About GSACPC

Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. is Arizona's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls — all girls — where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, Girl Scouts cultivate their full individual potential. The qualities they develop in Girl Scouting — leadership, values, social conscience, and conviction about their own self-worth — serve them all their lives.

The Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is unique because we serve a vast jurisdictional area encompassing approximately 75,000 square miles of our great state. We are one of 300+ other councils across the nation chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA. We had our first Annual Meeting in 1936 and were incorporated in the State of Arizona in 1940.

Background Information

The first Girl Scout Troop ever, was formed in Savannah, Georgia on March 12, 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. The U.S. Congress chartered the organization on March 16, 1950. Today the Girl Scouts are 2.8 million girls strong, served by over 986,000 adult volunteers!

Since 1936, our innovative programming and services have provided girls with a wide variety of opportunities that promote self-reliance, respect for others, a sense of belonging, and the belief that each individual has the potential to positively impact her community.

Girl Scouting is a hands-on, experiential program. Girls learn by earning Try-Its, Proficiency Badges, Interest Project Patches, and by participating in troop and neighborhood activities and community service projects. Girl Scouting offers a comprehensive outdoor program including camping basics, day and resident summer camp, and Girl Sports. Older Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Gold an Silver leadership awards for their work in the community. Girls are guided through these activities by well-trained volunteer leaders and professional staff.

Who We Serve

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving 24,568 girls ages 5-17, throughout the state of Arizona. Membership also includes over 9,829 adult volunteers who serve as leaders, trainers, consultants, and board members. Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. covers approximately 66% of the state, serving girls in more than 90 communities, including Indian Reservations, military installations, and border communities.

More than 50 million American Women have enjoyed girl scouting and a list of famous formers is a who's who of female leadership and success. Girl Scouting is also a major part of an international movement called the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts or WAGGGS, now serving over 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries worldwide!

Our Cookie Program

The Cookie sale has its greatest impact on the girls who participate. Girls often receive their first practical education in finance, marketing and sales through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program. Troops benefit from the sale by earning an income and the girls benefit by earning incentives such as cookie dough and valuable life skills.

Fund Development

As a non-profit agency our Council depends on income generated from both its membership and the community. Product Sales contribute the largest percentage of the support followed by camp and program fees, United Way allocations, individual, corporate and foundation support. Corporations and individuals also donate thousands of dollars in goods and services to troops, neighborhoods, camps, and the Council. The Girl Scout's Annual Giving Campaign, supported by parents, staff, vendors, and friends of Girl Scouts throughout the community, assists in maintaining the Council's camp sites, providing adult recruitment and education, and enhanced outreach programs. Special giving opportunities are available to individuals through a Tribute Gift, in celebration of special occasions or as a memorial gift in remembrance of a loved one. The Council's Fund Development office is also available to assist individuals with Planned giving options. All contributions to Girl Scouts are tax deductible.