Updated August 7, 2021 – Reflect new version of the Blue Book & GS Learn
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W
A-B
ACH (Automatic Clearing House)
An electronic banking network used for direct deposit and electronic bill payment. Troops simply deposit all money collected from Fall Product Program or the Cookie Program into their troop’s bank account.
ACH Sweep
Money due to the council must be in the bank a minimum of one week prior to the payment due. As a general rule, keep troop money separate from the troop leader’s personal money.
Ambassadors
Girls in grades 11-12 who are registered with GSUSA.
Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of voting members called Delegates who conduct business essential to the Council and elect the Board of Directors and Officers.
Baden-Powell, Lord and Lady
Lord Baden-Powel was the founder of the Boy Scouts and Lady Baden-Powel was the first Chief World Guide of the Girl Guides. Their joint birthday is on February 22, which is referred to as World Thinking Day.
Badge
Upon successful completion of certain requirements, a Girl Scout man year a badge. These are worn on the front of her sash, tunic, or vest. Badges are recognitions earned by a girl to indicate she is prepared to use new knowledge and skills to serve and teach others.
Blue Book of Basic Documents
This publication contains all of the basic documents of GSUSA. It is the foundation for the work of all Girl Scout councils.
Board of Directors
Elected volunteers who are governing body of the council responsible for finances, strategic direction and planning, and supervise the CEO.
Bridging
The act of moving up from one Girl Scout level to the next. Girls usually cross a bridge during a ceremony to symbolize the transition. National Bridging Week is celebrated the first week in May.
Bridging Ceremony
A ceremony that celebrates the transition from one level in Girl Scouting to the next.
Brownies
Girls in grades 2-3 who are registered with GSUSA.
Brownie Wings
The patch girls get for “flying up” to Juniors from Brownies.
Brownie Ring
A circle formed by members of a Brownie troop for discussing troop business and planning activities.
Buddy System
A safety practice that allows two girls of equal ability to move about and keep track of each other.
C
Cadettes
Girls in grades 6-8 who are registered with GSUSA.
Camp CEO
A retreat that connects high school Girl Scouts with accomplished female professionals through team-building and skill sharing in a relaxed camp setting. Girls will have the opportunity to learn leadership and life lessons while the women mentor and inspire the young leaders of tomorrow.
Camp Ranger
A person who maintains the property of the Council campgrounds and may assist guests upon their arrival and departure.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A professional staff member responsible for the total management and administration of Council operations. The CEO reports and is accountable to the Board of Directors.
Closing
A ceremony that finalize the meeting, with expectations for the next. A closing ceremony may be as simple as a hand squeeze while standing in a circle.
Cookie Cupboard
Open during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, volunteers come to designated locations to pick up additional cookies for the girls to sell.
Cookie Dough
Girls can use Cookie Dough which is earned through the cookie program towards annual membership dues, council sponsored activities, resident camp, GSUSA Destinations and Girl Scout merchandise from the council store.
Community Organizer
A volunteer appointed by staff to manage the work of the Community.
Constituencies
The Board of Directors establishes groups of troops (community or other categories as determined by the Board) and such groups are referred to as Constituencies.
Core Business Strategy
A nationally inspired process that began in 2004 that will ensure Girl Scouting is the preeminent leadership experience for girls.
Core Camp
A camp attended by troop and their leaders, where a core staff offers program activities and the girls do activities with their troop leader.
Core Staff
Persons designated by the local Girl Scout council to help girls and leaders/advisors carry out their specific group camping plans at a given Girl Scout campsite, for example, site director.
Council
The entire body of registered girl and adult members in a given geographical area. Our Council Code is 430.
Court of Awards
A ceremony that may be held any time during the year. This is where badges, recognitions and awards are presented for the girls achievements.
Counselor in Training (CIT)
A qualified Senior or Ambassador who has taken a course to learn outdoor group leadership skills.
D
Daisy
The nickname for Juliette Gordon Low. Also the first grade level in Girl Scouting for girls in grades K-1 who are registered with GSUSA.
Day Camping
Camping durning a day or within a 12-hour program, girls from different troops sign up as individual and go through the camping experience in temporary groups. The girls and staff plan and carry out activities.
Digital Cookie
Customers can order their faves online, pay by credit card, and have cookies shipped right to their home or have girl delivery.
