The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) is a youth organization in Commack, New York for girls that live in Suffolk County, New York.
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County opened in 1968 and is the one of the largest youth-serving agency on Long Island, serving more than 40,000 girls and 7,000 adult volunteers. One of every four girls in grades K through 12 in Suffolk County is a Girl Scout.
Levels[]
- Daisy (Grades K-1)
- Brownie (Grades 2-3)
- Junior (Grades 4-5)
- Cadette (Grades 6-8)
- Senior (Grades 9-10)
- Ambassador (Grades 11-12)
Girl Sprouts[]
Preschool is an exciting place to be! You meet new friends, try new things and have a lot of fun preparing for kindergarten. It also presents lots of opportunities to learn about being a good friend and helping others.
Girl Sprouts is a fun, educational program designed to introduce preschool age girls to the values that will help them thrive—the values of Girl Scouts. For over 100 years, our mission has been to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
The Girl Sprouts Activity Booklet walks you and your girl through a flower garden where she will participate in five skill building activities that will increase her confidence and prepare her for kindergarten and Girl Scouts.
Daisies[]
Daisy GS Saige
Daisy is the initial level of Girl Scouting. Named for Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low, they are in kindergarten and first grade (around ages 5–7). They typically meet in groups of ten girls with two adult leaders who help the girls plan activities to introduce them to Girl Scouts.
Daisies earn the Promise Center and Petals, which focus on the Girl Scout Law and are placed on the front of the tunic in a daisy design. They also earn Leaves and Journey Leadership Awards. Their uniform consists of a light blue tunic. They may also wear their tunic with a white shirt and khaki bottoms or with an official Girl Scout Daisy uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Star is worn with blue membership disks and they wear the Girl Scout Daisy Membership Pin.
Daisies use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Daisies and the National Leadership Journeys to work on activities, may camp only with a parent present, and have the option to sell Girl Scout cookies. They may earn the Daisy Safety Award and the Bridge to Brownies Award.
Brownies[]
Julianne Calamia at her bridging ceremony from Daisy to Brownie in 2016
Brownies are in second and third grades (around ages 7–9) and earn triangular shaped Brownie Leadership Journey Awards and National Proficiency Badges. Their uniform consists of a brown vest or sash which may be worn with a white shirt and khaki bottoms or with an official Brownie uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Star is worn with green membership disks, and they wear the Brownie Membership Pin.
Brownies use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Brownies and the National Leadership Journeys to work on badges and activities. They may earn the Bridge to Juniors Award and the Brownie Safety Award.
Unlike some of the other levels, the name Brownie is commonly used with Girl Scout/Girl Guide organizations around the world and has its origin from Brownies in the British Girl Guides.
Juniors[]
Juniors are in fourth and fifth grades (around ages 9–11). Their uniform is a green vest or sash which may be worn with a white shirt and khaki bottoms.
Juniors are the first level to wear the official Girl Scout Membership Pin on their uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Star is worn with yellow membership disks. They use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Juniors and the National Leadership Journeys to work on badges and activities. They earn circle shaped Junior Leadership Journey Awards and National Proficiency Badges. Badges require more skill at this level as the girls gain proficiency. They may earn the Girl Scout Junior Safety Award, the Junior Aide Award, and the Bridge to Cadettes Award.
Juniors are eligible to earn the Bronze Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting available at this level.
Cadettes[]
Cadette Troop 288
Cadettes are Girl Scouts who are in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades (around ages 11–14). Their uniform is a khaki vest or sash with white shirts and khaki bottoms. They wear the official Girl Scout Membership Pin on their uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Star is worn with white membership disks.
Cadettes use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Cadettes and the National Leadership Journeys to earn diamond shaped badges. Typically, Girl Scouts at this level are encouraged to assume leadership roles within them, such as assisting in leading and coordinating service unit or association events. They may also earn the Cadette Program Aide award, the Cadette Community Service Bar, the Cadette Service to Girl Scouting Bar, the Cadette Safety Award and the Bridge to Senior Award. They are eligible to earn the Silver Award, which is the highest award available to girls at this level.
Seniors[]
2017 Gold Award Olivia Kerarse
Seniors are Girl Scouts who are in ninth and tenth grade (around ages 14–16). Their wear the same uniform as Cadettes—however, the disks for their membership stars are red and their badges are a rectangular shape.
Seniors use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Seniors and the National Leadership Journeys to earn badges. They are typically encouraged to create and lead activities for the younger Girl Scouts, and to take a leadership role in organizing and assisting with Council and service unit/association events and activities. They may earn the Counselor-in-Training (CIT), the Volunteer-in-Training (VIT), the Girl Scout Senior Safety Award, the Gold Torch Award, the Senior Community Service Bar, the Senior Service to Girl Scouting Bar and the Bridge to Girl Scout Ambassador award.
Seniors are eligible to earn the Gold Award.
