The Girl Scout Leader

OCTOBER, 1941 VOLUME XIX 50 CENTS A YEAR The Leader's Job* NUMBER I By RU TH 0 . DANIELS Leader, Troop 166 Detroit, Michigan

N THESE DAYS of nationalities to forget I national crisis we their own traditions hear much about wom­ and culture, en's place in the de­ At war against in­ fense program. W om­ difference to our re­ en's most important sponsibility to others­ work is the strengthen­ against the feeling that ing of community life anyone who does a and social well-being. good turn is a sucker­ Miss Harriett Elliott, against t h e feeling Director of the Con­ that service is a chore sumer Division of the rather than a privilege. N a t i o n a I Advisory At war against snob­ Committee, puts it bishness a n d class very concisely in this hatred. statement: "The un­ At war against dis­ derlying motif is to courtesy-against the make America impreg­ rush of the city that nable by making Amer­ seemingly makes it im­ ica s t r o n g-stronger possible to take time to than ever before-stur­ be decent-against the dier in body, steadier Paul Parker Photo sophistication that in nerves, surer in liv­ Our First Lady Greets the "Golondrinas" makes it smart to be ing." Mrs. Roosevelt shaking hands with Irma Acuna, of Argentina, at Camp rude. What are we doing Bonnie Brae, Ma ssa chusetts, where Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of the At war against dis­ in our troops to make Western World gathered in August for the 1941 Juliette Low En campment. respect for ·taw and our girls aware of to­ order-against the at- day's needs? We must all make our troops small democ­ titude that it's smart to "get by." racies, where every girl has a voice, not just a few. What At war against waste of time, money, and energy as about the quiet girl, who is a very good listener? Let well as waste of material things. us try to encourage her to express her views. She may O ur Plan of Attack have some very good ones. One of our biggest jobs is to make our Girl Scouts realize that the troop is theirs, What, then, is our plan of attack? not ours, and that its success is their responsibility. To 1. We, as leaders, must stick to our posts. Let the this end, then, let us help, advise, and guide our girls. women who may not be qualified as group leaders do the Our national Government already has a commission for work for organizations specifically engaged in defense studying probable postwar conditions; so let us, too, look activities, where they can make equally important con­ ahead to the future when today's Scouts will be tomor­ tributions. We have a real work to do, so let us not for­ row's citizens. sake it for another that may seem a bit more glamorous. 2. We must get to know each girl as an individual Are We at War? with relation to her home, her school, and her community. We are at war! At war with the way of life that We should visit her parents and teachers, and tell them makes us the softest nation in the world: about our program and about the things we believe in . At war against dishonesty and cheating-against the In turn, we should ask them to tell us something about pressure of community and school that makes it seem rea­ the girl. sonable for a girl to copy the work of her friends and 3. Every adult in Girl Scouting is a member of the present it as her own. publicity or public relations committee and it is up to At war against disloyalty-to the home, school, com­ us to tell people about our program whenever there comes munity, and to the Girl Scout Promise. We must fight an opportunity. We cannot expect our community to be against the type of Americanization program that forces enthusiastic about an organization about which it knows • A speech made at a section meeting of the "Region VII Conference little or nothing. in Chicago, May, 1941. 4. As leaders, we can accomplish nothing without 2 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER parents' cooperation and understanding. There are many by making clothes or buying food and fuel for de­ ways to obtain this: serving needy families; a. Our troop committee members should visit parents by thinking of ourselves less and of others more. and get to know them and at the same time explain c. Health and Safety, Sports and Garnes, and Out­ our program and ideals. They can also sponsor parent of-Doors are three of the fields that take us outside to get-togethers. live and play. These activities help the girls develop b. We leaders should have frequent informal gather­ strong, healthy bodies, initiative, and good sportsman­ ings with parents so that we can talk over the program ship, and also make them aware of the value of good that has been planned by the girls. health-and-safety habits. Our camping program, hikes, c. We can invite parents to Courts of Awards and overnight trips, and outdoor cooking are devised to de­ have each badge group either tell or dramatize some­ velop these habits. The general public considers o~r thing learned. That should give parents an idea of organization one that stresses outdoor activities. In what our badges really stand for. this we have fallen short. Look back over your past d. When we ask mothers and fathers to help, for year's records, and in many cases you will find that the instance, with transportation for our group, we should outdoor program is not near the top, where it really explain what the activity is and what we hope to ac­ belongs. If we are going to do our part in "making complish. America strong," let us resolve, during the year ahead, e. Let us use parents as program consultants. Most to shake off the habit of laziness and "get out and go." adults have hobbies, many of which work in very nicely Let us put more stress on the activities that take us with our program. out-of-doors, where nature can do her bit toward mak­ ing us stronger, healthier, and happier. 5. Our fifth tine of attack is to help the girls do a more d. The Homemaking field, as you know, appeals to complete job of planning. Help them see a project as a a large majority of our girls. That is most natural. whole before they start, and let them know where they By studying foods and their values, cooking, clothing, can find help with it. They should decide what they are and economical buying, and by learning to repair many going to do, and when, and where. household articles of equipment our Girl Scouts are 6. Let us look at our own program in relation to our learning to be prepared to carry on, in case of necessity, national defense program. a job even beyond their years. a. The development of skills in the Arts and Crafts e. In the field of International Friendship we have field will provide normal, wholesome recreation for the opportunity to develop a spirit of tolerance for all our girls during the crisis that faces us. This seems nations, in our world of today where intolerance is the really important in this age, with the trend toward the rule. We should help Girl Scouts cultivate an appre­ passive type of entertainment, such as movies and radio. ciation of the traditions and cultures of all the peoples The Literature and Dramatics, Music and Dancing, that make up America. and Nature fields develop interests with a cultural value, which.girls can share with others.* These few remarks on each of the ten program fields of b. The Community Life field has a definite relation Girl Scouting show in a small way how we can link our to defense, because our industrial life is, in every com­ program with the larger one of defense. munity, connected with the production of defense ma­ Our Responsibilities as Leaders terials. ( 1.) Our program might well include know­ ing our community better-the streets and numbers, We leaders have some very definite duties and respon­ schools, location of fireplugs and stations, police and sibilities. The time has long passed when being a leader telegraph stations, and hospitals. You may be inter­ meant doing badge work in troop meetings and taking ested to know that, in some localities, the Red Cross an occasional hike. During the past few years our pro­ has already suggested to all youth organizations a cam­ gram has expanded to keep pace with the trend of so­ paign to "know yourcommunity." The British Guides cialized education. Let us modernize our viewpoint and have proved themselves very useful in this way during try to understand this business of Girl Scouting as a their country's crisis. (2.) Many of our girls relieve whole. Let's face our duties and carry them out to the mothers so that they can do work for the Red Cross best of our ability. We should make an effort to know or for British war relief; they help in day nurseries, something about the duties, policies, and problems of our institutions for the blind and aged; they help in hos­ standing committees, our district committees, and ·our pitals and libraries. Are your Giil Scouts registered council. Do you realize just how much their members with the Service Bureau? If not, you are depriving really do for our organization? Go and visit some of them of an opportunity to be a part of the great de­ these meetings occasionally and you will have a much fense program. ( 3.) In almost every country that has better understanding of the tremendous time and effort been taken over by Hitler, defeat has been due, partly, they put into their work. Give them a chance to help to social unrest. Such facts might well be dramatized you. to older Scouts so that they will be aware of the need We leaders should attend the leaders' association meet­ to help alleviate some of the causes of unhappiness and ings, or, if we cannot attend, send someone to represent social unrest, and it should be our privilege to help m us--;-perhaps a member of the troop committee (it's a some small way-for instance: grand opportunity for her to get an inside picture of Girl by being friendly to our neighbors; Scout work). If you are an experienced leader and have had a great deal of success with your troop, it's most * The Minneapolis Local Council calls such interests "inner defenses." -Editor. (Concluded on page 6) OCTOBER, 1941 3