Delegates
Registered adults and girls (14 years and older) who are elected as representatives of a service unit. Delegates vote on policies of the Council. The number of Delegates is usually determined by girl membership in each service unit.
Destinations
Girl Scout activities/trips that go beyond the troop/group. They are national and international events that lead to broader perspectives for individual members.
Dunk Bag
A mesh bag with a drawstring, used to sterilize utensils and plates when washing dishes at camp.
E-F
eBudde
Online management system to help Service Units and Troops manage the cookie program.
Extended Trip
A trip lasting more than three nights, Council approval is required.
Facilitating Adult Learning
A five hour course delivered to volunteers who want to become learning facilitators.
Family Partnership
A GCNWI’s annual giving campaign that raises funds to keep Girl Scouting accessible to all. Powered by generous donations from our members, families, and volunteers, Family Partnership helps provide financial assistance to members in need; training and support for adult volunteers; and innovations to our camps and properties.
First Aid Kit
A basic First Aid Kit is part of every Troop Kit and should be available at every Girl Scout meeting or function.
First-Aider
An adult who has completed approved first-aid training from a nationally recognized organization.
Flag Ceremony
A Girl Scout ceremony involving not only the American flag, but the WAGGGS, Council, and Troop flags as well.
Fly-Up Ceremony
This is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings.
Founders Day
The day Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday, October 31st, is celebrated.
Friendship Tie or Knot
There are two versions of the tie. Both are knotted and tied together to represent the Promise and Law. Once made, the tie is given away as a gift.
Friendship Circle
Often formed at the end of meetings or outing as a sort of closing ceremony. This symbolize equality and an unbroken chain of friendship for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide. The chosen girl starts the friendship squeeze which is passed from hand to hand to her right. The next girl then moves her right foot forward towards the center of the circle. This will continue till the squeeze comes back to the first girl, then everyone raises their arms with hands still connected high above their heads and turns under their right arm. If this is done correctly, everyone is now facing outward with their hands uncrossed but still connected behind their backs. Each girl will then release hands and walk away, signaling that the ceremony or meeting is over.
Fun Patch (or participation patch)
A woven or printed patch one gets for attending an event or location, sometimes for completing activities but not necessarily. These are NOT worn on the front of the vest, tunic, or sash; but can be sewn on the back or on blankets, jackets, tote bags, etc.
G
Gathering Place
Our current term for our council’s locations. Formerly called Illinois Crossroads or Hub.
Gift of Caring (GOC)
A service project to support local Girl Scouts and provide comfort to military personnel. Part of the council’s product programs.
Girl Guides
The term used to identify “Girl Scouts” in many countries. Agnes Baden-Powell, sister of the Boy Scouts’ founder, started the first Girl Guide troops in England.
G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)
A nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action.
Girl Led
Allowing girls to determine the course of the troop. Effort should be made to allow the girls to make as many decisions as possible, even if they result in failure. This can be as simple as choosing what to do at the meetings or as complex as planning a week long trip.
Girl Representatives
Older Girls, Cadette and above that have passion and want to influence council’s governance pros as a representative to their Board of Directors.
Girl Scout
Any person – girl, woman, or man – who registers annually or “lifetime” with GSUSA.
Girl Scouts’ Own
A girl-led program that allows girls to explore their feelings and beliefs around a topic (such as the importance of friendship or the personal meaning they get from the Girl Scout Promise and Law) using the spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other methods of expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
Girl Scout Birthday
March12, 1912, the date Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouting in Savannah, Georgia.
Girl Scout Handshake
A formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. You shake hands with the left hand and give the Girl Scout Sign with your right hand.
Girl Scout Law
This, along with the Girl Scout Promise, is the credo of Girl Scouting. A girl lives the 10 parts of the Law to fulfill the Promise.
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
The Girl Scout Program model, which engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Motto
Our motto is “Be prepared.” In the 1947 Girl Scout Handbook, the motto was explained this way: “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency.” The same ideas are true today.
Girl Scout Promise
A pledge made by each member, both girls and adults to live up to the ideals of Girl Scouting. A girl must make the pledge to become a Girl Scout member.
Girl Scout Sabbath/Sunday
Usually the same week as Girl Scout Week, a time for members to be recognized in their place of worship or to recognize the place of worship as a sponsor or a troop. Also an appropriate time for religious recognitions to be awarded to girl scouts exploring their “own faith”.
