Girls Are Important

CONSTANCE RITTENHOUSE National Director, Girl Scouts, Inc.

IN THESE FAST MOVING DAYS, when the tragic situation of the can also be led toward the best that civilization has achieved. world affects the job of every one of us and brings increasing In the Girl Scout program we have a tested and proven pressure of work, it is a satisfactipn to me, as your National tool to help us in doing this most necessary work. More than Director, to realize that the job you are doing, as leaders of ever we need to supplement what children learn at home, Brownie, Girl Scout, or Senior Girl Scout troops, is one of the where burdens are heavier, and at school, where classes are most important jobs that can be done today for the nation. larger. We can help girls to discover what they want to do, We are fighting this war not only for ourselves, for our own to find the satisfaction of planning and carrying out· their ac­ generation, but for the whole future, and our future is in our tivities as a group, to have "fun"; we can help them "to have -ehildren. Helping children to have a normal, happy childhood, a real share in the war effort and to understand the reason for 1aining them through fun and play in those attitudes that the everything they do so that "chores" are cheerfully tackled citizens of tomorrow must possess-that is a part of the total because they are seen as part of an essential whole; and through war effort that is vitally concerned with the very things we are all the girls' activities of work and play we can help them to fighting for. "learn by doing" the things they will need to know as active We are aware today, as never before, of the ease with which citizens of the hard but challenging new world that lies be­ young people can be led-toward good or toward evil. With yond victory. horror, we have seen the youth of dictator nations turned For myself, I do not hesitate to say that no one is more away from the hard-won wisdom of the ages. How urgent, important than a Girl Scout leader. If you have a share in then, is our job of leadership! But we can take hope from forming the lives of eighteen to twenty-four or more girls, you this pliability of youth, because we know that young people are doing more than most people do in the course of a lifetime! While They Are Still We must never forget that e~ lost generation is today. A fourth conference on children was called by President Roosevelt in March, 1942, this time to consider the welfare of children in wartime. At the close of this conference a Chil­ dren's Charter in Wartime ~as adopted and plans had been laid DoROTHY DAviDsoN to meet the needs of the children of the country. The charter includes four definite objectives: Pro gram Division I. Guard children from injury in danger zones. U. Protect children from neglect, exploitation, and undue strain in defense areas. III. Strengthen the home life of children whose parents are mobilized for war or war production. ~BOUT one third of the people who make up this nation IV. Conserve, equip, and free children of every race and are children under eighteen years of age. Every day, creed to take their part in democracy. despite convoys, raids, bombings, rationings, and armaments production, these children are living and growing. Until they The .home,. the church, the school, and the community share become of age, they are the precious charge of the adults of this these atms wtth the Government, and those of us who believe country. This charge is a, more urgent one during war. that Girl Scouting has a part to play as an agent of thf' com­ munity must not be satished to go on with our work until we "This . . . generation of boys and girls must' be protected as have assured ourselves that what we are doing in Girl Scouting far as possible from the shocks of war. There can be no has a clear-cut and important relationship to these objectives, moratonum on boys' and girls' growing up. Youth cannot which have been adopted as national guideposts in bringing be deferred. There must be no 'lost generation' that lost its children through these unusual times of stress and strain. chance to achieve personal adequacy, learn democratic idealism, and grow up with wholesome childhood pursuits, when its only 1. What is your community doing to guard children from sin was being young while its nation was fighting for those injury? things."* Has the local air raid warden assigned a safety zone in every Disturbed by the anxieties of parents, the news in radio and building in which a troop meets? newspapers, and upset by disruptions in family life, our chil­ Are all troop meeting times and places and names of troop dren need our help. Years ago, the care and protection and members registered at the local air raid post? general welfare of the children of the United States were recog­ Have you ever sat down with adults from the public health nized as responsibilities of the people as well as responsibilities department, the Red Cross, the school board, the local defense of individual adults. In 1909 the first national Conference on council, and others, to talk about the health of the children in the Welfare of Children was called in Washington L.y President your town or village, and to map out a plan for its improvement? Theodore Roosevelt. , At that time measures were taken to pro­ Have you asked these people to help with the Girl Scout tect children in industry and employment, and the Children's health program? Bureau was established under the Department of Labor. The Have you examined the Girl Scout Health and Safety pro­ third national conference on children, called by President gram to see how tt can be used to the best advantage in your Hoover in 1930, adopted the Children's Charter, which, to community? quote Miss Katharine F. Lenroot, Chief of the Children's Bu­ Are the leaders of your Girl Scout troops using "Safety-Wise" reau, "was. based on the recognition of the rights of the child (Girl Scout pamphlet) in protecting your girls? . as the firs t rights of citizenship," and pledged the conference Are your Girl Scouts and . leaders benefiting from outdoor to the following aims : activities and camping? · "For every child spiritual and moral trammg to help 2. If you live in a defense area (with war industries or train­ him stand firm under the pressure of life. ing camps), what effects is it having on all the children, "For every child understanding and the guarding of his particularly .the girls, in your community? · personality as his most precious right. Are the records of welfare agencies, the courts, ·and the "For every child a home and that love and security which schools in your community showing a lowering of children's a home provides; and for that child who must receive moraie and an increase in delinquency? foster care, the nearest substitute for his own home .... Do you believe that Girl Scouting can help a girl to achieve "For every child the right to grow up in a family with an that most important thing in life, a practical philosophy for adequate standard of living and the security of a stable in­ guiding her thoughts and behavior? come as the surest safeguard against social handicaps ... .. Are you in Girl Scouting helping the defense council and "For every child a community which recognizes and plans other agencies to help these children? . for his needs; protects him agai~st physical dangers, moral Are the children of the new and incoming families being hazards, and disease; provides him with safe and whole­ welcomed and made to feel a part of your community? some places for play and recreation ; and makes provision Do they have places and facilities for play? for his cultural and social needs." ... Are the Girl Scouts among them being taken into your es­ tablished troops?

*Roy Sorenson in an address before the Annual Meeting of Community Chests and Are new troops being started to take care of the girls who Councils in Cincinnati in June, 1942 . want and need Girl Scouting?

110 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER the time to prevent another A Children's Charter Tomorrow will be too late. In Wartime

