for Girl Scout troops.
G.I.R.L.
Stands for go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader; it describes the experiences, skills, and people inherent in our Movement.
Girl-led
One of the three learning processes in Girl Scouts and part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Girls play an active part in figuring out the “what, where, when, how, and why” of their Girl Scout activities. Volunteers give girls opportunities to lead in order to empower them to take on decision-making roles in activities.
Girl Guide
Girls and adults who are members of the Girl Guiding Movement in many countries. Agnes Baden-Powell, sister of the Boy Scouts' founder, Lord Baden-Powell, started the first Girl Guide troops in England. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), headquartered in London, England.
Girl Scout
A member of Girl Scouts of the USA or another country's national Girl Scout organization. The U.S. organization grants membership to any girl who has:
- Made the Girl Scout Promise
- Accepted the Girl Scout Law
- Paid the annual membership dues
- Met applicable grade-level requirements
Girl Scout adult
An adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA. The organization grants membership as a Girl Scout adult to any person who has:
- Accepted its principles and beliefs, as stated in the preamble of its constitution.
- Paid the annual or lifetime membership dues.
Girl Scout birthday (anniversary)
On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low met with 18 girls to form the first Girl Scout troop in the United States.
Girl Scout handshake
A formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts by shaking the left hand while giving the Girl Scout sign with the right.
Girl Scout leader
The adult responsible for facilitating girls’ experiences so that they learn and grow, build healthy relationships, develop leadership skills, have fun, and feel safe.
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girls discover themselves and their values, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. In Girl Scouting, everything centers on the girl. Activities are girl-led, which gives girls the opportunity to learn by doing in a cooperative learning environment.
Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We strive to be the premier leadership organization for girls and experts on their growth and development.
Girl Scout motto
The Girl Scout motto is to “be prepared.”
Girl Scout Promise and Law
The Girl Scout Promise (also referred to as the "Promise") is a pledge every Girl Scout makes when joining the organization. It affirms the spiritual and ethical framework of Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Law (also referred to as "the Law") is a Girl Scout code that serves as a guide for the personal behavior of all members. Note: "Law" is never plural.
Girl Scout servicemark
The Girl Scout symbol (the trefoil with three profiles) with the words “Girl Scouts” underneath and to the left.
Girl Scout sign
The official Girl Scout greeting. The right hand is raised shoulder high with the three middle fingers extended and the thumb crossing over the palm to hold down the little finger.
Girl Scout slogan
The Girl Scout slogan is “do a good turn daily.”
Girl Scout Week
The anniversary of the first Girl Scout troop meeting. Celebrated each year during the week of March 12.
Girl Scouts of the USA
A corporation responsible for promoting the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. GSUSA was chartered by a special act of Congress on March 16, 1950.
Girl Scouts' Own
A ceremony or spontaneous moment of sharing that serves as a quiet, thoughtful celebration of Girl Scout ideals. Songs, poetry, and drama often serve as the theme of these occasions.
Global Arms of Advocacy
Global Arms of Advocacy (GAA) is a collaborative, girl-led program developed by Girl Scouts San Diego in which Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts educate themselves and their peers on local and global contemporary issues relevant to women and girls with the support and guidance of adult facilitators. (Applications go live each summer).
Grade levels
See Program levels
GSRI
Girl Scout Research Institute. The center for research and public policy information on the development and well-being of all girls.
GSUSA
See Girl Scouts of the USA.
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Health History and Annual Permission Form
A form to collect girl health info and parent permission (or denial) for basic troop activities, giving over-the-counter meds, taking part in money-earning activities, and receiving emergency medical attention. Form must be available at all troop meetings and activities. Update annually.
Individually Registered Member (IRM)
A way of participating in Girl Scouts where girls enjoy Girl Scout programming and council-wide events but are not affiliated with a troop. Also known as a “Juliette.”
Insignia
Girl Scout-earned grade-level awards, religious and other awards, emblems, and participation patches and pins. Girls wear all insignia on the front of their uniforms, except participation or "fun" patches and pins. These go on the back of the uniform.
Investiture
A special ceremony in which a new member makes the Girl Scout Promise and receives her membership pin. A girl is invested only once; a rededication ceremony may be held to renew the Girl Scout Promise.
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Themed activity books that benefit girls in these key areas: developing a strong sense of self, displaying positive values, seeking challenge and learning from set-backs, forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and identifying and solving problems in the community. In all Journeys, girls discover, connect, and take action. Journeys are available for every program level. Find them at the Girl Scout Shop and in the Volunteer Toolkit.