Goals 9-13 concern the relation of Girl Scouting to Teamwork on a National Scale the community. All leaders know the value of having the cooperation and understanding of parents. In addi­ S a leader, I have my own ideas of what I want to tion, lone troop committees and local councils have a re­ accomplish in my troop; what has the national Plan A sponsibility to the community to let the community know of Work to do with me?" what the Girl Scouts are doing. It has much to do with every leader of a Girl Scout troop, because, for a Plan of Work to become effective, The suggested Plan of Work for 1941-1943 is printed the cooperation of all troops and councils is necessary. In in its entirety in the hope that it will offer stimulating order that we may all pull together, we decide on a few ideas to all leaders. goals that seem especially important to us at this time, and we formulate a plan for working toward those goals. Many of you are familiar with the Girl Scout Plan Suggested Plan of Work of Work for 1939-1941. Although local councils had long been drawing up annual work plans of their own, 1941-1 943 it was not until the 1939 convention that the National Council of Girl Scouts adopted a Plan of Work for the A. Our Way of Life whole organization. Our Conviction: Democracy is the way of life which When the Twenty-sixth National Convention meets offers to each individual the greatest opportunity to achieve in Dallas, Texas, October 20-24, a new Plan of Work for himself and for others liberty, justice, and happiness. for the years 1941-1943 is to be adopted. In order It is the way we Americans have chosen. It is therefore that it might represent the thinking of the whole organ­ the way of life for which we must prepare youth so that ization, a committee was appointed in .1940 by our N a­ they may understand and appreciate their privileges and tiona! President, Mrs. Harvey S. Mudd, with members responsibilities. from all sections of the country to study the old Plan and draw up suggestions for a new one based on reports Local Goal I: To continue to emphasize simple received at National Headquarters, on discussions at democratic troop government through patrols or some regional conferences, and on wide correspondence. The other plan which gives authority and responsibility to Chairman of the Plan of Work Committee, Mrs. C. Les­ the girls. lie Glenn, who is Third Vice-President of Girl Scouts, National Responsibility: To prepare and spread through­ Inc., will present the tentative draft to the convention, out the country program and troop government sugges­ which will discuss it in small groups and report back tions and to give leaders the experience of group think­ to the committee. A final draft will be prepared and ing in training courses. presented for a vote. To help local groups to function democratically through Since the proposed Plan of Work for 1941-1943 was creating standards, through advisory service and experi­ drawn up for communities of all sizes, there are some ments in organization. parts of it that will not apply to the work in individual Girl Scout troops, but all of it holds much that should B. Responsibility to the Community be helpful to leaders, especially the parts called ''Our Conviction." Goals 1-13, in particular, need the co­ O ur Conviction : Girl Scouts, both girls and adults, operation of all leaders. should more than ever in this emergency contribute in­ Goal 1, democratic government, is fundamental to Girl dividually and as well organized groups to community Scouting-in troops, in local councils, in committees. and defense needs. There are many definitions of democracy, but the one Local Goal 2: To urge every troop to cooperate quoted from The Education of Free Jl,fen in American with at least one community agency concerned with Democracy (see page 7) includes principles on which we service, citizenship, or defense and to develop skills all agree. In this issue, the three age level columns­ which will make them useful. for Brownie, Girl Scout, and Senior Girl Scout leaders -deal with problems of democratic troop government. Local Goal 3: To develop active Service Bureaus, Goals 2, 3, and 4 are concerned with community service, or some other means by which individual girls may with particular emphasis on services that help toward volunteer for service, which will discover opportuni­ national defense. Reports coming in from all parts of ties in the community that are appropriate to the girls' the country indicate that the Girl Scouts are doing their ages and place them where they may be constructively appropriate share of these services. useful. Goals 5 and 6 are concerned with health and the abil­ Local Goal 4: To take part as an organization in ity to take care of oneself. While the Girl Scout pro­ plans for defense and service being developed in the gram has always emphasized both of these qualities it is community. felt that they are more important today than ever b~fore. Since the value of the Girl Scout program has been National Responsibility: To keep in touch with national demon~trated over a period of many years, and is being defense developments which affect the Girl Scout program, recogmzed more and more widely, Goals 7 and 8 offer and inform local groups. a ~hallenge to each community-local council, troop com­ To see that ·other national organizations understand mittees, and leaders-to provide opportunities for as Girl Scouting so that cooperation on the local level is many girls as possible to have the stimulating experience facilitated. of Girl Scouting. (Concluded on page 10) 4 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER

