Start the Girl Scout Year Strong: Resources, Adventures, and What’s Ahead

 

A new Girl Scout year is here, and that means fresh adventures, new friendships, and plenty of opportunities to make memories together. Whether you're leading your very first troop meeting or kicking off another amazing year, we've rounded up a few resources to help make planning simple, fun, and stress-free.

Start Strong with Resources That Make Planning Easy

Every great troop year starts with a plan, and you don't have to create one from scratch.

The "For Volunteers" page is packed with helpful tools to support you throughout the year, from troop meeting ideas and planning resources to uniform information and Girl Scout Shop essentials that help your troop shine. Take advantage of some great upcoming promotions on girlscoutshop.com: From 8/26-9/1: Get free shipping on all orders* with code: FREESHIPBTT26

Looking for an easy roadmap? Troop Year Plans take the guesswork out of planning with ready-to-use meeting guides filled with badge activities, service projects, outdoor adventures, and more. They're customizable, available in print or online, and even include multi-level and bilingual (Spanish) options for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops.

Leading a brand-new Daisy or Brownie troop? You may be eligible for complimentary Girl Scout Experience Boxes delivered right to your door. Each monthly box includes meeting scripts, supplies, and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories together. Welcome Boxes begin shipping in August 2026, so now is the perfect time to get your troop ready.

As you plan your year, don't forget to check your local council's resources, including Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints, to help every adventure be a safe one.

 

Fill Your Calendar with Adventures

There are plenty of exciting programs waiting for your troop and their families in case you need a bit of inspiration for your first few meetings.

The Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge makes it easy to spend more time outside with 50 fun activities that can be enjoyed almost anywhere, from neighborhood walks to local parks. Download the free activity sheet and see just how much adventure is waiting right outside your door.

Then, celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend this September by exploring your favorite state park through hikes, self-guided adventures, stargazing, watersports, and more. Grab the free passport activity sheet, earn a patch, and don't forget your water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and buddy.

This is also a great time for Girl Scout Juniors and Ambassadors to start thinking about Leadership Awards. With Journeys retiring on October 1, 2026, Leadership Awards now serve as the pathway toward Girl Scouts' Highest Awards, giving girls more flexibility to discover their interests, strengthen leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their communities.

Get Excited for What's Next

The Girl Scout experience is growing alongside today's girls.

Guided by research, feedback, and the experiences of Girl Scouts, families, and volunteers, exciting updates are on the way that will make discovering programs and planning adventures even easier, while keeping the heart of the Girl Scout experience exactly the same. Starting in spring 2027, a whole new wave of updated programs and a brand-new digital Program Library are on the way, creating even more ways for Girl Scouts of all ages to explore what interests them most.

Want a sneak peek at what's ahead? Explore what's next to learn more about the future of Girl Scouts and all the exciting adventures still to come.

Here's to a year filled with discovery, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.

Happy back-to-troop season!

* August 26th - September 1, 2026, Free standard shipping on most orders with code FREESHIPBTT26. 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 September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

A Look Back at Girl Scouts Unite and the History We Made Together

The final SWAPS have been exchanged and the suitcases are tucked away, but the energy and excitement of the Girl Scouts Unite event continues to inspire. From interactive workshops and fascinating speakers to incredible performances and epic celebrations, the experiences shared by thousands of attendees in Washington, DC ignite the next chapter of the Girl Scout Movement with a bright spark of hope for the future.

“There is nothing more powerful than Girl Scouts coming together to discover what they’re capable of and what they can create together,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “The Girl Scouts Unite event was a celebration of girls’ voices, ideas, and leadership—and a reminder that when girls are supported, encouraged, and connected to one another, they can shape the future in extraordinary ways.”

The Girl Scouts Unite event featured an exciting lineup of speakers, performers, workshops and sessions reflecting the confidence, creativity and resilience at the heart of Girl Scouting. Attendees also had access to more than 100 booths and activities in the Hall of Experiences, along with programming designed for Girl Scouts and adults in the Movement. The event also included major celebrations such as the National Bridging Ceremony, the Gold Award Celebration, community-building moments, and opportunities for Girl Scouts to meet and connect with inspirational leaders who are taking action in their communities.

Bringing an event of this scale to life is no easy task, which is why we are so grateful to the sponsors who helped make this event a reality. Thank you to Meta, Fiserv, Google.org, General Motors OnStar, Charles Schwab Foundation, MLB, American Girl, DHL Supply Chain and all the sponsors, exhibitors, and supporters who made this event memorable for all the Girl Scouts, alums, volunteers, advocates, friends and families who attended.

Thank you to Girl Scouts Nations Capital for being a wonderful host for this year’s event. We look forward to seeing everyone again in Indianapolis for the next Girl Scouts Unite event in 2029.

Meet the 2026-2029 GSUSA National Board President and Board of Directors

Since 1915, the National Council Session, our triennial business meeting, has been held in many cities across the nation to discuss, debate and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. This year, the 58th National Council Session returns to Washington, DC, where nearly 1,000 Girl Scout delegates gathered to make history together.

