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FAQs

When is FHQ open?

Summer hours for First Headquarters are Monday - Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

***First Headquarters is closed for most major holidays as well as the last week of September for inventory reasons. Please follow us on Facebook for additional closings or updated holiday hours.
 

What programs does FHQ offer?

Please visit Daily Programs to learn more. 

Which programs do you recommend for each age level?

The Early Years patch program is suitable for all levels of Girl Scouting as is Black History. Geocaching and Preserving Girl Scout History are recommended for Girl Scout Cadettes and above.

Do we have to make a reservation? Is there a deposit?

Reservations are required for all programming available through Girl Scout First Headquarters. While reservations are not required for tours, they are HIGHLY recommended, as the building has very limited capacity. By making a reservation, your admission is guaranteed and that a staff member or volunteer will be available to assist your troop / group with their time at First Headquarters. There is currently a $25 non-refundable reservation fee for all reservations.

Do you require a minimum number for group reservations?

Groups of all sizes (individuals, families, troops and larger groups) are welcome to book a tour or program at First Headquarters. However, a minimum of 5 girls is required to conduct a program or guided tour. Should the required minimum not be reached, any fees will be refunded to the booking party / parties. Self-guided tours will still be available to guests at that time.

How large of a group can FHQ accommodate?

With some allowances (such as additional time), First Headquarters can accommodate very large groups. Please call for more information.

What if I don't know exactly how many people will be in our group?

We request that you make your initial reservation for the MAXIMUM number you anticipate. If you hope to fill a 50-passenger motor coach, then go ahead and make your reservation for 50. However, if your sign-up deadline passes and you only have 20 people, that's fine; you may then adjust your total number in the reservation system and release the extra spaces to others. Because FHQ is so small and our capacity so limited, we may not be able to add people later, so be generous with your numbers when you make your initial reservation.

How much time should we allow for our visit?

Depending on the size of your group and the activities chosen you should allow 1 – 3 hours for your visit to First Headquarters. Tours generally last one hour, with extra time allowed for shopping. Most programs, depending on group size and program choice, average 2 – 2 ½ hours. Again, please allow more time for shopping.

How do I schedule a tour or a program?

Tours and programs are booked on a first come, first serve basis based upon completion of registration and a $25 non-refundable reservation fee. The link to our registration system may be found on the "Daily Programs" link on the previous page. Groups considering Savannah and First Headquarters during school breaks (spring & fall break or summer vacation) should submit their reservations as far in advance as possible. When your registration has been completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation for your visit.

What Council's Own programs does FHQ offer?

First Headquarters offers two Council’s Own patch programs; The Early Years and Moving Forward. Additionally, First Headquarters offers programming based on our Savannah Safari, Preserving Girl Scout History (i.e. the Archives), Black History and Geocaching Council’s Own Try-Its / Badges / IPPs.

Are you the same as or associated with Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace?

No. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a house museum and national Girl Scout program center owned and operated by the national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA. This facility, dedicated to interpreting the life and times of Juliette Gordon Low and her family, is located on Oglethorpe Avenue. They may be contacted at (912)-233-4501 or by visiting their website. Girl Scout First Headquarters is a Girl Scout museum and program center owned and operated by the local Girl Scout Council; the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc. First Headquarters, in which the exhibits tell the story of the history of Girl Scouting, was left to the girls of the local council by Juliette Low herself and is now open to the public as a Girl Scout museum and program center.

Are there any other Girl Scout sites in Savannah that we should visit?

There are many sites in Savannah which are associated with the life of Juliette Gordon Low and the history of Girl Scouting. Just a few of these sites include Christ Church, Laurel Grove Cemetery, and the Andrew Low House. Check out our QuestFest website for more locations. 

Do you have a shop?

Girl Scout First Headquarters does have a gift shop. While the shop does carry items such as t-shirts and patches, we do not have an individual shop webpage at this time, but you may view photos of many of our exclusive items on our FHQ Facebook page. If you would like to pre-order merch, please use this form. 

What does a visit to FHQ cost?

Tours of First Headquarters are $5 per person (age 5 & up). Individual programs are $15 per participant (which includes the tour and associated patch or badge). Also, at all times during your visit to First Headquarters, the proper girl / adult ratio per Girl Scout Safety Activity Check Points must be maintained (i.e. one adult cannot bring 50 girls for a tour).

What restaurants are located near FHQ?

The following restaurants, listed in no particular order, are within a 2 block radius of First Headquarters; Clary’s Café, Gryphon Tea Room, J. Christopher’s, Mellow Mushroom, Soho South Café, Firefly Café, Six Pence Pub, The Public and Parker's Market. The aforementioned restaurants are not officially endorsed by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, but are simply listed due to proximity to First Headquarters.

Is there somewhere that I can see your available badges, patches and pins?

At this time, we ask that you please visit our FHQ Facebook page. Prices and ordering information are listed with each of the photos.

Girl Scouts are "tax free" in my state. Is it the same in Georgia?

No. Even if you bring a tax-exemption letter from your home state, Girl Scouts are not tax free in Georgia. Please take this into consideration when you are preparing your budget for your trip to Savannah. Currently, Chatham County, Georgia has a 7% sales tax.

Can you recommend...

Sure! Please take a look at our Program & Resource Guide. This publication is full of information on businesses from hotels to restaurants and area attractions that welcome and support Girl Scouts.

Can we stay at a camp during our visit to Savannah?

Girl Scouts from other councils are welcomed at Girl Scout Camp Low on Rose Dhu Island, which is about 40 minutes from downtown Savannah. Camp Low offers rustic camping, platform tent camping, cabin unit camping and a small 2 bedroom house. To find out more about camp or to check availability and rates, please use our online camp reservation system.

What about the weather?

Savannah is beautiful... but humid, and often very, VERY hot AND temperamental. “Scoff,” you say. “I’m from _____ (fill in the blank with another rather warm and/or humid locale), we can handle this!” However, because of Savannah’s unique location and our miles and miles of salt marshes, the humidity levels and “pop-up” storms almost have to be experienced to be believed. Savannah’s weather is like its charm; very slow and low-key, so that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s almost too late. Because of this, FHQ reserves the right to alter any reservations due to inclement weather including, but not limited to: heat index, rain/storms, and other weather watches or warnings. In general, we encourage you to select indoor or water-based activities (near shelter) during the summer afternoons. Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! “But I just had a bottle of water!” Good! Have another! Trust us!

When are payments due? What is your refund policy?

There is a $25 non-refundable reservation fee due immediately upon registration. Half of your tour or program fees will be due three months prior to your reservation. The balance is due one month prior to your trip to Savannah. A full refund will be made if your visit is cancelled by council staff for any reason. Refunds will be available if you cancel your reservation, in writing, prior to final payment being made (i.e. one month prior to your trip). Refunds will be made by check, except in the case of GSHG Council Cookie Bucks payment (in-council only), which cannot be refunded. Council Cookie Bucks may be transferred to another program. Troops / groups / individuals who do not show up for a program event will not receive a refund. Refund requests are subject to partial refund due to costs set by outside vendor and credit card processing fees.

The following changes were made in November 2017:

• FHQ has transitioned to a new reservation system. All reservations completed under the previous system will be honored. 
• FHQ will now offer programs on a pre-determined schedule. If you're interested in a specific program, please look on our calendar and plan your trip accordingly. 
• At this time, FHQ is no longer offering ceremonies for those visiting from outside of Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. We will honor any existing reservations for ceremony services.
• If you are a travel representative, a Girl Scout employee planning a council sponsored trip, a group of adults only or looking to bring a group of 40+, please contact FHQ staff directly using this form. 
• The reservation fee is $25 and due at the time of registration. This applies to in-council and out-of-council groups. 50% of your payment will be due three months prior to your reservation with the balance being due one month prior to your reservation. 
• Although prices haven't changed since 2016, we are now offering a patch/badge at no additional cost for girls participating in a program. Tour groups are $5 per person, and program fees are $15 per participant. 

What are the hours during Girl Scout QuestFest?

Girl Scout QuestFest is our favorite time of year! To celebrate, we normally extend our hours to accommodate more girls. Check out the website for more information!