Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc. (GSHH) delivers Girl Scout programming to seven counties in the lower Hudson Valley region - spanning Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is delivered by dedicated volunteers who work cooperatively with GSHH staff to provide girl-led programming and support Girl Scouts and youth throughout the council. In the 2021-2022 membership year, GSHH had over 14,000 girl members and 8,000 adult members.
Our volunteer-led service delivery model provides girls with flexible options for participating in Girl Scouts and engages adults in volunteer roles that are specific, sustainable, and rewarding. It combines all the elements that must be in place to create a movement that will flourish for the next 110 years.
The fun happens at the Girl scout troop level. Troops are organized by program level, with a range of 12-15 Girl Scouts, and are supported by a troop leader and adult volunteers. Troop participation is the most popular and common way for youth to experience and enjoy Girl Scouting. GSHH has approximately 3,000 troops and continues to grow.
Girl Scout Service Units are managed by GSHH's volunteer community leaders, who provide program and training support to 40-60 troops in a specific geographic area. GSHH currently has 92 Service Units.
A registered Girl Scout, 16 years of age or older, elected from within the Service Unit to represent the members of their Service Unit at Delegate Meetings, special meetings of the council, and the Annual Meeting. This person acts as a link between the membership and the Board of Directors in strategy and policy matters and is a voting member of the council. Juliette Girl Scouts can also serve as Service Unit Delegates.
Elected at the Annual Meeting, this committee prepares the slate of nominations for Board Officers, the Board of Directors, the Board Development Committee, and National Delegates and their Alternates (every three years). The slate of nominees is considered for election at the Annual Meeting. These volunteers are voting members of the council.
The ultimate governing body of the council. Under the leadership of the Board President, the Board maintains the integrity and purpose of Girl Scouting within the council's jurisdiction. The Board's responsibilities include influencing policy regarding council goals, issues affecting girls, issues affecting the business of the organization, strategic planning, financial oversight, and fun development.