3. What is Girl Scouting doing in your community to help WE ARE IN TOTAL WAR against the aggressor na­ strengthen tl:e home life of all the children, and particularly tions. We are fighting again for human freedom of those whose parents are mobilized for war and war pro­ duction? and especially for the future of our children in a Are those phases of Girl Scouting th~t are designed to help free world. a girl be a good member of her family being emphasized in Children must be safeguarded-and they can your troops? be safeguarded-in the midst of this total war so Are the adults who possess special skills in the art of home­ that they can live and share in that future. They making being urged to share these with your Girl Scouts? Is thought being given to steering the interests of the girls must be nourished, sheltered, and protected even toward making their homes the best homes possible? in the stress of war production so that they will be Are the parents of the Girl Scouts in your community being strong to carry forward a just and lasting peace. included in the planning and carrying out of the Girl Scout Our American Republics sprang from a sturdy program? yearning for tolerance, independence, and self­ 4. What is being done in your community to conserve, government. The American home has emerged equip: and free ch'ildren of every race and creed so that from the search for freedom. Within it the child they may take their part in democracy? lives and learns through his own efforts the mean- Can you honestly say that Girl Scouting in your town repre­ sents the broad philosophy of the organization? ing and responsibilities of freedom. · Is every girl, regardless of race, color, or creed, welcome to We have faith in the children of the New participate? World-faith that if our generation does its part Are the needs of all the girls in your community, regardless now, they will renew the living principles in our of religion or of economic or social status, being considered by your council or committees? common life, and make the most of them. Are your troops, your committees, and your council being Both as a wartime responsibility and as stepping conducted in a democratic way? stones to our future-and to theirs-we call upon Are your girls being given constant opportunity to take re­ citizens, young and old, to join together to- sponsibility and learn to work and play satisfactorily with the other members of the troop? 1. Guard children from injury in danger zones. Are your Girl Scout leaders being encouraged and supported in every way possil:ile so that they can face their girls with con­ 2. Protect children from neglect, exploitation, fidence and enthusiasm for the task that is tpeirs? and undue strain in defense areas. To know the Girl Scout program is to realize that it is a tool 3. Strengthen the home life of children whose chest full of tools and instruments that can help you make a parents are mobilized for war or war production. significant contribution to this big job in your community. Read A Leader's Guide to the Brownie Scout Program, r·ead 4. Conserve, equip, and free children of every the Girl Scout Handbook, and read the pamphlets on Senior race and creed to take their part in democracy. Girl Scouting. Trying to use Girl Scouting without finding the answers to the above questions and without knowing the For All Children - Everywhere Girl Scout program would be comparable to the apprentice who went to his workbench blindfolded, with his hands tied behind his back. The basic needs of children are the same today as they. have "Juvenile Delinquency in Wartime" by Eleanor T. Glueck; been all along-aggravated and intensified, yes, but not changed. Survey Graphic, March, 1942. Children still want love and affection. They still want to be To Parents in Wartime; United States Children's Bureau given responsibility and to be recognized as being important publication No. 282.. Practical suggestio?s. on how to ~eet and necessary. They still want to feel secure emotionally and child problems resultmg from fears, anxtettes, and changmg economically. . They st"ill must have new and adventuresome home conditions caused by war. experiences. "Opportunity for All Children"; Survey Graphic, April, · As citizens and as adult members of the Girl Scout organiza­ 1942. American child life mealiured by the standards of the tiOn, we must apply our tools as ardently and as skillfully· as Children's Charter in Wartime. · we can. Our children, all of them, in spite of this war, must have some of the joys that only childhood can know. and they must grow strong and straight, spiritually and physically, to­ THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER, published monthly by Girl Scouts, Inc., 155 East ward whatever future awaits them. 44th Street, New York, N. Y., re·entered as second·class matter, February 27, 1942, at the Post Office of New York, N. Y .,. under the Act of March 3, 1879. Here are a few articles that will give you further information: Subscription, 50 cents a year in the United States, 75 cents elsewhere. (Note. tor registered Girl S~ou:t leaders,_ assistant lead<;rs, troop comm1ttee c~a~rmen, "Annual Report on the Nation's Children"; Parents' Maga­ executive Secretaries. field secretanes, local council member.s, and commtsswner.s, subscription price is 25 cents, which is included in thetr annual membershtp zine, January, 1942. dues.) Vol. 19, No. 13, October, 1942.

OCTOBER, 1942 111 $CJtci? Ji! A Girl Scout Salvage Skit

HoPE W. STONE Leader of Troop 10 and Local Council Member, Melrose, Massachusetts

CHARACTERS: Uncle Sam, Seven Girl Scouts, Tin Can, Rubber RUBBER MAT. Mat, Eight Brownies. Once I lay before your door; Now I'm going off to war. UNCLE SAM . Take your rubber to our bin, Your Uncle Sam throughout the land For we all have a war to win. Is getting in the scrap, So give your pans, your old tin cans, (they dance together again, and go to rear of stage.) And put the Axis off the map. (Enter eight Brownies in couples. Using the following words, they play 'The Noble Duke of York," tune and directions (Uncle Sam sits in chair at rear center of stage.) found in Skip to My Lou.) (Enter four Girl Scouts.) . fiRST COUPLE. FIRST GIRL ScouT. We are tb? Girl Scout Salvage Group. Oh, good old Uncle Sam, He wants to have your tin, SECOND GIRL ScouT. A thrifty group are we. So gather it up wherever you can THIRD GIRL ScouT. We take your iron, rubber, tin To put in the Girl Scout bin. FouRTH GIRL ScouT. To keep our nation free. SECOND CouPLE. FIRST GIRL ScouT. So help your country and your troop, Oh, good old Uncle Sam, He's asking for your metal, SECOND GIRL ScouT. Join our Girl Scout Salvage Group! So search around for pots and pans, Or maybe a co~per kettle. (Girl Scouts step back and stand two on each side of Uncle Sam at rear.) THIRD COUPLE. Oh, good old Uncle Sam, (Enter three more Girl Scouts, pushing a cart filled with sal­ He needs your old scrap iron, vage. They hold up various pieces as they name them.) So look down in your cellar now To keep our boys a-flyin'.

THREE GIRLS. In unison, singing to tune of " Yes, We Have FouRTH CouPLE. No Bananas" ) Oh, good old Uncle Sam, Yes, we have some salvage, He has to have your rubber, We have some _salvage today. So give another look around We have choppers, and stoppers, For what you can discover. And iron corn poppers, And drainers and strainers, say­ (They form a "V" at rear of stage with Uncle Sam as apex.) We have rubber bands and tin pans, And large, metal, waste cans, UNCLE SAM. Oh, yes, we have some salvage, Your Uncle Sam is very proud We have some salvage today. Of Girl Scouts large and small Who brought in all this scrap you see (They stand at back of stage.) To heed their nation's call. So keep on working, Girl Scouts, (Enter Tin Can and Rubber Mat. They tap dance together. Until you've filled your bin. Tin Can wears flattened tin cans around her waist and neck 'Twill help our soldiers everywhere, and carries an unflattened can. Rubber Mat wears as an Their battles soon to win. apron a doormat with the word "Welcome" across it.) Keep your salvage bin full, TIN CAN. And with the money you make Buy War Bonds and Savings Stamps Three guesses as to who I am? For your dear country's sake. Well, I was once a tin of jam. The way I got my flattened look? (Steps back to head of "V.") 'Twas done on purpose by the cook. (Demonstrates) I make tanks the war to win. (Cast marches off the stage in couples, singing the "Hike Song" So do the same with your old tin. from the Girl Scout Song Book, page 8.)

112 ' THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER Miss Gussie and the Popping Society

In which Gus takes to heart a camp lesson on posture

MARIE E. GAUDETTE, Program Division

MISS GussiE MAcGASKET 1s the leader. of a troop. Even during the afternoon, some young one who had been to as you and I. Miss Gussie is a woman of middle years. camp would pass another camper and give her a slight and There was a time in our existence when "middle years" hardly noticeable tap on the back. Slight as the touch was, meant something bordering on the doddering side, but now it reacted on the touched one like an electric shock and she that we have reached that point ourselves, the connotation straightened, like a ramrod, from head to toe. · Several of "middle years" is youth still slightly rampant, curbed times during the meeting Gussie had been on the pomt of only by an occasional stiff joint and bridge work. asking a question or two but-well, you know how that first Gussie's troop is a "run of the mill" variety- one of those troop meeting of the fall is-and Gussie let the matter slide. Intermediate groups with two fifteen-year-olds thrown in Once during the meeting Gussie had overheard words that to keep life from getting dull. The troop is half in uni­ she understood to be "hopping society" and she tried to form and half out. Gussie is no needlewoman, so the mak­ figure out what the word "hoppmg" might signify. It ing of uniforms has not been stimulated. And at a leaders' might have been the result of a contest in hopping. Or it meeting, Gussie was heard to say that only over her dead might be a banding together of all who had seen or touched body would she spend the winter teaching her brood to a hoptoad. pilot a needle through unending waves of green material! As Miss Gussie neared her own front door, she decided Of course, Gussie has a woman on her troop committee that after dinner she would call on Mrs. Pine, not only be­ (Mrs. Pine, by name) who is a whiz with a needle, but Gus cause she was a member of the troop committee, but because had never gotten around to enlisting her aid in the project she was a friend and- last but not least-the youngest Pine of making uniforms. Even as you and I. daughter was one of the seven who had been at camp and There is one unregistered member of Gussie's group that had been a fairly active tapper all afterno'on. we might want to mention later, so we'd better say some­ Soon Gus was sitting in Mrs. Pine's living room with thing about her right here. Gussie has a Scottie dog named Maggie in her habitual relaxed state beside Gussie's chair. Maggie, who is the unwilling mascot of the troop- unwil­ The two of them conversed happily while the youngest Pine ling because Maggie is not too sure that girls are harmless. daughter leaned alternately on Mrs. Pine's chair, then on To Maggie, - the everlasting scuffing of feet, semi-scream Gussie's, then on the table-for variety. giggles, and high-pitched voices are a menace to a slow­ All of a sudden Mrs. Pine thought that perhaps Gussie moving, slightly staid, peace-and-quiet-loving Scottie dog. would like a glass of ginger ale after her warm walk. Out It was a warm September afternoon that Miss Gussie trotted the youngest Pine to get it, and as she passed her MacGasket walked home from her first troop meeting of the mother's chair, she reached over and gave her mother a light fall, and from her pocket came the familiar sound known by touch on the back. Gussie saw it happen and was only every leader of a Girl Scout troop-the jingle of pennies half prepared for the transformation that Mrs. Pine went and nickels. Perhaps, in the mind of every troop member through in less than half a second! From' a semblance to -at some time or other-the value of the troop as against the letter C, Mrs. Pine's back became a vertical line, and not a chocolate bar or a Saturday morning movie had been the slightest change of expression on her face excepting that matched. But Gussie felt that at least eighty per cent of the.upright position caused her chin to go out and her head the time the troop won the decision in the young mind! up and she looked younger. Gussie was more bewildered As Gussie walked along, she pondered the strange actions than ever. that had been going on in troop meeting that afternoon. When the younger Pine returned from the kitchen with Seven of Gussie's twenty-one angels had been at camp the ginger ale and passed in back of Miss Gussie's chair, during the summer and had been given a chance at the troop which was a straight one, Miss Gussie MacGasket straight­ m ~ eting to tell some of their experiences. The fun of ened her back until it touched the chair its whole length, §W!mming came from all seven. The night a severe thun- relaxed her shoulders, drew up her head, and stuck out her 4 ~ r§t~mn broke and the counselors went into the tents to chin. She had no idea why she did it, but had a feeling that read §Wries to the girls seemed to have been enjoyed by all. she might receive the gentle tap. The very thought of it Cooking out-of-doors, especially things on sticks and tin made her react as the campers and Mrs. Pine had done. cans, was reported on at great length. Gussie's change of position was not lost on either Pine. A Throughout the entire reporting not one word had been look passed between them, and the face of the younger Pine said about any secret societies, to which Gussie, in her ig­ broke into a grin-gold band and all! nwance, had ascribed the strange actions of the afternoon. Now, my friends, it so happens that Gussie had often And the strange actions were these. Every once in a while spoken to her troop-as individual members and as a group

