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Serving youth and their loved ones involved in the justice system.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is a specialized program for girls ages 5–17 whose mother or female caregiver is incarcerated at Perryville Women's Prison. According to a 2026 study by Arizona State University, in Arizona, 79 out of every 100,000 women are incarcerated in jail or prison, ranking ninth in the nation—more on the report here.
Through a Girl Scout troop that meets inside the prison, girls and their caregivers share meaningful experiences that strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Each gathering combines fun, hands-on Girl Scout activities and traditions (songs and games) with leadership and life skills, while connecting girls with a supportive community of peers and caring adults. The program also opens the door to additional Girl Scout opportunities, including camp, travel, etc.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars meets on the second Saturday of each month. Transportation is provided, and the program is offered at no cost to participating families.
A Bit of History
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) was established in 1992 to preserve and strengthen the bond between children and their mothers during incarceration. First piloted in central Maryland, the program has since expanded to 23 states nationwide.
GSBB launched in Arizona in 1994 through a partnership between Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. In 2004, the program expanded to the Arizona Department of Corrections’ Perryville Women’s Prison. In 2010, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona joined the effort, helping grow and sustain the program statewide.
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