A key event of the National Council Session is electing the National Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term, including the National Board President. We are proud to announce Telva McGruder, executive director of global body manufacturing engineering for General Motors, former National Board member and council board chair and a lifetime member of GSUSA, was elected National Board President by the National Council.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as National Board President,” said McGruder. “As a proud Girl Scout alum, former troop leader and board member, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable opportunities this Movement offers girls to tap into their power, pursue their ambitions, and transform their communities. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to accelerate Girl Scouting’s impact and shape a bold and inspiring future for Girl Scouts everywhere.”

McGruder will lead GSUSA’s 31-member National Board of Directors as it guides the Movement to meet the needs of today’s girls and families. Board members bring a range of skills, expertise and perspectives to help advance Girl Scouts’ vision for the future. Thirty percent of the 2026–2029 term board members have served as board chair of a Girl Scout council and 70% are Girl Scout alums or have experienced Girl Scouting through a friend or family member.

As we welcome Telva to her new position, we thank Noorain Khan, 2023-2026 National Board President, for her contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. We are grateful to Noorain for her dedication and enthusiasm, especially regarding her work on advancing Vision 2030 and building a bold roadmap focused on making Girl Scouting more accessible, flexible, and impactful for girls and families nationwide. Her notable efforts to support governance modernization, financial stewardship initiatives, and a growing culture of philanthropy also supported the advancement of the organization.

We are also thankful for her work to deepen collaboration across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond, strengthening partnerships with local councils and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to expand opportunities for girls both nationally and globally. As she exits her role, Noorain leaves behind an impactful leadership legacy that will continue to support the future of Girl Scouting for years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to our outgoing board members for their service and commitment to Girl Scouts,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “Their leadership has strengthened our Movement and positioned us for the future. Looking ahead, I could not be more excited to partner with National Board President Telva McGruder and our new and returning board members as we embark on the next triennium. Their collective experience, passion and commitment to girls will help propel Girl Scouts into an exciting new chapter; one that expands our reach, deepens our impact and advances our mission for generations to come.”

GSUSA’s National Board oversees the organization’s governance, legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Three non-board members of the National Board Development Committee were also elected to support the board and to identify candidates for future board vacancies. The complete list follows (*designates new members; + designates National Board Development Committee members):

Telva McGruder, President 
Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering
General Motors

Ileana Musa, First Vice President
Managing Director, Head of Sales, Private Banking Group
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association

Mary Ann Altergott, Second Vice President
Founder, The Clemont Group
Retired Principal, Edward Jones

Diane Tipton, Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer and President
Self Storage Zone

Maryann Waryjas, Secretary
President and Director
Coalition for Competition in Credit Ratings, Inc.;
Past Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer,
and Corporate Secretary
Herc Holdings Inc.

National Board Members-at-Large 2026–2029 

Diane Boettcher*
Retired
United States Navy

Beth Bovis
Senior Partner, Global Sustainability and Social Impact Lead
Kearney

Neil R. Brown*
Managing Director
KKR Global Institute and Infrastructure and Climate

Rebecca Chavez-Houck +
Community Engagement Consultant
Aspira Public Affairs, LLC
Former Member, Utah House of Representatives

Cami Gibertini*
Senior Vice President/Business Solutions
INB, A National Association

Erin Morgan Gore*+
Managing Director & Partner
Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Performance Improvement

Kira Rosoff Heller*
Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor
Bessemer Trust

Kerrie A. Hoffman*
Chief Executive Officer
Hoffman Digital

Cameron Jones*
Chief Financial Officer
National Basketball Players Association

Betsy Kamin*
Partner and Member-In-Charge, Houston Office
Clark Hill PLC

Jessie Kornberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Skirball Cultural Center

Vidya Krishnan
Chief Learning and Belonging Officer
TD SYNNEX

Ana Tavares Lattibeaudiere
Principal and Co-Founder
MTL Management

Allison Lawrence*+
Vice President, Commercial Development, Americas
Stanley Black & Decker

Robyn Ratcliffe Manzini
President
Ridge Blossom Properties, LLC

Zara Mirza*
Chief of Staff to the President and CEO
TIAA

Stephanie Neuvirth, SPHR*
Global Vice President, People and Organization (CHRO)
Mars Veterinary Health

Jake Perlman
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Information
Officer
Charter Communications

Carolyn Pittman*
Independent Director
Minerals Technologies, Inc.

