l Mementos for Girl Scouts' 75th Anniversary In anticipation of Girl Scouts' 75th ~------~------~------~.~ anniversary, we feature these new and specially designed mementos. Everything shown here from t-shirts to a poster ... plus 2 new publications not shown: " Girl Scout Uniforms Through the Years", 27-200. and "The 75th Anniversary Projects: Leaders' Guide", 27-201 , each priced at $1.25 a copy. Order now through National Equip ment Service, Girl Scout councils council-operated shops or local Girl Scout departments.
A. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary T·Shirt. 0. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Mug. H. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Plaque. Adult sizes for women and men S(34-36), Ceramic. 27-108. $11.50 6' ~ a·. 27-111. $13.25 M(38-40), L(42-44), XL(46) 27·100. $8.50. E. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Pencil. J . Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Girls sizes 8(6-8), M(1D-12) L(14-16) Blue or green -leave color cho1ce to us' Tile Plaque. 6 x 6 wl'.h nange back 27-112. $7.00 27-106. 30e each 27-109. S4.00 B. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Balloons. F. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Pin. K. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Plate. 27·113-100. $20.00 pkg. of 100 Silvertone 7t8". 27·101. $2.50 Spun brass 6 round. 27-110. $25.00 C. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Poster. G. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Patch. L. Girl Scout 75th Anniversary Stickers. 17" x 22''. 27·115-024. $30.00 pkg. of 24 Embroidered 3'' round 27-102. $2.50 1V2 • round 27-107-100. $3.75 roll of 100 GSUSA NES NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICE MINIMUM MAIL ORDER. $5.00 PLUS $1 00 HANDLING CHARGE Girl Scout
SPRING 1987
FEATURIS ~ 8 A Heritage of Leadership GIRL SCOUTS 12 An Honored Family Tradition President Betty F. Pilsbury 15 Girl Scout Program Then & Now (centerfold) National Executive Director Frances Hesselbein 19 Handbooks Through the Years Director, Communications Rhoda Pauley 21 Traditionally Girl Scouting Managing Ultor carolyn cagglne OrapbJc.s and Design Director l'llchael Chan"'ick 22 Girl Scout Women of Distinction Senior Ultor Marianne llaw Associate Ultors Deborah Craven, Janet Lombardi 24 A Conversation with Juliette Low Contributing Editor Patricia Stoddard Editorial Assistants Colleen floyd, Marie Kary 26 On Millions of Walls Circulation Assistant Millie Freeman 28 Girl Scouting's Special Places Olrl Scout Leader IISSN 0017·05771 Is published quarterly by Oirl Scouts of the U.S.A., ~Third A•enue, "e.o York. t1.Y. 10022. c 1987 b)' Olrl Scouts or the 30 For the Record l>nited States or America. Ail rights resel\ed. This pub· IIC.atlon may not be reproduced. stored in a rettle\lll <)<~em. or transmitted in \Oohole or In pan. In any ronn. or b) any means, electronic. m«hanle.al, phOtocopy· lng. recording. or otherwise \Oo1lhout the prior \OoTIUen penntsslon of Olrl Scouts of the t;nited States or Amer· le.a Send .stamped, self·addre.ssed emelope with un· ~lc ted manuscripts, photos, or an. Olrl Scout Leader annot be responsible for such material In Its ofnce.s or In transit Thlrd·c:lass postage paid at New York City and additional mailing offices.
SubKrlpUon.s. $4 yearly (4 Issues), $6.~ for all des· tlnatlons outside U.S.A. and possessions; $1 Senior Olrl Scouts Change ofaddress: Write Oh15cout Leader, ~ Third A\enue, New York. N.Y. 10022. InClude old and ne" address. as well as counciL troop, and ldenUnca· tlon number Alloloo 8 -.-eeks for change. Vol. 64, No. 1, Spring 1987.
Cover: Girl Scouting sk}Tockets into its 75th year, and the future looks bright as DEPARTMENTS we head Into the final quarter of our first 100 years. Cover collage created by George President's Message In the News Koizuml for GSUSA. 4 6
·. ·~· President's Message
n important anniversary, like this serving agencies like ours on the part year's 75th, is a time to look back of the corporate world and big and Awith affection and great pride on small businesses look promising. More a remarkable history and heritage. It's business leaders recognize that the also a time to assess how far we've character, skills, and energy of today's come in achieving our basic goals, and developing young people will deter to look beyond this birthday year to mine tomorrow's business climate. our challenging future. Environmental concerns will grow along What will be different about Girl with the population, so I believe Girl Scouting as v.-e move into the 2 I st Scout outdoor education will take on century? What about our program new importance, particularly with our content? Will the ways in which we de new Girl Scout Outdoor Education liver program to girls change? What Training Center in operation. new sources of funding will prove most One thing is certain: Whatever promising? Who will be the " typical" changes we must make to serve girls Girl Scout b} the year 2000? in a changing world, \.. e will make. Not We find the ans\"ers to those glumly, not dutifully, but with the same questions, of course, in the changes spirit of zest and optimism in which that are reshaping so much of the larger we've anticipated, welcomed, and su society today. Developments such as perbly managed change and chal the increasing numbers of divorces, lenge throughout the past 75 years. single-parent families, more mothers Happy anniversary to you alii of young children in the work force, economic instability in some regions -8~~P_~ and industries, the move of more of Betty F. Pilsbury our population into cities, are all im National President pacting on girls; they will also have an National Pres dent Bett) F. Pilsbury poses with Girl Scouts from Central New York Girl impact on Girl SCOLiting. Scout CoUI c in upstate Syracuse Let's loo~ first at the last question I posed: Will there even by a " typical" Girl Scout by the year 2000? Probably not! Because of the great numbers of immigrants to our shores from Asia, Latin America, and the Mideast. our Girl Scout membership should be-and I hope will be-as marvelous a mix of 10RLSCOUTS races and ethnic backgrounds as the total U.S.A. population, as \\e move into the 21st century. What about changes in Girl Scout program? It \.. ill have e~actly the same developmental aim, of course. But the content will probably look vastly dif ferent. with more emphasis on sci ence, technology, and non-sex-ste reotyped careers, and new attention to the problems girls face in a complex and changing world. It's likely that program will continue to be delivered in varied ways-and places. Prospects for greater funding support for youth-
4 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 ·. I acercarse un aniversarlo tan Detengamonos en mi ultima pre· de los negocios de que de Ia forma· importante como este-el de los gunta: c:,Sera posible que para el ano ci6n de lajuventud, de su cankter, ha A75 ai'los-que ahara se cum· 2000 haya en realidad una Girl Scout bilidades y energfa dependera Ia pros pie-com ·ene rememorar con en· "tfpica"? Probablemente 1nol Debido· peridad. A Ia par del aumento de Ia orme afecto } orgullo una historia y al enorme influjo inmigratorio a nues poblaci6n aumentaran las preocupa herenc·a notabilisimas. A Ia vez, nos tras costas desde Asia, Latinoamerica ciones sabre el ambiente que nos ro· corresJX>nde e\aluar el camino hasta y el Media Oriente, en nuestra orga dea, de modo que opino que Ia edu· ahora recorrido hacia los objetivos nizaci6n de Girl Scouts hallaremos esa caci6n de Ia naturaleza y del aire libre b.is cos ) am pilar nuestra visi6n m~s misma maravillosa mezcla de razas y cobrara inusitada importancia e fm· ana de este aniversario para vislum· culturas de Ia que sera Ia poblaci6n petu, en particular con nuestro nuevo brcL el futuro que tan halagi.ieilo se total estadounidense en los albores del Centro de Capacitaci6n at Aire Libre noc; presenta. nuevo siglo. para las Girl Scouts, ya en funciona· (.Que sera diferente en Girl Scout· Y, (.que decir de los cam bios en el miento. i 19 al acercarnos al siglo XXl? <.Que programa de las Girl Scouts? Natural· Pero, de esto sf podemos estar se· contendra nuestro prograrna? <.Cam· mente que tendra Ia misma finalidad guras: se haran cualesquiera cambios biara Ia manera de ofrecerlo a las ni· evolutiva. Mas, el contenido sin duda que sean necesarios para ofrecer Ia i'las? <.Cuales fuentes de recursos re· aparecera con grandes diferencias: mas mejor atenci6n a las nii'las en un sultaran m~s prometedoras? <.Quien enfasis en las ciencias, Ia tecnologfa y mundo tan lleno de cambios. Y lo ha· habra de ser Ia Girl Scout "tipica" alia las carreras libres de los clises que las remos no con pesadumbre ni como por el ana 2000? califican de femeninas. A Ia vez, en deber, sino con ese mismo espfritu Hallamos las respuestas a lo an· roque mayor a los problemas que las emprendedor y optimista con el cual terior, claro esta, en los cambios que niiias enfrentan en un mundo com· hemos anticipado, aceptado alegre a diario reestructuran Ia mayor parte plejo y de grandes cambios. Lo mas mente y enfrentado con toda eficien de nuestra sociedad. Acontecimientos seguro es que continuara el programa cia, los cambios y los retos en el curso como el incremento cada vez mayor y se recibira de maneras muy diversas de los pasados 75 aiios. en el numero de divorcios; las famllias y en pluralidad de sitios. Son alenta 1Feliz Aniversario para todas! donde falta o el padre o Ia madre; mas doras las posibilidad que se vislum madres que trabajan con nines pe· bran para un apoyo auspiciador mas -8~~ p~ .. '-7 quenos; Ia inestabilidad econ6mica en dilatado de parte de las compan fas, ya ciertas regiones e industrias, el exodo sean poderosas o no, para con las Betty F. Pilsbury hacia las metropolis de poblaciones agendas que como Ia nuestra sirven a Presidenta Nacional rurales-todo lo que afectara decisi· Ia juventud. Dfa a dfa es mayor el re· vamente Girl Scouting. conociento de los lfderes en el mundo
During the embl)onic days of the Move· ment. founder Juliette Gordon Low was de· termlned to make Girl Scouting a house hold \\Ord. She succeeded! Today, National President Bet!) F. Pilsbury renects on our grO\~
·, Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 5 pact in Black neighborhoods, ef· forts to de\elop and build cross· cultural understanding must be in· creased. She urged conference par· In the News ticipants to become more familiar with institutions in Black commu· nities-churches, community cen· ters, schools, local branches of na· tional Black organizations-and to Girl Scouting and mother-daughter teams. Joan work to ensure that all Girl Scouts Sandler, director of development at have equal access to Girl Scout re· Black Americans the Bronx Museum of the Arts. and sources. Dr. Scott recommended the her _daughter Eve Sandler, a je\\.elry The role of Girl Scouting in Black formation of council pluralism task destgner, were joined b} Sherlee communities nationwide was the groups _as a ~eans of overseeing Argrett. chief of forensic sen ices. subject of a three-day conference affirmative action efforts for girls and Bronx Children's Psychiatric Center, entitled "Black American Women: adults. and her daughter Kendelle Ruth Ar· Self. Family, and Community." Par· ticipants at the conference, which ~rette, a legal consultant, in a ques· tton·and·answer session moder· Shelter Is f ocus was held last November at Edith ated by Frankie Muse Freeman Macy Conference Center and co· of UN Year chairman of GSUSA's funded by Avon Products, Inc., and Executiv~ Committee. Each panelist related The United Nations General As· GSUSA included teams com· .:n her personal history to illustrate how sembly has declared 1987 the posed of a Senior Girl Scout and a Black women's lives have changed International Year of Shelter for the Girl Scout council representative. over the years. Although they agreed Homeless. The objective is to im· A warm welcome was extended that society seems more open to· prO\e housing. particular!