T H E GIRL S C 0 U T LEADER Any questions concerning national registration of troops Published monthly from October to June, by in reference to this contest should be directed to Girl -Scouts, Inc., 155 East 44th Street, New York. 6 GIRL SCOUTS, INC. • 155 East 44th Street, New York, N. Y. GLASSCRAFT FOR AMATEURS National President ...... MRs. HARVEY S. MUDD Cullet, fritt, gaffer, marver, parison, pontil-these are National Director ...... MRs. PAUL RriTENHOUSE a few of the fascinating words that cease to be a mystery Edited by the Program Division when · you read the pamphlet Glass (Girl Scouts, Inc., Chairman ...... MRS. ARTHUR W. PAGE Catalog No. 20-304, 35 cents). Executive Secretary ...... MRS. LEWIS A. DEBLOIS Girl Scout troops can make glass medallion pendants Editor ...... - . . . FJERIL HESS and curtain pulls! Directions for making stained, blown, Editorial Assistant ...... VIRGINIA GRllENE and etched glass are presented in such a simple, easy-to­ IMPORTANT-PLEASE NOTE follow manner as to convince the most skeptical that the The subscription price is 50 cents a year for the United States, use of glass as a medium is not beyond the powers of the 7 5 cents for Canada and foreign countries. (For registered amateur. In addition, there are brief directions for work­ leaders and assistant leaders of Brownie Scout, Girl Scout, and ing with plastics and sheet lead. Colorful legends, in­ Senior Girl Scout t-roops, local directors, field captains, troop committee chairmen, local council program committee chairmen, teresting discoveries, carefully guarded secrets-all are and commissioners, the subscription price is 25 cents, which is told about in a brief history of this ancient craft. included in their annual membership dues.) Orders for additional A list of addresses from which to obtain supplies makes copies of the current issue and of previous issues (in so far as this a practical pamphlet. copies are available) will be filled upon receipt of 5 cents for each copy; address the LEADER direct. WHAT TO WEAR AT CONVENTION N. B. In the ~ ase of new memberships, as with late renew­ als, the initial delivery of the LEADER is subject to several According to the United States Weather Bureau, over weeks' delay. Entered as second-class matter, September 11, a period of five years the average temperature in Dallas, 1935, at the post office at New York, New York, under the Texas, during the third week in October has ranged from Act of March 3, 1879. 62° to 75° F. A light-weight suit will be practical; dark crepes are VOL. XIX OCTOBER, 1941 No. I generally worn ; and the evenings will be cool enough for a light coat. White shoes and dresses are definitely not worn in October, in spite of the temperature. The Girl NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS HAS MOVED Scout leader's uniform is always correct for Girl Scout Please notice our new address-155 East 44th Street, conventions. Dinner dresses may be worn in the evening. New York. Yes, once again National Headquarters has Further details about the Twenty-sixth National Con­ burst its seams and has had to "take a size larger." By vention of Girl Scouts, Inc. (Dallas, Texas, October moving, we have been able to obtain more floor space at a 20-24,1941) may be obtained from your local or regional great economy. You may find us on the fifth floor and office. parts of the sixth and seventh floors. The New York Girl Scout Shop will remain at 113 Concourse, Rocke­ TRAIL HINTS feller Center-don't miss it when you come to New York One hundred practical bits of advice about outdoor -but the National Equipment Service is at the new ad­ trips along wood and stream are given in Outdoors with dress: 155 East 44th Street, New York. Ta-pat-co, a booklet offered free of charge by the Ameri­ can Pad and Textile Company, Dept. D-10, Greenfield, THE PALMOLIVE CONTEST Ohio. As a by-product of the Palmolive Contest, an interest­ CONTENTS ing fact was discovered : many troops mentioned on con­ The Leader's Job ...... RUTH 0. DANIELS 1 test entries are not registered at National Headquarters. Teamwork on a National Scale...... 3 Only a troop whose registration is up to date at National Headquarters is really a Girl Scout troop and therefore Suggested Plan of Work, 1941-1943...... 3 eligible to receive the Pa~molive Company's awards and Items of Immediate Interest...... 4, 5 prizes in the recent contest. Maggie and National Dog Week ...... · 5 Checks have been mailei to the leaders of troops that Self-Government in an Intermediate Troop...... 6 received eleven or more contest mentions (one cent per What About the Quiet Girl in a Senior Troop?. . . . . 6 contest mention). To leaders whose troops received ten or fewer mentions, postcards have been mailed stating that Can a Brownie Troop Be a "Small Democracy"? stamps will be sent in payment, if requested. RAY MITCHELL 7 A check for $10 has been sent to each of the 360 Books for Every Leader...... 7 troops that received the largest n·umber of contest men­ Prize Song, "Scouts Are We"...... 8 _tions. Starting a New Troop Activity ...... FRANCES LEE 9 To the 181 local councils receiving the largest number Suggested Local Goals...... 11 of mentions on entries in order of councils' ranking based on proportion of mentions to registration, the following First Aid in the Girl Scout Program prizes were awarded: first prize, $500; thirty prizes of RosABEL BuRcH 11 $50 each; 150 prizes of $5 each. National Equipment Service News and Notes ...... 12

Please note the new address of National Headquarters. OCTOBER, 1941 5

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE IN GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP town has asked local Girl Guides to establish contact with the Girl Scouts in an American namesake town with For leaders of lone troops-and troops under cm:mcils a view toward cooperation. It should be kept in mind, without professional help--who have not had a training however, that the Girl Scout organization has its own course of sixteen hours nor completed the Correspondence channel for war relief in the Juliette Low Memorial Course within two years, this six-lesson cours~ is pre­ Fund. Whenever a contribution is sent through another sented by a national staff instructor. Each lesson has a agency, the International Committee of Girl Scouts, Inc., text of ten to fifteen pages followed by one to four assign­ would like to be notified for the sake of the record. ments. All assignments are based upon current practice in the leader's own troop. Unless a student is actively leading a troop, she will find that she cannot do the "Golondrinas" assignments. The student sends in one lesson's assign­ The Juliette Low Encampment held at Camp Bonnie ments a month; the instructor reads her paper and advises Brae, Massachusetts, August 11-25, was the second gath­ her about that part of her job and possible next steps. ering of Western Hemisphere Girl Guides and Girl There are no school grades; the instructor wants to help Scouts. Representatives came from Argentina, Barbados, leaders during the six-month period do their job better, Bermuda, Brazil, British Guiana, British Honduras, and is far more interested in helping new and inexperi­ Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Newfound­ enced leaders at a time when they need it most than land, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and the Virgin Islands. in reading papers of students who have learned most if The name "Golondrinas" (Span ish for swallows) was not all of the answers. From eight hundTed to a thousand chosen by last year's Western Hemisphere campers be­ leaders register for this course each year. So far, it is cause they did not wish to be called foreigners. "Golon­ the most practical way we have discovered to train lone drinas" seemed appropriate because swallows travel long leaders and leaders under small councils who cannot get distances and make themselves at home in many parts of other training courses. · the world. The name has now been widely adopted to Registrations will be accepted between September 1 designate also any Girl Guide or Girl Scout living in and December 1, 1941. Fee, $1. another country for the duration of the war. Anyone may now buy the course for $1, but we do not encourage this, since the material is planned and set up for the specific training service described above and may Maggie and National Dog Week not easily be adapted for other purposes. MAGGIE THE SCOTTIE says: "It's 'agin' my prin­ FREE PAMPHLET ON COOKING ciples to hurry, but we have The Girl Scout Plans and Prepares Meals U~ing got to work fast if we are go­