Q Before After 0 The 0 <1.~ Healthful Winter ~ ~J ~~rtt !~ ~ OCTOBER, 1942 113 -about their posture. She had said a hundred times what thousands of mothers a~d fathers, the world ov~r, say to their children. Such thmgs as "Stop scuffing your feet," "Stand up straight," "Don't lie in the plate," "Take your elbows off the table," "Straighten up your shoulders," and so on--and on. We don't mmd saying, here and now, . that, 0 ? excepting for the moments when she was admonishing a member of the troop, she was no prize-winner herself. Afte_r the second troop meeting of the season, Gussie had ~- ~~ ~ ~ ~ sense enough to figure out that the back tapping had some­ thing to do with posture and that more girls were taking .,;,,~~~dQ_,l'('_Jj [ part in this little performance. "' J> The group tries out Maggie's relaxed position. As time went on Gussie learned, little by little, that at the summer camp there had been not a Hopping Society but a Popping Society! At the beginning of each two-week per­ realized that she had-in the actlVlties of the Popping So­ iod, everyone in the camp was a member. In other words, oety and the troop members' interest in posture-the tap­ it was taken for granted that a camper or counselor would root of a health and safety project. try to improve her posture, especially at the table. When anyone was seen slouching, hanging her head in the plate, We should like to take you through every step, every or in any other ungainly or unhealthful position, she might disappointment, every "high spot," and every enthusiasm of get from a camper or counselor a gentle tap on the back Troop 13 and the health business, but suffice it to say that some which was called a "pop" ! If you were popped three times girls went in for personal health, some for home safety, in two weeks, you were "out" of the Popping Society in some for nutrition, some for sports that were particularly that you could not pop anyone else, but you would, of good for health and posture. They saw, as one would ex­ course, continue being popped. pect, the close relationship of health to posture. And the few that owned uniforms began to look better in them­ Gussie also learned that her seven. campers had brought "keen," some said. Mrs. Pine offered to take the ones who the Popping Society back to troop and to family. One would like to make uniforms. And the fitting was not so family could hardly understand "such foolishness," but the difficult, because the young ones had ceased to bulge in the rest saw in it fun and a helpful way to get all members of wrong places! the family into a habit of good posture. The young ones It all had its effect on Gus, too. Her cornstalk figure had kept the idea from Gussie (thinking, we guess, that she 1 ·made a vali ant attempt to stand up straight- creak as it did! was blind in one eye and couldn't see out of the other ) to It turned out to be a wonderful year of personal health im­ see if she could notice how they had improved at the end provement, public health consciousness, public safety, and of a month! safety in the home. Miss Gussie kept quiet and let them surprise her and made Gussie reported at a leaders' meeting that she had always verbal note of "great improvement." Then one night, as heard that great and good thirigs can come from a little she sat trying to comb the burrs out of Maggie's . fur, she pat on the back- and here was proof of it!

At Your Service Aids and ideas for Miss Gussie MacGasket and other leaders "IF YOU CAN'T COME to a training course, let a train­ "inary tour covers more than the World Association, whose gold

ing course come to you !"-i.e., the Correspondence Course trefoil decorates the bright blue cover of the book. This Diary1 in Girl Scout Leadership. Who is eligible? Leaders of like that for 1942, was prepared by Margaret · Ann Dysart, Intermediate and Senior lone troops - and of troops under Editorial Assistant on the staff of the LEADER. Current sub­ small local councils without professional staff members - scribers to the Publication Subscription Plan (see September who have not had a training course of sixteen hours nor LEADER) receive this item. completed the Correspondence Course for two years. What does it provide? Practical help, by a national instruc­ tor, with program and troop management, and new material showing leaders how they can help children in time of Twenty-five years ago, in October, 1917, Girl Scouts -greeted war. Group study questions are included for use in leaders' a new magazine for girls-The Rally. You know this same meetings, training days, and so forth. How long is it? Seven magazine today as The American Girl, which is celebrating its lessons. What does it cost? One dolla,r - and this year silver anniversary this October with one of the best issues of it's printed. Of course, you can now buy the course without its career. Mildred Adams, of the Board of Directors of Girl enrolling as a student. Cost is the same. Scouts, Inc., tells the story of the twenty-five years of Th :: American Girl in an article called "Candles on Our Cake,· ' and Gertrude Simpson of the national staff writes ,about Gi,- 1 Scout a-ctivities in this war and the last. Some of the best We know you will be enthusiastic about the new Girl Scout stories, poems, and articles from issues of the past ten years Diary for 1943, which takes us on a tour of the Girl Guide are reprinted in this birthday number- "The Good River" by and Girl Scout world. Each weekly item tells about our sisters Pearl Buck, the story of a Chinese family and a flood; "Little in some other country-the kind of program they have, or People on Strings," an article on how to make marionettes, by the war services they are performing. Lots of information Tony Sarg; "Going on the Stage" by Cornelia Otis Skinner; about the Girl Scouts of Latin America, as well, so the imag- the immortal ."Girl Shout Week," Edith Ballinger Price's first

