The New Girl Scout Leadership Awards Explained

Girl Scouts’ leadership pathway just got a major glow-up and a few things are changing:

• Leadership Awards are now the official prerequisites for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
• One Leadership Award earned at your program level fulfills the prerequisite for each of the Highest Awards.
• Additionally, the Bronze Award is now a prerequisite option for the Silver Award, and the Silver Award is a prerequisite option for the Gold Award.
• One Journey may still be used to meet the Highest Award prerequisite requirements through October 1, 2026.

Why Were the Awards Refreshed?

Inspired by Juliette Gordon Low’s courage and character, the refreshed awards create a clearer, more modern path to leadership. They focus on long-lasting skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.

What Are the New Leadership Awards?
The Leadership Awards are a new set of skill-building experiences for Girl Scouts in grades 4–12. They focus on four areas of leadership: personal, peer, teaching, and community advocacy, and they are designed to be flexible.

Each award is designed to help Girl Scouts explore their interests, build practical skills, and focus on things that matter to them. And the best part? Earning one Leadership Award at your program level now fulfills the prerequisite for the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award. Girl Scouts can earn them during troop meetings, at camp, at events, or individually.

Which Awards Are Retired?

Leader in Action (LiA) are retired as of July 2025. Cadettes can still get hands-on experience with younger Girl Scouts through the refreshed Program Aide award.

The previous Silver and Gold Torch award (based on holding a leadership position for a term )is also retired. Updated Torch awards now focus on teamwork and leading peers in more flexible, accessible ways.

Journeys will officially be retired on October 1, 2026. In their place, Juniors through Ambassadors can now earn the Leadership Awards.

The current Global Action award will also retire in 2026. Juniors – Ambassadors can earn the new Global Action Award, and Daisies and Brownies will have other opportunities to explore global themes, like through World Thinking Day and the Democracy badges.

My Girl Scout already started on one of the Journeys and/or a Leadership Award using retired guidelines. Now What?

Starting in October 2026, Journeys will be retired. Until then, Girl Scouts may continue completing Journeys, and any finished Journey will remain valid and will continue to count toward the Highest Awards.

Girl Scouts can apply the Leadership Awards as a prerequisite regardless of whether they were earned using the retired or new guidelines.

The Ultimate Girl Scout Cookie Season Guide 🍪💚

The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season is officially here and if you’re already craving Thin Mints or plotting how many boxes of Adventurefuls you can fit in your pantry… same. Whether you’re a seasoned cookie connoisseur or you’re just here for the vibes, here are five things you need to know before you stock up.

1. When does Girl Scout Cookie Season start?

National Girl Scout Cookie Season begins on January 6, and every council opens at its own time. The easiest way to check when sales begin near you is to enter your zip code into the Cookie Finder box at the top of our website. You will see booth times, online ordering windows and everything you need in one place. If your local council is not yet selling cookies, the Cookie Finder will display a countdown to when their season begins so you can plan to support troops in your community. You may also see links for neighboring troops or booths from nearby councils that are already in season. This is helpful if you are interested in direct shipping or willing to travel. If you want to support a specific area, you can also type in a ZIP code to explore all available options. 

2. Where can you buy cookies?

There are several easy ways to support your local Girl Scouts.

• Start with the Cookie Finder. Enter your zip code to see when your council’s sale begins, find local cookie booths, and learn how to get cookies delivered to your home.
• Visit cookie booths in your community once your council’s sale is live.
• Purchase directly from a Girl Scout you know through her Digital Cookie link.
• Text COOKIES to 59618 for updates and reminders.

Most councils run January through April, giving you plenty of chances to bring home your favorite flavors.

3. Meet the newest cookie, Exploremores™

Exploremores is the newest addition to the cookie lineup and it is and there's already great anticipation. Inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, these chocolate sandwich cookies are filled with the delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond flavored creme and reflect the spirit of exploration in every Girl Scout. Local troops will have them at booths or can ship nationwide, so it is easy for anyone to try the newest cookie while still stocking up on Adventurefuls, Thin Mints, and Trefoils.

4. Cookie booth etiquette

Cookie booths are real world learning spaces where girls practice communication, teamwork and confidence. A little kindness can make every interaction memorable for them.

• Be kind and encouraging.
• Direct concerns to GSUSA rather than volunteers or girls.
• Avoid diet-related comments and keep the space positive.
• Recognize the effort behind each booth.
• If you are not buying today, a friendly smile or quick good luck still makes a difference.

5. Why buying Girl Scout Cookies from Girl Scouts matters

Every box supports the largest girl led entrepreneurial program in the world. Through the Cookie Program, Girl Scouts build skills in goal setting, money management, decision making and working with others. They earn badges tied to financial literacy and entrepreneurship and carry these lessons with them long after the season ends.