Juliette
Formally known as an individually registered member (IRM); a Girl Scout who participates in Girl Scout programming and council-wide events but who is not affiliated with a troop.
Juliette Gordon Low
The founder of the Girl Scout movement in the United States. Also known as Daisy.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The house where Juliette Gordon Low was born that is now a Girl Scout museum and troop program facility maintained by GSUSA. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the center is part of the largest national Historic Landmark District in the United States.
Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
A GSUSA-operated fund that supports educational programs, service projects, training, and international travel to foster friendship among girls from the 144 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Junior
A Girl Scout in grades 4-5.
Kaper chart
A chart, wheel, or table showing the job assigned to each girl or group of girls for any given project. Kaper charts ensure that meetings, campouts, and special events are “girl-led”—everyone has a job to do!
Kusafiri
A program center that brings World Centre experiences to the Africa region. Kusafiri means ‘to journey’ in Swahili. With no fixed site, Kusafiri changes locations across the Africa Region for every event it hosts.
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Leader-in-Action (LiA) Award
An award for Cadettes who assist Brownies with completing a Girl Scout Journey.
Leader-in-Training (LIT) Award
Girls who are 16 years and older can earn a Leader-In-Training Award by completing a council Leader-In-Training course.
Leadership Keys
In Girl Scouting, there are three keys to leadership. Discover: Girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world. Connect: Girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally. Take Action: Girls take action in impactful ways to make the world a better place.
Learning by doing
One of the three learning processes in Girl Scouts. Hands-on learning process that includes both action and reflection, resulting in a deeper understanding of concepts and mastery of practical skills.
Lifeguard
A person with current certification in life-guarding skills and techniques from a recognized sponsoring agency and with additional training specific to the facility/body of water where she or he will guard. A lifeguard trains in advanced first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Certification and other qualifications are detailed in the Safety Activity Checkpoints for specific activities.
Lifetime membership
Any person 18 years of age or older (or a high school graduate or the equivalent) who meets applicable lifetime membership standards can become a lifetime member of Girl Scouts.
Little Brownie Baker
The baker for Girl Scouts San Diego’s cookie program.
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Membership Year
Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.
Money-earning project
An activity planned and carried out by girls to earn money for troop expenses. Learn more at sdgirlscouts.org/troopbanking.
Multi-level troop
A troop with Girl Scouts of different grade levels.
National Board of Directors
A body that manages the national Girl Scout corporation (GSUSA) between sessions of the National Council. On the National Board are the Chair of the National Board of Directors, two vice presidents, the secretary and treasurer, and members-at-large. Elected by the National Council, all of these positions have a three-year term.
National Council
The membership body of the national Girl Scout corporation (GSUSA) in meeting assembled. It includes elected council delegates, and members and past chairs of the National Board of Directors, and past chairs. The National Council determines overall policy for the Girl Scout movement.
National Council Delegate
A person 14 years of age or over elected by a local Girl Scout council as a voting member of the National Council (Girl Scouts of the USA corporation). Each local council and USA Girl Scouts Overseas can elect one delegate, as well as another one for every 1,800 girls under its jurisdiction. National Council delegates serve for a three-year term.
National Headquarters
The Girl Scout national organization's center of operations, located in New York City.
National Program Portfolio
The National Program Portfolio consists of the National Leadership Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. The National Program Portfolio is designed to help girls develop as leaders and build confidence by learning new skills. It also ensures that Girl Scouts at every level are sharing a powerful, national experience—girls together changing the world!
National Girl Scout Leader’s Day
National Girl Scout Leader’s Day is April 22. A day to thank volunteers for their hard work and dedication to Girl Scouts.
Numeral Guard Pin
The Numeral Guard Pin recognizes years of membership in any Girl Scout/Girl Guide organization. This pin recognizes the total years of membership, including girl and adult years at five-year intervals.
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Olave Centre
A complex located in London, England, that includes the home of the World Bureau and the Pax Lodge World Center, where Girl Scout program and training events take place.
Operation Thin Mint℠ (OTM)
Established by Girl Scouts San Diego in 2002 and endorsed by the Secretary of the Navy, Operation Thin Mint℠ gives the community a chance to send Girl Scout cookies and "notes to show we care" to deployed U.S. service members far from home. Members of the public purchase cookies, which Girl Scouts ships to military troops.
A program center located in Cuernavaca, Mexico, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
A program center located in Adelboden, Switzerland, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Outdoor programming
Experiential learning in the outdoors that often includes intentional team-building, challenge initiatives, or environmental learning.