114 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER Hikes for Brownie Scouts From Girl Scout News, the Logan, West Virginia, Local Council Bulletin KIND OF ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES HIKE ALONG THE WAY AT DESTINATION SONGS Colors Choose one or two colors. List Learn two or three flowers not to "Autumn Song"l all things seen in these colors. be. piCked. "The Apples" 1 1 2 Identify flowers. Make and follow Color Trail, "Lavender's Blue" • using pieces of colored paper as . trail signs. Sounds Hear and identify all sounds pos- See and hear birds. "Kookaburra"2 sible-nature, town, travel. Play stalking games- "Frog Round" 3 "Dog and Bone" "The Little Bells"• "Bear and Honey " "The Merry Lark"• "Moving Statues" · Smells See how many smells you can Make and follow an onion trail. "Old Hungarian Round"• identify. Rub a cut onion on trees to Find scented plants, like wild gar- mark trail. Followers smell lie, sassafras, dandelion, spice trees. bush. Water Follow edge of creek or wade. Look Make and sail tiny boats of grasses, "The Brooklet"5 for ' all sorts of water' life- sticks, leaves. "Peace of the River" 5 "skaters," "water dogs," tadpoles, Have a stone-skipping contest. "The Keel Row"5 fish. Play "Follow the Leader"-without "The Ducks" 1 wet feet. Trees Notice different kinds of flowers Look at catkins, flowers, or seeds "The Birch Tree"• or seeds on trees; how leaves with a magnifying glass. List all "Tree Song" 3 first open and unfold, how seeds you can identify. "The Ash Grove"• travel. Draw pencil sketches. "The Tree m the Wood" 3 Play "Tree Tag" and "Tree Hide and Seek." Indians Walk single file. Make leaf headdresses (instead of "Sun Worshippers" 2 feathers) . "Navajo Happy Song" 5 Dance Indian dances. "Dakota Hymn"• Play Indian observation games. Gypsies Wear bandannas on heads. Make necklaces and bracelets of "Gypsy Song" 2 fiowers, berries, etc. "The W raggle-taggle Lots of folk dances and singing Gypsies, 0"1 • 3 games. "A Song of the Open· Air" 5 Any of these hikes may be done in an hour, or an hour and a halt, in your own neighborhood. Be sure to have two adults on each hike! Make up other story hikes of your own and with the ideas of your girls. 1 Our Songs by Mary A. Sanders (order from Girl Scouts, In'c., Catalog No. 23-465 , 25 cents). 'Yours for a Song by janet E. Tobitt (order from Girl Scouts, Inc., Catalog No. 23 -459, 25 cents). • Girl Scout Song Book (Girl Scouts, Inc., Catalog No. 20-191, 45 cents). • Srng Together (Girl Scouts, Inc., Catalog No. 20-196, 20 cents). • Srng Me Your Song, 0! by Janet E. Tobitt (order from Girl Smuts, Inc., Catalog No. 23-461, 25 cents) .

Bobo Witherspoon story; and several others, · including poems form, or if you are a leader of a lone . troop, write to National by William Rose Benet, Rachel Field, and Robert P. Tristram Headquarters. Your cooperation in using a recent form and Coffin. And you can't afford to miss the spread of Girl Scout in fillmg it out completely and accurately is a vital link in the pictures from long ago! (Subscription is $1.50 for one year, chain of accurate national statistics. They're used for all $2 for two years- but only $1 to a Girl Scout who subscribes sorts of important things, so P,lease help us to make them right. at time of registration.)

The new pamphlet Girl Scout Service Bureaus (Catalog A great deal of our service to you depends on assistance No. 19-414, 5 cents) ,-which replaces What Can I Do to Help?, from you. Take, for instance, the matter of national statistics. was prepared in consultation with the Office of Civilian Defense When next you fill out your Troop and Troop Committee in Washington, D . C. Local councils should take a copy of Registration form, please look in the lower right-hand corner; this pamphlet to the local defense council, and leave another the last three or four numbers indicate the date the form was copy for the local Civilian Defense Volunteer Office if the printed. Anything prior to 10-41 (October, 1941) is too old local defense council has one. If there is no local C.D.V.O., to be used. Please ask your local council for a more recent Girl Scout local council members might offer to organize one.

OCTOBER, 1942 11'5 SENIOR SERVICE SCOUTS are putting their training to work, and many are the ways they have found to serve. Here are a few: Child Care At the request of the Park Board, which had a reduced budget, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Girl Scouts took entire charge ot two playgrounds for ten summer weeks, with Senior Service Scouts m charge . . . . A group of Seniors in Linnell, Cali­ fornia, who wanted to be Farm Aides, found that the most needed service was a day nursery tor the children of farm workers, under W .P.A. Nursery School supervision. "If this program were not in existence," wrote Mrs. Marian Behr, Girl Scout leader and home management supervisor, "it would mean that a great many more mothers would not be able to leave their children and accept their responsibility in the agri- 1 cultural labor shortage." \ , Food ' ' '*'- / Actual practice in preparing food for large numbers of persons has been gained by Senior Service Scouts of Port Chester, New York, through serving meetings of air raid wardens . ... A Mariner Ship of Hartford, Connecticut, is set up as an auxiliary to a Sea Scout Ship in case an emergency calls the boys to long watches of relief or patrol duty; the girls will run a canteen to provide sandwiches and coffee. These two Girl Scouts of Washington, D. C., show how Seniors can help Uncle Sam sell War Bonds and Stamps. Transportation and Communication Senior Service Scouts are , on regular duty, with adults, at A.R.P .. control centers in Bridgeport, Connecticut; Greensboro,

116 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER Senior Girl Scout Farm Aides from Toledo, Ohio, get in the hay harvest. Seniors in other states did such chores as picking peas and ap­ ples, canning, milking cows, gathering eggs.

~;r

Senior Service Scouts who can use tools well can free men for other work-and train themselves for war jobs. These Jamestown, New York, Mariners show how it's done. Cincinnati Seniors demonstrate their homemade mobile canteen. Seniors in Flint, Michigan, show children in back yard playgrounds William I. Siegfried how to make doll beds out of cigar boxes.

North Carolina; and Melrose, Massachusetts. . . . They have done clerical work and messenger service at local Offices of Civilian Defense in Passaic, New Jersey, and Aurora, Illinois . . . . . Said the Office of Civilian Mobilization in Buffalo, New York: "It has been amazing to us to see their capabilities and most inspiring to observe their serious purpose."

Recreation "Special service is being continued for the Visiting Nurse Association and Blindcraft," says a letter about San Francisco's Triple-S activities, "because some adults have forgotten their regular charities in the rush of war work. There is a special opportunity for Senior Scouts with Blindcraft work-dancing w1th blind people at their monthly parties, and }earning Braille because of the opportunity to ·teach blinded soldiers and to transcribe and write stories for blind children. ' . . . A dance ' band is the project o( a Senior Service Scout group of Maui, Hawaii, which hopes to serve with the U.S.O. General With the girls working in relays, troops in Danbury, Con­ necticut, Asheville, North Carolina, and Newark, New Jersey, have given yeoman service to hospitals-taking telephone calls, checking linens, running errands, caring for flowers, carrying trays, amusing convalescent children, wrapping dressings for sterilization, and preparing trays for surgical dressings. * * * Write us about your s'enior Service Scout activities.

OCTOBER, 1942 Flint "Journal" Photo resources of the community-a house for meetings and lana for gardening. Third, she enl'isted her friends and neigh­ October, 1942 bors, her troop committee, and the parents of the girls as Vol. 19, No. 13 p.cogram consultants. Last but not least, she kep~ her troop going all summer! ·

Published monthly by Continuity of Membership GIRL SCOUTS, INC. Do you know that 13.6 per cent of all Brownies due to 155 East 44th Street, New York, N. Y. reregister in 1941 transferred to Intermediate troops, whereas National President . Mrs. Alan H. ·Means only 9.4 per cent made the transition in 1940? This reflects the good work of many leaders and local council members National Director . Mrs. Paul Rittenhouse toward better continuity of girl membership. It's a good be­ EDITORIAL STAFF ginmng and we hope the 1942 figures will chalk up even ( EDITOR bigger results. Don't forget that the transfer to Senior troops Fjeril Hess presents sometimes an even bigger problem and needs the MANAGING EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR conscious effort of all concerned. Anne L. New Virginia Greene EDITORIAL ASSIST ANT Home Kitchens Enlist Margaret Ann Dysart Saving fats is becoming an increasingly important part of war salvage. Our supply of vegetable tats from the Far East has been greatly reduced, and ot course our need for explosives Orders for additional copies of• the current issue and of previous made trom glycerine, which in turn is made from fats; was issues (insofar as copie9 are available) will be filled upon receipt never more acute. of 5 cents for each copy; address the LEADER direct. In case of new The responsibility of saving tats is one that each girl in your memberships, as with late renewals, the initial delivery of the LEADER troop might well assume at home, and a troop discussion on is subject to several weeks' delay. the best methods of doing so will probably prove valuable. Proper care in salvaging the fat means a higher glycerine con­ tent, and the glycerine. industries have suggested the follow­ Our Front Cover ing procedure:

