Who We Are

The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serve almost 16,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17, supported by 6,000 adult volunteers in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The girls are divided into age-appropriate troops and participate in many programs, activities and trips offered by the council. These activities are designed to build courage, confidence and character as the girls grow to become the leaders of tomorrow.

There are approximately 1,500 troops in the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s jurisdiction, divided into 36 service units. Service units from northern Ocean and Monmouth counties are named after the towns in which they are located; service units from the remainder of Ocean County are named after trees. These designations existed before the creation of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in July 2007. Prior to that date, members of the council belonged to either the Girl Scouts of Ocean County or the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scouts of The Jersey Shore provides many opportunities for personal development, informal education and life skills through numerous programs for all ages. Offerings included junior chefs, first aid, self-defense and international trips. During a typical year, more than 20,000 girls participate in these programs.

For the 2007-2008 service year, 42 young women received the Gold Award, highest honor available to a Girl Scout. The award recognizes the leadership, effort, and impact girls 14-18 have had on their communities. 

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore operates two camps. Camp Sacajawea, on 140-aces in Farmingdale, has a log-cabin infirmary, a lake, pool and hiking trails with a wonderful range of outdoor activities for Girl Scout troops, their families and summer camp. Camp Amity Acres is set on 57 acres in the Pinelands in Waretown and includes nature trails, a lake, playground, challenge course, nature and science center, four platform-tent sites and Friendship Lodge, a modern facility housing two dorms, two bathrooms with showers, two kitchens and a fireplace. Overnight family camping is available at both sites.

The Girl Scouts were founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low with 18 members in Savannah, Georgia. She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually.