Girl Scout Glossary | Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

A

Ambassador	A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Ambassadors are in grades 11 and 12.
A.L.E.	Adult Learning Experience - It’s Girl Scout Camp for Grown-ups. Just like Girl Scout camp is a place for girls to learn by doing, try new things, and make new friends, A.L.E. is a super weekend of adult learning, stretching and flying high. A.L.E. is scheduled during the first or second week of August annually. Check “Events” for the next scheduled A.L.E.
ALF	Adult Learning Facilitator. One who guides the learning process.
Alumnae	Female adult who had a Girl Scout experience as a girl, volunteer, or as a staff member.
Annual Meeting	The yearly meeting local Girl Scout council holds to elect its board of directors and conduct other business essential to Girl Scouting in its geographic area. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio holds its Annual Meeting between March 1 and April 30 each year, pursuant to the bylaws.
Awards	See Insignia.

B

Baden-Powell, Robert	Lord Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guide Movements for boys and girls. Olav, his wife, was the first World Chief Guide.
Badges	Embroidered Girl Scout earned proficiency badges. Used to indicate increased knowledge and skills in a particular subject.
Badges vs. Patches	Badges are awards given to girls once they’ve completed all badge requirements and vary for each age level. Badges are to be placed on the front of the girls’ vests or sashes. Patches, often referred to as “fun patches” represent fun activities that troops can participate in that are not designated as official GSUSA activities or requirements. Patches are placed on the back of the girls’ vests or sashes.
Birthplace	The Savannah, Georgia birthplace and childhood home of Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA. The Birthplace is now a historic house museum and Girl Scout troop program facility. See also Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout National Center.
Board Level Awards	The perfect way to celebrate individuals whose continuing service and commitment have made a difference in Girl Scouting is to nominate them for a Board Level Award. GSUSA offers the following awards for adults who have delivered outstanding service to our organization. The Board Level Awards are as follows: Awards are as follows: Appreciation Pin: recognizes a registered adult volunteer or staff member who has delivered outstanding service to at least one Service Unit or program delivery audience. GSNEO Award: The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Award recognizes any registered Adult Girl Scout giving outstanding service to a Council-wide assignment, committee, or whose service and dediation impacts the success and development of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. GSNEO Forever Green Award: This award may be presented to Volunteers who are nominated after having received the Appreciation, Honor, Thanks Badge, and Thanks Badge II. Honor Pin: recognizes a registered adult volunteer or staff member who has delivered outstanding service to two or more Service Units or program delivery audiences. Thanks Badge: recognizes a registered adult volunteer or staff member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Thanks II Badge: The candidate has already received the Thanks Badge and has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement (performing at the same high level for an extended period of time).
Board of Directors	See National Board of Directors.
Bridging	When girls move from one program grade level to the next; may include an award for the girls completing the bridging award requirements, and likely will include a ceremony.
Bridging Activities	Activities preparing members for the next Girl Scout grade-level or transition into the use of different grade-level resources. The bridging frequently involves completing an activity done by girls in the upcoming grade-level. A ceremony is then held to mark the transition from one grade level to the next.
Bridging Ceremony	Ceremony celebrating the transition from one program grade level to the next.
Bronze Award	The highest award Girl Scout Juniors can earn. Earned by girls in the 4th–5th grades. It recognizes efforts in a wide range of Girl Scout experiences and a commitment to working to better ones’ life and the lives of others.
Brownie	A Girl Scout Brownie is a Girl Scout in 2nd and 3rd grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting.
Brownie Ring	Form of troop government used by Girl Scout Brownies. The girls sit in a circle; all share in planning, problem solving, and decision-making.
Buddy System	Safety practice that groups two or three girls together to keep watch over each other in an activity (for example, swimming, hiking). The system places girls of equal ability in the same group.