Your support also stays local. Cookie proceeds fund troop activities, outdoor adventures, service projects in your community, and more. Each purchase helps Girl Scouts learn, grow and try new things all year long.

Let’s make this season the sweetest one yet!

Cookie Season is more than a moment. It brings people together, powers big dreams and gives girls the chance to grow in so many ways. Whatever cookie flavors you pick up, you are helping create meaningful opportunities for Girl Scouts everywhere. Thanks for being part of that journey. You truly take the cake… or in this case, the cookie!

Investing in Our Future: Honoring Our Legacy and Powering the Next Century of Girl Scouting

Girl Scouts has always been about serving girls. As we look ahead to the next century of Girl Scouting, we remain focused on ensuring our resources reflect the evolving needs of the Girl Scout Movement. 

For nearly a century, the Edith Macy Center in Briarcliff Manor, New York, has been a treasured part of the Girl Scout story. Generations of volunteers, council leaders, and staff have come together there to learn, connect, and advance the Girl Scout mission. From the “University in the Woods” that Edith Macy, chair of the Girl Scout National Board of Directors from 1919 – 1925, first envisioned to the conferences, trainings, and celebrations that have taken place since, Macy has been a place where ideas—and friendships—have flourished. 

As Girl Scouts continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s girls and tomorrow’s leaders, we’re reimagining how we train, connect, and collaborate across our Movement. That includes taking a thoughtful look at how we use and steward our properties to ensure they serve the needs of the Movement now and in the future. 

As part of this process, Girl Scouts of the USA will begin planning for a full sale of the Edith Macy property at some point in 2026. This decision was made after careful consideration by the National Board and other key stakeholders as part of a broader property strategy to ensure that every asset supports our long-term mission and vision. While Macy holds deep historical significance, ultimately, the full sale of the property is the most mission-aligned, financially responsible, and sustainable path forward. Additionally, in support of the future of the Movement, we will sell up to three floors at the national headquarters in New York City.  

We are excited about what this means for the Movement. This sale of the Edith Center empowers us to extend Edith Macy’s vision in dynamic, inclusive, and tech-enabled ways—far beyond what one location can offer. The values Edith Macy championed—learning, connection, and growth—will continue to guide how we design modern, accessible, and inclusive learning opportunities for the adults who bring Girl Scouting to life. And the rightsizing of our headquarters space will better reflect our current and future ways of working, helping us serve the Movement more effectively.  

Together, we are honoring our past while boldly stepping into the future — ensuring that the legacy of Girl Scouts continues to shine brightly for generations of girls to come. 

Just in Time for Back-to-Troop: New Badges and Programs

Welcome Back, Girl Scouts!

As the summer winds down, it’s time for families, volunteers, and Girl Scouts of all levels to gear up for a year of badges and exciting programs. Whether you’re a parent helping your Daisy navigate her first troop meeting, or a new or returning Troop Leader planning activities that build confidence, our program lineup is designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories together.

Troop Year Plans: 

Hey new Troop Leaders! Feeling inspired, but not sure where to start? The programs below offer just a glimpse of the incredible experiences your Girl Scouts can have this year. To help bring it all together, check out our Troop Year Plans. These ready-to-go guides map out every meeting—from badge activities, and community projects to outdoor adventures—so you can focus on fun and growth. Plans are customizable and available online or print-ready, with multi-level and bilingual (Spanish) options for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. Shop for your troop year essentials.





Body Appreciation Badge Line:

Fuel a culture of kindness and self-care with the NEW Body Appreciation badges designed to help girls build confidence, practice self-care, and develop lifelong habits that nurture both physical and emotional health. Girl Scouts, grades K-12 will:

• Appreciate the many functions and abilities of their bodies—from breathing and thinking to running, dancing, and creating—through fun activities like stretching, dancing, gardening, and reflecting on how their bodies help them express themselves.
• Practice self-care and build healthy habits for the mind and body by creating “me time” routines, discovering foods that fuel their energy, exploring body language that boosts confidence, and engaging in habits that support rest, joy, and well-being.
• Respond thoughtfully to media and peer pressure by analyzing beauty messages, exploring how social media influences body image, and designing creative campaigns that redefine beauty and create lifelong wellness habits.

Made possible by Flamingo, these badges guide Girl Scouts through age-appropriate activities that boost confidence and create lifelong wellness habits.




