History of USAGSO

Since 1925, USA Girl Scouts Overseas, a branch of Girl Scouts of the USA, has supported Girl Scout troops organized outside the continental United States. Here's a look at some important milestones in USAGSO's history.

The Beginning Years

In 1925, Lone Troops on Foreign Soil (later called USA Girl Scouts Overseas) registered its first Girl Scout troop in Shanghai, China, with 18 girls.
By 1927, three troops had registered in Pagoda, China, with 18 girls; Tampico, Mexico, 24 girls; and Beirut, in what is now Lebanon, 9 girls.
In 1935, Girl Scout troops organized in Guam.

1940-1959

1951: USAGSO –North Atlantic was organized.
1953: USAGSO –West Pacific was organized.
Girl Scout troops organized in Saudi Arabia for the Arabian American Oil Company.
Negotiations between military authorities and Girl Scouts of the USA for staff services resulted in the formation of Girl Scout troops at many military bases in Europe and North Africa.
Arrangements made between military authorities and Girl Scouts of the USA for staff services at a military base in the Far East.
In 1959, the Lady Baden Powell Award was first introduced in Panama.

1960-1979

Girl Scouting started in the islands of Micronesia.
Girl Scout troops first organized in America Samoa.
Girl Scout handbooks translated into Japanese for Ryukyu Islands Girl Scouts in Okinawa.
In 1968, the International Friendship Recognition was introduced.

1980-2000

Girl Scout troops organized at U.S. military bases in such places as the Azores; the Panama Canal Zone; Guantánamo Bay, Cuba; and Keflavík, Iceland.
Troops on Foreign Soil became USA Girl Scouts Overseas so it could be more inclusive for non-military American families moving overseas. (Today, approximately 56% of Girl Scouts involved in USA Girl Scouts Overseas are not affiliated with the military.)
USA Girl Scouts Overseas celebrated its 75th anniversary with a commemorative patch designed by a Girl Scout Cadette in New Delhi, India.

2001-2010

In 2005, Patricia Kelly Schmutz was the first USAGSO Girl Scout to be honored as a National Young Woman of Distinction.
First annual USA Girl Scouts Overseas conference held at Edith Macy.
The first Global Facilitators retreat was in 2007, and the team was appointed in 2008 with 12-15 people.
The Global Awareness Badge was created with Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State.
Guidelines for Lady Baden Powell Award were revised to align with the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Discover + Connect + Take Action.
In December 2008, the USAGSO-North Atlantic office in Mannheim, Germany, closed its original site location since WWII and relocated to Camp Darby in Italy.

2011-Today

In 2011, the USA Girl Scouts Overseas Pin was redesigned.
March 12, 2012, USA Girl Scouts Overseas Sunrise Ceremonies began in Guam and continued around the world to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts USA.
In 2016, Hanna Chuang from Singapore was honored as a National Young Woman of Distinction.
In June 2016, the Council of Advisors was formed and started their work to provide a unified structure to advise and support the growth of Girl Scouts overseas.
The Italy office relocated from Camp Darby to Caserma Ederle near Vicenza, Italy in October 2016.
On August 28, 2017, we joined 109 Girl Scout councils in implementing a new operating model and technology platform to improve the overall experience for volunteers and members.
For the first time ever, we connected virtually with an overseas troop in Paris to share in the excitement and activity of the 2017 Girl Scout Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO)? toggle arrow

USA Girl Scouts Overseas is Girl Scouts of the USA's overseas arm, which has provided Girl Scout program for American girls living outside the United States since 1925. We serve over 10,000 members in 60+ countries, including, the Federated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, and Guam. Originally established to support Girl Scouting in American military families living abroad, USA Girl Scouts Overseas today has a membership that is approximately 55% non-military and 45% Military.

How is USAGSO organized? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of the USA authorizes "overseas committees" in communities outside of the United States, since Girl Scout councils do not exist overseas. These overseas committees are collectively known as USA Girl Scouts Overseas. While girls live in other countries—whether they hold an American passport or attend American or international schools—USA Girl Scouts Overseas provides them with the fun, friendship, and adventures of Girl Scouting no matter where they are in the world.

Does USAGSO operate similarly to Girl Scouts in the United States? toggle arrow

Girls and adults involved in USA Girl Scouts Overseas use the National Program portfolio GS Journeys and the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting, insignia, and uniforms as their Girl Scout sisters in stateside troops. USA Girl Scouts Overseas creates exciting options for learning, exploring, and appreciating the girls' new surroundings. Girl Scouting overseas is flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of a particular country or location. Girl Scout activities are offered in science, technology, sports, careers, leadership, computers, global awareness, and more. In addition, USA Girl Scouts Overseas provides girls the opportunity to experience firsthand the international Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting sisterhood.

Why become involved in USAGSO? toggle arrow

Families today are getting the chance to move overseas because of career choices, as well as for business, education, government, embassy, missionary, and other reasons. After the move, Girl Scouting is a great place for girls to learn about their new culture, develop leadership skills, have fun, and make friendships that may not only last a lifetime, but also span the globe. Girl Scouting is the common denominator for girls no matter where they move in the world.

How can adults get involved? toggle arrow

Volunteer adult leadership is essential to the Girl Scouts Overseas. Many volunteer opportunities are available for adults interested in making a difference in a young girl's life, including working directly with girls as leaders or offering administrative support to troops.

For those family members prohibited from working in a foreign country because of its laws, Girl Scouting is the perfect place to share your expertise and increase your skills in a particular area of interest. Please contact USA Girl Scouts Overseas for more information on volunteer opportunities with your overseas committee.