Mental Wellness
Mental Wellness Starts Here
Growing up in today’s world comes with unique challenges, and many girls struggle with feelings of loneliness. Nearly 70% of girls ages 5–13 report experiencing it, which can affect their mental well-being. Girl Scouts provides a safe, supportive space where girls and their families can openly explore emotions, develop self-care practices, and gain essential coping skills. Through meaningful connections, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community, Girl Scouts helps girls build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships —fostering healthy habits and overall well-being for a brighter future.
Discover upcoming wellness events, mental wellness programs, and valuable tips and resources to support you and your family on your mental wellness journey.
How Girl Scouts benefits girls' mental health 
Girl Scouting offers a multifaceted approach to bolstering girls' mental health through safe environments, engaging programs, and supportive communities.
Safe and Supportive Environment
Girl Scouts provides a secure space where girls feel free to express themselves, fostering positive mental health. Supportive troop leaders and peers create a community that encourages open discussions about emotions and challenges. For instance, many girls have found solace and purpose within their troops, with some crediting their involvement in Girl Scouts as a critical support system during difficult times.
Engaging and Purposeful Programming
Participating in Girl Scout activities offers girls opportunities to focus on engaging tasks, providing a respite from daily stressors. Programs are designed to build confidence, resilience, and essential coping skills. For example, the Mental Wellness Patch Programs encourage girls to explore their emotions and develop positive coping strategies through activities like art and poetry.
Community Connection and Social Support
Building healthy relationships is a cornerstone of Girl Scouting. Research indicates that companionship within the organization encourages girls to try new things and develop a strong sense of self. Engaging in community service proved to enhance girls' mental health.
GSSJC Mental Wellness Patch Programs
GSSJC Mental Wellness Community Partners
Upcoming GSSJC Mental Wellness Events
FREE Mental Wellness Patch Program
Earn a FREE Mental Wellness Patch supported by HCA Healthcare Foundation
LEARN MORENurturing Mental Health Through Outdoor Adventures
Girl Scouts’ girl-led and girl-inspired outdoor programs provide unique opportunities for girls to immerse themselves in nature - away from screens – to try new things and engage in physical activity in a supportive and inclusive environment. Research from the Girl Scout Institute shows that spending time in nature can significantly contribute to the mental well-being and overall development of girls and that:
- Exposure to green spaces restores focus and improves cognitive functioning.
- Spending time outdoors reduces stress and lowers blood pressure.
- Learning new skills in nature increases self-confidence.
- Outdoor recreational experiences positively influence environmental attitudes, values, and behaviors, cultivating a sense of responsibility for nature.
Additionally, girls who attend all-girl camps gain confidence in their abilities, develop strong teamwork skills, learn perseverance and responsibility, and demonstrate independence. This is why Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is committed to getting every girl outdoors and providing great camp experiences that have a lasting impact.
Girls' outdoor programs offer a holistic approach to supporting girls’ mental health by:
Creating Community and Connection
Participating in outdoor programs provides opportunities for girls from different backgrounds to form friendships, work collaboratively, and build supportive relationships to create a sense of belonging and support.
Building confidence and self-esteem
Overcoming outdoor challenges, such as building a campfire or conquering a ropes course instills a sense of confidence and builds self-esteem.
Learning Resilience
Outdoor experiences often involve overcoming fears and obstacles which helps girls develop a range of life skills, including problem solving, decision making, communication, and teamwork.
GSSJC Mental Health & Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911 or one of the national crisis resources below.
Texas Resources & Girl Scout Partnerships
National Crisis Resources
Finding a Behavioral Health Provider
Additional Resources
