Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts!

Girl scouts play in the great out of doors in 1917. Library of Congress.

Inspired by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in Great Britain, Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls and established the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Ga., in 1912. Today the Girl Scouts is the largest educational girls' group in the world and boasts 3 million participants in the United States. While activities have changed over the last century, scouting still aims to educate and empower girls. Check out the Girl Scout Law, circa 1912 and 2012.

The Girl Scout Law (1912)

1. A Girl Scout's Honor Is to be Trusted

2. A Girl Scout Is Loyal

3. A Girl Scout's Duty Is to be Useful and to Help Others

4. A Girl Scout is a Friend to All, and a Sister to Every Other Girl Scout No Matter to What Social Class She May Belong

5. A Girl Scout Is Courteous

6. A Girl Scout Keeps Herself Pure

7. A Girl Scout Is a Friend to Animals

8. A Girl Scout Obeys Orders

9. A Girl Scout is Cheerful

10. A Girl Scout is Thrifty

The Girl Scout Law (2012)

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.