Leadership Awards:

It’s time to welcome a refreshed suite of Leadership Awards for Juniors through Ambassadors. These awards celebrate every way Girl Scouts choose to lead—whether it’s guiding themselves, supporting a team, or driving community change. Highlights include:

• True North Award (Personal Leadership): discover your values and build courage
• Silver and Gold Torch (Peer Leadership): lead teams with heart and purpose
• Program Aide and CIT (Teaching Leadership): mentor younger kids through hands-on activities
• Take Action and Global Action (Community Advocacy): Tackle local or global issues for real impact

The refreshed awards offer stronger skill-building and flexible formats for any setting—troop meetings, camp, events, and more. Plus, the new True North Award helps you discover what matters, build confidence, and lead with courage and character—just like Juliette Gordon Low. These awards now count as part of an expanded set of options toward starting Highest Awards. These awards now count as part of an expanded set of prerequisite options toward starting Highest Awards. Get ready to lead your way! Get ready to lead your way!




Solutions Superstar Patch Program:

The Solutions Superstar patch program—made possible by DHL Supply Chain—invites Girl Scouts to build critical skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking through hands-on activities. From mapping cookie deliveries to engineering egg drops, these fun challenges spark curiosity and introduce girls to the world of logistics.

Girls who complete at least 3 out of 6 activities can unlock a special patch. Highlights of the free program include Girl Scouts:

• Developing skills they can use in their troops, in school, in their community, and beyond
• Connecting what they’re learning to real-world careers, opening their eyes to exciting possibilities in fields like product design, engineering, and tech in the future focus section

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Patch and Activity Sheet: 

Stay tuned for our collab with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, where imagination meets Girl Scout values, Program details drop soon! Follow us on social media to be in the know.

It’s time for fun, friendship, and lots of Girl Scout firsts! Visit girlscoutshop.com your official destination for all things Girl Scouts and back-to-troop. 

Take advantage some great upcoming promotions on girlscoutshop.com: From 8/25-8/31: Get free shipping on all orders* with code: BTTFREESHIP.

For more information about our programs, visit the Girl Scout new and updated program page, and explore detailed guides, volunteer resources, and how to get started!

*August 25th - August 31, 2025, Free standard shipping on most purchases with code BTTFREESHIP. Excludes: customization fees, gift certificates, and ships from council merchandise. Shipping/handling and sales tax charges are determined by merchandise total prior to discount. Offer available on girlscoutshop.com. Offer is not valid on prior purchases. Upcharges for expedited and international shipping apply. Offer ends August 31, 2025, 11:59 PM EST.

Now Available: Juliette Gordon Low Takes Her Place on the Quarter

Let’s celebrate history is in the making! Our very own trailblazer, Juliette Gordon Low, is making her mark on American currency. Today, the United States Mint released the Juliette Gordon Low special edition quarter which is one of five final quarters being released through the American Women Quarters™ Program Order yours today!

What is the American Women Quarters™ Program?

According to the United States Mint: “The American Women Quarters™ Program is a four-year program that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the U.S. Mint will issue up to five new reverse designs each year.” These quarters pay tribute to women from diverse backgrounds who have made their mark on suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, the arts, and more. It's a powerful recognition of the incredible impact women have had on our nation's history. 

Just think about the trailblazers who've graced these quarters to date: Maya Angelou, Bessie Coleman, Celia Cruz, and Eleanor Roosevelt are just a few examples. Now, Juliette Gordon Low is joining their esteemed company, and we couldn't be prouder. Learn more here.

Why is this important?

The selection of Juliette Gordon Low for this prestigious honor on the national stage serves as a powerful reminder that her visionary spirit and the Movement she founded are beacons of hope for every girl. And today, the world needs Girl Scouts more than ever. Low’s legacy comes to life in every Girl Scout and alum who speaks up for what they believe in, leaves the world better than they found it, and blazes a trail of their very own. Juliette Gordon Low's journey from trailblazing leader to a face on our nation's currency is a testament to the power of girls and women everywhere.

What is the significance of the design?

Let's dive into the design elements and their significance on the new quarter featuring Juliette Gordon Low. The design captures Juliette’s spirit and strength. Juliette is rocking her 1920s Girl Scout uniform, complete with trefoils on her hat, lapels, belt buckle, and pin. Check out the Thanks Badge over her heart—it's the highest adult award in Girl Scouting! And that Silver Fish around her neck? It’s the top honor in UK Girl Guiding, symbolizing swimming upstream and overcoming obstacles. This quarter's design is packed with history and Girl Scout pride.

Additional Commemorative Products Available

Let's celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's legacy together with:

• NEW merchandise featuring the quarter's design, including a scarf, patch, tote and more. 
• Juliette Gordon Low Ornament, coming Summer 2025 
• American Women Quarter 2025 Proof Set