Girl Scouts of the USA is the largest organization for girls in the world. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness, Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities for fun and friendship, while fostering the development of leadership skills and self-esteem.

How to Get Involved

Girls are encouraged to participate in a way that best suits their needs and interests. Girls can attend summer camp, participate in one time programs or events, join a traditional troop or travel to an exciting Girl Scout “destination.” There are several “pathways” to becoming a “real” Girl Scout. Regardless of the pathway they take, all Girl Scouts are grouped by grade levels:

• 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

Who Can Join?

Girl Scouting welcomes all girls, grades K-12 who agree to:

• Share the Girl Scout Promise and Law
• Follow safety guidelines
• Pay annual registration fee of $25/girl. This includes $15 national membership dues and a $10 council service fee which stays right here at home.

Our council – Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England– serves girls who live in Rhode Island and in Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Fall River, Millville, North Attleborough, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, and Wrentham, MA and in Pawcatuck, CT.

The Cost?

In addition to the $25/year registration fee, Girl Scouts may also choose to purchase uniforms, insignia, and books to enhance their Girl Scouting experience. Girl Scout troops set their own dues, usually a couple of dollars a meeting. GSSNE charges nominal fees for programs and training and summer camp fees are competitive with local alternatives.

The activity of selling cookies is directly related to our purpose of helping all girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident, and resourceful citizens.

We believe that any girl who wants to be a Girl Scout should be a Girl Scout, so we do offer financial aid to help cover the $25/year registration fee and other basic costs.

Click here for a confidential financial aid form. Click here for the financial aid form in Spanish.

How Can My Daughter Join?

During September, we organize a series of registration events in communities throughout our service area. These events offer a great way to meet GSSNE staff and volunteers and get your questions answered.

However, girls can join any time of year. Click here to find out how to talk to the Membership Specialist responsible for your town.

Uniforms

Girl Scouts at each level have one required element (tunic, sash or vest) for the display of official pins and awards which will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement. This required element is combined with the girl’s own solid white shirt and khaki pants or skirt. Girl Scouts in high school can also wear a scarf that unites their look with the sisterhood of Girl Scouts around the world. Uniform pieces may be purchased at our two local Girl Scout shop locations.

The Program

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience encourages increased skill-building and responsibility and also promotes the development of strong leadership and decision-making skills. The program is girl-driven, reflecting the ever-changing needs and interests of participating girls. It provides girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade with a wide variety of leadership opportunities available in Girl Scout journeys, books, awards, websites, as well as other resources.

Find out more about the National Program Portfolio from the GSUSA website.

Summer Camp

Each summer, GSSNE operates four day camp programs and one overnight camp program. Day camp sessions are one or two weeks long. Bus service is available to and from all of our day camps for a modest fee. Overnight camp sessions range from three days to 7 days.

Click here for more information about our summer camps.

Higher Awards

Girls are encouraged to pursue Girl Scouting’s higher awards: The Girl Scout Bronze Award, the Girl Scout Silver Award and the Girl Scout Gold Award. A number of college scholarship opportunities await girls who have earned their Girl Scout Gold Award.

Click here for more information about Girl Scouting’s higher awards.

Religious Recognitions

The motivating force in Girl Scouting is a spiritual one. Each girl pursues her own religious or spiritual beliefs and is expected to respect the beliefs and practices of others. Girl Scout religious recognition programs are created by religious groups (not by Girl Scouts of the USA or GSSNE) to encourage girls to grow stronger in their faith.

Click here for more information about religious recognitions.