I really meant to get this post out on October 31. I was conducting research at Girl Scout National Headquarters that day, writing this during breaks.
Then I acquired a last-minute, 8th-row seat for the Michael Jackson musical on Broadway. And there were so many, um, interesting Halloween costumes in nearby Times Square that I could hardly rush back to my hotel.
Happy Birthday, Daisy!! Happy (Belated) Birthday, Daisies!!
Girl Scouts know that Halloween is also Founder’s Day, commemorates the birth of Juliette Gordon Low in 1860. But that’s not the only reason to celebrate.
October 1984 marks the 40th birthday of the Girl Scout Daisy program, which draws its name from Low’s nickname.
Until 1975, girls had to wait until second grade to join Girl Scouts. But councils thought it was time to admit first graders and experimented with their own programs for six-year-old girls.
Many councils using the two most popular “pre-Brownie” programs, Pixies and Mini Scouts, allowed kindergarteners to participate as well.
Once first-grade Brownies became a reality, councils and families believed it was time for GSUSA to develop a kindergarten-age program as well.
Let’s Call them Daisies
GSUSA responded with a completely new program for kindergarteners.
But what to call the new level? Pixies and Mini Scouts were rejected, as GSUSA was developing a new, national programs, not adopting either.
Early suggestions included “Pippin,” “Angel,” and “Jewel.”
Ultimately, the best choice was to use Juliette Gordon Low’s childhood nickname: Daisy.
Daisy loved a good costume party, so I think she would excuse my delay in posting.
Early Daisy Ways
The program was designed for troops of no more than five girls. There was no handbook–GSUSA assumed kindergarteners were just learning to read. Daisies learned about Juliette Gordon Low and the meaning of the Girl Scout law. They also learned about their community, with visits to parks, first responders, bakeries, etc.
Daisies had their own colorful membership pin and the first uniform was a simple blue tunic worn over regular clothes.
The original green membership pin was redesigned in 1992 to more resemble the gold-tone Brownie and Traditional membership pins.
There were no earned recognitions, as the program’s goal was to create a fun, first-group experience for five-year olds.
Likewise, there was no girl handbook. Daisies were encouraged to create their own scrapbooks to remember the fun had during the one-year program.
Beginning and Ending certificates were available for purchase.
Leaders Ask for More Resources
Daisies loved the scrapbook idea, but it took too long for each girl to construct her. After one year, an official scrapbook with a plastic cover appeared in council shops.
Leaders wanted girls to focus on filling their scrapbook, rather than making their own.
Leaders also asked for more training materials and an age-appropriate story book for leaders to read aloud at meetings. A two-sided history book, with large photos suitable for reading aloud was published in 1993, along with a bilingual leaders guide.
Petals, Leaves, and Flowers
Daisies initially did not have badges of their own, but leaders asked for some patch element to visually reinforce the basic of the Girl Scout Program.
In 2000, GSUSA released the first earned recognitions for Daisies: A blue circle with 10 differently colored petals. The blue center was presented to girls when they could recite the GS Promise. The 10 petals symbolized the 10 components of the GS Law. Troops would work on one petal at a time, focusing on the meaning of each Law.
The new Daisy Activity Book and Guide for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders explained the program in detail.
At least one leader couldn’t wait for GSUSA to create recognitions. She got crafty and created home-made wooden badges.
Although Daisies generally loved their distinctive uniform tunic, they also noticed that all other age groups had a vest option.
Daisies have had a vest option since 2008. And that year also birthed the Journey program, with three initial curriculum options.
Cookie Sales
Daisies were not allowed to sell cookies until 2009. Little Brownie Bakers created a special order form and information kit just for them.
I assume ABC Bakers also welcomed Daisies to cookie sales at the same time, but I do not know if they had special materials.
Daisies Become a Two-year Program
When age levels were shuffled in 2011, Daisies became a two-year program for first graders as well as kindergarteners.
To expand program content for second-year Daisies, four “leaves” were introduced at the same time. The leaves focused on money management skills. These were retired in 2022.
And Badges Too!!
Finally, Girl Scout Daisies had their own badges to earn. These white, flower-shaped badges can be ironed onto a Daisy vest or tunic. The first Daisy uniform component continues to be popular.
© 2025 Ann Robertson, writer, editor, Girl Scout historian, but NOT a Girl Scout employee.
Leave a Reply