C

Cadette	A Girl Scout Cadette is a Girl Scout in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting.
CBC	Criminal Background Check. Must be conducted through GSNEO.
Campout	Overnight camping with outdoor trained and experienced volunteer leaders.
CEO	Chief Executive Officer – The head administrative officer for the entire Council.
CFO	Chief Financial Officer, corporate officer primarily responsible for managing the financial risks of the corporation.
Circles	Physical formations to help create an inclusive “safe space.”
Color Guard	Girl Scouts who carry, guard, raise, and/or lower the flag.
COO	Chief Operating Officer, is one of the highest-ranking executive positions in an organization, comprising part of the “C-Suite.”
Cookie Program Business Skills	These are the 5 skills every girl learns by participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s financial empowerment: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Decision Making; (3) Money Management; (4) People Skills; and (5) Business Ethics.
Core Business Strategy	Provides a vision for the transformation of Girl Scouting by creating one consistent national leadership experience for girls that ties activities to outcomes. The strategy calls for closing the gap between the “present state” and a desired “future state.” Many of the changes in the future state relate to taking Girl Scouts’ past strengths and traditions and focusing renewed energy on them.
CORE Camp	Camping event for troops which the council provides the site, facilities, and administrative and program staff.
Council	Corporation chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA that is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of Girl Scouting in a defined geographic area.
Counselor in Training (CIT)	Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador who has taken a training course to learn camp counselor skills.
Court of Awards	Ceremony to distribute earned awards and recognitions to Girl Scouts.
Court of Honor	Troop/group decision-making and planning body that represents all members of the troop/group. Composed of patrol leaders, troop/group officers, and leaders/advisors.

D

Daisy	A Girl Scout Daisy is a Girl Scout in kindergarten and 1st grade. The nickname of Juliette Gordon Low. One of six levels of Girl Scouting.
Daisy Circle	Girl Scout Daisy’s introduction to troop government where she learns the formal group decision-making process.
Day Camp	Program conducted within a 12-hour period for a minimum of 2 days. Girls register as individual participants and are placed in temporary units for program activities. Day camping also includes programs run at urban centers, city centers, and schools.
Delegate	See National Council delegate, Girl Scout delegate.
Dessert First	The sweetest benefit, Dessert First, supporting the 40,000 girls and adult members of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is held every two years in the fall. Dessert First includes a dessert competition with over a dozen chefs from your favorite Northeast Ohio restaurants, live and silent auctions and more!
Destinations	Trip or event beyond girls’ own troops and councils. Destinations fall into one of five different categories: international, outdoor, science, people, or getaways. All destinations events provide an opportunity for individual members to broaden their perspectives and give Girl Scouting enhanced visibility.
Digital Cookie	The Digital Cookie platform allows girls to customize the way they learn and earn during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, using technology in new and engaging ways, all while earning cool cookie business badges along the way.

E

Earned Grade-Level Awards	Insignia from Girl Scout grade-level books. Earned by completing requirements or be demonstrating an understanding of a concept. Included in this category are such awards as Girl Scout grade-level badges, the Girl Scout Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.
E-Budde	GSNEO's database system for all information related to the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
E-Learning	Electronic learning opportunities; Internet, webinars, etc.
Emergency Contact Person	Person to call in an emergency or for guidance and advice who is not at the activity or function. This person should have all pertinent information to assist in an emergency.
Encampment	Camp events hosted and managed by each Service Unit.
Edith Macy Conference Center	A year-round, training facility located in Briarcliff, NY, providing professional development courses for Girl Scout adults.
Excursion	A group trip away from a day or resident base camp, which extends not longer than two days and one night and has a particular point of interest as its destination. The group and its leader plan and carry out the trip.
Extended Trip	A trip lasting more than three nights (may require a health examination as well as a health history, local Girl Scout council approval, and additional insurance coverage). >>Extended and International Trip Application

F

Facilitator	Individual skilled in helping adults learn. A specially trained volunteer who conducts learning opportunities at the council level.
Fall Product Program	Previously known as Magazine & Snack Program (MSP). This product sale begins in the fall, typically September/October and allows troops to earn additional money. The products include a variety of nuts, chocolates, magazines, Tervis Tumblers, BarkBoxes, personalized products, and candles.
First Aider	Adult who has completed training and is currently certified in pediatric, and/or adult first aid/CPR.
Fly-Up Ceremony	When Brownies bridge to Juniors, it’s called “Flying Up.” This is how they earn their Brownie wings. Girls who fly up from Brownies can wear their wings on their vest/sash at every future program grade level.
Founder's Day	The birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts, October 31.
Friendship Circle	Symbolic gesture in which Girl Scouts form a circle by clasping each others’ hands, right arm over the left arm and sing a song. Often used as a closing ceremony.
Friendship Squeeze	Occurs within a Friendship Circle. One person gently squeezes the hand of the next person and the squeeze is silently passed around the circle.
Fund Raising	Annual giving events and fund raising programs run by adults in the Council.