Evaporated Milk is a free booklet1 prepared with the co­ ing to do anything to help operation of the Program Division, containing suggestive along National Dog Week, information on meal planning and a number of good which is to be held September recipes for home or camp. Girl Scouts may obtain copies 22-28. And don't you think of it by writing to the Evaporated Milk Association, every Girl Scout leader and Girl Scou,t could do some­ 307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago. thing-no matter how small-to help?" We asked her: "Mag, what do you want us to d0? CAMP REPORTS! Would you like us to spend the week patting the head All indications point to a banner year in Girl Scout of every dog we see and saying, 'Happy Dog Week'?" camping! Camp reports for established, day, and troop Maggie gave us a "wuthering" look and said, "That camps as well as for gypsy trips .are due at this time. would get us canines exactly nowhere." This is what All leaders of lone troops have received a postal card on the National Dog Week Association is asking people to which to report their troop camps to the Camp Bureau. do something about during that week-and after: We are eager, as we know you are, to have your camp Provide a good home for every dog (and what girl and campers included in the official count for 1941. wouldn't like that!) Pleases don't wait. Send your reports now. Eliminate stray dogs from the streets. If you have not received the forms for reporting your Educate dog owners in their obligations both to th~ir camp, please notify the Camp Bureau, Girl Scouts, Inc., dogs and to the general public. 155 East 44th Street, New York, immediately. Teach kindness and consideration by children and adults towards dogs and other animals: WAR RELIEF MONEY Emphasize the use of the dog as home protector, faith­ Contributions of money from Girl Scouts for sufferers ful companion, and useful servant of mankind. in war areas should be sent through .the Juliette Low Secure fair and just laws for dogs and their owners. Memorial Fund, since our International Committee is in Respect the rights of those persons who do not own constant touch, through the World Association of Girl dogs. Guides and Girl Scouts, with the needs of Girl Guides abroad. There may, of course, be occasional instances "Well, Miss Maggie," we said, "that seems fair enough when American Girl Scouts wish to help other organiza­ and we will ask our Girl Scout friends to do a little tions, such as the American Namesake Towns Aid thinking about it and put that thinking into action." Scheme. In s<;>me cases the Lord Mayor of an English "Thanks," said Mag.

For help in practical application of the program, read "The American Girl" articles 6 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER

The Leader's Job Christ~as party that would give each girl an opportunity to contribute to the entertainment instead of merely let­ (Continued from page 2) ting Lucy, Norma, and Dorothy show off their singing important that you attend-not for what you will get and dancing lessons again. They discussed various ways out of it-but for what you can give. We must not be each girl might receive a present chosen especially for her afraid to "speak up in meeting" about our needs and and yet no nicer than anyone else's. They surveyed the problems. Let us not think that having problems is any low condition of the treasury and noted the fact that reflection on our ability as leaders. It's a wise person some girls would have more to spend in buying presents who can see a problem and do something about it. Our than others. They politely declined the leaders' tenta­ committees are not mind readers: how then can they know tive offer to contribute to the treasury and finally evolved our needs if we keep them to ourselves? the following plan. Each girl should bring the amount Training is another responsibility of every leader. It she had planned to spend on one friend in the troop; five is not enough for us to take an initial course in group cents for each member might be taken from the treasury leadership and then think we are all set for life. We and still keep the budget balanced; and each leader was should take advanced training every two .or three years allowed to contribute what she had planned to spend for and learn the new tricks of the trade. You who have Christmas cards for the girls. The money was all lumped taken advanced training realize how much inspiration together, evenly divided, and both girls and leaders were and pep you can get from such a course. delegated to do the shopping so that everyone would re­ Our troop committees are also our responsibility. If ceive a surprise. Every girl made a special gift card they are not functioning, let's find out why; either we for someone "not her best friend," with an appropriate are not giving them anything to do, or they are not hav­ verse on it. ing any fun playing this game of Scouting. It is an en­ When the celebration was over the leaders attempted joyable experience, and we should share it with them by a little evaluation and congratulated the girls on demon­ giving them some definite things to do. strating so well their ability to manage their own affairs Even with all our duties and responsibilities, endeavor­ and to take so much responsibility. ing to understand and appreciate the efforts of other One eleven-year-old said, "Oh, is this what you mean adults in Girl Scouting, we leaders really get the most by self-government-everybody doing something and hav­ pleasure out of it. But let us all remember that our ing a chance, and not fighting the way we usually do? I first and last consideration should be our girls. always thought self-government just meant you elected Our place, then, in this defense program, is to help the someone who told you what to do, but if they got too girls to "be prepared"-prepared for the life ahead. bossy or if yol\. stopped liking them you could elect someone else next time." This heartened the leaders to try to draw out some other points. "I think," announced the treasurer Self-Government firmly, "that it means everyone should remember their dues every time, and not just when there is a party and In an Intermediate Troop you are getting something out of it." "Well," reflected By the Leader of Troop 252 a twelve-year-old patrol leader, "what seems most im­ portant to me is that we all get a chance to talk and are TROOP 252 is intensely patriotic; its favorite songs listened to; nobody ever listens to me anywhere else." a-re the ones that celebrate the glories of America. The girls' parents, who come from seven European countries, have conscientiously explained to their children What About the Quiet Girl the privilege of being Americans. But when Troop 252 In a Senior Troop? first assembled the members had only the vaguest notion about self-government, and democracy was merely a word WE must all make our troops small democracies, says they were rather tired of hearing. They had not seen Ruth 0. Daniels on page 1 of this issue. What it in action at home or in school ; both places were over­ does she mean by small democracies? Can you find the crowded, and adults were harassed with many duties. answer in the following record kept by one Senior leader They had certainly had no opportunity to practice this last year? most difficult form of government. For one very long "September 3. I realize that I always have trouble year the leaders tried, through games, dramatics, parties, remembering Mary's name, even though she has - not hikes, and discussions about the Girl Scout Laws, to get missed a meeting so far. I have a tendency to forget the over the idea of team play, group spirit, cooperative effort. in-between girl. In government and program planning the honors seemed "September 10. When the girls selected the parts for to go to the girl with the loudest voice and the most the radio program, Mary was left out as far as the major effective moods. Resignedly the leaders struggled with parts were concerned. Apparently the troop is as unaware their role as referees and chief planners. Then suddenly of Mary as I am. the miracle happened, proving that practice may not al­ "September 17. Mary failed to time her sound effects ways make perfect but it certainly produces results if correctly for the radio program because of day dreaming. given time. I shall try to see that she has a big responsibility soon. At a most appropriate moment, Troop 252 made the "October 1. When Mary was picked as one of the astounding discovery that self-government meant think­ two girls to greet the guests, she seemed a little hesitant ing about everyone concerned-including "the voice of but was apparently pleased and did a good job. l took authority." The members became concerned with a it upon myself to appoint her, since the troop didn't.