The happy campers whose faces appear on our · front cover 1'. Save every drop of used cooking tat-bacon grease, meat this month were photographed last summer at Camp Andree, drippings, frying fats, and so on. formerly the National Senior Girl Scout Camp, now being used as one of the camps of the Greater New York Council. 2. Pour fat through a kitchen strainer into a clean, wide­ The photograph is by Paul Parker. mouthed metal can. Do not use glass containers or paper bags. 3. Keep in a cool, dark place. Rancid fat has a lower Girl Scouting on the Air glycepne content. Tune in the Cities Service show on your local NBC radio 4. When you have accumulated at leas t' a pound of fat, takF station Friday night, October 23, at 8 o'clock (Eastern War it to your meat dealer. Do this early m the week, so that you Time) and hear a program of interest to Girl Scouts every­ will not add to his weekend rush. He will pay you for it where. At that time, "America Needs You," a new song by and start tbe fat on its way to the glycerine factory. Kent Cooper, General Manager of the Associated Press, will be dedicated to the Girl Scouts. Mr. Cooper ·has donated all It is scarcely necessary to add that the most appropriate use royalties from his new song to the Girl Scouts of the Greater for money received from salvage of this kind is investing it New York Council, and the money will be used to help give in War Stamps ! Scouting to the 6,000 girls the Council has on its waiting lists. Perhaps your troop would like to work up a skit demonstrat­ ing the correct method of salvaging fats, to be presented at New Girl Scout Movies a parents' party. The salvage skit on page 112 of this issue of the LEADER may be helpful in this connection, and a new Watch the November LEADER for fuller information about and instructive radio script- "Rubber, Rubber; Who's Got the new Girl Scout movies soon to be ready for distribution. Some Rubber ?"- which is available from the Public Relations One is a one-reeler for theatre showing and has narration in Division, has ideas for any salvage project. sound; the other is a -one-reel 16 mm. film for showing in schools, clubs, councils, and so forth, and is silent, with titles. Both are in black and· white. BULLETIN From the Guides of Britain Good Leaders Make Good Program "In the first month in which the Fund for a Memorial to Lord Baden-Powell has been open, Guides have raised The Girl Scout program is only a tool in the hands of the £12,350. This is being lent to the Royal Air Force (under leader, and it can be as good or as bad as the leader's ability the National Savings .Scheme) for the purchase of rubber to use it. In this issue (page 123, To the Editor) we publish dinghies, and this sum is sufficient to provide 823 dinghies a letter that shows an excellent example of wise leadership. for fighter planes; or 353 for medium bombers, or 309 for In the first place, there is enthusiasm, which is always con­ heavy bombers." tagious ; this leader used her own interests to initiate pro­ gram projects. In the second place, she used the physical Let's do as well with the Victory Fund!

118 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER News About Professional Workers' Meetings, British Guides, Musical Instruments, Air Raid Precautions, and Hawaii

IN PLACE of the country-wide conference originally scheduled, instruments, both unused and discarded, are wanted by the the National Association of Girl Scout Executives will hold Y.M.C.A. to be sent to our prisoners of war in Japanese-con­ six sectional meetings, during November and December, to trolled territory. Prisoners of war usually have little to discuss changing emphases in wartime, community organiza­ occupy their minds arid music has been found to be one of tion, and the place of the Girl Scout professional worker in the most important recreational activities. Anything from a regard to both. All Girl Scout professiOnal workers, whether mouth organ to a violin is acceptable, and may be sent either members of the N.A.G.S.E. or not, are cordially invited to to the War Prisoners' Aid of the Y.M.C.A.'s, 45 West 46th participate in these conferences. Non-members will pay a Street, New York, or to your local Y.M.C.A .. . . In case of small registration fee. The program planned by the Program air raids, the Girl Scouts of the Oranges (New Jersey) have ..I Committee of the Association will be adapted by the com­ made certain that every troop has a safe place to go if the mittee for each sectional meeting to meet .particular needs. alarm sounds, and allayed the anxieties of Girl Scout parents Places and dates of these three-day meetings will be announced by informin~ them that their daughters will be kept at troop in the News-Letter and in the general call to be sent to the meetmg until the all clear. Local defense councils have been entire membership of the N .A.G.S.E. Since this is tne one advised of the time and place of all Girl Scout meetings. . .. definite attempt this year to gather Girl Scout professional "We have grown quite used to having to change all our plans workers together, it is hoped that all of them will make every at the last minute," says Miss Henrietta McCaustland, Execu­ effort to attend and that local councils will cooperate by allow­ tive Secretary of the Maui, Hawaii, Council. "We are learn­ ing the necessary time .. .. "Owing to a generous gift from ing, in ~act, .to make three or four sets of plans at a time, the U.S.A.," says the annual report of the British Guides for keepmg m mmd that we may have to use still another.'' Girl 1941 in reference to a Juliette Low Memorial Fund grant, Scout camps on the island were cancelled this summer because "Guides who had suffered in air raids were able to go for o.f the . d.angers and difficulties brought about by the war, so holidays to Foxlease and elsewhere. If the kind friends i? s1x activity centers were conducted instead. Swimming, first America could have seen the change, both mental and physi­ aid, archery, folk dancing, indoor and outdoor cooking, and cal, in these girls when they returned home, they would know recreation that could be shared with other members of the that their gifts had been of inestimable value." ... Musical family in blackouts were the chief activities offered there.

to Help You

DO YOU ever tire of easy generalizations about Creighton Peet (Holt, $2) . Senior Girl Scouts what our great leaders of the past thought and will enjoy This Chemical Age by Williams Haynes said, and want to read their own words? We (Knopf, $2.50). in it the story of modern Hold These Truths by Stuart Gerry Brown chemistry-plastics, fabrics, dyes, drugs, syn­ (Harper, $1.50) is an unusually valuable source thetic rubber- is written for the person who has book for times like these. In addition to the never been in a laboratory or discussed .formulas, ( Constitution and the Declaration of lndepend- atoms, or molecules before. There are many ~ ence, the book includes less easily obtained writ­ striking photographs in natural color. · ings of twenty-four of our leading statesmen Fortunately Girl Scout camps are not often and thinkers, from George Washington and faced with the danger of forest fires . Never­ Thomas Paine to Franklin D. Roosevelt and theless, the possibility must be kept in mind, Thomas Wolfe, as well as the texts of many especially in the autumn. One of the best other historical documents. Perfect for a headquarters bookshelf. pamphlets on forest fires that we have seen is Tbe Principles of The current emphasis on war production is bound to in­ Fire Fighting, a syllabus published by the California branch crease scientific curiosity in a Girl Scout troop. If you have of the American Women's Voluntary Services, 315 California any girls who are asking such questions as, "Why is there a Street, San Francisco, at 25 cents a copy, which describes the chain that drags on the back of a gasoline truck?'' a good book various types of forest fires and strategies of dealing with to give them (or to read yourself) is How Things Work by them. Recommended to councils and camp directors.