G

Girl Guide	Original name for Girl Scouts which is still used in World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) member countries around the world.
Girl Led	Girls play an active role in planning activities, while adults provide guidance, ensuring that planning, organization, and set-up are age-appropriate. Evaluation of all activities is done jointly with girls and is integral to a high-quality Girl Scout experience.
Girl Scouting 101	A 45 minute video provided by GSUSA that is gives a quick breakdown and understanding of Girl Scouting. This tool is a requirement for new leaders to watch.
Girl Scout	A member of Girl Scouts of the USA or another country’s national Girl Scout organization. The U.S. organization grants membership to any girl who has: Made the Girl Scout Promise Accepted the Girl Scout Law Paid the annual dues Met applicable grade level requirements
Girl Scout Adult	An adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA. The organization grants membership as a Girl Scout adult to any person who has: Accepted its principles and beliefs, as stated in the preamble of its constitution. Paid the annual or lifetime dues. Met applicable age/education standards. A Girl Scout adult must be 18 or older or have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Girl Scout Birthday	The official birthday of Girl Scouting is March 12, 1912. This is when the first meeting was held.
Girl Scout Bronze Award®	The highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn, this requires her to learn the leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project that makes a positive impact on her community. Requires 20 hours of planning and service, and a completed Journey.
Girl Scout Council	One of Girl Scouts of the USA’s local affiliates, with authority over Girl Scouting in a specific section of the country. Currently, there are 112 Girl Scout Councils in the USA.
Girl Scout Council Charter	A credential issued by GSUSA’s National Board to a group of persons, a corporation, or other form of organization exclusively devoted to the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. The charter grants the group or organization the right to develop, manage and maintain Girl Scouting in a specified area and call itself a Girl Scout council.
Girl Scout Council Delegate	Any registered Girl Scout 14 years of age or over, elected as a voting member of a local Girl Scout council corporation. A service unit elects the delegate to represent it at the council's annual meeting. The board creates the formula for the number of delegates service units can elect, which is usually based on the total number of girls an area registered through the council by a specific date.
Girl Scout Gold Award®	The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award that Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn. This award recognizes the leadership, efforts, and impact girls have had on their communities. Requires 80 hours of planning and service, as well as one Journey completed. (2 Journeys completed if Girl Scout Silver Award was not previously earned.)
Girl Scout Grade Levels	Also known as program age 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 Scout Group	Group with a specific interest, i.e. sports, outdoor activities, literacy, robotics, etc. or multiple grade levels.
Girl Scout Handshake	Formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts by shaking with the left hand, while giving the Girl Scout sign with the right hand.
Girl Scout Law	Girl Scout Law is the credo of Girl Scouting. A girl lives the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law to fulfill the Girl Scout Promise. 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.
Girl Scout Leader	A registered Girl Scout adult, background checked and trained volunteer who meets regularly with girls to help them achieve the purposes of Girl Scouting.
Girl Scout Leader's Day	A day of appreciation for adult volunteers in Girl Scouting held on April 22 every year.
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)	The engine for everything girls do in Girl Scouting. The experience identifies all the elements that need to be in place for Girl Scouting to achieve its mission; Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. When Discover, Connect, and Take Action activities are combined with the Girl Scout Processes of Girl-Led, Learning by Doing, and Cooperative Learning, girls achieve the desired and expected short-term leadership outcomes, ultimately resulting in Girl Scouting achieving its mission.
Girl Scout Mission Statement	Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Motto	“Be prepared.”
Girl Scout Movement	Also referred to as the Movement. All members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts joined together for the purpose of inspiring girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service so they may become happy and resourceful citizens.
Girl Scout National Organization	A grouping that includes the National Council, National Board of Directors, national committees and task groups, and the national staff.
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 Research Institute (GSRI)	The GSRI conducts original research, evaluation, and outcomes measurement studies, releases critical facts and findings, and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today’s world.
Girl Scout Service Mark	The Girl Scout service mark is composed of two parts: the symbol (the trefoil with three profiles) and the logotype (the words “Girl Scouts” along with the registration mark ®).
Girl Scout Sign	Official Girl Scout greeting. The right hand is raised shoulder high with the three middle fingers extended and the thumb crossing over the palm to hold down the little finger.
Girl Scout Silver Award®	The highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. This requires her to show she is a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving her community. Requires 50 hours of planning and service, as well as one completed Journey.
Girl Scout Slogan	“Do a good turn daily.”
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA)	The official name of the national Girl Scout corporation, chartered by the U.S. Congress and incorporated in the District of Columbia. Also known as Girl Scouts of the USA or GSUSA.
Girl Scouts' Own	Girl-planned inspirational ceremonies held in the troop/group or at camp. It is an opportunity for girls to express their feelings about Girl Scouting or a topic of their choosing, such as friendship, being courageous and strong, or nature. Girl Scouts’ Own is not a religious service.
Girl Scout Trefoil	“Trefoil” means three leaves. Each leaf in the 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 his talons, he clutches on his right an olive branch, the symbol of peace, and on his left, a shaft of arrows, 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, symbolizes the continuing commitment to the three-part Promise. The three faces stand for the diversity of Girl Scouting and its focus on girls.
Girl Scout Troop	Basic unit in Girl Scouting consisting of girls, adult leaders, and troop committee members. One of six pathways for girls to participate in Girl Scouting. This group of girls and adults (minimum of 5 girls and 2 adults) who meet on a regular basis to engage in Girl Scout Program activities. Troops are organized according to “Grade Level” which places girls together with others in the same social/developmental stage.
Girl Scout University (GSU)	GSU offers personal, professional, and career development opportunities, through In-Person and Online learning experiences, for Girl Scouts volunteers and staff.
Girl Scout Volunteer	An adult who contributes her or his time to Girl Scouts without the expectation of compensation. Volunteers typically give their time as troop/group leaders/advisors, coaches, mentors, board members, delegates, or assist girls in special projects in their area of expertise.
Girl Scout Week	The week containing March 12, the Girl Scout birthday, the anniversary of the first Girl Scout troop meeting in the United States in 1912. This observance is celebrated each year, starting with the Sunday on or preceding the 12th.
Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting	Each guide contains the following: A colorful, easy-to-use binder specially designed for girls at each level; Legacy, Financial Literacy, and Cookie Business badge activities; a detailed diagram showing where girls place the badges, pins, or awards with pride on their vests or sashes; ideas to help girls tie their badges into their Journeys; vintage illustrations and quotes from Girl Scout history; an awards log. An online version of this is available for Daisy through Junior levels in the Volunteer Toolkit and is accessible to Direct Primary volunteers.
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO)	Council located in Northeast Ohio. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio serves nearly 30,000 girls in grades K–12 and 14,000 adult members in Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Tuscarawas Counties