For help in practical application of the program, read "The American Girl" articles OCTOBER, 1941 7

"October 8. After Louise had asked Mary to help living together. Those Brownies agreed that a Brownie set the table Mary came to me wanting to know exactly unit in camp could be a small democracy, and that a what she was supposed to do and when she was to do it. Brownie troop could too, "since Brownies are old I had prompted Louise to ask Mary, who evidently enough to help make the rules and work together to wants to do things. keep them." The short discussion ended and they dashed "October 15. Although Mary could not come on our off in groups of their own choosing to get ready for weekend camping trip, she helped with the preparation. "plays" about America. This is the first meeting she's missed this year. Evidently When Brownies help make plans, they themselves she's getting something out of them or she wouldn't come. suggest "taking turns," and understand why each must "Two months later. Martha asked Mary's opinion do her part in all the jobs and not just the ones that are concerning the Folk Festival. At least one person in the most fun. Taking care of themselves and their own group is aware of Mary.... Mary's stunt at the social things in a tent or cabin is perhaps the greatest satis­ meeting was to hop on one foot, turn around seven times, faction in going to camp, and the necessity for doing so and whistle. Mary laughed at herself as much as the in order to get on pleasantly with tentmates is a practical others did. She is apparently beginning to feel herself a lesson in group living. member of the group. The Brownie leader can see that each child in the "Seven months later. Mary was elected secretary-treas­ troop contributes her ideas and listens to the suggestions urer of the troop. During this meeting the group accepted and opinions of the others. She can, through her courtesy her suggestion that they learn about leatherwork. Mary to the children and a quiet encouragement of their courtesy certainly is a more outstanding person than she was last to each other, develop their sense of fair play. She can fall. see that each child accepts her full share of responsibility "A year has passed. The discussion was what to do to for carrying out her part in any activity undertaken, never climax the year. After all the suggestions had been failing to see that she also gets her full share of satis­ talked over, Mary's idea that it be an international dinner faction in the accomplishment. She can help the children was decided on. Mary not only has good program ideas measure the success or failure of the activity and increase but also makes suggestions as to ways of carrying them the accomplishment and fun another time. · out. I sometimes wonder why I thought her an in­ Evidence of democratic practice in a Brownie troop between girl. She always does things well. She has the must be looked for in small and obvious things. For ex­ respect and friendship of the group and is making her­ ample, the ready agreement to "count out" to see which self known in school. Perhaps just being a member of Brownie should introduce an expected guest, quickly an organization such as ours with a chance to do things substituted for the clamor of "Let me," "I want to," was all she really needed." "Me, me," and so on, is typical and truly significant. What are your conclusions? Note the part the leader All the leader did was ask with a smile, "Are you raising played-it is every leader's part. She saw that the often your hand to suggest someone who could do it very nicely, slighted girl had an opportunity to lead and to be recog­ or do you mean you want to be the one?" The hands nized by the others, and she guided the delegation of waving in her face went down and they decided on a responsibilities. Certainly, the device of keeping track "fair" way to choose. of even one girl gave her a better understanding of every girl in her troop. Yes, the leader's job is democracy. Books for Every Leader The Education of Free Men in American Democracy Can a Brownie Troop Be (The Educational Policies Commission of the Na­ A "Small Democracy"?* tional Education Association, 1201 Sixteenth Street, N .W., Washington, D. C., 50 cents; discount for By RAY MITCHELL quantity) Here is a book that no one who is aware of the gravity CAN a Brownie troop be a "small democracy?" One of the present crisis and eager to do her part can afford to group of Brownies thought so. They met around the miss. Clearly and eloquently it points out the inadequacy fire to decide what to do on a rainy Fourth of July in of many widely held definitions of democracy and then camp. They sang "America" and talked about what presents a conception based upon six "articles of fai.th": each could "see" when she sang, "I love thy rocks and rills." They talked about the meaning of the Fourth "First, the individual human being is of surpassing of July to Americans and how to celebrate it; why they worth. were glad to be Americans; why other countries were "Second, the earth and human culture belong to all at war; and what made a nation "free." One child said men. she was glad she lived in this country because it was "Third, men can and should rule themselves. a democracy. When asked what a democracy was, she "Fourth, the human mind can be trusted and should answered, "A place where the people help make the rules be set free. and everybody has to work together to keep them." The "Fifth, the method of peace is superior to that of war. leader asked how they could work together to keep them and "Sixth, racial, cultural, and political minorities should their answers led to a consideration of necessary rules for be tolerated, respected, and valued." • See A Leader's Guide to the Brownie Scout Program, page 201, The book points out that in our desire to achieve a "Democratic Practices in the Brownie Troop" (Girl Scouts, Inc., SO military victory we are in danger of losing our spiritual cents); and Democracy by Ryllis and Omar Goslin (Harcourt, Brace, 1940, $1.50). defenses unless we, the people, aware of the faith that is

October 26-November 1, 1941, is Girl Scout Week. 8 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER

·in us, make that faith concrete for ourselves and tor the Hebridean Sea-prayer from "Bonnie Prince Charlie"; or coming generation. see the costumers' interest quicken at the thought of find­ For Girl Scout adults the most interesting chapter is ing Aztec designs for "The Princess in the 1\lloon." There probably No. V, entitled "The Loyalties of Free Men." may be rivalry among pet owners in casting the part of We must teach those loyalties, it points out, by giving to the dog for "Tob.it and Raphael," a dramatization of the each member of the group "a deep feeling of competence, beautiful Book of Tobit from that part of the Bible adequacy, and security." "The school," it says (but we sometimes called the Apocrypha. Music lovers will like can substitute "Girl Scouting"), "should treat each one the international bell program; and the radio play "Dick as a unique and precious personality.... It should explore YVhittington" is especially appealing, now that Bow fully his abilities, develop his creative powers, and en­ Church has again been destroyed and all the bells of courage him to feel that he belongs, that he is wanted." England are silent. Is not this a perfect expression of our own group ideal, Everything that Alice White and Janet Tobitt write whether the group is a troop, a local coundl, or a national is well done. Their material is authentic and often rare; convention ?- F. L. their treatment is original; consequently, their plays are worthy of the best efforts of those who produce them.­ Campcraft ABC's by Catherine T. Hammett (order Fj.H. from Girl Scouts, Inc., Catalog No. 23-309, $1) From the packing of a picnic lunch to the care of a tent Nutrition Study Kit (General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, -including knotcraft, lashing, toolcraft, firebuilding, Minnesota, free on request) cooking, and hiking- everything is discussed by the author Have you thought very much about the part food plays to prove that campcrafting is fun and creative. Clever in our program for national defense? Are you inter­ camp gadgets will make your fingers i,tch and savory out­ ested in. good nutrition and what that means to your door dishes will make your mouth water. state of well being? Would you like to plan meals for This pamphlet has been written especially for ( 1) the yourself and others on a limited budget? This kit will counselor who is looking for help in teaching campcraft help you solve such problems. progressively, so that she can build the right foundation; ( 2) the leader who is too timid to have ventured beyond the lunch box or roasted frankfurter stage; ( 3) the leader Prize Song, "Scouts Are We" who has always wanted to know "how to go about it" and IRST prize in the Girl Scout song contest was awarded "what to do next." And the many illustrations by Zelda Fposthumously to John Rivenburg, seventeen-year-old Atkins make it as easy as ABC to learn how. Eagle Scout of Creston, Iowa. The song, "Scouts Are As a challenge to ingenuity the book contains blank We," was written shortly before his death on December pages for the recording of new recipes, better gadgets, 4, 1940. The $200 prize was presented to John's additional types of fires, and new uses for natural parents, Dr. and Mrs. Leon D. Rivenburg. Dr. Riven­ materials. burg is active in Boy Scouting, and Mrs. Rivenburg is a For those who learn their ABC's. and wish to explore member of the Creston Girl Scout Council. John himself further, the bibliography- at the end of each chapter will held many positions in Scouting-Senior patrol leader, be found helpful.-]. B.S. junior assistant Scoutmaster, order of the Arrow. In high school he was an · honor student, a member of the Trail of the Trefoil by Edith Ballinger Price (Row, Pet­ student council, drum major of the band, and a member erson, 1941, 96 cents) of the orchestra, the glee club, the boys' quartette, the Here is a new book that gives a comprehensive picture tennis team, and the dance committee. of Girl Scouting in story form. We follow Sylvia Rob­ The prize song is a marching tune invoking the guid­ inson through her days in Periwinkle Brownie Troop, her ance of Sacaj.awea, the Indian girl who served as guide fly-up to a regular Girl Scout troop, her days at Pine and interpreter to the Lewis and Clark expedition into Cone Camp, and her widening experiences in a Senior the Northwest in 1806. Girl Scout troop, finally leaving her as a full-fledged The contest, which closed April 1, was judged by Olin leader with a troap of her own. During this time the Downes, music. critic of The New York Times/ Sigmund Spaeth, radio's "tune detective"; and Hugh Ross, Di­ reader absorbs a good deal about the present Girl Scout rector of the Schola Cantorum. Mrs. Arthur Choate, program, how G irl Scouts camp, and the role of the local 0. council in a community. The many illustrations are help­ Honorary Vice-President of the Girl Scouts, was the sponsor of the contest. ful and informative.-M. A.D. Honorable mention was awarded to Gladys Cornwell Goff, of the Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, O hio, One Act Trips Abroad by Alice White and Janet Tobitt for her song, "Girl Scouts Together." Runners-up for (Dutton, 1941, $1.50) first prize and honorable mention in the contest were If you have a group of Senior Girl Scout Players, or Margaret Blackburn, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, for another sort of troop that loves dramatics, take a copy "Lift Your Heads"; Ruth G. Stimson, of Dover, New of this book to the first "reading" meeting, and you will Hampshire, for "Marching Song"; and collaborators Ann very likely find your fall program making itself. Watch Roos and Edmund W. Rickett, both of New York City, the stage designer's eyes twinkle with plans for building for "Sing, Girl Scouts, Sing." Miss Roos is a member the Gates of Heaven and Hell -for the old Czechoslovak of the Girl Scout national staff. legend, "The Devil and the Blacksmith"; notice .the In announcing the first prize winner, the judges stated: faces of the choral speakers when you read the ancient (Concluded on page 9) OCTOBER, 1941 9