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Patches
Patches are given to Girl Scouts for participating in fun events, activities, or other programs. Patches are worn on the back of the Girl Scout vest, tunic, or sash. Also known as “fun patches.”
Patrol
A system of troop governance for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops. In this system large troops divide into small groups with every member playing a role.
A program center at the Olave Centre in London, England. The Pax Lodge is the main office of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Petals
Petal-shaped awards earned by Girl Scout Daisies. Each petal is a different color and represents one of the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law. To earn a petal, a girl shows her troop leader she understands the corresponding part of the Law.
Policy
An established course of action that must be followed. Look for Girl Scout policies in Volunteer Essentials.
Product programs, council-sponsored
Council-wide program activities in which troops and IRMs (a.k.a. Juliettes) market authorized, tangible products, such as Girl Scout Cookies®, snacks, and magazines.
Program Aide (PA)
A Girl Scout Cadette who works directly with a Brownie troop/group for at least six sessions, under the supervision of an adult volunteer. The Program Aide is required to earn a Leader-In-Action (LIA) award and attend council-sponsored training. Details are provided in the Cadette Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. (Formerly, a girl aged 11-17 who helps lead younger girls at day camp or other activities.)
Program Aide Award
An award earned by a Program Aide when she has successfully completed award requirements.
Program Levels
The program levels in Girl Scouting are:
- Girl Scout Daisy, grades K-1
- Girl Scout Brownie, grades 2-3
- Girl Scout Junior, grades 4-5
- Girl Scout Cadette, grades 6-8
- Girl Scout Senior, grades 9-10
- Girl Scout Ambassador, grades 11-12
Progression
Progression is the developmental path girls follow to head outdoors or travel based on progressive skill building and personal readiness.
Promise Center
Award earned by Girl Scout Daisies. A girl receives this award after showing her troop leader she understands the Girl Scout Promise. Learn more about the Girl Scout Daisy Promise Center and Learning Petals.
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Quiet sign
Make this sign by raising the right hand over the head to signal for attention and quiet at any Girl Scout gathering. When the hand goes up, mouths go quiet, and everyone responds with the quiet sign. The five fingers of the quiet sign represent the fifth part of the Girl Scout Law: "considerate."
Rededication ceremony
A ceremony that reaffirms a Girl Scout member's belief in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Religious and other awards
Official awards earned for completing requirements set by religious/other organizations or by Girl Scouts of the USA.
Resident camp
A council-sponsored overnight camp where girls live in units and plan programs with a staff of trained counselors. Girl Scouts San Diego operates Camp Winacka and Camp Whispering Oaks.
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Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC)
A reference that provides health and safety standards for all Girl Scouts. Use SACs in conjunction with the general safety standards found in Volunteer Essentials.
Safety Management Plan
Basic plans, established in advance, stating what to do in an emergency. At the troop/group level, girls and adults formulate the plans orally as well as in writing and post them in a highly visible location. General procedures for accidents can be found in the Safety Chapter of Volunteer Essentials.
A program center located in Pune, India, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Senior
A Girl Scout in grades 9-10.
Service unit
A specific geographic area and the Girl Scout leaders, troops, and IRMs within it. A service unit also includes individual volunteers who give troop support, such as members of the service unit team.
Service unit cookie coordinator (SUCC)
A service unit volunteer who trains, supports, and oversees all of the troop cookie managers within the service unit.
Service unit fall coordinator (SUFC)
A service unit volunteer who trains, supports, and oversees all of the troop fall managers within the service unit.
Service unit team
A service unit is a group of Girl Scout volunteers working in each neighborhood to support Girl Scout volunteers, troops, IRMs, and families. The service unit team is an essential support system that organizes training, mentorship, girl programming, and membership support.
SHARE
(Share Her Real Annual Expense)An ongoing campaign to ensure that Girl Scouts is available to all girls, regardless of their financial means. See sdgirlscouts.org/share to learn more.
Sit-upon
A lightweight pad or mat used when sitting on the floor or ground. Often, girls will make this traditional craft item as they begin their Girl Scout or outdoor adventures.
Standabout
A cookie marketing stand set up in front of a private residence, similar to a lemonade stand.
STEM
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, and it's one of four areas that form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
SWAPS
A Girl Scout tradition of exchanging keepsakes (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere).
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Take Action (Leadership Key)
A leadership experience where girls identify community or global concerns and work to address the root of those problems in a lasting way. Girl Scout Journeys and the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards all include Take Action projects.
Three Keys to Leadership
Discover, Connect, and Take Action are the Three Keys to Leadership. See separate entries for each.