H

Health History Form

Often referred to as Health History Form, this is the Personal Health and Medical Form. This form is an updated record of a girl’s or adult’s past and present health status (for example: allergies, chronic illnesses, and injuries). This form should be updated annually.

I

Individually Registered Girl or IRG	See Juliette.
Insignia	Girl Scout official emblem, buttons, badges, pins, and other official forms of recognition that may be worn on the uniform by registered members.
Investiture	A ceremony in which a new member makes her Girl Scout Promise and receives her membership pin.

J

Juliette	First name of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low. Term also used to refer to registered Girl Scouts who are not part of the traditional troop program. These girls still work towards the same badges and activities, they simply do not belong to a troop. They can join other girls at council-wide events and can participate in all Girl Scouts has to offer.
Juliette Gordon Low	The founder of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. Also known as Daisy.
Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday	Special Girl Scout day celebrating Juliette’s birthday on October 31.
Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout National Center	Also called the birthplace, is the house where Juliette Gordon Low was born, is now a Girl Scout museum and program center maintained by GSUSA. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the center is part of the largest national Historic Landmark District in the United States.
Juliette Low World Friendship Fund	A Girl Scouts of the USA-operated fund that supports educational programs, service projects, training, and international travel to foster friendship among girls from the 144 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Junior	A Girl Scout Junior is a Girl Scout in 4th–5th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting.