leader know her way about in the act1v1ty she is pre­ Starting a New Troop Activity senting, and that she have imagination enough to appre­ ciate the difficulties her girls are going to find when they By FRANCES LEE attempt to practice within the. limitations of an ordinary 'D LIKE to get my girls going on homemaking," troop meeting. One leader who herself was an expert I said a leader to me. "I enjoy it myself. I think with her needle made this mistake. In an attempt to I could make it interesting to them and they certainly tie sewing instruction to today's needs, she took her gi rls need it, but they never choose any of the activities in to a Red Cross room where, naturally enough, they were · that field. If' I say, 'What would you like to do?' it is fascinated by pink and blue baby jackets. Our leader always, 'Let's play baseball' in spring and fall, and 'Let's bought the material, cut out the jackets, and started each do dramatics' in winter. What shall I do?" girl on a long seam. The girls were eleven-year-olds; Here are three good ways to help girls pass from what most of them had never held a needle before. The re­ they find immediately pleasurable to the "worth-while" sults were what might be expected. M rs. L. was horri­ activity we would like them to enjoy. I sometimes call fied . "Of course I had to rip it all out," she said, and these three "direct action," the "bridge," and "bait." I then she wondered why, by the third meeting, the girls recommend a little of each for the solution of the problem were saying, "Oh, dear, do we have to finish them? presented above. Let's see how they work. We'll never get done!" No, it is good psychology and better Scouting to plan Direct Action the first introduction to a strange activity by devising a The leader might gather her gi rls together and say manageable sample-something that can be finished and something like this: "You know, girls, Girl Scouting is used preferably within the limits of a single meeting. like a good dinner. You have s ome~hing that will last Then with the delights of the sample fresh in their -good bread and butter or meat and vegetables, and minds, girls .will be ready to tackle the "grammar" of you have dessert. Now we have been eating lots of the subj ect, in preparation for a more ambitious venture. dessert but no good solid meat dish. You shall choose I said as much to another leader .who was fl oundering. whether it is to be beef or lamb or chicken, but let's "What would you think of letting them design and get started on our meat dish next time." make a troop flag?" she asked . Then she explains that the third Law, "A Girl Scout's "I'd think it pretty difficult fo r a first attempt," I duty is to be useful and to help others," and the motto, replied. "What do they like to do right now?" "Be Prepared," mean that we shall need to know how "Play games," she replied a bit ruefully. to do some of the things that actually will help. "Very well, can't you invent something that will m­ "I know," she says, "something about sewing-that is clude both sewing and a game?" the 'beef'; about cooking- that is the 'lamb'; and about "What would you think of making bean bags?" child care-that is the 'chicken.' Now which will you "Perfect," I replied, "and I'll wager that before the choose ?" year is out they will have that fl ag !" That is " direct action.'' Our leader will be wise if she lets her girls talk a good bit more about what they Prize Song, "Scouts Are We" might expect from each choice and what the first steps ( Continued /rom page 8) might be. Those first steps are very important-for if "The song received its reward because of the originality . they are enjoyed and if they bring a sense of achievement, of the melodic idea; because of its fo rm and its rhythm · the girls will explore further with enthusiasm. of a march song; because the poem to which the melody The Bridge is mated has the flavor of legend and tradition, which makes for living poetry with its roots in the soil; also By the "bridge" I mean an activity based on some­ because the story of Sacajawea is strictly associated with thing that the girls already accept, and leading to the Girl Scout history and therefore is an authentic source place where I want them to go- in this case, sewing. of inspiration for a Scout song." They like dramatics. Very well; let us find a way to Of Miss G off's song the judges said : "The award use sewing in dramatics. They might make costumes of Honorable Mention is bestowed on the second song for hand puppets, simple enough so that they could be of our choice because of the sincerity, the fine form, and finished and put on the same afternoon. The "bridge" good taste of the melody, well fitted to the poem. .This has carried them, by way of dramatics, to sewing. N ow is not a marching song. It has rather the color of a folk the trick is to go on from there: bigger, more elaborate song. It is a good one for an occasion of assembly or puppets; a curtain properly hemmed for the little theatre; other ceremony." a full-sized costume made out of easy-to-sew cheesecloth; "Scouts Are We" won the Girl Scout prize in a field a real dress. of 524 contestants. Entries were received from thirty­ Bait two states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, and the Since children find it hard to imagine what they have West Indies. The oldest contestant was over ninety ; the not seen, sometimes they need tangible things: a doll's youngest, a Brownie Scout of nine. circular cape that falls with an air, made of a bright­ Formal presentation of the song to the Girl Scout colored bit of velveteen; a pattern for a sunbonnet or a membership will be made by a chorus of eight hundred bib apron. Such things brought in and left "accidentally Girl Scouts at the Twenty-sixth National Convention, on purpose" will be almost su re to draw out, "Oh, isn't it which opens October 20 at D allas, Texas. darling!". "Do you think I could make one?" Copies of the winning song, "Scouts Are We," will It is essential for the success of this method that the be available early in the fall. 10 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER

Suggested Plan of Work to parents in order to develop their understanding and interest and their cooperation in troop and local activi­ (Continued from page 3) ties. To use publicity media to show how girls may and do Local Goal I 0: To emphasize the value of the serve in the emergency. . Girl Scout uniform since it develops a feeling of unity To continue to point up Training for Today's Needs and significance in all activities and makes a continuing and program suggestions for Facing Today's Needs so impression on the community. that the skills and attitudes particularly necessary under Local Goal II: To carry out each year as part of present-day conditions shall be emphasized. a comprehensive public relations program a publicity plan providing for the use of as many publicity media C. Health reaching as many different types of people and showing Our Conviction: Good health and the ability to take as many angles of our work as possible. care of oneself are great assets at any time and particularly Local Goal 12: To make an interesting annual re­ in time of emergency and Girl "Scouting should develop port to the community, telling what Girl Scouting does these values. and how and why it has used the funds entrusted to it. Local Goal 5: To encourage greater participation Local Goal 13: To secure increased community in a health and safety program in troops, camps, and support as the number of girls served and consequent communities. value of Girl Scouting to the community is increased. Local Goal 6: To increase the percentage of girls National Responsibility: To provide publicity materials having a cam.ping experience in established camps, in and advice and to act as an exchange for good ideas small well planned troop camps, arid in day camps. worked out in different localities. National Responsibility: To continue to work on health To continue to distribute attractive, neat, and moder­ and safety activities and help leaders and camp directors ately priced uniforms. in this field. · To advise communities on money-raising activities, re­ To advise and help councils and leaders in planning lations to community chests, types of budgets, and other out-of-door programs and establishing camps. financial matters. To train and help in placement of camp directors and staff. F. Leadership Training Our Conviction: In these days more than ever the con­ D. Membership Growth tribution that Girl Scouting makes to the training of Our Conviction: Since the Girl Scout program offers so youth is so vital that it demands the best adult leadership much, we should make every effort to make it available to the community has· to offer both for the direct leadership as many girls as possible and to keep them active in Girl of troops and for the administration of the entire organi­ Scouting for a long enough period for them to receive zation. the fullest benefits of the program. Local Goal 14: To make it possible for every adult Local Goal 7: To plan for membership growth in member of the organization to have some form of train­ advance so that all three age groups and Progression ing for her job, including more self-training/ and to from one to another shall be provided for and devel­ gain a better understanding of others' jobs and a reali- · oped wisely in all parts of the community, in order zation of the necessity of cooperation. to reach an ever larger proportion of the girl popula­ tion. Local Goal 15: To increase the number of volun­ teer trainers, as well as to improve constantly the type Local Goal 8: To increase as much as possible the and variety of training given. present rate of membership renewals each year, with Local Goal 16: To make certain that council or­ councils imd leaders working together on reasons and remedies for membership turnover. ganization plans include giving to new council and committee members a fair idea of our fundamental National Responsibility: To keep improving and mak­ objectives, a real job, an opportunity to increase in re­ ing available program materials so that all age groups are sponsibility and from time to time the reward of seeing provided for and interested. good results from their labor. • To invent means of giving more leaders more and ever improved training courses. National Responsibility: To develop training courses To stimulate wider use of The American Girl in troop and standards for training. work because of its variety of program helps. To encourage volunteer trainers by making courses To study the reasons why girls leave Girl Scouting and available to those who are equipped to pass on their to make the findings available to local groups. knowledge to others. To experiment with different types of council and com­ E. Community Support mittee set-up and to advise local groups of the findings of these experiments. Our Conviction: Communities will support Girl Scout To interpret to local groups the best method for select­ work if they understand its value to the girls and to the ing, training, and supervising all adult membership. community. To stimulate a better understanding of volunteer-pro­ Local Goal 9: To interpret Girl Scout objectives fessional relationships. OCTOBER, 1941 II

Local Goal 16: To make certain that council organi­ Suggested Local Goals zation plans include giving to new council and committee members a fair idea of our fundamental objectives, a real 1941-1943 job, an opportunity to increase in responsibility and from Local Goal 1: To continue to emphasize simple demo­ time to time the reward of seeing good results from their cratic troop government through patrols or some other labor. plan which gives authority and responsibility to the girls. Local Goal 2 : To urge every troop to cooperate with First Aid at least one community agency concerned with service, citizenship, or defense and to develop skills which will In the Girl Scout Program make them useful. By ROSABEL BURCH Local Goal 3: To develop active Service Bureaus, or some other means by which individual girls may volunteer HE Girl Scout First Aid badge is based upon a simple for service, which will discover opportunities in the com­ Tfirst aid program planned around material similar to munity that are appropriate to the girls' ages and place that of the American Red Cross Junior First Aid Course. them where they may be constructively useful. Many G irl Scouts are too young to enter a Junior First Local Goal 4 : To take part as an organization in Aid Course, which is for students of twelve years of age or plans for defense and service being developed in the com­ older. The Girl Scout first aid program, therefore, is munity. planned to include the ten- to twelve-year-old girl, as well as the older girl who may be interested in first aid Local Goal 5: To encourage greater participation in a work for the first time. The five required activities in health and safety program in troops, camps, and com­ this badge are those needed to save life, while the selective munities. ones are chosen from a group of five additional activities Local Goal 6: To increase the percentage of girls hav­ that supplement the girl's knowledge of what to do in case ing a camping experience in established camps, in small of an emergency. well planned troop camps, ·and in day camps. Leaders of Intermediate troops should encourage their Local Goal 7: To plan for membership growth in ad­ girls to take the Girl Scout first aid program first; then, vance so that all three age groups and progression from if any girl is still interested, encourage her to enter the one to another shall be provided for and developed wisely American Red Cross course when she is old enough. in all parts of the community, in order to reach an ever There are differences in the Girl Scout first aid program larger proportion of the girl population. and the Red Cross courses that make it possible to take Local Goal 8: To increase as much as possible the one without spoiling interest and enthusiasm for the other. present rate of membership renewals each year, with coun­ The Girl Scout first aid program may be thought of as cils and leaders working together on reasons and remedies the girl's first step in her first aid experience. Let us for membership turnover. strive to make this first step interesting, practicable, and of sufficient vitality to stimulate the girl to use this first step Local Goal 9: To interpret Girl Scout objectives to as a lead to greater accomplishments in first aid skills parents in order to develop their understanding and in­ and their application. terest and their cooperation in troop and local activities. The first aid kit serves as a good illustration of how Local Goal 10: To emphasize the value of the Girl to make first aid practicable. Your girls want to take an Scout uniform since it develops a feeling of unity and overnight hike; what kind of first aid kit will be needed? significance in all activities and makes a continuing im­ Suppose you try a small tin box, such as a sodium bicar­ pression on the community. bonate tin. • What will be needed, and how much can Local Goal 11: To carry out each year as part of a a girl get into such a box? Bandages? Yes, "Band­ comprehensive public relations program a publicity plan Aids," perhaps six of them. Roller bandage? No, the providing for the use of as many publicity media reach­ Girl Scout tie can be used for a roller type when folded ing as many different types of people and showing as many into a cravat. Triangle bandage? No, again the tie angles of our work as possible. comes in handy. Senior Girl Scouts, of course, have no Local Goal 12: To make an interesting annual re­ tie and would need these bandages. What about ad­ port to the community, telling what Girl Scouting does hesive? No, the real first aider learns to bandage with­ and how and why it has used the funds entrusted to it. out adhesive. Leave that kind of bandaging to the doctor. A razor blade? Yes, just what may be needed for Local Goal 13: To secure increased community sup­ snakebite. A sewing needle slipped into the flap of the port as the number of girls served and consequent value razor blade envelope will come in handy in removing a of Girl Scouting to the community is increased. splinter. Gauze? Yes, at least three squares, approxi­ Local Goal 14: To make it possible for every adult mately 3" x 3" for compresses. Cotton? Yes, a small member of the organization to have some form of train­ amount for swabs. ing for her job, including more self-training; and to gain Bicarbonate of soda or a small tube of tannic acid a better understanding of others' jobs and a realization jelly for burns, a small bottle of aromatic spirits of of the necessity of cooperation. ammonia, and six small vials of 2 per cent solution of Local Goal 15: To increase the number of volunteer iodine complete the list. These, packed compactly into the trainers, as well as to improve constantly the type and tin, fulfill the anticipated first aid needs for one girl for variety of training given. an overnight hike. 12 THE GIRL SCOUT LEADER OCTOBER, 1941 National Equipment Service News and Notes