Town Meeting
A system of troop governance for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops. Under the town meeting system, business is discussed and decisions are made at meetings attended by all the girls in the troop.
Trained to Lead
An adult patch and series of attachable charms indicating achievements in Girl Scout leadership, outdoor, first aid, and enrichment training.
Travel camping
A camping experience of three or more nights carried out by a group of experienced girl campers and adult leaders/advisors. In this type of camping, transportation (by van, bus, automobile, airplane, boat, train, or a combination of these vehicles) moves campers from one site to another.
Trefoil
The international symbol of Girl Scouting. The three leaves of the trefoil represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise: serving God and country, helping people, and living by the Girl Scout Law.
Trip camping
A camping experience of three or more nights planned and carried out by a group of experienced girl campers and adult leaders/advisors who travels from one site to another under its own power or by manually operated transportation (bicycle, canoe, horse, or sailboat).
Trip leader/advisor
An adult who accompanies a group on a trip involving activities such as camping, backpacking, or canoeing. This adult possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience (e.g., in outdoor leadership, trip planning, risk management, first aid, and supervision) required for the trip.
Troop
A group of girls and adults who meet on a regular basis to engage in Girl Scout Program activities. Troops are often organized according to grade level, which places girls together with others in the same developmental stage. Troops can also be multi-level, combining multiple grades. Troops have a minimum of five girls and two unrelated adults.
Troop catalog
An online tool that girls and their families can browse in order to view and join available troops in their area.
Troop cookie manager (TCM)
A troop volunteer who manages the logistics of the cookie program, such as ordering cookies, collecting money from parents/guardians, and distributing girl rewards.
Troop fall manager (TFM)
A troop volunteer who manages the logistics of the fall product program, such as ordering fall products and collecting money from parents/guardians.
Troop financial report
A record of all troop income and expenses that is submitted annually, along with a troop bank statement.
Troop Government
A built-in structure to help troop volunteers develop successful girl/adult planning and partnership. The Daisy Ring and Brownie Circle are types of troop government for younger girls. Patrols, Town Meetings, and Executive Boards are forms of troop government used by older girl troops. Troop government structures help facilitate the adult/girl partnership.
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Unit
A small group formed at a day or resident camp. Girl Scouts assigns campers to a unit based on age or interest. A “unit” is also a portion of a campsite designated as the living and working area for a group of campers.
Girl Scouts San Diego's fundraiser for grown-ups held each September to help support programs and activities.
USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO)
Girl Scouts of the USA's overseas arm, which delivers the Girl Scout program to American girls and girls attending American or International schools outside the continental United States. Learn more in Who We Are: USA Girl Scouts Overseas.
Volunteer Essentials
Handbook for Girl Scout volunteers. Includes info and procedures for planning outdoor activities, managing troop finances, promoting safety, arranging trips, product programs, and more.
Volunteer support coordinator
A council staff member responsible for supporting adult volunteers and girls in Girl Scouting (also known as troop support).
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
A digital resource that supports troop leaders and co-leaders with meeting plans and scripts, parent communication, membership renewal, tracking badges and awards earned by girls, recording meeting attendance, and more.
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Watcher
A person trained in basic aquatic rescue techniques who works under the direction of the lifeguard. For guidelines, refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints for the specific activity.
Wells Fargo
Girl Scouts San Diego's banking partner. All troops and groups open their bank accounts at Wells Fargo.
Wider Opportunity
Former name of Girl Scout destinations.
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
An association of Girl Scout and Girl Guide national organizations around the world, serving approximately eight million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 144 countries. Through Girl Scouts of the USA's membership in WAGGGS, each girl and adult registered as a Girl Scout in the U.S. becomes part of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout world movement. The World Association's mission is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.
World Centre
Any of five facilities owned and operated by WAGGGS to allow Girl Scouts/Girl Guides 14 years or older to stay and experience opportunities not available in their own countries and to encourage international friendship. See also Our Cabaña, Our Chalet, Olave Centre, Sangam, and Kusafiri.
World Thinking Day (formerly, Thinking Day)
February 22, the birthday of both Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide, and her husband, Boy Scouts founder Lord Baden-Powell. First celebrated in 1927, the day was renamed during the 1999 Girl Guide/Girl Scout World Conference. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world use the day to think of each other and exchange greetings, learn about other countries, and give to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. Learn more in Global Girl Scouting: World Thinking Day.
World Trefoil Pin
A pin with a gold trefoil on a blue field that may be worn by all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. It is the symbol of the worldwide bond of Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding.