Working together to apply our identity across Girl Scouts branded materials will ensure that we move forward with a coherent look and feel that makes our brand stand out.
Girl Scouts’ brand is evolving to meet today’s girls’ needs, and we want to tell you all about it.
GSUSA developed a short video so you can learn all about the changes. Thank you for your help implementing our brand—volunteers are essential to sharing this new information.
Materials featuring the new branding are rolling now, so we want to make sure you’re in-the-know and feel prepared for any questions that might come your way. In gsLearn (login through myGS), you'll see a new 20-minute course on your dashboard. You can access this video at your convenience as an on-demand training resource that you can stop and start as many times as you’d like.
What is brand?
Our brand is not just a logo, a visual identify, or a product. It is the personal connection and experience that people associate with Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, including our programs, services, marketing, and reputation.
Why is it important to protect the brand?
It is critical to protect the brand for financial reasons and for the sake of our organization's recognition, reputation, and credibility.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a law that gives the owner of a work (like a photo, song, or written material) the right to say how other people can use it. With copyright, a work can be copied only if the owner gives permission. Copyright laws help Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons protect our marketing assets.
The same laws protect the visual and linguistic property of other organizations/companies. Copyright infringement is the use, reproduction, distribution, display, or performance of works protected by copyright law without permission. Do not infringe on copyright!
What does trademark mean?
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others. Logos, photographs, symbols, designs, words, phrases, and even non-traditional elements like sounds, smells, and colors, can be trademarked. Trademarks protect the intellectual property and use of specific ideas and symbols, as well as the trademark owner's brand.
Visit the GSUSA website for detailed information about Girl Scout copyright and trademarks.
What is a servicemark or lockup?
The lockup, or servicemark, is the final form of our logo, with all its elements. Only council names (e.g. Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons) and Higher Awards may be locked into the servicemark. Only GSUSA can create lockups/servicemarks. See the Graphics and Logos section below.
Do I need permission to use badges and other Girl Scout symbols on my website or marketing materials?
Yes! The use of official insignia (all of which are trademarked) is highly restrictive. Please review the copyrights and trademarks FAQs from GSUSA.
Do I need permission to use the Girl Scout logo on my Girl Scout troop/group or service unit website?
Yes! Please work directly with staff for approval and assistance. Our Marketing Manager can assist with website needs.
Do I need permission to use the logo on patches, T-shirts, banners, or promotional materials?
Yes! See the T-shirts, Patches and Branded Items dropdown for details. For additional questions, please contact marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org.
Remember the Girl Scout Law
Always keep in mind the Girl Scout Promise and Law and our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Representing Girl Scouts in the Community
Thank you for representing Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons at community events! These tips will help avoid confusion that may arise due to marketplace competition. See the Talking to the Media guidelines below for more information.
We are happy to help if you have a question about a partnership opportunity with another youth organization or need assistance with a related situation. Contact us at 800-666-2141 or help@gsdakotahorizons.org.
Questions about branding? Email our Marketing and Communications team at marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org.
Tips to help when referencing our name:
CORRECT BRANDING | INCORRECT BRANDING |
Girl Scouts of the USA | Girl Scouts of America |
Girl Scout/Girl Scouts/Girl Scouting | Scout/Scouts/Scouting |
Girl Scouts | The Girl Scouts |
Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons | Girl Scouts of Dakota Horizons Girl Scouts of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Girl Scouts |
Girl Scout Troop 1234 | Troop 1234 |
Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Rushmore Service Unit | Rushmore Girl Scouts |
Girl Scout Cookie Program | Cookie Sale |
Fall Product Program | Nut Sale Fall Sale |
Earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, Girl Scout Bronze Award | Win the Gold Award |
Gold Award Girl Scout, Silver Award Girl Scout, Bronze Award Girl Scout | Gold/Silver/Bronze Award winner, awardee, recipient |
Colors
Color Don'ts
Fonts
Please review the guidelines below and throughout this page before requesting the artwork.
When scaling artwork, do not stretch it disproportionately. To keep artwork proportionate, use the corner to drag (not the side) and (in most programs) hold the shift key.
To request additional versions of the Trefoil or Servicemark, email marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org.
Trefoil
Trefoil Don'ts
To download, right-click image and select "Save Image As".
Servicemark
To download, right-click image and select "Save Image As".
Photography
Photography Don'ts
Other Graphics
General
All use of the Girl Scout brand is subject to council approval.
To get started, talk to your Troop Engagement Specialist. Remember to check out our great selection at the council shops! You might just find what you are looking for.
When creating banners, t-shirts, patches, or other items for troops or service units, always include an identifier for our council. It is not necessary to use the servicemark, but do include the words Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons.
To produce branded materials for resale at cost or included in a program with cost (e.g. troop shirts, program patches, etc.), a GSUSA licensed vendor must be used.
Approved Girl Scout Vendors
Advantage Emblem advantageemblem.com 800-626-4948 |
Hallmark Emblems, Inc. hallmarkemblems.com 813-223-5427 |
Geri's Screen Printing, LLC gogeri.com 909-884-9159 |
Joycrest, Inc. joycrest.com 1-909-947-0377 |
Mr. D's Tees, LLC mrdstees.com 888-343-TEES |
If you are planning an event or money earning project, please complete the Money Earning Application. A reminder that you cannot create Girl Scout branded items as a money earning project.
All use of the Girl Scout brand is subject to council approval.
Follow Us
Represent Well
Be Sensitive About Privacy
Bring any concerns to the attention of marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org.
There are several scenarios in which you might have the opportunity to represent Girl Scouts to the media. You might:
Interested in being the face of Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons in the media? Check out our Girl Media Team.
Please reach out to our Director of Communications at marcomm@gsdakotahorizons.org for support or guidance, especially if any sensitive issues are involved.
Remember to check out the Language and Wording section above.