} in de· to keynote speaker Susan Taylor, day than it was a generation ago. \elo~ing countrie!) through up· e~mor·in·chief of maga· t:.ssence the panelists concurred that a "more gradmg houc.lng standards and zme, who urged women to ac· subtle kind of racism" seems prev· building codes, educatior: tra:ning. kn~w!edge that we are "each unique, alent now, one described as anal· and financial grants. a dtvme original," and to establish ogous to a "chronic low-grade in· Widespread recognition of in· personal goals and priorities. The fection, " which thrives in today's adequate housing began after World concept that Black women can more conservative environment. War II, when emerging industries shoulder several burdens is true, Ms. In an evening discussion led by ~~sed rapid population grov.th in Taylor explained, saying. "We can Dr. Marsha Darling. professor of ctttes. The UN has recogn;zed that handle it all, but we can't make Black studies at Wellesley College a common approach ls needed to everything a number-one priority." in Massachusetts, participants ex· find ne\\· directions for sheltering the She also stressed the importance of plored various suggestions to in· homeless. Thu!) far, 36.3 countries planning. organization, maintain· crease Girl Scout outreach to the have designated proJects for 1987. ing a healthy lifestyle, and becom· Black community. "We should talk ing more knowledgeable about cur· more about issues like teenage rent and historical events. The American Indian pregnancy and substance abuse " Exploring personal history was Youth Award said one volunteer. Several the theme of a lively afternoon panel othe~s reiterated the importance of re· Senior Girl Scout Donna Bre· discussion that consisted of two cruiting and retaining more Black sette of l'lichigan was awarded the leaders, suggesting that "Black prestigious American Indian Youth leaders draw more Black girls." A\•.'ard at the 29th American Indian Dr. Gloria Scott, former GSUSA Girl Scouting/Bo} Scouting Seminar National President (1975-1978) and last summer In Ogden, Utah. currently vice president of Clark Donna. 17, is from Peninsula College in Atlanta, Ga., conducted Waters Girl Scout Council in Mar· a session on "The Black American quette, :-tich. To \\.in the silver me· Women's Community: Skills and dallion, she completed the require· Techniques for Building Cross-Cui· ments for the certificate and was tural Understanding for Developing judged on her knowledge of tribal ? Girl ~cout Model." Strategies for language. heritage, and native ~ncreasmg the Girl Scout presence crafts; on the authenticity of her Phot~graphed at Macy during the Black m Black communities were exam· handmade traditional Chippewa In· ~men~n conference are National Execu· ined, and Dr. Scott stressed the im· dian dress: and on her ability to live Dtr~ctor Frances ttesselbein; educator portance of using the plural "com· demonstrate and explain tribal Dr. Glen~ Scott; Clyde Butler, senior plan· munities," because "Blacks are not dances. ner. public_ relations. Avon Products; Susan Taylor, edttor·in·chlef of Essence: and at· a homogeneous group." If Girl Among the participants at the torney Frankie Muse Freeman Scouting is to make a greater im· four-day event were cadette and
6 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 ·• "For many young ladies, it all Winners were determined by a began with a dream-a dream that panel of photography experts, in· saw maturity through participation eluding Catherine Calhoun, associ· in the Girl SCouts, which helped ate editor, f1odem Photography; them to achieve their place in life Paul Demaria, photo assignment and enhanced the value of friends editor, New York Daily News; Marty and other cultures. Girl SCouting Is, Lederhandler, Associated Press indeed, a tradition with a future." photographer; Doug Vann, photo editor, Essence. Marking Our 75th Grand prize winners are Libby McKoon, Great Rivers Girl SCout To commemorate the 75th an· Council, Cincinnati, Ohio, preteen niversary of Girl SCouting, the U.S. category; Diane Reith, Pacific Peaks Postal Service will issue a special Girl Girl SCout Council, Tumwater, SCout stamp on March 12, 1987. The Wash., teen category; and Barbara colorful 22¢ stamp features a Junior Kelly Carter, Columbia River Girl Girl Scout badge sash and the in· SCout Council, Portland, Oreg. Each scription "Girl Scouts USA." The will beawarded a $500 U.S. savings stamp should be available at se· bond from Kodak. lected post offices around the Two Excellence Award winners country on March 1.3; check the in each category will receive a $200 philatelic center at your local branch. U.S. savings bond, and four Dis· first·day covers are available tinction Award winners in each age through GSUSA's National Equip· group will receive a $50 U.S. sav· ment Service. These are envelopes ings bond. All top winners receive a Award recipient Donna Bresette with a design-called a cachet-that mounted exhibit print of their win· showcase a new stamp. An en· ning entry from Kodak. Senior Girl SCouts, adult volun· velope becomes a first-day cover Funded by Eastman Kodak, the teers, and staff from 17 Girl Scout when it is stamped and canceled at Girl SCout Photography Awards have councils and GSUSA. the post office where the stamp is been conducted by GSUSA since Registered Girl SCouts between initially issued-in this case, Wash· 1976. Girl Scout photographers can 12 and 17 may complete the five ington, D.C. begin snapping now for the 1987 requirements for the certificate and Photography Awards, following the attend the annual seminar. Partici· theme "Tradition with a Future." pating girls of American Indian her· Rules and entry fonns are available itage may compete for the Ameri· from local councils, or through Free can Indian Youth Award. Next year's Materials #40·15.3·150. seminar witt take place at the West· ern Carolina University in North Carolina. Hosted by the Eastern Honoring America's Band of Cherokee Indians, it is ten· Women tatively scheduled for July 20-2.3. For more infonnation on the semi· Ada Deer, American Indian nar or the youth award, contact community leader and fonner Cinda Rierson, management con· member of GSUSA's National Board, sultant, Chicago Field Center, Girl is one of five women appearing on SCouts of the U.S.A., 11 East Adams this year's National Women's His· Street, Chicago, Ill. 6060.3. tory Month commemorative poster. She shares the honors with Frances Worth Repeating Willard, Mary Shadd Cary, Tye Leung Behind the Cameras Schulze, and Felisa Rincon de Gau· Emilio Hinojosa, field director tier. for Sahuaro Glrl SCout Council From Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, to Designated by Congress and (Tucson, Ariz.), offered the follow· Penobscot, Maine, Girl SCouts and sponsored by the National Women's ing comments in "Perspective," a their parents captured a colorful year History Project, the March celebra· column in the Tucson Citizen. of Girl SCouting on film for the 1986 tion will recognize the contributions 'Dreams, dreams, dreams. For Girl SCout Photography Awards. women have made to this country. many, the fulfillment of a dream Following the theme, 'The Best Under this year's theme of "Honor· began with thoughts of the Statue Part's the fun," more than 90 pho· ing Generations of Compassion, of Liberty. With those realizations tos portrayed everything from Courage, and Conviction," Worn· came the integration of cultures, horseback riding and hot air bal· en's History Month will be marked which have blended to make the looning to painting anti·drug by community-based projects United States what it is today. posters. throughout the country.
·.. Girl SCout Leader/Spring 1987 7 tion of being the only person to have served as both national president and honorary president of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. As wife of President Herbert Hoover, she was honorary president A Heritage of from 1929 to 19.3.3; she served as na tional president twice. (See sidebar.) Mrs. Hoover was an active partic ipant in Girl Scouting at both the coun cil and national level, but somehow she Leadership missed an important milestone. She wrote: " ... at the reception at Mrs. Low's, Mrs. Low herself 'invested' me as a Tenderfoot. That was merely be cause, like so many others, I had been GSUSA's Past Presidents-Role Models very careless about never doing that myself, although I had trained so many for Generations other little girls! Mrs. Low was horrified and said, 'Oh, dear, you must be in n its 75-year history, Girl Scouts of the British Girl Guides Association to vested before you are president,' and the U.S.A. has had 19 remarkable adults who have given outstanding that afternoon sent me up to the bed· I and dedicated national presidents. service to the Movement. It is now re room, where I was staying in her house, All had impressive records of service stricted to members of the British as with Mrs. Mundy and had me pass the not just to the Girl Scout Movement, sociation, but in 19 t9 it was presented Tenderfoot test! And then invested me but to numerous civic and social insti to Juliette Low and in 1921, at the be that evening. Naturally, under the cir tutions and organizations. From the quest of Lord Baden-Powell himself, to cumstances, I have always been very collection of materials in the Girl Scout Anne Hyde Choate and Helen Storrow. glad that I neglected to have it done national archives come the following Juliette Low was buried with hers; Mrs. earlier." anecdotes about the women who head Choate willed hers to the Birthplace in the roster of Girl Scout volunteers. 1967. Juliette Low, the founder of Girl Distinguished Communicators Scouting in the United States, became the organization's first president fol A Special Ceremony Three of GSUSA's past presidents lowing a national convention in 1915. chose careers imol\1ng education and She was succeeded in 1922 by her Lou Henry Hoover has the distinc- the \,Titten word. Sarah Louise Arnold goddaughter, Anne Hyde Choate, who \\aS the fourth GSUSA president and before her death in 1967 was known the only unmarried one. She was the affectionately as "the oldest Girl Scout." ele\·enth in a famil} of 15 children, read She was an incredibly energetic and Latin at the age of 11, and graduated vibrant woman who continued to fox from high school when she was only hunt and play tennis until she was 70 13. Later she became Dean of Sim and ride horses over jumps until she mons College in Boston and wrote was 80. She and her godmother once several books, including The Way of let themselves down a rope ladder from Understanding, a collection of reflec a window to test a fire safety program tions written especially for Girl Scout for girls because, "We didn't want the leaders. Girl Scouts to do anything we couldn't In response to a request for per do." sonal information when she assumed Anne Choate believed that Girl the presidency, she wrote: "My life work Scouting "builds health, a sense of so has been education. I have taught in cial responsibility, democracy, char Sarah Louise Arnold (center, wearing hat) every grade of school from kindergar acter, through the teachings of gen ten through the college; and in several erosity, initiative, reliability, loyalty, self· states; but my work after the first ten controL cheerfulness, obedience, use years was chiefly of the three following fulness, and thrift." Her strong belief sorts: administration of education, in thriftiness prohibited her from trad· lecturing, and writing textbooks." She ing her "Hoover" Girl Scout uniform for continued, "To me the Girl Scout the new Mainbocher two-piece uni· Movement is a vital fact of the educa· form in 1948. She pointed out that a tion of America.... I believe that the Girl Scout uniform was official until it work of the volunteer is absolutely es wore out and that since a Girl Scout sential to the progress of democracy." was supposed to be thrifty, she would Birdsall Otis Edey loved to tell sto· continue to wear the uniform she had. ries, and recite and compose poetry. Mrs. Choate was one of three re· In addition to her 21 years of service cipients of the Silver Fish awarded by Henrietta Brooke in an artist's studio to Girl Scouting. Mrs. Edey wrote a book