K

Kaper Chart

A grid system, wheel, or table showing the job assigned to each girl or group of girls for any given project. Useful for meetings, camp-outs, and special events.

L

Leader	See Girl Scout Leader.
Leadership Keys: Discover, Connect, Take Action	Term encompassing the Discover, Connect, and Take Action components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. In Girl Scouting the definition of leadership is: Discover + Connect + Take Action = Leadership. Discover - Girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world. Connect - Girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally. Take Action - Girls act to make the world a better place, using critical thinking skills to get at the roots of an issue and strive toward lasting change.
Learning By Doing	“Hands-on” learning process that engages girls in cycles of action and reflection resulting in deeper understanding of concepts and mastery of practical skills. One of the three processes integral in a high-quality Girl Scout experience.
Learning Petals	Awards earned by Girl Scout Daisies. Each petal is a different color and represents one of the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law. To earn a petal, a girl shows her troop leader she understands the corresponding part of the Law.
Lifetime Membership	Granted to any person 18 years of age or older or a high school graduate or the equivalent who: Accepts the principals and beliefs as stated in the Preamble of the Girl Scout constitution. Has paid lifetime membership dues of 25 times the annual membership dues (lifetime membership dues of 13 times the annual membership dues shall be offered to any girl who is a registered Girl Scout at the time of her high school graduation or equivalent, and be available to her before the girl's current membership expires). Meets applicable membership standards. >>Lifetime Membership information >>Lifetime Membership form

M

M2	Vendor database for Fall Product Program sale. It is utilized by volunteers and staff to manage the sale.
Macy	See Edith Macy Conference Center.
Membership Dues	Paid annually to Girl Scouts of the USA for registration which goes directly to National Headquarters. One of the requirements for becoming a member of GSUSA.
Membership Number	GSUSA assigned number given to each adult and girl registered member.
Membership Pin	Either of two pins; the trefoil with three faces (contemporary style) or trefoil with eagle (traditional style) pin. These pins signify the acceptance of the membership requirements.
Membership Year	October 1 through September 30.
Money-Earning	Way for troops/groups to earn money for troop/group activities. Troops/groups must receive Council permission before beginning a money-earning activity.
Motto	See Girl Scout Motto.

N

National Board of Directors	A body that manages the national Girl Scout corporation between sessions of the National Council. On the National Board are the Chair of the National Board of Directors, two Vice Chairs, the Secretary and Treasurer, and 35 members-at-large. Elected by the National Council, all of these positions have a three-year term.
National Convention	A triennial (every 36 months) meeting at which the National Council elects officers and other members of the National Board and National Nominating Committee and amends the constitution, as needed. Delegates also determine Girl Scout policy by considering and acting upon proposals and giving guidance to the National Board on the direction of Girl Scouting in the United States.
National Council	The membership body of the national Girl Scout corporation in meeting assembled. It includes: Delegates elected by local Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas. Members of the National Board of Directors and National Board Development Committee. Past Chairs of the National Board of Directors. Other members elected by the National Council. The National Council: Elects the National Board and National Board Development Committee. Amends the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the USA. Establishes requirements for credentials, such as those for membership and Girl Scout council charters. Determines overall policy for the Girl Scout Movement and program in the United States by considering proposals fostering and improving Girl Scouting, by receiving and acting upon reports of the National Board, and by guiding the board on the general direction of the Movement and program.
National Council Delegate	A person 14 years of age or over, elected by a local Girl Scout council as a voting member of Girl Scouts of the USA. Each local council and USA Girl Scouts Overseas can elect one delegate, as well as another one for every 1,800 girls under its jurisdiction. To count toward the 1,800, a girl must have been a member registered with Girl Scouts of the USA as of September 30 of the year preceding the National Council's regular session. The prescribed number of girls is adjusted up or down as necessary to keep the local council and overseas delegate total as close as possible to 2,000. National Council delegates serve for a three-year term.
National Headquarters	The Girl Scout national organization's center of operations. In July 1992, GSUSA moved its national headquarters to 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
National Program Portfolio	The National Program Portfolio has two main parts – the National Leadership Journeys and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. Complemented by the Girl Scout Cookie program, Girl Scout travel and Girl Scout awards, the National Program Portfolio is designed to help girls develop as leaders and build confidence by learning new skills. It also ensures that Girl Scouts at every level are sharing a powerful, national experience—girls together changing the world!

