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Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming: Where Confidence Begins
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming empowers girls to grow into confident, capable leaders through hands-on experiences that build courage, character, and a lasting sense of belonging. More than a century ago, Juliette Gordon Low gathered a small group of girls, believing that girls deserved the same opportunities for leadership, adventure, and personal growth. What began in 1912 as a bold idea quickly became a movement, one that reached Montana in 1918 and Wyoming just a few years later. While the world has changed since those early days, the heart of Girl Scouts has remained the same. It’s still about giving girls space to discover who they are and who they can become.
Through leadership programs, outdoor experiences, and hands-on learning, Girl Scouts helps girls build real-world skills that shape who they become. Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming creates environments where girls feel safe to try new things, take risks, and learn through experience. From the beginning, the focus has never been on perfection. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and learning to trust your own voice. Girls are encouraged to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow stronger because of them.
In communities like Billings, Girl Scouts plays a meaningful role by giving girls space to grow, lead, and explore who they are in a supportive, local setting. There’s no single path or expectation. Some girls find their place outdoors, building confidence through camping and adventure. Others discover a passion for science, technology, or problem-solving. Some learn leadership by running a small business, while others find their voice through service projects that address real needs in their communities. Each experience is shaped by the girl herself, allowing her to lead her own journey.
The impact of this approach often shows up in quiet, but powerful ways. One local Girl Scout was able to attend summer camp during a season when her family was facing an overwhelming medical crisis. While her parents focused on caring for her brother, camp became a place where she could feel safe, supported, and simply be a kid. She made friends, tried new things, and gained confidence at a time when her family needed it most. Moments like that capture what Girl Scouts is truly about, creating space for growth even during life’s hardest chapters.
Locally, Girl Scout troops become tight-knit communities that bring together girls from different schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. Beyond individual experiences, Girl Scouts fosters a deep sense of connection. Troops become places where girls learn to support one another, celebrate differences, and lead with kindness. Volunteers, families, and community partners play an essential role, creating a network of encouragement that spans generations.
While many people first think of cookies, the real work of Girl Scouts happens in the skills girls carry with them long after their uniforms are folded away. They learn how to set goals, manage money, solve problems, and advocate for themselves and others. These lessons aren’t abstract. They’re practiced again and again through real-world experiences that build independence and confidence over time.
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming also works intentionally to expand access, meeting girls where they are across rural towns, urban neighborhoods, and tribal communities. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses, the organization continues to bring meaningful opportunities to girls who may not otherwise have access to leadership programs or enrichment experiences.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on thoughtful, inclusive growth. The organization is committed to expanding opportunities in leadership, outdoor adventure, STEM, and entrepreneurship while continuing to support the volunteers and families who make the experience possible. Every step forward is guided by the same purpose that started it all, helping girls believe in themselves and their ability to shape the world around them.
At its core, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming is about possibility. It’s about giving girls the tools, support, and confidence to step into who they are, to lead with courage, and to carry that strength with them for the rest of their lives.