April Cadiente Schneider+
Vice President IT, Intellectual Property Management
and General Counsel
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Joanne Sebby*
Chief Risk Officer
Fiserv

Nabiha Syed*
Executive Director
Mozilla Foundation

Nithya Thadani*
Former CEO
RAIN Stella Technologies

Mary J. Thomas*
Associate Vice President, U.S. Consumer Services and
LillyDirect Business Operations
Eli Lilly and Company

Teresa C. Younger*
Former CEO and President Ms. Foundation for Women
Founder and Principal
Msty Consulting, LLC

Non-Board, National Board Development Committee, 2026–2029

Lupe Camargo
Certified Financial Planner ™
Perspective Financial Services, LLC

Debbie Hassan +
Retired, Partner
Deloitte and Touche, LLP

Sharon H. Matthews* +
Retired, Head of Employee Relations Consulting
Wells Fargo

Congratulations to the 2026-2029 National Board Officers and the 58th National Council Session delegates for their commitment to the future of Girl Scouting and a special thank you to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital for your hospitality as the host council for this important work. Stay tuned for more excitement out of Washington, DC as the Girl Scouts Unite event celebrates our Movement with 10,000 Girl Scouts and supporters this week.

The Financial Literacy Badges Girl Scouts Are Loving (And Parents Too.)

 

What if learning about money felt less like homework… and more like planning your dream future?

Across the country, Girl Scouts are turning financial literacy into something hands-on, confidence-building, and FUN. From creating budgets and comparing prices to exploring careers, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial goals, girls of all ages are building real-world money skills one badge at a time.

Made possible through support from Charles Schwab, Girl Scouts’ Financial Literacy Badges are helping girls explore everything from earning and saving to investing and goal setting in ways that feel empowering, age-appropriate, and exciting.

Here’s how a few councils are bringing these badges to life:

Girl Scouts of Central Texas hosted Badge University, where Girl Scouts from Brownies through Ambassadors explored entrepreneurship, leadership, life skills, and financial literacy through hands-on badge sessions. 

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri gave Brownies the chance to practice spending, saving, and sharing by creating their own budgets through an interactive virtual program. Older Girl Scouts in Eastern Missouri also explored what it really takes to finance “real life” through activities focused on financial independence and everyday money decisions. 

Meanwhile, Juniors in Eastern Missouri put their budgeting skills to the test by planning a meal, shopping for ingredients, and cooking a dish themselves.

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio hosted hands-on Financial Literacy badge events and afterschool programs where girls explored entrepreneurship, budgeting, and financial goal setting through interactive activities and badge earning opportunities.

And that’s what makes these badges so impactful. Financial literacy isn’t being taught through long lectures or complicated worksheets. Girl Scouts are learning by doing, experimenting, problem-solving, and building confidence along the way.

In a time when financial literacy is more important than ever, these experiences are helping girls feel prepared for whatever future they dream up for themselves. 

Want to explore Girl Scouts’ Financial Literacy Badges and activities? Check them out here: https://link.girlscouts.org/4tSMYoZ 

Don’t Let Volunteer Appreciation Month Pass Without Doing This

Girl Scout volunteers rock! From troop leaders to mentors to behind-the-scenes planners, they give their time and heart so girls can build confidence, find their voice, and grow skills for life. Take a moment to thank a volunteer. It matters more than you think.💚

Check Out Volunteer Appreciation Resources for 2026!

With all that volunteers do each year, finding a starting point to say “thank you” can be a challenge in itself! We've compiled fun, free bilingual materials available in English and Spanish in our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Resources to get you started, including:

• A sweet coloring sheet to download and personalize to make any volunteer’s heart flutter.
• A fill-in-the-blank Thank You Card for your Girl Scout to complete with personal notes of appreciation.

Get Creative with a Hand-Made Gift using our DIY Gift Guide

There’s something about a hand-crafted gift that tugs at the heartstrings in such a special way. Whether you're characteristically creative or not, our DIY Gift Guide features gifting tips along with the pinch pot activity from our Craft and Tinker badge program, including step-by-step instructions for your Girl Scout to craft a sweet and simple gift that is sure to wow any volunteer.

Shop with Your Heart

If gift-giving is your appreciation language, we’ve got you covered! From troop leader essentials to dazzling trefoil jewelry and charms, there’s a thoughtful gift for every volunteer and budget with great options starting at just $5 in our Volunteer Gift Guide. (And a Girl Scout Shop Gift Card is always a solid choice, too!)

Keep up the Gratitude Attitude all Year

Volunteering is year-round, so there's no need to limit your appreciation to one month. Our free and fun resources are available outside of Volunteer Appreciation Month, especially for special moments like:

• Bridging ceremonies: when your Girl Scout reaches the next level, amp up your “thank you” game for her volunteers.
• Holiday celebrations: a little themed appreciation goes a long way.
• Birthdays: remembering someone’s birthday is an easy way to make them smile!

One of the best ways to make a volunteer feel appreciated? Offer the gift of your time. Even if you’re not ready to become a volunteer yourself, every minute you can give support to a volunteer makes a difference:

• Be the troop photographer: you’re already taking cute photos of your Girl Scout, so make sure to get some of the volunteers in action, too!
• Lead a meeting or guide a badge: is the troop interested in learning about something you’re passionate about? Raise your hand to help.
• Manage troop logistics: from group text updates to the carpool calendar, your organizational skills will be truly valued.