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Girl Scouts of the USA conducted 18 months of open discussion about membership levels and their names, all across the country. They involved thousands of girls, volunteers and council staff members. 

After a careful review of the feedback, on 26 Aug 2006, in its first major vote moving forward with program changes based on the new Core Business Strategy, the Board approved these levels and names, and a new dress code and requirements and options for uniforms, to effective in Oct 2008.

This is just the first step in GSUSA's plan to revitalize Girl Scouting so it remains the foremost leadership development program for girls.

Membership Groupings,
Effective Oct 2008

Grades K-1: Girl Scout Daisy
Grades 2-3:  Girl Scout Brownie
Grades 4-5:  Girl Scout Junior
Grades 6-8:  Girl Scout Cadette
Grades 9-10: Girl Scout Senior
Grades 11-12: Girl Scout Ambassador

Uniforms, effective Oct 2008

Girl Scouts at each level will have one official uniform item (tunic, vest, sash) for the display of official pins and awards. This uniform item and the new dress code described below will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

An official dress code will unite us and identify us all as Girl Scouts:

• Girls will wear solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts with their official uniform item.

• Adults will wear a scarf (women) or a tie (men) with the membership pins, with navy business attire.

The following will also be available:

• full uniform ensembles for Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies

• scarf for girls in high school, in the WAGGGS tradition

• casual wear for girls and adults

National Program Renewal FAQs

Will girls change troops to conform to new levels?
The transition to new levels begins in Oct 2008 and will be a progression over time, rather than a sharp cutoff date. This is in the best interests of the girls. 

How will Silver and Gold Awards change?
Silver and Gold Awards will remain the same nationwide. However, each council has somewhat different volunteer and girl support systems for them.  After the councils merge, we will use the best practices from each council. 

Will girls have a choice between scarves and vests?
Will we limit tank tops,etc?  Do adults wear a white blouses and shirts?  Will old uniforms still be valid?
GSUSA will issue more detailed guidelines when the new uniform requirements take effect in Oct 2008. Historically, previous uniforms have been considered appropriate after uniform changes.

Why not start the GS year in Sep, instead of Oct?
GSUSA recommends that all councils start Oct 1, the beginning of GSUSA's fiscal year.

What will happen if our school's grades don't correspond to GSUSA's new program levels?
GSUSA's intention is to group girls as they identify themselves socially.  If they identify with a slightly different grade grouping than is in the new levels, we will be able to make exceptions.

Will girls with special needs be grouped by their ages or by their grades?
GSUSA based the new levels on grades, as the best indicator of a girl's social development.  We expect to place girls with special needs in their grade level.