8 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 ·~ of short stories for children, Six Giants began their involvement with the and a Oriffm, and three books of po· Movement via troop leadership. In etry: Rivets (1928), Butter Noney I 930, Helen Means became a troop ( I 93 J ), dedicated to the Girl Scouts of leader in Salt Lake City, an experience the U.S.A., and Builders (1940). Our· she described as the " most fun I ever ing her presidency, the Girl Scout had In my life." Margaret Price, known Movement grew to include more than to friends and fellow Girl Scouts as a half-million active members. with a "Tuck," began her Girl Scout career as rise of nearly 44 percent between 1930 a troop leader in 1940 when her oldest and 1932. daughter became a Girl Scout. However, it was sometimes incor· rectly assumed that a past president Active and Taking Chances had led a troop. In l 966, Mrs. Norman l. Hadley, the daughter of Harriet Ran· Following In the footsteps of the kin Ferguson. the eleventh GSUSA na· unstoppable Mrs. Choate was Hen· tiona! president. wrote to correct such rietta Bates Brooke. In her hometown an error in a tribute to her mother in Jane Freeman shO\vS girls a model of 1'1aq of Washington. D.C., Mrs. Brooke op· the Book of Memory. " Mother," she erated a store that offered tea and cakes wrote. "was never a troop leader. She in an effort to raise funds for " unem· started in Girl Scouting as a member ployment." Her establishment oper· of the troop committee of my younger ated out of unleased storefronts and sister's troop. Almost immediately she moved to a new vacant facility when was elected to the council (board) and the store was rented. Diners were before the year was out (1 think!) she sened by Mrs. Brooke's socially prom· was commissioner. She believed in inent friends, seated on brightly painted getting to the top fast!" school benches, and served from the While providing guidance for girls bright red fruit crates that were used has always been the primary focus of as tables. She was known to friends as the Girl Scout Movement, training for "Texas," the state in which she was adults has been equally important. Mrs. born. Means remembered when, in 194 I, "We were getting very near \.,rar and \lie were concemed with what Girl Scouts could Leading the Way for Girls and Adults do to help at this critical time when Europe was at war .... Our big worry Many of GSUSA's past presidents at that time was whether with all the
National Presidents of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Juliette Gordon Low 1915-1920 Anne Hyde Choate 1920- 1922 Lou Henry Hoover 1922- 1925 Sarah Louise Arnold 1925- 1928 Mira H. Hoffman 1928- 1930 Birdsall Otis Edey 1930- 1935 Lou Henry Hoover 1935- 1937 Henrietta Bates Brooke 1937- 1939 Mildred Estabrook Mudd 1939-1941 Helen H. Means 1941-1946 Harriet Rankin Ferguson 1946-1951 Olivia Layton 1952-l957 Marjorie Mehne Culmer 1957-1963 Margaret W. Price 1963-1969 Grace McKittrick MacNeil 1969-1972 Marjorie McLeod lttmann 1972- 1975 Dr. Gloria D. Scott 1975- 1978 Jane C. Freeman 1978- 1984 Betty F. Pilsbury 1984- An active Bir1sa11 Otis Edey Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 9 war effort. our Girl Scout leaders would Maljorie Culmer is notable for have to leave us to do other types of being the first GSUSA national presi· war effort. We sent out telegrams or dent who was herself a Girl Scout. Born letters saying, 'do all you can to foster in March 191 2. the same month in the war effort but don't leave your girls which Juliette Low organized the first . . . • We needn't have worried at all Girl Scout troop in this country, Marge because, to our amazement, in those Culmer joined the Movement in 1922 Harriet Ferguson and f1rstJulletle Lo\' stamp days our leaders stayed right with the at the age of l 0. In 1944, Mrs. Culmer girls and did many other things, too. realized a longstanding ambition to They suddenly realized that they were study law when she entered North· better trained to man some of the other western University Law School. After agencies because they had some receiving her Juris Doctor degree in training and some forethought about 1947, she was admitted to both the what their community was like. All the Illinois Bar and the Minnesota Bar. other war agencies suddenly realized that they had been remiss . . . and started In to train adults, which we had A Commitment All Over the World been doing for many years with our own Girl Scouts." The theme of international friend· ship and cooperation has been a fa· mmar one throughout the history of Longtime Girl Scouts Girl Scouting. Mrs. Choate was a mem· ber of the memorial committee that, Oli\1a La) ton recei\.es presidential state· ment A few of GSUSA's past presidents in 1927, inaugurated the Juliette Low began their affiliation as members of World Friendship Fund, and she chaired troops. Gloria Scott began her mem· the committee until1955. Mrs. Choate bership at the age of 14 and quickly strongly believed that " the Girl Scout attained leadership positions as a girl Movement is certainly a movement for member, then later as an adult mem peace of the world." At a 194.3 lead· ber. Dr. Scott was the seventeenth ership luncheon hosted by Eleanor GSUSA national president and the first Roosevelt, Girl Scouts learned about minority woman to hold the office. She the work that British Girl Guides v.ere taught at Texas Southern University in doing to aid the war effort. "As a re· Houston, North Carolina Agricultural suit," said Mrs. Means, "when the war and Technical State University in was over and we had our convention Greensboro, and is currently a vice in the spring of 1946, we had . . . for president at Clark College in Atlanta. the first time, our sister Girl Scouts from During her term of office, Dr. Scott Europe." helped plan and participated in the Since Juliette Low, Girl Scout na· Conference on Scouting for Black Girls, tional presidents have represented the held in 1970 in Atlanta, which ex· organization at international confer· plored ways that Girl Scouting could ences and meetings. Olivia Layton more fully meet the needs and inter· represented GSUSA at WAGGGS con large Culmer lea\ ing for 17th World Con ests of all girls and women. While serv· ferences in Norway and Brazil, and Tuck terence ing as president, Dr. Scott was also Price traveled for Girl Scouts of the honored as one of nine distinguished U.S.A. In Europe and throughout Latin Ladies' Home Journal "Women of the America. Marge !Itmann recorded that Year 1977." her most unusual Qjrl Scout experi· Jane f)-eeman began her Girl Scout ence occurred while representing career as a Brownie Girl Scout In Win· GSUSA at the PR seminar in Finland ston·Salem, N.C., and continued her where 17 countries were represented membership through high school in She wrote, " Since names \~ere so dif· Minnesota. A graduate of the Univer· ficult, I had the unusual experience of slty of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in answering to 'Miss America.' " political science. Mrs. Freeman brought to her years as president a strong be· lief In the Importance of emphasizing from the Letters file career development for Girl Scouts. "What is significant." she said, Is Girl Both girl and adult Girl Scouts Scouting's commitment to present all seem to feel a closeness to the or· of the options available to tomorrow's ganization's president that is under woman, so that girls will be prepared scored by the letters and cards that to assume a diversity of roles as presidents receive while in office. Let· homemakers, community leaders, and ters of congratulation, Valentine cards professional or career women." from individuals and troops, requests Anne Hyde Choate in 1960
10 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 for assistance, and words of thanks fiU the archives. Grace MacNeil's personal style evoked letters following a national convention. "I am a sophmore in col lege," wrote one admirer, "and was Tuck Price in S"'itzerland chosen by my council to be a delegate to the national com•ention. . . - It is women like you who make me proud to say that I am a Girl Scout" Another wrote: "After observing you in action at the national convention in Dallas, I felt compelled to write and tell you what a fantastic person I think you are .. __ You have served as an inspiration to the Girl Scout Movement in the United Marge lltmann at opening of opera, Daisy States and I'm proud that we'll now be sharing you with the world in your new position, as a member of the World bury. Each of these women has brought Committee of the World Association of her particular background and unique Girl Guides and Girl Scouts." experience to bear on the growth and Sometimes writers ask national development of an organization that presidents for a favor, as in a letter to has shaped the lives of over SO million Mrs. lttmann dated 1974. The corre girls and women since it was founded spondent identified herself as a Ca in 1912. dette leader and Senior adviser in GSUSA's commitment to main Brooklyn, N.Y. "This spring," she said, taining an open organization that en "I had applied to the United States Navy compasses all girls was eloquently as an applicant for Officer Candidate stated by Grace MacNeil. "Girl Scout School. Unfortunately, the competi i'ng," she said, "encourages Its young tion is extremely fierce and I was not members to flnc;l delight in diversity accepted. I am not discouraged how in persons of different races, nation ever, in that I feel I am well qualified. alities, and generations, in others' Grace MacNeil on Girl Scouting's 59th birth da) ___ I am resubmitting my application. customs and lifestyles --- Our cultural ___ I would appreciate it very much if exchanges, international conferences, you would write a letter of recommen and wtder opportunities are all part of dation addressed to the Navy Recruit a continuing effort to take girls beyond ing Command on my behalf." necessary understanding-to what we GSUSA presidents also became in hope \'.'ill be a lively, lasting apprecia timately involved in Girl Scout pro tion of the specialness of difference." gram on occasion. Like Mrs. Choate's Yet simultaneously, the Movement also desire to climb down a rope ladder, encourages girls to know themselves, Mrs. ferguson shared an enthusiasm to appreciate their own special ness, as for program involving water activities. indicated in a statement made by Tuck She was especially interested in the Price during her presidency: "As our Mariner program, designed for girls society continues to become more de who loved the water and wished to personalized and crowded, it becomes !snow more about water lore. The first more and more important to help girls national Mariner training course was discover their own identities and to given in 1935 at her summer home at speak out on their 01.1.'11 rather than be Fishers Island, N.Y. Similarly, Grace a part of the mass." 1'1acNeil started the first Girl Scout day Girl Scouts everywhere are indeed camp in the 1950s on family property the recipients of a precious legacy at Cherry Grove plantation, south of handed down by a succession of Natchez, Miss. women whose own lives are examples of service to others and determination to succeed. As Girl Scouts celebrate the The Living Legacy organization's 75th birthday, take a moment to remember those guiding Since 1915, Girl Scout presidents forces whose tireless efforts helped this have inspired members of the Girl Movement grow. Scout Movement to strive to live up to -Milly Hawk Daniel the words of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. That inspiration continues with Hilly Hawk Daniel is manager of t:ctitorial Gloria Scott greet~ Girl Scouts GSUSA's current president, Betty Pils- Development for OSUSA. Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 11 Grandma Davis's granddaughters and great-granddaughters have distin· guished themselves at all levels of Girl Scouting. Some have enjoyed camp· ing at National Center West. with the An Honored youngest two granddaughters thrilled at being new Brownie Girl Scouts this ye<'lr. And Girl Scout involvement isn't limited to the women of the family; family Tradition several Davis men contribute their time as well.