Girl Scout Sign
The idea of the sign came from the days of chivalry, when armed knights greeted friendly knights by raising the right hand, palm open, as a sign of friendship. To give the sign yourself, raise the three middle fingers of the right hand palm forward and shoulder high. The three extended fingers represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.
Girl Scout Slogan
This phrase has been used since 1912. It is “Do a good turn daily.” The slogan is a reminder of the many ways a girl can contribute positively to the lives of others.
Girl Scout Trefoil
Trefoil means three leaves. Each leaf in the traditional or stylized Girl Scout trefoil stands for a part of the Girl Scout Promise. Within the traditional Girl Scout trefoil is the American eagle and shield, which are part of the Great Seal of the United States of America. The eagle is a symbol of strength and victory, and the shield on the eagle’s breast signifies self-reliance. In its talons, it clutches on its right an olive branch, the symbol of peace, and on its left, a shaft of arrows, and the symbol of might. The eagle faces right, which is the position of honor, looking toward the symbol of peace. The eagle and shield within the trefoil signify that Girl Scouts stand ready to serve their country. The stylized Girl Scout trefoil, introduced in 1978, symbolizes both the contemporary and continuing commitment to the three-part Promise in its trefoil shape. The three faces stand for the diversity of Girl Scouting and its focus on girls.
Girl Scout Week
The week in which March 12, Girl Scout Birthday falls. Celebrates the first Girl Scout meeting in the United States in 1912.
Goal Getter Program
It’s an opportunity for girls to continue selling between Initial Order and Booth Sales so they can reach their goals and grow their cookie business!
Gold Award – Highest Award
The highest award in Girl Scouting. Earned as a Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout, this award culminates a girl’s experiences in the Girl Scout Movement.
Gold Award Advisor
A volunteer, typically a subject matter expert in the Gold Award project’s subject area. The advisor helps guid the project from the planning stage through implementation. The advisor is not a girl’s parent or a troop leader or volunteer. They are someone from the community who is knowledgeable about the issue and who can provide guidance, experience, and expertise along the way.
Gold Award Committee
A volunteer from our council’s community members, educators, key volunteers, and young women who have earned their Gold Award. The committee supports Seniors and Ambassadors as they go through the process of earning their Gold Award.
Gold Award Committee Mentor
A member of the Gold Award Committee who supports a girl and her Gold Award Advisor as the expert in the actual Gold Award process and product. The mentor is assigned at the proposal interview, and many be the person who conducted the proposal interview.
gsLearn
Volunteer Training offered online and in-person learning opportunities as well as the ability to track all your accomplishments! Learn at your own pace, access additional resources, and repeat info when you need it!
GS of GCNWI or GCNWI
Girl Scout of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana – the organization we are a part of. Referred to as “Council”.
GSUSA
Girl Scouts of the United States of America – also called “National” – the main office is in New York City.
H-J
Insignia (award)
The umbrella term for all Girl Scout earned grade level awards, religious awards, participation patches and pins. Girls wear earned awards and official insignia on the front of the Girl Scout uniform and participation “fun” patches on the back.
Investiture
This ceremony welcomes new members, girls or adults, into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls will receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time.
IPs (1980s-1998)
Interest Project Patches – what badges used to be called for older girls. You might still see these referred by some leaders.
Journeys
A book with a bunch of activities all based on a theme that leads the girls to a greater understanding of a topic. There are journeys for all levels. You don’t have to follow them exactly, do what works for your girls and adapt as needed.
Juliette Gordon Low (Daisy)
This is the founder of Girl Scout Movement in the United Sates.
Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Fund – Individual Giving
A GSUSA-operated fund that supports educational programs, service projects, training, and international travel to foster friendship among girls from the 145 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Juliettes or I.R.M. (Independently Registered Member)
Girls who are registered scouts but not attached to a troop. Girls can participate in any events and can choose their own activities and badges to work on.
Juniors
Girls in grades 4-5 who are registered with GSUSA.
K-L
Kaper Chart
A grid system or table showing the tasks to each girl or group of girls. This is useful for meetings, campouts, and other times when the Troop is together.
Keys
By using the three keys, girls are getting the most benefit from Girl Scouts. They are Discover, Connect and Take Action.
Leader Appreciation Day
On April 22nd every year is a day of appreciation for adult volunteers in Girl Scouting.
Leader Meetings
A meeting held within a defined geographic area that provides useful information and networking opportunities for adult volunteers. These are usually held monthly.
