GSUSA 2026 State of the Girl Report

New findings from Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), published in the national State of the Girl report, offer a comprehensive look at what it means to be a girl in America today. Drawing on GSUSA research and national data, the report explores the realities girls face, from loneliness and body image concerns to pressures tied to technology and adolescence. The report also highlights their confidence, ambition, creativity, and resilience, underscoring both the challenges girls encounter and opportunities to better support their growth and success.

Beyond the Headlines: Girls Today Face Real Challenges

Much of the public conversation about girls centers on struggle, and there is real data behind those concerns:

• 64% of girls ages 5–7 report feeling lonely.
• 89% of girls ages 5–7 have skipped something they wanted to do, often due to fear or lack of confidence.
• ·52% of girls ages 8–10 are critical of their bodies, and 50% of girls ages 11–13 wish they could change something about their appearance.

But these challenges aren’t the whole story. Girls are thinking seriously about their futures from an early age, with 70% having already given serious thought to their careers by ninth grade, and 55% showing interest in STEM, up from 45% in 2017. They are developing strong senses of identity and actively seeking creativity, connection, and real-world experiences. Rather than spend more time on screens, the majority of girls ages 5–13 say they would prefer to be creative (65%), go outside and play (59%) or spend time with family (59%). They also hold a clear sense of how they want to be seen: when asked which words they most want others to use to describe them, girls chose smart (36%), funny (17%) and creative (17%).

Daisy and Brownie Experience Boxes

Girl Scout Experience Boxes for new Daisy and Brownie troops are here to support you every step of the way!

New Daisy (K–1) or Brownie (2–3) leaders in participating councils can receive monthly Girl Scout Experience Boxes—delivered to their door! Each box includes simple scripts, easy instructions, and ready-to-use supplies for fun, stress-free meetings. Start with a Welcome Box, followed by up to seven themed boxes, depending on when the troop begins.

• Form your troop by registering more adult volunteers and your Girl Scouts!  
• Complete the council training required and your background check. 
• Redeem your Girl Scout Experience Boxes and explore all Girl Scouts has to offer! 

Click here for more information.

Let Us Know All the Wonderful Things Your Troop is Doing!

Girl Scouts around our council are always active – camping, traveling, doing serviceprojects, and making the world a better place. Girl Scouts of tCentral Illinois invitesall Girl Scouts in our council to share photos of their adventures, achievements,projects, and more.

Share your story by completing a short form and uploading your pictures. Be sureto complete all the questions with details so we can highlight your troop and theiradventures. We'd love to feature it on our GSCI social media platforms and our website