from Daughter to Mother or many families, Girl Scouting ily. In fact, Davises who are or have represents more than weekly been in Girl Scouting number an im· In another Davis family, all four r troop meetings, annual camping pressive 36, the most extensive Girl generations are active in CircleT Girl trips, and earned badges. for families Scout family on record. Scout Council, fort Worth, Tex. Diane with generations of great·grandmoth· Grandma Esther Davis, the family Davis got the family going when she ers, grandmothers, mothers, and matriarch, began her relationship \\ith became involved as a Brownie troop daughters still active in the Movement. Girl Scouts in the 1940s when her four leader after registering daughter Dawn. Girl Scouting has become a tradition daughters joined the Movement. She Since then, Diane has served as leader that gives individual family members reregistered in the 1 960s to become of a Brownie troop, a Junior troop, an a stake in the future as well as the past. leader of her granddaughter's troop. "outreach" troop of 40 girls ranging Such intergenerational Girl Scout At 86, Grandma Davis is still active in from kindergarten age to age 16, and families-presented proudly in this Girl Scout activities and serves as a as troop services leader and day camp 75th anniversary issue-represent a shining role model for her seven \'Oiunteer. special dimension of Girl Scout tradi· granddaughters and three great· Soon after Diane's initiation, her tion. Some of these families have pre· granddaughters in Girl Scouting. In the mother Helen Woods, joined the ranks served and passed down this tradition late 1970s, because she wore a hear· of Girl Scouts and is today an assistant from mother to daughter. And in some ing aid, she was chosen as crafts leader troop leader. Four years ago, Mattie the reverse is true: grandmothers and for a camp for hearing-impaired chi!· Mitchell Diane's grandmother, be great-grandmothers joined Girl Scouts dren hosted by the Senior Girl Scout came acthe and last summer opened at the urging of their daughters and planning board. She's worked as a her farm to her great-granddaughter's granddaughters. However they be· trainer, particularly in weaving and flag Junior Girl Scout troop so the girls came involved, these families repre· etiquette, and in 1974 was voted could obser\e life on a working farm. sent Girl Scouting at its finest. Let's sa· Woman of the Year in Newton, Kans. The fourth generation of active Girl lute the family tradition in Girl Scouting. In addition to Esther Davis's con· Scouts is represented by Dawn Davis, tributions, three of her four daughters, a Junior Girl Scout who attended res Joyce Davis Flickinger, Carroll Davis ident camp last summer. Setting a Record Flickinger, and Leila Davis Dalke, have :'tot all the Girl Scout volunteering given a total of 68 years to Girl Scouts. in this Da\·is family comes from women, In Four Winds Girl Scout Council Collectively, they have served as mem· either. Diane's husband is an active (Augusta, Kans. ), the Girl Scouts in the bers of a Chalet patrol and a Cabafia council participant who has served on Davis family don't have to look far to patroL Senior planning board adviser, several Girl Scout committees and lent find a sister Girl Scout-they're woven and members of the four Winds coun· a hand on many a camping trip. Hats throughout this large, extended fam· cil self-evaluation task group. off to the Davises!
The Davis family from Four Winds Girl Scout Council Four generations of Davises from Circle T Girl Scout Council
12 Girl Scout Leader/Spring J 987 Council (ft. Lauderdale, Fla. ). Annie A Tradition ofTogetherness Wilson. 84
Years of Active Service
A rich Girl Scout heritage thrives in the Buckmaster family of Montachu· sett Girl Scout Council (Worcester, Mass. ). After having been a leader for some years. Vera Buckmaster, 8 J, continues her relationship with Girl Scouts by serving as troop committee member. Her long association extends a legaq: The pin she wore at her in· \estiture ceremon} in 1918 has been \\Om by successi"e generations at their ov..n. Vera's daughter. P. Jean Pa\\·· lo\\ski, another devotee of Girl Scout· ing, began her career as a troop leader in college. She has since held se\eral posts over nearly fifty years of service. With a mother so active in Girl Scouting, irs no surprise that Ellen Olensky, Jean's daughter, has fol· The Buckmasters (Montachusctt Girl Scout The Wilsons (Brmvard County Girl Scout lov.ed in the family tradition. In fact. Council I ha\e a long histol') and solid fu· Councill maintain a close bond through Ellen's earliest Girl Scout memories ture as Girl Scouts Girl Scout activities
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 13 troop. And Allison K. Duffy, Brenda's daughter, is enjoying the fun of being a Brownie Girl Scout.
A Source of Inspiration
One of Nora Arnold's fondest The Krause family hails from Michigan Waterways Council of Girl Scouts childhood recollections is of going to Girl Scout meetings with her grand mother, Nellie Krause. Today, Nora (third from left) is a leader and vol unteer trainer and has a Girl Scout daughter of her own. There is no doubt, she says, that her grandmother's Girl Scout activity influenced her to remain active as an adult. The Girl Scout tradition has held fast in the Krause family, with four generations still active in Michigan Waterways Council of Girl Scouts (Port The Andersons (Great Plains Girl Scout Council share a rich Girl Scout heritage Huron, Mich.). Though Nellie Krause (second from left), Nora's octogenar council trainer, and Donna is now a lationship that began in 1949, Karen ian grandmother, participates in Girl Daisy co-leader, Cadette co-leader, and has much to pass on to her daughter Scout activities on a limited basis, every community public relations director. and granddaughter as well as her year she gathers an arts and crafts Kay's mother, Beulah Kelley, is an ac mother, all active in Girl Scouting. basket for Nora's troop and is a source tive Brownie and craft consultant, and As a member of the U.S. Air Force, of ideas and inspiration. Nellie's granddaughter Lylah Davidson is a Karen carried Girl Scouting with her on daughter, Emma Schulte (far left), who newly registered Daisy Girl Scout. Ly her travels. She has been a Brownie, began her career as a Brownie Girl lah is now learning to be a clown and Junior, and Senior leader in various Scout, brings her business expertise ertloys being part of a Girl Scout fam councils and while stationed in Guam as real estate broker to the council level. ily. served as field vice president and later where she chairs fund development council executive director for one year activities and serves on the executive at the Guam Girl Scout Council. Cur committee. Nora has received the Something for ~veryone rentl}, Karen leads a m ultilevel Girl council Green Angel. Service Unit, and Scout troop she organized in an un Outstanding Leader awards. And last, When Karen Anderson was a Senior derserved area of Omaha (she now lives but certainly not least, in this line of Girl Scout in 1956, she attended the in Omaha) and along with her family, Girl Scouts is Cadette Girl Scout Heather first Senior Girl Scout Round-Up in is active in Great Plains Girl Scout Arnold, Nora's 13-year-old daughter, Pontiac, Mich. " It was really fantastic," Council. Karen also leads a Cadette who has begun work toward the Silver she says, " there were nothing but Girl troop, is a Girl Scout and Red Cross Award. An impressive family line. Scouts on the train coming from the trainer, and helps out with council re West Coast. There were 5,000 Girl cruitment. Scouts at the train depot." With an ex Karen's daughter, Cindy Chapple, A family Who Laughs Together perience like that and a Girl Scout re- has also had a lifelong relationship with Girl Scouts, beginning as a Brownie and Besides being a special intergen staying active through adulthood. To erational Girl Scout family, the Kelleys day, Cindy is co-leader with her mother from Black Hawk Council of Girl Scouts of a Cadette Girl Scout troop. (Madison, Wis. ), have earned a repu About three years ago, another tation for clowning around. member of the family became in It all began a few years ago when volved: Karen's mother, Roma Rap Kay Hammerly, then a troop adviser pley. She has since devoted her time for her daughter Donna Hammerly's to helping with troop meetings, driv Senior Girl Scout troop, got the girls ing, chaperoning, and instructing Girl involved in the art of clowning and Scouts in first aid. channeled their antics to complete With this year's investiture of Cin community service projects. The troop dy's daughter Kathy as a Daisy Girl received a Reader's Digest grant for an Scout, the family now boasts four gen environmental project and earned erations of Girl Scouts. Says Karen funds to travel to a Florida clown col about the family tradition, "We do more lege. things together, and we have some Though the family still clowns, Kay thing that everyone knows and under is now a Daisy Girl Scout leader, out The Kelleys (Black Hawk Council of Girl stands." door consultant, and community Scouts) take "clowning" seriously - Janet Lombardi
14 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 lthough the scope of Girl Scout program has expanded to keep in step with the times A since the M ovement began 7 5 years ago. the emphasis on fun, learning and service remains. As early as the 1920s, girls were serving their country and their communities through Girl Scout program activities. And it's a sure bet to predict that in the next 7 5 years, future generations of Girl Scouts will enjoy the same kinds of activities.
ublishing and printing have come a long way ith an eye toward the fu ture, Girl Scouts learn Psince the 1950s. Today, many troops complete W that career possibilities are wide open. In 1987, badge activities to learn about print and broadcast girls and young women alike are amacted to math communications and science-based occupations
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 15 ampfires are a true Girl Scout tradition. The Cnew crop of campers is studying methods of minimal-impact camping to do their part to irl Scouts in the 1940s helped their country by preserve the environment Gjoining In the wartime salvage drive for aluminum. In the 1980s, they practice good citizenship through environmental awareness projects and food and clothing drives for the needy
"AGirl Scout is a friend to aiL·· That includes furry pals, too. Modem Girl Scouts may combine animal care activities with career exploration of agriculture and veterinary medicine
16 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 udding Picassos? Perhaps! Museum Bactivities are ever-popular with Girl Scouts of all ages. Today, troops can mix museum visits with heritage and community activities
h, the timeless Girl Scout query: When do we eat? AToday's health-conscious girls still munch our famous cookies, as well as fresh fruit snacks
The newest addition to the Girl Scout I family is the 5-year-old Daisy Girl Scout. ou're never too young to have fun!