Leader in Training (LIT)
For Cadettes who mentors a Brownie troop on any of the Leadership Journeys.
Learning Facilitator
Registered adult volunteer who facilitates learning.
Learning Portal
See gsLearn.
Leave No Trace (minimal-impact camping)
Camping in which no trace of activities is left at the site. The physical landscape of the campsite is preserved, as well as the solitude and spirit of the wilderness. At an established site, the camper leaves the place cleaner than they found it and minimizes their impact on the Earth.
Lifetime Member
Granted to any person 18 years of age or older or a high school graduate. Discounted rate is offered to recent graduated high schoolers.
Loop Sites Sales
A Girl Scout tradition in downtown Chicago for several high-rise buildings and businesses to host cookie-selling troops in their lobbies from morning rush hour through the evening rush.
M-N
M2OS
Online management system to help Service Units and Troops manage the fall product program.
Members
Members are girls, adult volunteer members, and lifetime Girl Scouts who are joined together in the pursuit of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Member Services Specialist
A position at council to assist girl placement, general questions and support.
Mission Statement for GSUSA
We build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Also, the long term outcome in Girl Scouting.
My Account, formally MyGS
The only system for registering and updating memberships.
National Board of Directors
Elected volunteers who are the governing body of the Council responsible for finances, strategic direction and planning, and supervise the CEO.
National Council, The
The National Council is the membership body of Girl Scouts of the USA charged with providing input and broad direction to the future of the Girl Scout Movement.
National Council Delegate
A person 14 years of age or over, elected by a local Girl Scout council as voting member of the National Council.
National Headquarters
The Girl Scout national organization’s center of operations. In July 1992, GSUSA moved its national headquarters to New Your City.
O-P
Outcomes
A short term and immediate results we look for to demonstrate that our program is being used effectively.
Outdoor Essentials
Provides information regarding outdoor activities, planning, and training that is needed. Detail information of all the camps affiliated within our council.
Participation Patches and Pins
Supplementary insignia received by girls for participating in an event or activity. Girls wear participation “fun” patches and pins on the back of their Girl Scout uniform.
Pathways
The way girls may choose to participate in Girl Scouting, which are Troop, Camp, Travel, Events and Special Interest.
Patrol
Small group of girls that plans and carries out activities within the troop or larger group.
Patrol Leader
Elected or appointed leader of a troop or group patrol.
Patrol System
A form of troop government composed of patrols and a Court of Honor. Older troops often use the patrol system.
Petals
Awards earned by Girl Scout Daisies. Each petal is a different color and represents on elf the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law.
Pin Tab
Felt or ribbon strip where the insignia pins are pinned.
Program Aide (PA)
A Cadette Girl Scout who works directly with a troop or group under the supervision of an adult volunteer.
Promise Center
Award earned by Girl Scout Daisies. A girl receive this award after showing her troop leader she understands the Girl Scout Promise.
Q-R
Quiet Sign
Raising the right hand over your head to signal for attention and quiet at any Girl Scout gathering. When the hand goes up, mouths go quiet, and everyone joins in giving the quiet sign.
Rainbow Patch
Bridging patch for older girls, older versions were curved, newer ones are straight.
Rededication
A formal ceremony at which a girl or adult, who has been previously invested, renew her Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Resident Camp
A local Girl Scout council-sponsored camp where girls attend and stay over each night. They live in units and participate in programs with a staff of trained counselors.
S
Safety Activity Checkpoints (Safety-wise)
A safety document that complements Volunteer Essentials, and outline policies and guidelines for specific Girl Scouting activities like swimming, hiking, horseback riding, hayrides, and more!
Sash
A part of the Girl Scout uniform where the girl may display her Girl Scout recognitions and insignia.
Scout’s Own
Girl planned inspirational ceremony held at a troop meeting or at camp. It is an opportunity for girls to express their feelings about scouting or a topic of their choosing such as friendship, nature, being courageous. It can be whatever they want from songs, quotes, readings, or whatever is meaningful for them.
Senior
Girls in grades 9-10 who are registered with GSUSA.
Service Bars
Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who are passionate about giving back.
Service Project
At all levels of Girl Scouting, the girls are urged to give themselves to their communities. There are no remunerations for these projects.
Service Unit
A name many local Girl Scout councils give a specific geographic area and the Girl Scouts within it – all leaders, troops, and the girls there. A service unit also includes individual who give troop support. Formerly called Clusters, Reg Area, or Vista.
