Famous Women – Juliette Gordon Low

Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of Girl Scouts. She discovered scouting in England, where she met Robert Baden-Powell, the creator of the Boy Scouts. She was fascinated by the scouting movement and loved the idea of helping young people develop confidence, leadership, and outdoor skills.

In 1912, she returned to Savannah, Georgia, and started the first Girl Guide troop—which later became the Girl Scouts in 1915. Even though she had partial hearing loss, she didn’t let anything stop her from growing the organization and giving girls the chance to explore, learn, and lead.

Today, because of her, millions of girls get to be part of Girl Scouts, making friends, earning badges, and going on adventures. Her birthday, October 31, is celebrated every year as Founder’s Day to honor her incredible legacy.

Videos

NE Georgia History (4:00)
GPB Education (5:51)

GSUSA Law Line

“Juliette Gordon Low is all the Law values. She tried to live as she taught.” – Scout K, GSSJC, Juliette

Timeline

1860 – Born October 31 in Savannah, Georgia. Nicknamed “Daisy,” she was the second of six children in a prominent Southern family.
1886 – Married William Mackay Low, a wealthy Englishman, and moved between England and the U.S.
1905 – Became widowed after William Low’s passing. She sought new purpose and became involved in philanthropy and leadership.
1911 – Met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, in England. Inspired by the scouting movement, she joined the Girl Guide movement and formed a troop in Scotland.
1912 – Returned to Savannah, Georgia, and established the first Girl Guide troop in the U.S. with 18 girls.
1915 – Officially founded Girl Scouts of the USA, becoming its first president. She sold her pearl necklace to fund the organization’s growth.
1920 – Retired as president but remained active in expanding Girl Scouts nationwide.
1927 – Passed away on January 17 after a private battle with breast cancer. Her legacy continues through millions of Girl Scouts worldwide.

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Extra!

Fun Facts about Juliette Gordon Low
Juliette Low Birthday Giving Celebration for Daisy Scouts
JGL Identity Hunt for Daisy Scouts
JGL Way of the Dead Celebration for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

References

“Juliette Gordon Low – Birthplace, Family & Girl Scouts.” Biography, 8 Apr. 2021, http://www.biography.com/history-culture/juliette-gordon-low.
“Juliette Gordon Low | Girl Scouts.” Www.girlscouts.org, 2016, http://www.girlscouts.org/en/discover/about-us/history/juliette-gordon-low.html.
Spring, Kelly. “Juliette Gordon Low.” National Women’s History Museum, 2017, http://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/juliette-gordon-low.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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For more Historical and Notable Figures:

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Tia Kennard