Ambassadors[]
2015 Gold Award Alanna Janet
Ambassadors are Girl Scouts who are in eleventh and twelfth grade (around ages 16-18). They wear the same khaki colored vest or sash as Cadettes and Seniors. The Girl Scout Membership Star is worn with navy membership disks.
Ambassadors use the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for Ambassadors and the National Leadership Journeys to earn badges that are shaped like an octagon. They may earn the Counselor-in-Training (CIT), the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) II, the Volunteer-in-Training (VIT), the Ambassador Community Service Bar, the Ambassador Service to Girl Scouting Bar, the Gold Torch Award, the Ambassador Safety Award, and the Bridge to Adult Award.
Ambassadors are eligible to earn the Gold Award.
Girl Scout Promise[]
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scout Law[]
I will do my best to be
Honest and Fair,
Friendly and Helpful,
Considerate and Caring,
Courageous and Strong, and
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to
respect myself and others,
respect authority, use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout
Lead Like A Girl Scout[]
While some people still think of us as just cookies, badges, campfires, and friendship bracelets, Girl Scouts are so much more.
Girl Scouts are groundbreakers, big thinkers, and role models.
Girl Scouts design robots, start garage bands, and improve their communities—and yes, they sell the best cookies on the planet.
When she's a Girl Scout, she’s also a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™.
Go-getter She’s bold, honest, and determined to succeed. Goal oriented and ambitious, she’s also a life-long learner who believes no challenge is too difficult!
Innovator Thinking outside the box is her specialty, so she’s always looking for a creative way to take action. She definitely knows how to get things done.
Risk-taker Courageous and strong, she’s keen to try new things and to embrace the unfamiliar. She’s ready to step up and break the mold if that’s what it takes.
Leader She’s confident, responsible, and committed to changing the world for the better—and she’s happiest when others join her in taking the lead!
These are the traits that define girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. This is the Girl Scout DNA.
Camps[]
- Camp Edey is 95 acres (380,000 m2) in Bayport, New York
- Camp Sobaco is 34 acres (140,000 m2) in Yaphank, New York
Cookies[]
When you buy a box of delicious Girl Scout Cookies, you help power new, unique, and amazing experiences for every awesome G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ in your community who sells these purpose-filled treats—SWEET!
Meet the Cookies[]
Speciality Cookies[]
For Cookie Sellers[]
When you sell Girl Scout Cookies, you're doing more than just helping your customers stock up on delicious treats (and having lots of fun). You're doing it with a goal in mind. Whether that goal is a pizza party, a community service project, or your first overnight camping trip with your troop, you know how many boxes you need to sell to make it happen.
But did you know that you're also part of a huge business, one that's run by girls just like you all over the country? In fact, you’re part of the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program for girls In the world. Being a Girl Scout Cookie professional gives you skills essential for success both now and later:
Goal Setting
Decision Making
Money Management
People Skills
Business Ethics
Girl Scout History and Milestones[]
- 1912 - The first Girl Scout troop is organized by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia.
- 1915 - The first troop in Suffolk and Long Island, and the 12th in the nation, is organized in Huntington.
- 1930 - Birdsall Otis Edey, noted environmentalist from Bellport, becomes the first and only Long Islander elected president of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
- 1935 - Seven individual councils begin delivering Girl Scout programs in Suffolk County.
- 1968 - Suffolk County Girl Scout Council is created and chartered, consolidating all Suffolk units into a centralized service delivery organization. The council opens in a small office in Smithtown.
- 1973 - Council Headquarters in Commack officially opens its doors.
- 1980 - Troop House, the first major winterized camp building opens at Camp Edey.
- 1988 - The mortgage is paid off on Camp Edey, and plans are drafted for a new dining hall on site.
- 1989 - Two satellite offices open to serve the east end of Long Island.
- 1990 - The Juliette Low Friendship Center officially opens at Camp Edey and in-ground pool completed at Camp Sobaco.
- 1991 - On-site ranger living quarters are established at Camp Sobaco.
- 1994 - A ranger residence is built at Camp Edey and first in-ground pool is completed.
- 1995 - A satellite office opens in Bayport.
- 1996 - The Betty Jane Horowitz Welcome Center opens at Camp Edey.
- 1997 - East End Office purchased, renovated and opens in Riverhead.
- 1998 - Celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
- 1999 - "In Katie's Care," a winterized year-round respite center, opens at Camp Sobaco.
- 2000 - Major expansion to Council Main Office in Commack completed.
- 2000 - A second in-ground swimming pool is built at Camp Edey.
- 2002 - "Girl Scouts Love New York" September 11th Memorial Patch Program is officially entered into the U.S. Congressional Record and receives international attention.
- 2003 - Operation: Cookie begins sending Girl Scout Cookies to soldiers overseas.
- 2004 - Debut of Winter Wonderland, Suffolk County's largest Holiday Light Show.