O

Older Girl Awards	Consists of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. Honored to Girl Scouts who complete a Take Action project in their community. Also known as “Higher Awards.”
Online Training - gsLearn	Girl Scouts of United States of America’s online training site for Girl Scout members. Full access to a wide range of resources for volunteers.
Our Cabaña	A program center located in Cuernavaca, Mexico, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Our Chalet	A program center located in Adelboden, Switzerland, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Outdoor Education	Using the Girl Scout program outdoors to allow girls to grow in relation to each of the three keys to leadership.

P

Patches	Also known as “fun patches.” Supplementary insignia received by girls for simply participating in an event or activity. Girls wear participation patches and pins on the back of their Girl Scout uniform.
Pathways	Various ways girls and adults can participate in Girl Scouting. Girl pathways include: Camp – girls can participate in a day or resident camp with a focus on the outdoors and/or environment. Events – girls participate in events (i.e. career day). Series – girls participate in a series of programs with the same group of girls relating to a specific theme or purpose. Travel – girls plan, earn money, prepare, and participate in trips. Troops – girls participate in a troop setting with the same girls over the course of the year. Virtual – girls participate using the Internet.
Patrol	Small group of girls that plans and carries out activities within the troop/larger group.
Patrol System	Form of troop government composed of patrols and a Court of Honor. Usually used by Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Pax Lodge	A program center owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Located at Olave Centre, the association's main office in London, England.
Petals and Promise Center	Earned awards by Girl Scout Daisies. Girls earn the Promise Center by showing they understand the Girl Scout Promise. Girls earn Petals by showing they understand the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law.
Pinning Ceremony	Ceremony where girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
Pixie Plus	(See “Resource Partners”)
Plan of Work	A document developed by the Service Unit Teams to establish out the Girl Scout Year for that particular Service Unit. Developed during the summer and breaks down all activities for each month of the Girl Scout year, including trainings, events and deadlines.
Policy	Established course of action determined by the Board of Directors of any Girl Scout Council. Policies must be followed. GSUSA policies are found in the Blue Book of Basic Documents.
President's Award	The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.
Product Sales Program, Council Sponsored	Council-wide program activities in which troops/groups may sell authorized, tangible products, such as Girl Scout Cookies, nuts, magazines, etc.
Program Aide (PA)	Girl who has completed the 6th grade, who has taken a specialized training to help troop/group leaders with activities for their girls. Program Aides also help at day camps and CORE camps.

Q

Quiet Sign

Raising the right hand over the 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.

R

Recognition	Acknowledgement of accomplishment in the Girl Scout program. It may be a pin, certificate, patch, badge, letter, or other creative idea.
Rededication Ceremony	A reaffirmation of a Girl Scout member’s belief in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Resident Camp	Sessions are generally for at least five days (and four nights) and may be multiple weeks in length. The program is operated and staffed by the camp, and the supervision of campers is a camp responsibility. Campers stay overnight, and camp is responsible for campers 24 hours a day. >>Check out the great summer programs available for your girl!
Resource Partners	Resource Partners (formerly Pixie Plus) is your community resource for events and activities for Girl Scouts. Posts are created by community vendors that have been checked out by Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. Posts may be searched by program age level and county.