SN'T SHE the sweetest thing? SERVE your country and save we reamed of her for for yourself! Thus, one good I a THIS IS THE MONTH- months and planned and plotted turn begets another, when you to make her just perfect. We'll OF BIG EVENTS ON THE GIRL SCOUT CALENDAR: buy United States Government bet you never suspected, but defense stamps. The quarters there she is, right on page 3 you give Uncle Sam now to of our new fall Equipm£:nt • speed up your country's defense Catalog - Brownie in her First, there is the national convention at Dallas, program come back to you in swanky new uniform. Now Texas, October 20-24. Of course you'll be there the form of a Government Bond we can sit complacently by and if you can possibly manage-and in uniform. At -$18.75 worth of stamps for smile back. Judging by the ohs business sessions and luncheon meetings all a $25 Bond. And that is de­ and ahs that greeted her arrival through the day you will look trim and smart in cidedly worth having. The here, this is a uniform with ap­ your leader's uniform-your identification with a Girl Scout way to start you in peal. Even the littlest girl great organization. the bond-owning class is a red adores a pretty dress, and when leatherette cover, with gilt­ Brownie sees its swirling cir­ Then, there is Girl Scout Week, beginning Sun­ stamped trefoil and an identi­ cular skirt (how our little day, October 26, when you and your troop dem­ fication card, which holds and models loved to swish them onstrate to your community the activities that are protects an album with one 25- around!) and ' its grown-up part of the program. You will be more impres­ cent stamp already pasted in as shirtwaist style, and side zip­ sive in your uniforms from Sunday, when you go a starter. You exchange your per (fancy that!), she'll want to church, until Saturday, your "Health Day" quarters at the local bank or to wear it everywhere- to event. post office for more stamps, meetings and school, to church $18.50 more, and when all the and socials. She can romp to Reminder-now is the time to get that uniform­ spaces are filled you will - re­ her heart's content and still the perfect dress for fall. ceive your $25 Bond. Buy your look a "little lady"-it's that stamps regularly and soon you'll kind of dress. The pleasing have a bond, or several bonds- light brown chambray is trimmed with white stitching a nice nest egg to own. and brown and white buttons, and there's a jaunty pocket 11-675 Red Leatherette Cover, 25 cents, Stamp, embroidered with her special Brownie emblem. Her new 25 cents (sold together as one unit) ; cap is a beanie of brown felt, with six gores and elastic total ...... 50 cents for fit and a tan felt Brownie emblem smack on the front. Whether she's of the beanpole or chubby variety, Brownie will love the whole outfit. The dress is vat-dyed and WE'RE NOT the nagging kind-but, please, won't pre-shrunk-no problem for Mother to keep it pretty. you Midwesterners send your orders direct to our St. Louis branch, and not to New York? We must send 1-104 Brownie Dress, sizes 6-12 ...... $2.25 them back to St. Louis, thus delaying your shipments that 1-143 Brownie Cap, small, medium, large...... 50 much. After all, the branch is there for you.

IT'S NOT your dress itself, quite often, .that excites FOUR STEPS to beauty-and that "plain little outfit" flattering comment. Ten to one, it's that crazy bit of becomes a creation that might have come from a Paris "jewelry" or that striking belt that gi-ves accent and couturier (in the good old days that were, if you were catches the eye. Trouble is, that Saks-Fifth Avenue look that opulent). A hand-painted (or stenciled) border can come high when one is afflicted with an undernour­ or motif can add a lot of chic. Match it up with a ished pocketbook. In a weak moment one falls for some bag of the same design and you have an ensemble of gadget that costs almost as much as the dress. Our rare beauty-rare, because it's exclusively yours. You Achilles' Heel is belts-lots of them-to fool the public can do likewise with pillows, draperies, handkerchiefs, on last year's dress arid make this year's seem like three. lingerie cases, lamp shades, and such-anything made But the nice colorful ones-swell for fall tailored things of textile fabrics can be beautified with Textart Colors. -cost a pretty penny. What to do? Make it! It's a And, what's more, they'll stay beautiful, for the colors cinch with Hard Seine Twine and a book of easy direc­ will not stiffen the fabric, and they are fast to light, tions, from the simple belts to the intricate-looking ones. washing, and dry cleaning. The four steps are easy: The twine comes in such lovely colors-red, dark green, mix your colors, apply to fabric, let dry two hc.urs, and light green, yellow, brown, lavender, old blue, royal "set'' with a hot iron. Complete instructions come with blue, black, and white. Mix 'em and blend 'em. Besides, the kit, which contains a %-ounce jar each of red, it's fun to work on a project that produces something yellow, blue, artd extender (which is used to lighten worth while. colors). Why not decorate those plain drapes and pillows 18-243 Hard Seine Twine, half-pound tube .... 65 cents in the troop meeting room? And Christmas is coming! 23-371 Book, Directions for Making Knotted 18-650 Textart Kit No. 1 ...... 75 cents and Braided Belts ...... 35 cents -E. HALLECK BRODHEAD