Who are the Historians you might ask? The Historian Team at GSGCNWI is made up of 26 volunteers who are interested in the history of Girl Scouts and actively work to preserve and present the story to our community. History of the movement Begun by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12,1912, Girl Scouts quickly spread … Continue reading An Inside Look at How Council Historians Preserve Our Girl Scout Treasures
By Karen M. Schillings It may seem curious to discover that the woman who eventually founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Juliette Gordon Low, spent a good portion of her life in Wellesbourne, England, in the county of Warwickshire. Most Girl Scouts are familiar with the William and Eleanor Gordon home … Continue reading From Savannah to Wellesbourne, The Story of Juliette Gordon Low in Warwickshire, England
Over the years, forty historical councils have merged into what is now Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. In that time, Girl Scouts have owned or leased at least 91 camps, program centers and Little Houses. Below, historians share memories of some of their visits to a few of these camps and how … Continue reading Council Historians Share Beloved Memories from Their Times at Girl Scout Camp
If you’ve ever visited the Chicago Gathering Place, you’ll remember the cases that line the hallways, filled with guide books, uniforms, badges, and pins from the past 109 years of Girl Scouting. These artifacts remind our members, visitors, and staff that our history is as important as our future—and who better understands that than our … Continue reading Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians
As we enter into year 110 of instilling courage, confidence and character in girls, we are always honored to learn how Girl Scouts has made an impact on families and communities throughout the years. Thanks to our council Historians, we are able to share stories of heroism, empowerment, and recollections of heartwarming tales throughout different … Continue reading Honoring History: Two Families Carry the Girl Scout Torch for Over 50 Years!
Last week we met the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Council Historians, a group of dedicated volunteers who work to collect, preserve, and share the history and legacy of Girl Scouts across the nation and in our area. These historians are essential to keeping the heartbeat of our movement strong, and we … Continue reading Meet the GSGCNWI Council Historians: Part Two!
Have you ever had the wider opportunity to sleep under the Milky Way in a Girl Scout platform tent in the Big Horn Mountains in Tensleep, Wyoming? Welcome to Girl Scout National Center West (NCW). In 1968 Girl Scouts bought 15,400 acres of rugged wilderness in the Big Horn National Forest, making it the most … Continue reading Girl Scout National Center West Set Back in Time
By Chris Caragher, Girl Scout Historian After years of being a Girl Scout troop leader for Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes, I yearned to visit the birthplace of Girl Scouting, Savannah, Georgia. I viewed that as the ultimate pilgrimage to our founder’s home and, by extension, the birthplace of my Downers Grove-based Cadette Troop 606. It … Continue reading Troop 606 – Leave: July 28, 1991, 8:30 a.m. from Mrs. Caragher’s House
Starting in 1915 in Washington, D.C., the democratic process has been continually promoted by our organization through the National Council Session (NCS), a.k.a. the National Convention. Orlando, Florida, will host the 56th National Council Session from July 18-20, 2023, followed immediately with Phenom by Girl Scouts from July 20-22, 2023. This triennial meeting, comprised of … Continue reading The National Council Session – A Sustained History of Girl Scout Governance
Bridging is the term that Girl Scouts use to identify the work that a girl or troop does to get ready to move to the next level. This work is not mandatory but is meant to give a girl an idea of what is waiting for her at the next level. Bridging insignia are worn … Continue reading The History of Bridging in Girl Scouts