Service Unit Support Managers
A position at council that supports our Service Unit Team.
Service Unit Team
In many councils, a team of adults that facilitates service to girls through its volunteers in a geographic area. Usually on the team are the service unit manager, recruiter, finance, fall product chair and cookie product chair.
Silver Award
The second highest award in Girl Scouting, earned by Cadette Girl Scouts.
Sit-Upon
A cushion often made by Girl Scouts to sit on when the ground is damp or to prevent their clothes from becoming soiled.
S’mores
A favorite campfire treat consisting of graham crackers, chocolate bars and toasted marshmallows. National S’mores Day is on August 10th.
Studio 2B (2002-2011)
A short lived program for Cadettes and Seniors. Apparently badges were out and girls earned charms for bracelets.
SWAPs (Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere)
Small tokens of friendship that Girl Scouts can make and exchange with other Girl Scouts they meet. Often handed out when girls travel or hold group activities.
T
Tagalong
A non-registered child attending a Girl Scouting event.
TAP (Take Action Project)
Take Action Project picks up where a short term Community Service Project leaves off. Girls take time to identify and understand the root cause of the issue they are addressing. Project must be sustainable and the impact measurable.
Thinking Day
February 22nd is a day used by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world to think of each other and exchange greetings, learn about other countries, and give to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. It is the co-birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.
Trippers or Tripper Troop
Tripper is actually what it is. Tripper Troops do outings, camping, and events together (or individual) and occasionally meet but not necessary. Although selling cookies will help with troop funds, again not necessary. Trippers do not need to work on Journey Books, Badges, or work on the highest award unless individual girls are interested. By registering as a troop, girls will be covered by GSUSA insurance.
Troop or Trip Camping
When girls and their leaders camp as a troop. Training is required for at least one of the adults participating before the troop camps.
Troop Annual Detail Survey
An online tool that matches interested girls and adult members to troops. Troops are asked to update annually.
Troop Annual Financial Report
A form filled annually out by each troop to summarize the income and expenses for the year.
Troop Support Specialist
A position at council to aid new leaders and bridging troops in a Service Unit.
Troop Government
Methods by which the girls and adults together manage the troop in a democratic way.
Try-its Badges (1986-1999)
Retired Brownie Badges. Girls can still earn these badges from third parties.
Torch Award
An Award for older girls that recognizes a Girl Scout who acts as leader in her community.
Trailblazer Pin
Trailblazer program provides teen Girl Scouts, grades 8 to 12, an opportunity to engage deeply in high-adventure outdoor activities.
Tunic
A part of the Girl Scout Daisy uniform where the girl may display her Girl Scout recognitions and insignia.
U-V
Unify
Online management system to help Service Units and Troops manage the fall product program.
USA Girl Scouts Overseas
GSUSA’s overseas arm, which delivers the Girl Scout Program to American girls and girls attending American or International schools outside the continental US. Formerly called Troops on Foreign Soil (TOFS).
Vest
A part of the Girl Scout uniform where the girl may display her Girl Scout recognitions and insignia.
Volunteer Essentials
Volunteer Essentials is a national resource, customized by each council, containing vital information regarding Girl Scout operations.
Volunteer in Training (VIT)
A qualified Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador who has taken a course to learn group leadership skills.
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
A digital tool to help you plan your Girl Scout year. Find resources to complete Journeys, badges, and awards. You can select a meeting-by-meeting year plan or customize your own. You can also use VTK to view your troop roster, send meeting reminders, and track meeting attendance..
W
WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts)
Set up in 1928, this voluntary educational organization is based on values and open to all girls without distinction as to creed, race, nationality, or other circumstances. The World Association serves over 10 million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 145 countries. The mission of WAGGGS is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.
Wide Game
A themed event with a number of stations. Groups rotate between the stations, completing activities at each one.
World Association Pin Membership
Pin of WAGGGS worn by Girl Scouts (except Daisy Girl Scouts) and Girl Guides. It is not earned, but, given at a special ceremony such as Thinking Day. The recipient should know what the pin symbolizes.
World Centers
These facilities owned and run by WAGGGS are for the use of visiting Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. They are known as: Pax Lodge, UK; Our Cabaña, Mexico; Our Chalet, Switzerland; Kusafrii, Africa; and Sangam, India.
Service Unit 402 