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 17 n the 1920s, Girl Scouts brought cheer to IchDdren's hospital wards and orphanages around the country. These days, troop visits to senior cfttzens homes and day care centers alike bring plenty of joy
J\. rts and crafts have always been a big part /"'\. of Girl Scout camp. Here, girls work on lanyards-remember them? Today, "homesteading arts" such as knitting and weaving are making a comback
ariner Girl Scouts in the 1940s tied nautical M knots. Contemporary campers still enjoy usic and Girl Scouting go hand-in-hand. This boating and water fun M 1960s Girl Scout band prepares for a jam session. Girl Scouts today may combine technology and art to create their own music videos
Design and art by The New Studio Handbooks Through the Years
he 1913 Girl Scout handbook, vation of nature. How Girls can Help Their Coun When Girl Scouting was in its in· Ttry, describes the Babcock test for fancy, the ranks were Tenderfoot, Sec· girls to determine the butterfat in miJk. ond Class Girl Scout, and First Class In 1940, the Girl Scout Handbook for Girl Scout. Among the proficiency the lntennediate Program reminds girls badges Second Class and first Class that "Whatever career you choose, you Girl Scouts could earn were: "Clerk" will always be a homemaker as well. badge-candidate must have legible for every girl and woman just naturally handwriting and the ability to write a has to have a home." Listed in the new letter from memory on a topic dis· Junior Girl Scout Handbook released cussed five minutes previously; "Ma· last year are tips on career building and tron Housekeeper" badge-candidate leadership training. must know how to use a vacuum Tracing the handbooks from 1913 cleaner. how to stain and polish hard· to 1986 illustrates the development of wood floors. and know three different Girl Scouting along with changing cuts of meat and their prices; "Natu· American trends and issues. Graphics, ralist" badge-candidate must make type style, and format reflect a more and label a collection of 60 species of modern look as content is updated to wildflowers, ferns. and grasses. suit the times. Despite these changes, Scouting {or Girls (1920). blended Oirl Scout handbOoks continue to empha· however, one thing remains con· patriotism, outdoor activities, domes· size values, learning. and fun stant-the traditional values and guid· tic skills, and community service. ing principles inherent in the Girl Scout Badge requirements were more de· {or the lntennediate Program was Promise and La"'. Though its wording tailed, and the badges themselves more nearly twice as long as How Girls Can has been altered somewhat, the ideals intricate in design. They ranged from Help Their Country and contained ex· of honor, trust, and respect are still a basketball symbolizing "Athlete" to tensive chapters on subjects only paramount. "Needlewoman" (spool of thread and touched on previously. It still told the needle) to "Star Finder" with Its sym· Girl Scout story and emphasized the bot of a star group. importance of the Promise and Law, f rom the Very Beginning but activities and issues were well·re· ------searched and more completely drawn. How Girls Can Help Their Country for a More Complex World For instance, community life now was adapted from the British Girl Guide commanded its own chapter detailing manual written by Robert Baden-Pow· In the 1940s, the need for sepa everything from how a community pays ell and his sister Agnes and brought to rate handbooks for the age levels and its bills to citizenship. The handbook the United States by Juliette Gordon their leaders became apparent. GSUSA also included information on corre· Low. It reflected a responsible ap· published Senior Girl Scouts in War sponding with Girl Scouts in other proach to day-to-day activities and time in 1943 and Senior Girl Scouting: communities; more than 50,000 promoted decision-making and strong A Program for Older Girts in 194S. members now lived in all regions of character. In this first handbook were Brownies had their own handbook by the country. games such as Kim's Game. in which 1951; the Brownie Scout Handbook In 1953, the new Girl Scout Hand objects are covered and uncovered to inducted activities that centered around book: lntennediate Program, began by test observation. Patrols were encour· the out·of·doors, homemaking. inter· recognizing strong and important fe· aged to have their own camping spot; national friendship, and health and male role models in the arts and sci· and the outdoors was celebrated, with safety. ences. By noting the perseverance of the stress on conservation and obser· By 1940, the Girl Scout Handbook Marie Curie or the vision of Florence
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 19 Nightingale, the handbook's message book for Brownie and Junior Oirl Scouts hen a Girl Scout of the eighties to girls was that they too were strong and older girls were guided by You asks her mother and grand· and capable. The number and type of Make the Difference: The Handbook {or Wmother about their Girl Scout proficiency badges a Girl Scout could cadette and Senior Oirl Scouts. Worlds days, do U1e three generations ha\·e earn grew considerably and included to Explore incorporated the five worlds much in common? Where they find the such choices as "Conversationalist," of interest and reflected a contempo· same key words and experiences, tra· "Bibliophile," and "Radio and Tete· rary Girl Scout program. Activities ditions are at work providing the vision." abounded, and a girl would be hard· threads of continuity that gi\·e Girl pressed not to find any that interested Scouting its uniqueness. her. She could choose among carpen· If a tradition Is a handed-down be· Tbe New Challenges try; investigating the properties of light, lief a practice, a typical way of doing magnets, and m irrors; dance; inter· something, an unwritten law, then one In the 1960s, the Brownie and national travel; and the global aspect would expect to find broad traditions Junior Girl Scout handbooks were re· of Girl Scouting. The handbook also \\ithin the national and international vised and included extensive illustra· explained troop government, the pa· i'lmement and others unique to a spe· tions and activities that stressed non· trol system, and Girl Scout history. You cific council, camp, or troop. competitiveness. Instead, each girl was Make the Difference emphasized that Non-Girl Scouts attending our encouraged to do her best. Brownies Girl Scouting and the activities for older meetings may or may not appreciate could learn how to tie knots, be part girls are designed flexibly so that each the fine points of our purpose, but they of a committee, or weave rugs on a girl can use her involvement to suit her are al\.. ays impressed by the effecti\e· loom. Juniors could learn to cook. build needs and interests. It gave all the de· ness of the quiet sign. It has been end· a fire, use a compass, or make pup· tails on the leadership awards, chat· less!} debated whether this sign is pets. Both handbooks told the Girl lenges, special service, and career op properly made by simply raising the Scout story and emphasized good cit· portunities available to Cadette and right arm straight over the head or izenship and community deeds. Senior Girl Scouts. \\ hether that must be done\\ hile using A " challenge to Cadettes" was how the Girl Scout sign. The speed \dth the 196.3 cadette Oirl Scout Handbook \\ hich the "sea of green" quiets as described program at this level. It of· Looking to the future people see the sign, stop talking, and fered Cadette Girl Scouts 12 "chat· ------raise their mvn right arm does not seem lenges" with categories such as "The The latest editions in the Girl Scout to be affected. The origin of this tra· Challenge of Active Citizenship" and line-the Brownie Oirl Scout Hand dition is unknown; however, the ear· "The Challenge of the Arts." The em· book and the Junior Oirl Scout Hand liest handbooks included hand sig· phasis was on the Cadette Girl Scout's book-were published last summer. nals. The signal for "Halt" is "Raise the readiness to take the lead and added They both incorporate information arm to full extent above the head." responsibility for her activities and di· about the developmental and social rection. characteristics of girls ages 6 to 12. The Brownie Oirl Scout Handbook has Colorful Catchwords a workbook-like format, with spaces for Expanding and f:xploring writing, drawing, and pasting souve References in early books make it nirs. Chapters focus on the girl's need clear that the mystery of secret signs The Senior Oirl Scout Handbook, to learn about herself, her abilities, and and hords \,as popular. The sign and published in 196.3, built upon all that her relationships. She is exposed to handshake came from this period. So a girl had learned at the other levels. "things to know" such as safety, first did the secret word "Oeraperpeb." What Senior Girl Scouts were ready to travel aid, and outdoor skills. The Junior Oirl fla\or was lost as a result of the fol· within the United States and to such Scout Handbook contains activities to lm.. ing decision expressed in the 191.3 places as Our Chalet and Our Cabana. encourage self-expression and self· handbook: 'The compiler of the present They could indulge in any of the more potential. It includes realistic projects \ olume thinks it um.. ise to print these· than 100 interests or become active that foster group identification and in· cret \\Ords so the\ are left for the pa· on their council's Senior planning terpersonal skills. trol leaders and Captain to communi· board. Expanding their knowledge of Throughout the evolution over the cate verbal!~." Who knows what the rest the world was what this handbook en· last 75 years-from a manual origi· of us are missing? couraged Senior Girl Scouts to do. nally \vritten for Girl Guides to hand· Some traditions are merely col· With Options, the handbook for books that address girls' precise needs orful ''ays of expressing things; some Senior Girl Scouts published in 1972, and interests-some constant themes go to the heart of the Movement. The the focus was on individualizing activ· continue: Girl Scouting is open to all source of the term "nosebag" is only ities and helping the Senior Girl Scout girls who pledge the Promise and Law; obvious to those who have seen horses learn who she is. Part of this was learn· character building and developing good munching grain from a canvas and ing to work comfortably in a group, citizenship habits are goals of all Girl leather feedbag. Although not a com· make decisions, and take the initiative Scouts; the heritage of Girl Scouting is man sight anymore, it is a more col· to create change. Activities for explor· something to learn about and pre· orful term than "brown bag." Some· ing an expanding world were also in· serve; nature should be enjoyed and how "kapers" and "kaper charts" make eluded. respected; and competition should work seem less grim than 'jobs" and In the late 70s and early '80s, never outweigh the desire for fun and "duty lists," and accepting the princi· Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts en· the achievement of one's personal best. pic that everyone shares equally in the joyed Worlds to Explore: The Hand- -Janet Lombardi work can be a useful lifetime learning.
20 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 one cannot live by a code one does not know.
Tradition's Practical Purposes
Traditionally The motto and slogan have been real and exciting guides seven days a week since the time of our earliest members. Be Prepared! The very Girl Scouting thought of being prepared for any· thing that might happen is a heady stimulus for getting on with new learn· ings. What members prepared for in earlier days may seem tame compared to problems faced by today·s young people, but facing and planning for "whatever" is still a valid way to strengthen self-confidence Do a Good Turn Daily has another purpose. To see a job that needs doing and to do It without fanfare creates a sensitivity to the needs of people and places. The act of doing some good tum, repeated every da) over a long period of time. becomes patterned as a way of life. The change in tie styles stopped the practice of tying a knot in the ends of the tie when dressing. then untying It after doing the first good tum of the day. Pinning one's membership pin on upside down and then revers· ing it signified the same action. It was sneaky good fun at bedtime to try to remember what needs you had seen The budd} system is designed for safety and companionship and acted upon without anyone being And the buddy S) stem for many activ· est creative efforts of each member and especially aware of your help. ities supplies a partner for sociability, perhaps provided the stimulus to con· Not all the values of traditions are action, and safety. tinue in that medium, whether more just for young members. It is a fact Do persons in your community still or less beautiful. rather than painting that Kim's Came can so sharpen your say, "Ask a Girl Scout" when a ques· by number or making prestamped. powers of observation that you will be lion of flag etiquette comes up? One precut, prepunched leather items. For impossibly picky all your life. On the reason for traditionally displaying the a period of time, honest effort meant other hand. when you cannot com· flag or opening meetings with a nag the sheep·to·sha\.\1, ash tree-to-pack fortably keep up with the joggers and ceremony was to ensure that all mem· basket approach. marathon enthusiasts, you can calmly bers were comfortably familiar with flag Investiture, fly up, and more re· announce that you are working at a Girl etiquette and therefore able to support cently rededication ceremonies are Scout's pace. Fifty walking paces al· the image implied in the abO\ e ques· recognizable in all parts of the country ternating with 50 running ones could tion. A similar conviction holds that any and most parts of the world. The com· save both your body and your status Girl Scout could light a fire with no more mon element has always been the with the physical fitness crowd! than two matches, tie a package with Promise and Law. Where fire regula· Whether these traditions came to a square knot that wouldn't loosen, tlons permit. these are still most often OSUSA from those first Girl Guides in leave a site in better condition than she represented by 1.3 candles: three for Great Britain, were introduced at a found it, give clear travel directions. the three parts of the Promise and ten meeting of the World Association or for the ten parts of the Law. were created here, most contribute to For 75 years, both girl and adult the purpose " of inspiring girls with the Creating Things from Scratch members have been reassured that the highest ideals of character. conduct. --- key to successful membership is not patriotism. and service that they may A tradition of quality and honesty found in achieving perfection in the 13 ele· become happy and resourceful citi· expression in the arts. Girl Scouting has ments in the Promise and Law but in zens." Traditions are, for the most part. a long history as a singing organiza· accepting them as goals in the context the core around which change occurs. tion. Music and dancing stressed true of the simple sounding phrase, "J will -Margery Lawrence folk songs from all over the world; with try." The constant inclusion of the Lifetime member Margery Lawrence re a few choice exceptions. parodies were Promise and Law in meetings and cer· tired in 1985 from her positi011 as director out. Hand crafts represented the hon· emonies stemmed from the belief that o{ OSUSA's National Board Office.