S

Safety Activity Checkpoints	Publication containing Girl Scout Program Standards and Guidelines that provide for the health and safety of all girls.
Sangam	A program center located in Pune, India, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Senior	A Girl Scout Senior is a Girl Scout in 9th and 10th grades. One of six levels of Girl Scouting.
Service Center	Council facility where staff offices and some council shops are located. GNEO has four (4) service centers located in Macedonia, Lorain, North Canton and Youngstown.
Service Unit	Geographic unit of troops/groups within a region which facilitates delivery of services and the Girl Scout program to girls and adults.
Service Unit Director (SUD)	Adult volunteer director who manages the service unit support team and service unit. Responsible for directing the work of the service unit.
Service Unit Mentor	Service Unit Mentors establish new troops within the service unit. The Service Unit Mentor and Community Membership Executives work in tandem to facilitate parent/caregiver meetings to encourage participation and identify direct primary roles, then help them get started in their new roles. Mentors also support girls within their service unit who have either chosen to be an individually registered girl, or girls who were unable to find a troop that meets their needs.
Service Unit Registrar	The registrar educates and assists others with membership registration, renewal, lifetime membership, and the criminal background check process. Registrars work with troops to reconcile rosters and ensure everyone is registered and eligible to participate in product sales, camp outings, and events, while working with the Service Unit Director to resolve any discrepancies.
Service Unit Team	Group of adult volunteers who provide direct service to troops/groups within a service unit or local geographic unit. Group of adult volunteers who provide direct service to troops/groups within a service unit or local geographic unit. Service Unit Team positions include: Service Unit Director, Service Unit Registrar, Service Unit Recruiter, and Service Unit Organizer.
Silver Award	Highest award earned by Girl Scout Cadettes. It recognizes efforts in a wide range of Girl Scout experiences and a commitment to working to better one’s life and the lives of others.
Sister Troop	Troop that participates in activities with another troop.
Sit-Upon	Lightweight pad or mat the girls make to “sit-upon” when the ground is dirty or damp.
Spring Renewal	Early membership renewal period for current members. Typically April through June annually. Now referred to as “Renew.”
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)	Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences relevant to everyday life. Whether they’re discovering how a car's engine runs, how to manage finances, or exploring careers in STEM fields, girls are fast-forwarding into the future.
SWAPS	The tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes. Referred to as “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere” or “Share With A Pal.”

T

Tag-Along	Child who is not a registered Girl Scout or a registered Girl Scout not of the grade level for the specific program or event.
Thinking Day	Now called World Thinking Day. Official Girl Scout day where girls traditionally learn about the cultures and traditions of WAGGGS member countries. This day also commemorates the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell the founders of the Scouting Movement worldwide.
Three Keys to Leadership	Discover, Connect and Take Action. See also Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).
Three Learning Processes	Girl-Led, Learning by Doing, and Cooperative Learning.
Trefoil	International symbol of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. The trefoil represents the three parts of the Girl Scout promise.

U

Unit	A small troop/group formed at a day camp or resident camp. Girl Scouts assigns campers to a unit based on age or interest. Also a portion of a campsite designated as the living and working area for a group of campers.
USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO)	Girl Scouts of the USA’s overseas arm, which delivers the Girl Scout program to American girls and girls attending American or International schools outside the continental United States.

V

Volunteer	See Girl Scout Volunteer.
Volunteer Essentials	Resource guide from GSUSA with guidelines for the health and safety of girls. Also contains council specific information. For all volunteers.
Volunteer Policies	Essential for all Girl Scout members. Adherence to policies, procedures, and standards ensures a consistent and safe quality volunteer experience, and outcomes-based program delivery for girls.

W, X, Y, Z toggle arrow

Women of Distinction	An annual event held by Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Council to recognize outstanding women who reflect the mission of Girl Scouts and have made significant achievements in our community.
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)	An association of Girl Scout and Girl Guide national organizations around the world. WAGGGS serves approximately eight million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 144 countries. Through Girl Scouts of the USA’s membership in WAGGGS, each girl and adult registered as a Girl Scout in the United States becomes part of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout world movement. The World Association's mission is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.
World Thinking Day (formerly Thinking Day)	February 22, the birthday of both Lady Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide, and her husband, Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Boy Scouts. First celebrated in 1927, the day was renamed at the 1999 Girl Guide/Girl Scout World Conference. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world use the day to think of each other and exchange greetings, learn about other countries, and give to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.
World Trefoil Pin	A pin with a gold trefoil on a blue field that may be worn by all Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. It is the symbol of the worldwide bond of Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding.