About GSSEM | Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

Welcome to Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM)!

Your girl is what we're all about. Her dreams, ideas, and ambitions are our DNA.

With more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults across the United States who believe in the power of every girl, Girl Scouts is 2.5 million strong.

Girl Scout Mission, Promise, & Law toggle arrow

Our Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Promise & Law

Girl Scouts uphold the Promise and Law in everything they do. Often recited at the start of a troop meeting or gathering, the Girl Scout Promise and Law remind us to be honest, to help people at all times, and to make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scout Family Promise

On my honor, I will try:
To support my Girl Scout and her troop,
To help girls lead at all times,
And to always keep it fun!

Members may substitute for the word God
in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong,
and responsible for what I say and do,
and to respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place,
and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Meet GSSEM toggle arrow

GSSEM Girl Scouts discover their passions, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place.

With the help of dedicated volunteers and community partners, we're able to provide our girls with a vast array of programming, exciting adventure opportunities, hands-on experiences, and much more.

Every day, our Girl Scouts gain confidence, overcome barriers, try new things, develop vital social skills, learn to embrace risks, take on challenges, and embark on adventures—all of which prepare them for success as the leaders of tomorrow.

Council Structure toggle arrow

GSSEM is comprised of nine counties in southeastern Michigan. It's geographically divided into 12 communities, which are subdivided into 31 service units.

GSSEM Counties

Oakland
Macomb
Genesee

Lapeer
St Clair
Sanilac

Wayne*
Monroe*

GSSEM Communities

Communities are made up of two to four service units and strongly emphasize local programs, events, and volunteer support. They're responsible for facilitating community-wide leadership opportunities and administrative duties.

Community-based experiences ensure that troop-affiliated and Juliette girls have the chance to participate in events, camps, series, and travel pathways.

GSSEM Service Units

Service units are the smallest components of our organization, and they specifically support the troop pathway. Each service unit consists of 40–60 troops and serves approximately 400–700 girls.

Certain areas only; not the entire county.

Organizational Framework toggle arrow

GSSEM uses a cooperative leadership model and prioritizes our Girl Scouts' experience over anything else.

Our service delivery model provides girls with flexible ways to participate; when a girl joins Girl Scouts, she may join a troop or participate as a Juliette (i.e. individually registered member).

It also encourages adults to get involved and volunteer for specific, sustainable, and rewarding roles.

By combining and supporting these vital elements, the Girl Scout Movement will flourish for many, many years to come.

National Council Realignment toggle arrow

GSSEM was created as part of GSUSA's council realignment in 2009.

On January 1, 2009, several smaller Girl Scout councils in southeastern Michigan merged to form GSSEM, a high-capacity, high-performance council.

Merged Councils

Michigan Waterways
Metro Detroit
Macomb County-Otsikita
Portions of Fair Winds & Huron Valley

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion toggle arrow

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of GSSEM.

We value diversity in all its forms and do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, gender, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, public assistance, local human rights commission activity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

GSSEM doesn't tolerate discrimination by its staff, volunteers, members, partners, or participants.

Resources

Gender-Expansive Youth FAQ & Policy

Religious & Social Issues toggle arrow

For over 100 years, Girl Scouts has been an inclusive, all-girl organization promoting respect for girls.

Girls of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome as long as they agree to abide by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Resources