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 21 cause it gave me a sense of self·reli· ance and confidence in my abilities in an era when girls didn't do too many things," says Sylvia. She describes herself as the Girl Scout "quality control person" at El camino Hospital, a 468·bed institution that was the fust in the United States to install a computerized medical information Women of system. I have to make sure aU the communications are integrated and send consistent messages." Her entry to the communications Distinction field didn't follow the usual path. She graduated from Whittier College in Whittier, calif., with a degree in psy· chology and partially completed her master's degree in psychology at Michigan State University. "Although lien Taliaferro wanted to be a and work with young peo ple." says Dr. psychology really helped me In com· doctor from the time she was five Taliaferro. Besides teaching residents, munications with understanding mo· t: years old. One Christmas, after her busy work days are d ivided among tivations and group behavior, I've al· asking for a doctor's bag. she got a treating critical patients, discussing "ays lo\ed writing and publications," nurse's kit because her father couldn't cases with residents and fellow doc· says Sylvia. She spent her post-college find the requested gift. " I was pretty tors, and a m yriad of administrative days raising her two children as she chagrined," she says. duties that include making up resident and her husband Harold moved from That episode apparently didn't schedules, attending department state to state for his work as a univer· leave any lasting impressions. Ellen meetings. and making budget deci· sity administrator. She always re· \.,:ent on to graduate from the Univer· sions. She also was recently elected to mained involved with Girl Scouting; in sity of Oklahoma Medical School in the board of directors of the American fact, prior to her husband's death in Norman, Okla., and intern at Santa College of Emergency Physicians. 1983, she was president of Terre Haute Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. In her spare time, which she says Girl Scout Council in Terre Haute, Ind. During her residency, she decided to there isn't much of, she still heads for After a stint at Fresno Community Hos· specialize in emergency medicine, a the out·of doors. " I have a V. W. van pitaJ in Fresno, Calif., as the manager little known field in those days, espe· that I just love to hop into and go of a mental health center, she decided cially for women. somewhere tranquiJ and remote." The to go into communications. " Emergency medicine was the one major impact that Girl Scouting had on Her current responsibilities in· specialty that really excited me be· her life came relatively late, although elude coordinating all external and in· cause you can save lives by being able she was a Girl Scout from Brownie ternal communications for the hospi· to intervene immediately. For exam · through Senior level. " I came from a tal as well as several entities connected pie, a person comes in with a severe poor, uneducated family and was an with El camino, such as Health Man· asthma attack and can't breathe; you oddity in my hometown of Hilton, Okla., agement Services and a Center on Ag· treat them and they leave smiling. The because I wanted to go to college and ing. In managing her staff of three-a Girl Scout motto ' Be Prepared' really medical school. As a Senior Girl Scout, publications director, a public rela· applies, since you never know what or I was invited to play the bugle at a lions director, and a fund·raiser - Syl· who will come through the door. In this statewide conference. At this confer· via says she often remembers an old field, I could really make and see a dif· ence, I met the most incredible teen· Girl Scout phrase: " Be able to carry your ference," says Ellen. age girls who also wanted to go to col· part in a round. · She adds, "One of the Today, as chairman of the De· lege and medical or law school. It most signirlcant things I gained by partment of Emergency Medicine at opened up a whole new world for me being in a troop was the ability to do Kern Med ical Center in Bakersfield, and made me realize that it was pos· things cooperati\el} despite m y tend· calif., she continues to make a differ· sible for me to become a doctor," says enq to , .. ant to do everything myself. ence by training emergency physi· Dr. Taliaferro. clans as well as treating patients. "This is my first job in 'academic' emergency medicine, and I love teaching resi· Reasons to Stay Connected dents. It's very fulfilling to see them grow and develop as doctors." Although .35 years have elapsed Ellen attributes her experience as since Sylvia Walker, the director of a Girl Scout camp counselor as im· communications services at El Camino portant to her work today as a teacher. Hospital, in Mountain View, Calif., first "Being a counselor for four years joined the Girl Scouts, she and three probably prepared me more for this other Girl Scout friends still exchange job than anything else in m} back· cards on Thinking Day. "''ve always ground. It taught me how to listen to stayed connected to Girl Scouting be·
22 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 Being in a troop helped me to learn This is what I call necessary losses," council, from committee chairman to how to delegate responsibilities." says Judith, who spent three years camp director, politics was a natural In her spare time, Sylvia escapes writing the book. for me," says Pauline who, in her own to her beach house in Sonoma County She writes all the time-in the words, enjoys being a legislator be· where she loves to take \valks and mow morning. evening. and on the \veek· cause " I like to make decisions on a the lawn. Very often, the house is the ends. She has been married to Milton wide diversity of subjects and issues." location of Girl Scout sing·alongs-"We B. Viorst. also a writer, for 27 years, While in the House of Represen just sing all the old songs and have a lives in Washington, D.C., and has three tatives, Pauline was a champion of ball!" says Sylvia. sons. Before Necessary Losses, Judith women's rights and worked closely with wrote books of humorous poems. "I the Commissioner of the Status of followed the standard writer's advice, Women for Legislative Reform to pass Not Your Typical Girl Scout "Write what you know," and so, I wrote bills on domestic violence, pay equity, poems about leaving home, living a and day care. Although she feels that Judith Viorst. author of the best· life of wild abandon in your twenties women must work twice as hard as men selling book. Necessary Losses, makes in Greenwich Village, N.Y., being mar· to succeed in the political arena, she note of her days as a Girl Scout in a ried and raising a family in your thir· claims that women are now coming of passage from chapter ten called ties, and the midlife crises of being age in top executive positions. "Women ''Childhood's End." She \\-'rOte: "For forty. Now I'm facing the fact I'll soon are now knocking on doors for higher some of us there is also that flame· have to write a book about being fifty," positions. for years, we got stuck on kindling grown-up-mine was the says Judith. What force keeps this pro· committees doing all the work and not leader of my Girl Scout troop, the first lific author of eleven books striving for getting any credit. Now we're begin· adult who believed I could write-who more? "A writer writes, and that's "hat ning to see a difference nationally, with can see us in special roles, in self-de 1 do." eight or nine women running for gov· fining roles that our make-your-bed and emor. Women today must pave the way stop-hitting-your-sister and don't-talk· for the next generation coming up." fresh-to-your-grandmother parents Using_!olunteer Skills_ cannot." "You have to understand I was a As the old adage claims, "It's not supremely klutzy Girl Scout. I was not whether you win or lose, it's how you and am not an outdoor person," says play the game." Such is the case of Judith, who despite that claim had just Pauline Kezer, who gave up a com· returned from an hour-long \\alk. "I was fortable, established legislative seat in a disaster at all the knot-tying and fire· the Connecticut House of Represen· making activities. But I wanted to be a tatives to wage an intensive campaign first Class Girl Scout v.hen I was a for the position of Secretary of State Junior, so my leader, l'1rs. Williards, in the 1986 election. Although Pau· allowed me to do anything in a writing line, who is also a member of the Na· vein that would qualify me to fulfill the tiona! Board of Directors of Girl Scouts requirements. I wrote a play for my of the U.S.A., lost the race, she did gain Politician Pauline Kezer troop about a duel between Aaron Burr something important. "I knew it was a One special skill that she learned and Alexander Hamilton, and I com· great lesson in risk-taking. I think in Girl Scouting and easily transferred pleted the Bibliophile badge. My leader ~omen must learn how to take a risk to her political career, especially dur· was very supportiye of this strange Girl and move on, regardless of the con ing election time, was volunteer re· Scout who was a disaster in the out· sequences," says Pauline, who lives cruitment and management. "I never doors but who wanted to write." with her husband, a high school base· had a paid campaign staff when I ran Judith Viorst started writing poems ball coach, and her three daughters in for election," says Pauline, who has run about "dead dogs and dead parents" New Britain, Conn. for office five times. "But I had several during her childhood in Maplewood, Her political career as a state leg hundred volunteers who traveled with N.J. "Both my parents were alive and islator for the House of Representa· me and worked on weekends. A lot of very annoyed, but I kept writing any· tives {1980-1984) evolved from years people ask 'How can I help?,' and no· way," she says. of volunteering. She has served as vice body tells them. I used to give each Perhaps in those childhood chron· president of Connecticut Yankee Girl volunteer a printed job description -a icles of death and loss the seeds for Scout Council (1978-1980); president tool that every Girl Scout association her book, Necessary Losses, were first of the New Britain YWCA ( 1975-.1978); chairman knows about." planted. She got the idea for the book corporator of the Wheeler Clinic, New Although Pauline was unsure of her after studying at a psychoanalytic in· Britain General Hospital; and as a plans for the future at press time, she stitute in the late 70s and working as member of the Colonial Bank Advisory did comment that whatever she chose a therapist for several years. The book Board. In both her volunteer and to do would have to "make a differ traces passages of loss-starting at professional associations, she has uti· ence. If you want to contribute some· birth and ending with death. "Through lized many of the skills she developed thing while you're at a board meeting. my studies, I formulated this idea that as a Girl Scout. "Girl Scouting gave me while you're in the legislature, or just one valuable way to conceptualize how the kind of training that enabl~d me to when you're helping a friend - if you we grow, develop, and change over the develop strong leadership skills so try and give more of yourself than you years is in terms of what we have to necessary to being In government. After receive, I think that's most important," give up, let go of. and put behind us. wearing almost every hat in a Girl Scout she concludes. -Deborah Craven Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 23 councils and the national organization sponsor a variet) of wider opportuni ties to expose girls to the arts, history, nature, business, health, and careers. They also look forward to visiting the AConversation four world centers of the World Asso ciation of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts: Sangam in India, Our Chalet in Switzerland, Olave Center in England, with Juliette Low and Our cabana in Mexico. Our world wide sisterhood of girls and adults who embrace Girl Scouting's values and beliefs nov.. has a World Association with 108 member organizations.