OCTOBER, 1942 119 Practical Suggestions for Leaders' Association Meetings

RAY MITCHELL, Program Adviser

PERHAPS NO ONE LEADER can be well versed in all the skills sent~tives from government agencies, such as the Office of of the Girl Scout program. She needs to supplement her Civilian Defense, the Offi-ce of Defense Health and Welfare own hobbies and interests by various methods, one of the best Services, and the Children's Bureau, and teachers and librarians of which is to pool resources with other Girl Scout leaders. are proving most cooperative and helptul. · In this way she has the satisfaction of learning, herself, the skills that her girls want and the methods that have proved Planning with Council Committees helpful in other troops. This is one ot the chief purposes of a The more closely all the adult members in Girl Scouting plan leaders' association. Most of the 45,154 leaders and assistants and work together, the more effective the program is for the under councils have an opportunity to belong to a leaders' girls and the community, of course. assoCiation already in existence, and to make it a power in the One association is helping find the solution of a very widely community. Many of the 9,366 lone troop leaders and assis­ felt problem: the use of the established camp or troop camp tants are members of some of the most successful and active cabin the year around. A joint committee of the leaders and associations in the country. Some of these are small organ­ the councd camp committee are workmg out many practical izations in one town where there are only a few troops. Others plans, giving consideration to needs and mutual difficulties . cover' several towns and communities in specified areas. The care of the camp itself and the necessary housekeeping How: strong is your leaders' association? And what do equipment, the cost of maintenance and fuel, standards of you do about it? Who plans the meetings and what can they leadership, health requirements, number of campers, transpor­ mean to you and your girls? Is the organization literally an tation, and so on must be thought through more carefully this association of Girl Sc-out leaders for the exchange of ideas, year than ever before. experiences, interests; information, and practical help? Demonstration Meetings for New Leaders The few following suggestions taken from successful prac­ One very active association takes care of its new members tices of different associations may prove helpful in making each year by including several carefully planned demonstration your meetings stimulating, effective, and timely. meetings in different program fields selected as most important and timely. Experienced leaders-perhaps one Brownie Scout Members "Train" Each Other leader, one Girl Scout leader, and one Senior Girl Scout leader Probably most associations outline their year's program on - whose troops have carried on successful projects or acuvities the basis of all the troop plans and the individual needs and in the field chosen for this meeting take charge. They arrange requests for help from each leader. One very live group, in­ exhibits of things made by the g1rls-scrapbooks, pictures, and stead of referring these requests to the executive secretary or so on ; select books, Girl Scout publications, and magazine to the training or program committee of the council immedi­ articles on the subject for display; and have material needed ately, first determines which needs can best be met within its for the activity on hand. They present the program with full own membership. Three excellent examples are: but mformal accounts of how the activities were initiated and 1. Outdoor Activities. So many leaders, successful enough developed in their own troops. Questions are asked and dis­ with other parts of the program, are afraid to undertake the cussed and often the actual activities are carried on in the outdoor activities that the girls ask for so constantly. One hike group. or outdoor cooking session in a training course cannot give Vital Topics Are Discussed enough confidence to the leader who knows nothing about it. The leaders of this association who have had hiking and camp­ (Some of these discussions are carried on in the general ing experience assume the responsibility for several outdoor meet­ meeting, and some in groups of leaders of the different age- ings for those who need practice in simple skills, and in planning level troops.) - ~nd organizing for hikes and c_ook-outs and outdoor housekeep­ 1. Effective war work that Girl Scouts can do without being mg. The members of the assooat10n who need this help sign up exploited. for these meetings and learn with each other to do the things a. The Service Bureau and cooperative plan-ning with the g1rls want most, and that are so vital in wartime. the program committee and the troop committees. 2. Arts and Crafts. Other members of the same association b. Senior Service Scouts--opportunities for the girls to a~e given help in arts and crafts by one of their group in use the training after they get it. several meetings. She gives them the opportunity to participate c. Victory Gardens and a practical follow-up this falL m creative crafts themselves, and confidence in their own d. The girls' part in the conservation and salvage drives. -r- ability to make them a vital part of the troop program. She 2. Continuity of membership. also makes them aware of the cultural opportunities in the com­ a. Joint planning by leaders of the· different age-level munity available to them and their girls, and of the importance of teaching the girls to appreciate and safeguard them. . troops with each other and the council organization com­ mittee to take care of the transition from Intermediate 3. Outside Speakers. This association also lists the subjects Girl Scout troops to Senior Girl Scout troops, and from in which it feels that outside experts can help the leaders most, Brownie Scout troops to Intermediate troops. and speakers or discussion leaders are asked to come. The b. Progression in program activities from one age level visitor usually speaks to the association as a whole, a~d the fol­ lowing discussions may be general or broken into the age-level to the next as well as in those within each. groups for more specific application to troop needs. Repre- (Continued on opposite page)

120 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER October 25-31, 1942, is our opportunity to give an accounting to the nation of what Girl Scouts have done and can do to win this war and to win the peace as well

OUR GOVERNMENT asks us not only to protect ourselves pledged to buy more before the drive ends on Thanksgiving physically but to undertake a host of projects t.o develop Day. Count your pledges! Perhaps preserves displayed on self-reliance, health, and commumty understandrng. The Homemaking Day can be sold and the money turned over to new booklet Girl Scout Service Bureaus (Catalog No. 19-414, the Fund. The same might be 9-one with money from a 5 cents) is full of suggestions for such activities, and the puppet show. In addition, .each member should be asked Seven Service Days of Girl Scout Week might almost have to make a personal sacrifice for at least one stamp. The sig­ been set up to illustrate them! nificance of the Victory Fund lies in denying ourselves something we want now in order that we may share with On Monday, Homemaking Day, we can take stock of our others later. It is important to emphasize this in all Fund nutrition and thrift program. Girl Scouts might demon­ Drive activities. For another good International Friendship strate cooking well balanced meals, mending and remaking project, turn back to your April, 1942, LEADER, page 57, clothes, fixing leaky faucets, mending broken stair treads. and reread the article "American Scrapbooks Wanted!"­ It is a good time to sign up as Home Wardens · in our for Great Britain. Government's V-Home campaign, which will run for the Friday, Citizenship Day, fits into the O.C.D.'s advice to duration. There are five requirements for the V:-Home cer­ "Take an active interest in local government." Activities tificate: compliance with local air raid precautions; con­ in the Girl Scout Handbook under the Community Life field servation of food, clothing, transportation, and health; par­ are particularly appropriate for this day-especially Junior ticipation in salvage collection; purchase of War Stamps Citizen projects. ,and Bonds; refusal to spread rumors. Your local civilian defense office should have details, and there'll be more about "Protect You.rself," says the O.C.D., and Saturday, Health it in later issues of the LEADER. and Safety Day, is the time for a check on what your record shows. Where do your girls stand in the "Fitness for Vic­ Tuesday, Arts and Crafts Day, can show what Girl Scouts tory" program? Use "Health Headlines for Victory" in the do to carry on and preserve our culture. Giving puppet May LEADER as a guide to your rating there; plan to im­ shows for day nurseries or old people's homes, mending prove it where needed. books for the library, doing guide service at the museum, making natural dyes and weaving with native materials are Have you recognized that the question of "What are your typical and timely p~ogram activities. Girl Scouts doing in civilian protection?" can be answered in the home by putting Home Safety projects on the pre­ Wednesday, Out-of-Doors Day, is. a reminder of the im­ ferred list? Include in these a check-up of all Girl Scout portance of outdoor cooking, simple outdoor living, and the homes in coastal areas for air raid and blackout supplies, strength and self-reliance that camping brings. Reread the and civilian protection at the girls' level will receive a definite article "Fun for Fall Days" by Frances Morse in last month's boost. Join the ranks for this now if you are still on the LEADER for suggestions on outdoor· demonstrations; and for sidelines. other suggestions, read "Serve by Saving," reprinted from the July, 1941, American Girl (Catalog No. 19-604, 5 cents) ; Girl Scout Sunday, although it opens Girl Scout Week, "(amp Equipment You Can Make Yourself," reprinted from has purposely been left to the last, because we know that phy­ the March, 1942, American Girl (Catalog No. 19-603, 5 cents), sical viCtory without spiritual strength is barren. ' Every day of and "Safety Sense Along the Trail" in the September, 1942, Girl Scout Week can and should emphasize the spiritual American Girl. force of Girl Scouting, the importance of an ethical code to girls today. The qualities that make Scouts ·dependable Thursday is International Friendship Day. Our country in war or peace are ethical qualities. The force behind the tells us that to strengthen the ties of understanding with our Victory Fund Drive is our determination to keep a seQse allies is one of our biggest war jobs; to build postwar friend­ of human dignity and human brotherhood alive in the ship and understanding will be the basis of a stable peace. world. Let us make Girl Scout Sunday sound the keynote of The Girl Scout Victory Fund Drive, which contributes 'to this theme, repeating it each day with a different application. these aims, reaches a halfway point in Girl Scout Week. Girl Scout Week can help girls and community alike to re­ Perhaps some of your troops have not only bought War alize that Girl Scouting is not merely a pastime or a pro­ Stamps to be sent to National Headquarters but have gram but a way of life.

3. Size of troops-dependent on number and ability of 9. How to use the Girl Scout publications: the Girl Scout leaders and age and experience of girls. Handbook, A Leader's Guide to the Brownie Scout Program, 4. What can be done about "waiting lists." the Senior Girl Scout Idea Book an~ Planning Book, and so 5. Methods of troop organization. on. One association had a practical demonstration of the use of these handbooks by listing questions that had been asked, 6. How to get girls to make plans and accept responsibility and finding the answers in the books. for carrying them out. 7. How to use troop committees. 10. Reports of books or magazine articles. (Librarians are 8. How to use program consultants. always glad to help.)

OCTOBER, 1942 121 Preference Voting Ifs Time For- FRANCES LEE Annual Camp Reports Again! Changes of Address WHEN A GIRL SCOUT patrol needs to elect a leader, and each girl nominates REMEMBER, we· made a plea with you If you are moving this fall, please send her best friend; when several troops in the September issue of THE GIRL us your new address a:t once so that you wrangle over the name for their new ScouT LEADER to send in your annual will not miss any copies of the LEADER. day camp, each one insisting upon its camp reports as soon as possible? Some own; when a council wants a way of of you have responded very well indeed picking out, democratically, a nominating - the reports are in and all is welL A Bo_ok Week, November 15-21 committee-the answer may well be "pre­ few reports are still outstanding. This Have you sent for the Book Week ference"-or, to use its technical name­ ye1r more than any other in Girl Scout Manual yet? This is free on request to "" "preferential" · voting. In this method, histo•y, we want to know to what extent Children's Book Week, 62 West 45th each voter records on a slip of paper her our Girl Scouts have been able to attend Street, New York. first, second, and, if you like, third the camps. Please refer to the September choices-like this: · LEADER as to the number of reports, re­ port forms, and so forth. Sending Christmas Gifts Abroad 1st: Mary This Christmas we shall want more Fire Prevention Week, than ever to remember our friends 2nd: Helen October 4-10 abroad. And if your troop is planning 3rd: Louise to send a Christmas package to British The importance of fire prevention in children, now is the time to get started. wartime is emphasized by the fact that The English Speaking Union will be The votes are then, recorded on a this year the Office of Civilian Defense glad to take care of shipping anything sheet containing all the names and three · is sponsoring Fire Prevention Week, Oc­ that you would like to send to British preference columns-each vote by a mark tober 4-10. In wartime, carelessness with children up to fourteen years of age. in the appropriate column, thus: fire is sabotage. Fires in war industries This orgamzation has also made us some delay production; fire in any building suggestions of appropriate things to send. means that materials must be used for re­ 1st 2nd 3rd total Clothing, ot course-new, clean, warm placement instead of new construction; clothing~1s most urgently needed. Us.e­ Mary forest fires mean destruction of vital I ful articles include sweaters, caps, mit­ Helen natural resources. I tens, . washable blouses, stockings (wool Alice The O.CD. suggests four good ways or cotton), and stout dark cotton bloom­ Louise I of observing Fire Prevention Week: ers. But what is most desired at the Peggy 1. Hold meetings on neighborhood moment is warm underwear, and it is fire prevention and control problems. Lillian suggested that you choose . this, if at all 2. Distribute fire prevention posters possible. Since tlie English winters are Rhoda to schools, community centers, churches, nol: as severe as ours, this does not neces­ playgroupds, and mercantile establish­ sarily mean all wool-mixtures of wool After all ballots have been so recorded, merits. and rayon or wool and cotton will do the marks in the first column (indicat­ 3. Participate in community activities, perfectly. ing first choices) are multiplied by 3; such as home inspection programs. As for the brighter side of gift giving those in the second (second choices) by 4. Organize supervised fire drills and -by all means tuck in. small, lightweight 2 ; those in the third (third choices) stay fire control demonstrations. gifts just for fun, such as gay handker­ as they are. The final result then looks Lists of available booklets and posters chiefs, hair ribbons in bright colors, and something like this: may be obtained from the National Fire small, unbreakable ~oys and games. And Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch be sure to include a tag-a Christmas 1st 2nd 3rd total Street, Boston; the National Board of card if you like-with your troop number Fire Underwriters, 85 John Street, New and address. The children who receive ' 1=1 4 Mary 1=3 York ; and the Chamber of Commerce of gifts from America nearly always want Helen 1=3 11111=10 11=2 15 the United States of America, Insurance to write to their American friends, and Alice 11=6 1=2 1=1 9 Department, Washington, D. C. so begin to make their acquaintance. Louise 1=3 1=2 1=1 6 Send your parcels to the English Speak­ Peggy 1=2 1=1 3 Fall Hikes and Cook-outs ing Union, Room 1535, 30 Rockefeller Lillian 5 Plaza, New York, N. Y. You may 1=3 1=2 Leaders! Don't let these glorious fall specify that they be used for British Girl Rhoda 11=6 1=1 7 days go by without taking your troop on Guides or suggest that the Guides lend hikes and cook-outs. When girls become a hand in their distribution after they Girl Scouts, they look forward to an reach England. The material is all re­ The addition of each score shows that outdoor program. Let's give it to them ceived at Dartmouth House in London, the preference of the group is obviously -along with the skills that make them which is in touch with the various British for Helen. If there is a tie, or if there at home in the out-of-doors! weltare agencies, including the Girl are two or more who are fairly close Guides. This material is welcome all together, a second ballot may be cast for Girl Scout Week, October 25-31 through the year, but if you want it to the two or three with the most votes, reach England at Christmastime, it should leaving out all those who have too few See page 113 for suggestions about be sent to the English Speaking Union votes to have a chance. planning Girl Scout Week activities. by the end of October. 122 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER October Contents 1942 page OUR LONE INTERMEDIATE TROOP of Lisle, GIRLS ARE IMPORTANT by Constance Rittenhouse 109 Illinois, had its first birthday last An open letter to all Girl Scout leaders from the National Director of March; we are thirty girls strong and the Girl Scout organization an active group. WHILE THEY ARE STILL CHILDREN by Dorothy Davidson 110 We had permission to meet at the The time to prevent another lost generation is today schoolhouse, but the greatest disadvan­ A CHILDREN'S CHARTER IN WARTIME 111 tage was not being able to leave our Objectives of the 1942 Conference on the Welfare of Children work and equtpment there, so we began SCRAP IT! by Mrs. Roger Stone 112 to look around. We found a large A Girl Scout Salvage Skit chicken house not in use, made arrange­ ments to rent it, and called it the Girl MISS GUSSIE AND .THE POPPING SOCIETY by Marie E. Gaudette 113 Scout . Hall. Our girls worked right Gussie MacGasket gets a troop program idea from her girls' camping along with the leaders and committee experience in cleaning and scrubbing the buildi(lg. AT YOUR SERVICE 114 The people of Lisle donated tables, Aids and ideas for leaders chairs, bookshelves, and a heater. The walls are covered with the girls' badge HIKES FOR BROWNIE SCOUTS 115 Suggestions for kinds of hikes Brownies will enjoy work. Now we hold all our troop meetings, committee meetings, and par­ TRIPLE-S GOES INTO ACTION 116, 117 How Senior Service Scouts are putting their training io the service of ties there. their country Early this spring, being a real dirt EDITORIALS gardener,, I started about sixteen of our 118 girls out in Victory Gardening. A real HAVE YOU HEARD? 119 estate company gave us permission to Last-minute news flashes about Girl Scouts and Scouting use a vacant lot that has wonderful BOOKS TO HELP YOU 119 river-bottom soil. There are flowers in LET'S POOL OUR LEAIDERSHIP RESOURCES by Ray Mitchell 120 the front and a wide border of flowers Practical suggestions for leaders' association meetings· on each side. The girls made twelve GIRL SCOUT WEEK AND THE VICTORY FUND 121 individual garden plots twelve feet Suggestions for showing what Girl Scouts do square with paths in between. Eleven are in vegetables and one is in choice PREFERENCE VOTING by Frances Lee 122 gladiolas (the bulbs were given to us What to do when there are too many nominees by a neighbor, a gladiola fancier) . Then IT'S TIME FOR­ 122 across the back of the lot we have Important fall activities eleven rows of -sweet corn running TO THE EDITOR 123 the full width of the lot, one row for The Leader's readers speak up each girl gardener. The girls measured NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICE NEWS AND NOTES 124 and spaded and planted their own plots and rows of corn. They come very faithfully once a week to care for their gardens, weed, hoe, and dust for in­ ing during June and July; eighteen girls tin tubes, prepared envelopes for U.S.O. sects. We are beginning to sell the have completed their Games badge. solicitors. They have also taken money corn, and hope to make enough money Another friend, who is very- talented in from their party fund or community to pay one month's rent on our Girl drawing and water colors, generously fund to send a gift once a month to Scout Hall. gave her time for six weeks.· Now fif­ one of the girls' brothers in the armed The flowers are very beautiful now, teen girls have completed the Drawing Services. so the girls are taking turns on Satur­ and Painting badge. My husband has Five of our younger Girl Scouts who days to gather and arrange a nice bou­ a workshop with a number of power are working on Second Class rank took quet for one of our three churches in tools in our baseq1ent. I like wood­ ten little roosters to raise for their Lisle. Whichever church the girl at­ work, so a number of the girls have credit in nature. Now that they have tends, that is where the bouquet will go. finished the Wood badge. We made raised them to fryer size we are plan­ piggy breadboards, magazine racks, · bird I found I had more than I could ning a fine chicken fry and picnic for feeders, birdhouses, and broom holders. manage so J found a gardener assistant the whole troop. The chickens will be Photography has been fun, and eleven who has helped me tremendously. We dressed, prepared, and fried by girls girls have completed the Photography are planning a garden exhibit for our working on hQmemaking, but supervised badge. , A very talented music teacher next regular meeting. The girls will by some of their capable mothers. has volunteered to help the girls with display their best produce and flowers . their Group Music badge. Eleven girls I have found new friends and fine The council from another neighboring are just beginning this badge, and I talent this summer, and fine coopera­ town is invited to visit, as well as all know it will be a great success. Our tion from my committee arid friends. the girls' mothers and interested friends. girls have also been giving their time to I feel that I have gained much more This is not all we have been doing war services: they have delivered sugar than I have given. this summer. A friend who loves games rationing information to the homes, (MRS.) HATTIE E. BUCK has met with us at every regular meet- worked in Victory Gardens, collected Assistant Leader, Lone Troop 1