- 2005 - Girl Scouts make "Wish Bracelets" to help support Hurricane relief.
- 2009 - An all-new Energy Star efficient Betty Jane Horowitz Welcome Center opened its doors at Camp Edey.
- 2011 - Moreland Road is re-named Girl Scout Way.
- 2012 - Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary Celebration begins.
- 2014 - Discovery World STEM Center opens at Camp Sobaco in Yaphank
- 2016 - Celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Camp Edey at Camporee 2016
- 2018 - Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Journeys[]
We know she wants to make a difference in the world—and have fun doing it. She’ll do just that through Girl Scout Leadership Journeys.
She’ll team up with friends to:
- Identify a problem they want to do something about
- Come up with a creative solution
- Create a team plan to make that solution a reality
- Put their plan into action
- Talk about what they learned—and what they’ll do next!
There are three series of Journeys to choose from at every grade level:
- It’s Your Story—Tell It!
- It’s Your Planet—Love It!
- It’s Your World—Change It!
She’ll pick the Journey topic that interests her most, whether it’s caring for animals, helping others get healthy and fit, spreading kindness, saving the planet, taking a stand for girls, creating community—or any other issue that’s really important to her.
As she goes on her Journey, she’ll earn awards to put on her uniform. They’ll let others know about the awesome things she’s done—and remind her of what she accomplished and the fun she had along the way.
Badges[]
Girl Scout badges are a great way for a girl to explore her interests and learn new skills—and to remember every adventure and show the world what she’s accomplished.
| Badge | Level |
|---|---|
Promise Center and Petals
  |
Girl Scout Daisies earn the Promise Center by saying the Girl Scout Promise and talking about what it means to them. |
Bugs Badge
  |
Explore the world of bugs and learn more about these little creatures that do so much.
When you've earned this badge, you'll know all about bugs. |
Horseback Riding Badge
  |
Find out about horse behavior and riding basics.
When you've earned this badge, you’ll know what it takes to be a good rider—from understanding horse body language to controlling the horse’s speed while you're riding. |
Archery Badge
  |
Find out about archery, an exciting sport that takes strength, focus, good form, and practice.
When you’ve earned this badge, you’ll know how to take aim outdoors with your archery skills. |
Voice for Animals
  |
Find out about the complex relationship between animals and humans so you can make informed choices and help others make them too.
When you've earned this badge, you'll better understand animal issues worldwide and know what you can do to help. |
Water Badge
  |
Girl Scout Ambassadors learn about deep water - from its scientific origins to the joy of splashing around. |
[]
Awards & Scholarships[]
Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn.
All three awards give you the chance to do big things while supporting an issue you care about. You might plant a community garden at your school or inspire others to eat healthy foods for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold. Whatever you choose, you’ll inspire others (and yourself).
Bronze Award[]
The Bronze Award is the third highest award in Girl Scouts of the USA. It was introduced by GSUSA in 2001, and can only be earned by Junior Scouts.
Girl Scout Juniors can pursue the Bronze Award if: []
- They're in fourth or fifth grade (equivalent)
- A registered Girl Scout Junior
- They have completed a Junior Journey
Girl Scout Bronze Award Steps []
- Build your Girl Scout Junior team
- Explore your community
- Choose your Bronze Award project
- Make a plan
- Put your plan in motion
- Spread the word
Silver Award[]
The Silver Award is the second highest award of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and the highest award that a Cadette Scout can earn.
Girl Scout Cadettes can pursue the Silver Award if:[]
- They're in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade (or equivalent)
- A registered Girl Scout Cadette
- They have completed a Cadette Journey
Girl Scout Silver Award Steps []
- Identify an issue you care about
- Build your Girl Scout Silver Award team or decide to go solo
- Explore your community
- Pick your Silver Award project
- Develop your project
- Make a plan and put it into motion
- Reflect, share your story, and celebrate
Gold Award[]
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It is awarded to Girl Scout Seniors or Ambassadors who complete a project that will make a lasting difference in the world.
Girl Scout Seniors or Ambassadors can pursue the Gold Award if: []
- They're in high school (Grades 9-12)
- A registered Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador
- They have completed two Senior or Ambassador Journeys OR earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and completed a Journey
Girl Scout Gold Award Steps []
- Identify an issue
- Investigate your issue thoroughly
- Get help and build your team
- Create a plan
- Present your plan and gather feedback
- Take action
- Educate and inspire
KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship[]
The KPMG Future Leaders Program is an annual charitable initiative focused on developing future generations of women leaders. Funded by proceeds from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, the program affords top female high school seniors, selected by the Office of Condoleezza Rice, the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships, a leadership development retreat at Stanford University, a mentor for one year, and an introduction to golf. The program’s main purpose is to help these young women continue to build a strong foundation and instill the confidence and leadership ability they need to succeed in college and ultimately in their long-term careers.
Gallery[]