e\enty-five years of Girl Scout sidered something of a tomboy, be Juliette Low: Worldwide sisterhood? ing! Did Juliette Gordon Low. cause I \'Vas always so active. I really Yes. indeed, that was part of my vi S founder of the Girl Seoul Move didn't have time to be a true Southern sion, too. My dear friend Olave, Lady ment, ever envision that one day Girl belle. Do girls still do these things? Baden-Powell, formed the Interna Scouting would be a household word, National President: Oh, not quite. tional Council of Girl Guides and Girl a tradition cherished by generations of Scouts, and It convened for the first American girls and \\Omen? Did she Girls today have so many options available to them, and are very so lime in February 1919 in London. In dream that Girl Scouting would help to fact. I attended several international shape the lives of so many young girls, phisticated these days. Because of high technology and improved global com conferences in England. Strengthen preparing them for careers in busi ing the ties between Girl Scouts and ness, education, and the sciences, and munications, children know more about and better appreciate other cultures, Girl Guides \\laS one of my pet projects. training them to be homemakers and I started the International Post Box so leaders in their communities? other lifestyles. And you know some thing? Girls who might have been con that girls could make new interna Surely, Juliette would be de tional friends. lighted with the progress we've made sidered tomboys in your era, or even in mine, are just average girls today. over the past 75 }ears. Just Imagine National President: We do recall your They are active and adventurous. the conversation she might have with dedication to international friendship. our National President today. It would Juliette Low: I always knew girls had I think you'll be pleased to learn that probably sound like this. the constitution to do the same things we created the Juliette Low World Juliette Low: I am so thrilled to see as boys. We don't want to tum them friendship Fund in your honor to sup that my dream of an organization to into boys, but we don't want them to port projects and events that promote help girls become better citizens has be little helpless flowers, either. After international understanding. Oh, by the flourished and blossomed into such a all, it's no secret that females are the way, your girlhood home in Savannah fine American institution. stronger sex. is now a national program center for Girl Scouts. There's another program National President: Oh, there is so National President : Yes, and they center in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. We call much to tell ... you truly wouldn't be have intellectual fortitude, too. Today it National Center West and girls can lieve how we have grown since your girls are going to college and voca roam the plains on horseback. explore early efforts to build a Movement. tional schools in record numbers. In the terrain, and learn more about the 1987, we have thousands of female Juliette Low: I remember il v.ell. On great outdoors. You would lo\e it! doctors, lawyers, and business exec March l 2, 1912, I started the very first utives. Jl-1any of our former Girl Scouts Juliette Low: Sounds splendid! Tell Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia. me, my dear, were you ever able to I registered 18 girls, beginning with my are prominent in politics and com munications. Women have become find a buildrng suitable enough to young niece, Daisy Gordon. police officers and firefighters, and we house our nauonal headquarters? Our National President: Well, the mem even have several female astronauts. first headquarters was located in a bership has grown some. Today we Many an active girl member is now a rented office in Washington, D.C. In have a total of nearly 3 million girl and lifetime member. 1916, we moved to New York. but our adult members. And speaking of Daisy, accommodations were cramped, to say in 1984 we introduced our fifth and Juliette Low: Lifetime membership. the least. youngest age level- Daisy Girl Scouts. Why didn't I think of that? Tell me, do National President: Daisy, you would They are five years old and they look girls still sail to Europe? be proud! In 1957, we moved into a so good in their pretty blue tunics. National President: Not really. This sparkling new headquarters building J uliette Low: Daisy Girl Scouts, hmm? is a fast-paced world, and sailing takes on 1'1anhattan's busy East Side. Its fa· That's a fine name. Tell me, hov. have so long. But many girls do enjoy trav cade is aluminum and glass; and the girls changed since I was a youngster? eling by jet airplanes. In fact, many of glass is tinted a soft green. The Girl I recall debutante balls and teas, our girls have seen the United States Scout flag and the American flag wave studying homemaking and the arts, and other parts of the world through side by side on top of the building. And sailing across the Atlantic, sipping our popular wider opportunities, both we own it free and clear! In December lemonade on the veranda. I was con- domestic and international. Girl Scout of 198.3, we had a mortgage-burning
24 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 ceremony to celebrate. Inside our sequent single parenthood. Children fulfilling. There are so many ways, aside President's Lounge, we have photo· grow up rather quickly these days, and from giving birth, that you can con· graphs of all our past GSUSA presi· they are sometimes forced to confront tribute to future generations. But do dents, beginning with you. sensitive issues like divorce, poverty, goon. substance abuse, racism, world hun Juliette Low: Hmm, too bad you ger, and war. It's not an easy job, but National President: In some coun· cils, entire families are involved. Fath· couldn't make a music video of us. I GSUSA has always adapted its pro· ers may serve as co-leaders or re would love to hear a disco version of gram to keep up with social change. "Whene'er You Make a Promise." Hov. source people, siblings can help out is camp Edith Macy coming along? Juliette Low: Yes, we have. We're will· with special troop activities. While ing to take the bull by the horns, so to leaders are the most visible of our National President: So glad you speak. During World War I. in fact, our dedicated volunteers, we have plenty asked. In 1982, we dedicated Edith girls weren't sitting home making of folks who work behind the scenes "''acy Conference Center up in Briar· flower arrangements. No, ma'am. They on special committees and teams to diff Manor, Nev. York. Its 10\ ely, and worked in hospitals, canteens, Red help keep community and national in· so functional, too-conference rooms, Cross sewing rooms. We grew vege· terest in Girl Scouting high. a huge auditorium, comfortable ac· tables, rolled bandages, knitted cloth· Juliette Low: So everyone can get in· commodations, and of course, the col} ing, and sent gift packages to the valved? Friendship Room Volunteers a'1d staff troops overseas. As a matter of fact, from all over the countr) flock to :'laq our girls sold so many war bonds that National President: That's right. As for seminars, \\Orkshops and special the Treasury Department commis· long as you believe in the Girl Scout conferences on a \ariel)· of subjects sioned a special medal in honor of Girl philosophy, we can find a place for you, program training, recruitment. di,·er· Scouts' patriotic contributions. Yes, we a way to donate your talents and en· sity. leadership de\elopment. met the challenges of our day very well. ergy. We thrive on diversity, too. Our membership encompasses all racial Juliette Low: Is that so? National President: Of course, do a good deed daily-that never changes. and ethnic groups, practically every age National President: Yes, and Macy is bracket and income group. Many new such a peaceful environment for learn· Juliette Low: I can't believe how Girl immigrants to the United States see Girl ing. Why, the scrumptious food and the Scouting's influence has spread. Back Scouting as a wonderful opportunity cheerful camaraderie make it almost in 1920, we only had 100 Girl Scout to learn more about good citizenship like a mini-vacation. councils operating in 11 states. and our way of life. As a bonus, they get to meet people in their communi· National President: Today, there are Juliette Low: Making guests feel wei· ties and make lasting friendships. The come is a Girl Scout tradition. In my .3.35 councils in the 50 states, Puerto rewards of Girl Scouting are limitless. era, all the girls in Savannah worked Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We You can develop your leadership po· also have 1,6.37 troops of Girl Scouts on the Homemaking badge. Back then, tential. acquire worthwhile skills that we had 22 badges. To meet some of whose families are temporarily living can even help you in the job market the requirements, Girl Scouts had to overseas, on military or other assign· place, and strengthen your confidence know how to treat snake bites. stop a ments; they are called USA Girl Scouts and self-esteem. I think that I can safely runaway horse, and prevent fires. Overseas. During our 75 years, we've say that there are probably very few registered more than 50 million girls. people in the United States whose lives National President: Those are very Juliette Low: Imagine how many have never been touched by Girl good skills to have. But as girls' needs wonderful volunteers keep those Girl Scouting. and interests change with the times, Scout wheels turning! How would you so do the badge projects. Today, we Juliette Low: My heart swells with describe the typical volunteer? offer 88 badges, and girls can choose pride. such areas of interest as Computer Fun, National President: There is really no National President: And well it Aerospace, Business-Wise. Energy typical volunteer. They come from all should. Thanks to your vision, we've Saver, and Ecology. We also have ca· walks of life-homemakers, business given something great to the girls of reer interest projects for older girls who executives, farmers' wives, teachers, this country. want to learn more about the voca· community leaders. College students tiona I opportunities available to them. who belong to Campus Girl Scout Juliette Low: It's a team effort: Girl groups often lead troops of younger Scouts together. Let's talk again on our Juliette Low: I suppose times have girls. And many single career women 1OOth anniversary; I'm sure there will be even more to discuss. changed from the days when a girl was find time in their hectic schedules to limited to choosing between being a carry out troop activities. Some see it National President: Who knows? By mother, a teacher, or a nurse. as an informal preparation for moth· then we may have the first Girl Scout erhood, while others welcome the op president of the United States. National President: Yes, and con· portunity to make children a part of temporary women often juggle several their lives. Juliette Low: Or the first Girl Scout role.s at once: employee, wife, mother, moon troop, or robot co-leaders, or volunteer. But I must point out that so· Juliette Low: I can tell you firsthand even automatic dishwashers at Girl cial values have undergone a transfor· that you don't have to be a mother to Scout camp. No, girls just love those mation over the past 75 years. Many love children. I had no children of my tin buckets and the kaper charts. But women work outside the home, and own, but in a sense, I had hundreds of yes, the possibilities are endless . . . some are coping with divorce and sub· daughters. And my life was extremely -Marianne llaw ·. Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 25 On Millions of Walls
Calendars with a History
or 42 years, Girl Scout calendars on community service and an ex· have celebrated the informal ed· panded program. From the mid-'60s r ucation, excitement and delight on, calendar shots documented Girl that girls discover when they become Scouting's commitment to career de· part of the Girl Scout family. Since velopment and international under· 1944-when the nrst official calendar standing while still highlighting tradi· was issued-nearly 200 million have tiona! program activities. been sold, making the four-color cal· The calendars also documented endars wonderful advertisements for changing membership standards and the Girl Scout Movement in the United the style and use of Girl Scout uni· States. forms. Photos of Wing Scouts and Mar· Over the years, Girl Scout calen· iner Girl Scouts from the '40s and '50s dars renected changes in society as well give way to Daisy Girl Scouts in the '80s. as in graphics and production tech· As American styles of dress relaxed over niques. As such, they are colorful rep· the years, Girl Scouts, too, dressed less resentations of different eras in U.S. as formally for their activities. It's fun to well as Girl Scout history. They also look back just to see the changing illustrate the full range of Girl Scout fashions. activities and present a pictorial record The Movement's historic commit· of evolving Girl Scout program. ment to building a pluralistic organi· Early calendars featured girls in zation is evident in photographs of mi· formal uniforms as they went about nority girls and leaders in integrated camping, cooking, and caring for troops. In later years, older leaders and young children and animals; later edi· girls with disabilities appear in photos tions renected an increasing emphasis that renect the membership's growing consciousness about further expand· The first Girl Scout calendar, 1945 ing opportunities for membership. Everything that Girl Scouts do individually or organizationally-con· tributes to our public image. For more than four decades, Girl Scout calen· dars have helped to keep that image positive. -Milly Hawk Daniel
Nilly Hawk Daniel is OSUSA's manager of Editorial Development.
26 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 1980 Girl Scout Calendar
( iirl S (•( IUl ( 'til( 'JH lnr
GIRL SCOUTS
·~ Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 27 and Willie LO\' 's wedding reception In 1886. The former stable, built between 1818 and 1821. is now a gift shop. The carriage house, previously called Girl Scouting's The Troop House, features an exhibit of Girl Scout uniforms, photographs, and other memorabilia on the lower floor. It is also used for special interest Special Places sessions for girls.
Training first and Always Where Program, Training, Camaraderie, ---- What Girl Scouts today know as and Tradition Are Hallmarks Edith Macy Conference Center began as a dream shared by two friends in the 1920s. The 404 acres of wooded hills on \\.hich the conference center is ll Girl Scout members. girls and Low that hangs over the fireplace in located \.. as once the favorite walking adults, have a share in three the south drawing room. One of the place of Edith carpenter Macy, then Aplaces that are very special to the special treasures that illustrates Mrs. chairman of the Girl Scout National Ex· Girl Scout l"lovement. The oldest site Low's artistic abilities is a set of wrought ecutive Board, and Jane Deeter Rip· of all is the Birthplace, more properly iron gates she designed for her English pin. Girl Scout National Executive Di· called the Juliette Gordon Low Girl home. rector. On their daily forays through Scout National Center, in Savannah, Ga. The top floor (not part of the his· the beautiful countryside, the two Next and most important for the tra· toric preservation) is currently used for women envisioned a school that would dition of adult training and the heri· special interpretation projects with Girl provide training for Girl Scout leaders. tage of international cooperation is Scout troops. The garden floor was Tragedy intervened when Edith Edith Macy Conference Center, in significantly altered to provide space Maq died in February 1925. But the Briarcliff r-Ianor. N.Y. Youngest of the for Girl Scout troop orientations and dream remained alive when Edith's Girl Scout program centers is National activities. Designed by famed architect husband. \. Everit Macy, bought 265 Center West, near Ten Sleep, Wyo. Detlef Lienau, the restored garden and acres of land adjoining camp Andree Common to all is their dedication to piazza were the site of Juliette Gordon Clark. He gave the land to Girl Scouts human development, fun, and friend· ship in Girl Scouting.
Old·time Southern elegance and A House of History charm are still very much a part of Juliette Gordon Low's birth· Located in the heart of Savannah's place In Savannah, Ga. Restored antiques and vintage furnish· historic district on the corner of Ogle· ings enhance the gracious thorpe and Bull Streets is a Regency· homestead style to\\.nhouse that was built be· tween 1818 and 1821. Four genera· tions of the Gordon fami ly lived here, and Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born and raised in this elegant mansion commonly re· ferred to by the Girl Scout family as the Birthplace. After purchasing the house in 1953, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. reno· \·ated and restored it to look much the same \\a} 1l did during Juliette's child· hood. The temporary additions of 1942 (when the parlor and second floor were converted into apartments) were re· moved, and both floors were restored to their late nineteenth-century plan. 1'1any of the original furnishings are still intact. including a pair of crystal chan· defiers in the drawing room. a nine· teenth·century red Turkoman rug in the entrance hall, and a portrait of Juliette
28 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 and had Great Hall, a massi\e field· comfortable common areas. and din· purchased approximate!} 15,000 acres stone structure with hand-hewn timber ing facilities. fitness equipment, jog· of rugged Wyoming territory adjacent woodwork, constructed in his wife's ging trails, and an outdoor heated to the Big Hom National forest to build memory. Great Hall \\.as modeled after sv.imming pool are among the man} a major facility for program develop· a Connecticut barn because l"lrs. Macy recreational opportunities now avail· mcnt. training, and international activ· had always admired that style of ar able. ities. The largest single land acquisi· chitecture Inside Great Hall the ca\· Also located on the Briarcliff Manor lion in Girl Scout history it \\.aS ernous main room was used as a site is the Girl Scout Outdoor Educa· purchased from three sources: the meeting place and dining hall. The tion Training Center-the camp of To· federal gO\.ernment the State of Wyo· central lighting fixtures and mantel morrow. mmg, and private owners. This mag candelabra were designed in clusters Truly, the dream of Edith Carpen· nificent untouched landscape has can· of three-symbolic of the trefoil and ter 1"1acy and Jane Deeter Rippln has yons. mountains, and plains and is the threefold Girl Scout Promise. became a reality: On this beautiful, famous for its \\.1ldlife. There are five Deeper In the woods, the four original natural site, Girl Scout volunteers and base camps from which girls can ex· tent units, Red Oaks Ledges. Fern· staff from all across the U.S.A. come plore the natural wilderness. Each dust, and frontier, were built. Each unit together to develop skills, gain new in· camping area includes picnic tables, consisted of a troop house for meet formation, and learn from each other. latrines, spots for pitching tents, and ings and stud}. tent platforms a In addition. each year, the month of a water faucet. ""ashhouse, an outdoor kitchen, and April is set aside especially for Girl Scout The administrative area at Na· an outdoor dining area. leaders, and course offerings are spe· tional Center West used to be called In 1982, an all · ne'~ f:dlth "ldC} cilically geared to program for the 'tent cit} because the dispensary, Conference Center opened its doors as various age levels. commissary, and other business facil· a modern conference and training itics were originally housed in tents. center tor Girl Scout leaders. Con The summer of 1985 marked a ne\\' structed of natural \\.ood and stone, the Westward Ho for Outdoor Program era for National Center West, when the barrier-free building \\.aS built into the ---- administrative comple.x was officially e.>,.lsting hillside to d1sturb the original People in Wyoming are fond of re· opened. This ne\\ complex includes site as little as possible. A far cry from pealing, "In Wyoming, no one stays a four multipurpose buildings; a staff! the early days. the center nO\\. has such stranger." This is certainly the case at lounge/teachers \\.Orkroom, dining hall features as state·of·the-art audio and National Center West, \\.here thou· commissary, donnitory/inlinnary, and video equipment, a 200-seat audito· sands of girls and women have gath· the summer administrative offlce and rium fhe soundproof conference ered to make friends and enjoy the communications center. rooms, three residence halls with spa· challenges of the great out-of-doors. cious bedrooms and private baths, In 1968, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. -Deborah Craven
Edith ~1acy Conference Cen· ter provides a tranquil set· ling For volunteer and staff training
Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 29 are close to the sound source. For more controllable, often better, sound qual ity, connect a separate microphone to the VCR with a long cable and have another person hold it close to the for the Record sound source.
Documenting Our 75th Year Camera Begin your coverage with an es tablishing shot (an overall view) that ur 75th anniversary celebra videotape the event yourself. encompasses the entire event. possi tions will involve unusually large If you opt to videotape an event bly from an elevated angle. Every so 0 numbers of Girl Scouts, troops, yourself, here are some helpful hlnts often throughout the event, you may volunteers, council and community that may enhance your coverage. wish to reestablish orientation with this members. Public exposure will be full view. The most intereslig shots are heightened, making this an opportune the close-ups of people speaking. par time to convey the meaning of Girl Advance Planning ticipating. and reacting. especially girls. Scouting and what it does for girls. These are the shots that hold human Documenting the anniversary Is a top Find out exactly what is going to interest value and are most effective. priority. Since video is one of the most happen at the event; get the names of Bring a tripod and use it whenever popular methods of communication key people, speakers, and locations. the camera is stationary. today and over 80 percent of U.S. Girl Will it be indoors, outdoors, or both? Scout councils have access to VCRs, it Visit the site in advance and decide is an especially effective way to cover upon the best camera angles. Develop On-Camera Interviews our 75th and keep it on record. an outline of the story you wish to tell, A well-documented, well-edited its purpose and key elements. Make a People's reactions to an event are video piece might be used by your priority list of the most important por always interesting. You bring the viewer council to support oral presentations tions to cover. closer to what's happening by inter· to community groups such as PTAs, vie"'ing people with whom they iden Rotary clubs, or church groups. It can tify or find interesting. Your inter also support speakers at annual coun Lighting viewer can prepare a list of questions cil meetings, recruitment rallies, and so that important points are not missed recognition gatherings for volunteers. If the event is outdoors. you will in the heat of the moment. The inter If your video is high quality, par probably not have to worry about ad viewer need not appear on camera. She ticularly if shot in the :)/4" format, your ditional lighting. unless it takes place can ask questions from a position council may consider its additional use in the evening. If indoors, added light slightly left or right of the camera lens in malls or libraries in a point-of-pur is advisable, m inimally, a light at so the viewer sees as much of the full chase style tabletop video display. tached to the top of the camera. Test face of the interviewee as possible. Councils are encouraged to send such shoot in the location prior to the event tapes to national headquarters for to determine how much light you need possible inclusion in the end-of-the to add. The video medium requires [.diting year video roundup. adequate light for good picture defi You can document your event on nition and true color, so it is important videotape in a number of ways. Whether to have as much light on the subject In all cases, find some method of editing the video, since you will want you hire a professional or tape it your as possible. to extract the highlights and combine self, remember these key points: If the image or people you are shooting look greyish and lack sharp them in a meaningful continuity. You 1. Plan your shoot in detail. ness even though you've focused may want to add a voice-over narration 2 . Use the highest quality video properly, you need to add lights. When to tie key elements of the story to equipment available. you mix daylight with Indoor light such gether. as tungsten or quartz, you are likely to If you are capable of editing the 3 . Edit your tape, preferably using a get an unpleasant green or blue hue tapes, you may find it helpful to iden professional editor and facility. to the picture. So when shooting in tify and list the most significant scenes If your budget allows, hire a doors. try to keep the sunlight out or using the VCR footage counter. For fine professional video cameraman with angle your shots to avoid it. tuned editing. it is advisable to locate her/his own camera, sound, lighting. a professional video editor in your and editing equipment. Or for less ex community. Our 75th anniversary will be a year pense, try to interest a local station or Sound to remember. Let's remember it on a cable franchise in covering your event. If station coverage is unavail You can record location sound in video. able and economy is a prime concern, a couple of ways. A microphone at Jamie Mollot you may opt to use consumer video tached to the camera may give rea Jamie Hollot is audiovisual manager {or equipment of reasonable quality, and sonable sound quality, provided you OSUSA's Media Services Team .
30 Girl Scout Leader/Spring 1987 You Deserve the Gift of a Lifetime
Whether you're a Girl Scout leader, troop committee member, council board member, other volunteer, or staff member, lifetime membership was developed with you in mind.
Lifetime membership is a symbol of commitment And, of course, it ensures continuous membership in the of~our dedicanon to the Movement and to the positive Girl Scout Movement and an uninterrupted subscription growth and de\elopment of girls and young women. to Girl Scour Leader. Enroll in hfetime membership today. Your one Lifetime membership is a unique gift. You may tlme. tax-deducuble registration fee will be put into an wish to register yourself or someone else who is special. endowment fund. giving you an opportUnity to help Just fiJI out and mail the application today. more girls explore new worlds through Girl Scouting.
------Girl Scouts------ofthe U.S.A. Adult Lifetime Member Registration Form
Council Code__ Repon Code 999 Reg. Area __ Donor infonnation (Please print) Name ______
AddreSS------ Adruress ______City·------State _ _ Zip __ City•------State-- Zip __ I wish to charge lifetime membership dues of $100.00 to my 0 Master Card 0 Visa Expiration Date------Telephone (include area code)------ Check one: Account#------0 New (never registered before) 0 Fonnerly registered Name ______C Currently registered Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Signature------ Identification number------Please send completed form with a check or credit card author Council name------ization for $100 to your council. Make check payable to your Girl Scout council. National volunteers or staff should make Currem position(s) in Girl Scouting ------ check payable to Girl Scours of the U.S.A. and mail to national headquarters. If registered with troop, give Troop#------ A lifetime member receives a subscription to Girl Scout Leader valued at $1.50 per membership year. Additional position------
Troop#------ Signarure of reg1stenng member or Date membership donor
·~ Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Lo;.; (seated. righO, dcd1catcd her lire to the Movement. Behind her, Girl Scouts unfurl Juliette'S personal Girl Seoul nag
G1rl Scouts of the U S.A 830 Th1rd Avenue NON-PROFIT ORG New York, New York 10022 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED U.S POSTAGE PAID ST. PAUL, MN PERMIT NO. 890 ~ GIRL SCOUTS