OCTOBER, 1942 123 National Equipment Service News and Notes Keeping you posted on the latest happenings in Girl Scout .- equipment-with some helpful suggestions now and then

$$ Bargain Corner $$ holder (which always lost itself), and -a classic, attractive design that is ERK UP your crew-neck sweaters, burned fingers · or potatoes discouraged popular and pract~cal for many occasions. P sport dresses, and dark wools for a many a domestic urge. The new Barbe­ The softly tailored tuck-in blouse, but- f" cue Apron, however, has u~ all . agog toned down the front, has a gathered mere twenty-five cents. A white shark­ with excitement and new culmary Ideas. yoke back for freedom in actio?, a~d a skin collar is flattering to your face and functional and fun to wear, it's made of self collar with a detachable white pique adds the crisp touch that is so popular unbleached muslin, bound in bright green, collar. The six-gored skirt, slim and today. Last year's dresses will seem with a pocket to keep your pot-holder smooth fitting, has the new button clos- newer and dress necklines stay cleaner from gomg astray, also a handy loop for ing at the side and is made _o.n a str~ight with the addition of a fresh Peter Pan your towel and more pockets tor spoons waistband, no other belt bemg reqUired. collar. Senior Girl Scouts, too, will want and such-these being printed with ap­ Supple rayon gabardine in frost green_is an extra collar or two on hand for their propriate designs in seven colors. To the material used, an excellent choKe princess-style dress, a ci.nch at this re­ top it all, there's a fetching little cook's you'll say. However, two-piecer or prin- duced price. cap, a flighty bit of muslin printed and cess style, either model is official for the 0-963 Peter Pan collar ...... 25¢ bound in the same colors. Jack up your Senior dress, . the change having arisen SOCKS for sportswear, socks for slacks, efficiency and appearance when the gang only out of the emergencies of war. socks to wear at home-you're wearing drops in for a snack, or when these 0-109 Sizes 12-20 ...... $4.95 more of them to save your precious stock­ glorious fall days tempt you to ham­ ings; everyone is. A bargain. in socks burgers-and the out-of-doors. After Slacks to Match would come in mighty handy nght now, everything has been duly admired and AIR-MINDED enthusiasts, as well as so we're repeating our sale of irregulars. eaten, keep the party going by letting girls who are nautically incli_ned, _have a They are reduced in price only because your friends autograph the apron-it's right to slacks to match their umforms, we've been told. So we've added slacks of a slight misst~tch here and _there amusing and smart. For home chores, (mostly in the design of. the trefoil o_n the pockets could hold dustcloths and in the same color and material as the the cuff) , which does not affect their other gadgets. The apron comes in new two-piece uniform, t~ms giving. all excellent wearing qualities in the least. small,' medium, and large sizes; the cap Senior Girl Scouts a practical three-piece Because of this, we class them as irreg­ in just one size. outfit. The slacks may be worn with the ulars and price them far below perfect 8-295 Barbecue Apron ...... 95¢ uniform blouse to form a smart slack stock-a saving no thrifty-minded Girl 8-296 Cook's Cap ...... 15¢ set for war duties, hiking, sports, and Scout could pass up. other occasions, or it may be worn with Wear Your Uniform a variety of shirts and sweaters. Man­ 7-206 Green tweed Knee Socks (ir- tailored for a trim, slick fit, they are MODERN MINUTE MAIDS in uni­ made with pockets and the new button regulars), sizes 8Vz-11 ...... 30¢ form, and ·we mean uniforms that are closing at the side. (If perfect, would be 45¢) spic and span and correctly worn, can add 8-110 Sizes 12-20 ...... :...... $3.50 7-218 Green tweed, Anklets (irregu- immeasurably to the success of the lars), sizes 8V2-11...... 20¢ Victory Fund Drive soon to get under (If perfect, would be 35¢) Quick Trick way. And_ if there is any time when PUTTING UP a good front in this 7-247 Tan Knee Socks (irregulars), Girl Scouts are, and should be, in world today is a simple matter-the sizes 9, 9V21 10...... 15¢ greater evidence than usual, it is magic of a gleaming white dickey has (If perfect, would be 40¢) during Girl Scout Week, this year 7-251 Tan Anklets (irregulars), sizes bolstered up the shortcomings of many from October 25-31. A leader and her a suit or dress. It's a quick-change ac­ 8-1oy2 ...... -...... :...... 20¢ troop in full dress will not only inspire cessory that gives variety to your ward­ (If perfect, would be 35¢) the sale of" more War Stamps, but will robe and smart, new effects to tailored 7-241 Solid green Knee Socks, sizes leave a lasting Impression on the com­ clothes and sportswear. Wear it with 8Vz-11 ·······················:·············'·...... 25¢ munity. It's up to you to make it a the Leader's Uniform Suit in place of (These are perfect, but lim­ favorable one. ited in stock) a blouse. This dickey is exceptionally well tailored of washable rayon shark­ Another Draftee skin, with a convertible collar and full­ Kitchen Enticement THE ZIPPER has zipped itself right off length front and back for a smooth fit. NOW that kitchens are being populated the Senior dress and into the ranks of Approved by Good Housekeeping Insti­ again and back yards are being noticed war. Because of this patriotic enlist­ tute, it launders in a jiffy, and comes in (picnics and barbecues at home are more ment, -it has become necessary to modify small, medium, and large sizes. fun!), we're dusting off our recipe books the style of the dress in keeping with 8-962 ...... $1.25 and tying on aprons once more-not the priority rulings. Heads were put to­ wispy, chocolate-fudge kind, but some­ gether to evolve a uniform conforming This page is published monthly thing gay and colorful, yet sturdy and to the regulations, while retaining the in the interest of better service by practical. The ruffled corner of a dainty present price, and thus the Senior dress the National Equipment Service. apron never was much good as a pot- has developed into a two-piece model -E. HALLECK BRODHEAD

124