Our Story

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) was established on May 1, 2008 after the merger of six Wisconsin Councils. Our programs offer the world’s best leadership experience designed specifically for girls’ needs, differentiated by grade level from kindergarten through high school, with flexible pathways for participation. Girls may join Girl Scouts by enrolling in a troop, attending local or regional events, participating is a series, traveling, going to camp, or partaking in virtual online programs. These opportunities allow for girls to discover their strengths, connect with others, and act to improve their communities. To bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to life, activities are led by girls themselves, feature cooperative learning, and highlight learning by doing. Girls come up with their own ideas, build teams, and experience the joy of making a positive impact. In partnership with over 6,000 dedicated adult volunteers, we serve 18,000 girls aged 5-17 in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Specifically, in the Appleton area, we serve over 4,000 girl members a year. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, through key programs that focus on life skills, entrepreneurship, and making the world a better place.