Category: Historians

The Evolution of the First Aid Badge

Written by Council Historian, Jan Gerovac

First aid has been a part of Girl Scouting since its beginning.  Medicine in 1912 was very different than it is today.  The only vaccination available was for smallpox, there was no such thing as health insurance, and yearly doctor exams were a thing of the future.

The 1913 How Girls Can Help Their Country had thirteen pages on first aid.  The topics covered the “usual” items such as nosebleeds, artificial respiration, and frostbite along with era specific information on runaway horses and gas/sewer gas. 

Second class Girl Scouts, now known as Brownie Girl Scouts (Grades 2-3), could obtain the Ambulance proficiency badge, which was a white cross on a red background, by showing their knowledge in nine areas.  Those areas were how to stop a runaway horse, stop bleeding, apply a tourniquet, treat poison ivy and frostbite and remove a cinder from an eye.  Girls also had to know the Schaefer Method of Resuscitation, what to do in case of fire, and treatment and bandaging of the injured.  Proficiency tests were given before a Court of Honor by two examiners who were qualified and independent. 

With the 1923 handbook, Scouting for Girls, the first aid section had increased to fifty pages.  The Girl Scouts were working with the American Red Cross so that if a Girl Scout earned her First Aide badge she could earn Red Cross certification in seven and a half hours instead of the usual fifteen.  A girl still had to be a second class Girl Scout to earn this badge. The requirements for this badge were that a girl show her knowledge in six areas that included nineteen items and demonstrate her skill in five others.  The First Aide badge was a part of the Scout Aide group badge. This badge was a red cross on a black background.

The 1932 handbook the requirements were essentially the same.  The badge became a white tourniquet on a green background.

In 1936, Girl Scout Handbook had First Aid badges for both first class and second class Girl Scouts.  The previous requirements were divided between the two badges.

With the introduction of the Intermediate Girl Scout level in 1938, the First Aid proficiency badge moved to the Intermediate level.  In the 1941 handbook, there were ten activities listed and girls were required to do eight of them including the five starred items.  The starred items were the ones demonstrating actual first aid skills such as first aid for blisters, the pressure points on the body, and using a two-person carry for an injured patient. This is the first time an activity consisted of making a telephone card for emergencies as the telephone was just becoming a household item.  The badge returned to a red cross this time on a green background.

At this time Senior Girl Scouts worked on Aide pins related to vocational interests so there was no first aid badge per se in their activities.

The 1950 Girl Scout Handbook for Intermediate Girl Scout, now knows as Junior and Cadette (Grades 4-5, 6-8), listed fifteen activities with ten required including three starred to earn the badge. 

The requirements were essentially the same as the 1941 requirements.  This handbook added a First Aid to Animals badge.  It also listed fifteen activities with ten activities required including the two starred ones to earn this badge.  This badge had a red cross on a green background with the silhouette of a dog’s head on the cross.

In the 1954 handbook the First Aid badge is listed for Junior High girls.  The activities to earn the First Aid to Animals badge and the First Aid badge were essentially the same as the 1950 book.

With the restructuring in 1963, Junior and Cadette levels were introduced.  The First Aid badge stayed with the Junior High age girls who were now called Cadettes. The 1963 printing of the Cadette Girl Scout Handbook has ten activities for the First Aid badge that all had to be done to earn the badge.  This badge was still a red cross on green background but now had a yellow border.

The 1984 Girl Scout Badges and Signs book for Juniors and Cadettes moves the First Aid badge to Juniors.   A junior had to complete six of the nine activities including the two starred activities. The badge became a yellow cross on green background with a red border.

In 1951 Senior Girl Scouts started the Five Point Program which lasted until 1963. The 1963 Senior Girl Scout Handbook continues the non-proficiency badge work of Senior Girl Scouts with the Eight Indispensables.  This program lasted until 1974.  In 1979 Cadettes and Seniors had Interest Project Patches.  These were modified in 1997 and were in use until 2010.  The Studio 2B program was added for Cadettes and Seniors in 2000 and lasted until 2009.  None of these programs had a first aid component.

The 2001 Junior Girl Scout Badge Book lists ten activities with girls having to complete six activities to earn the badge. The badge continues to be a yellow cross on a green background now with green border.

With the addition of Ambassadors in 2009, all girl programs were overhauled.  Each age level had its own Journeys, legacy badges, and new badges to go along with the Journeys.  First Aid badges returned to Brownies through Ambassadors.  

The content of these has remained essentially the same although the badges changed in 2024.  Each badge has five components that must be completed.  Each component has three choices of which a girl must complete one.  While the Brownie and Junior level First Aid badges do not have the skill level that early badges did; by the time a girl reaches the Ambassador level her skill level is comparable to the early First Aide badges.

I have used the currently accepted spelling of a-i-d except in the name of badges where it was spelled a-i-d-e which was the accepted spelling at the time the badge was current.

The medically approved way of treating things like burns and asthma has changed over the years and the future will no doubt bring more. Knowing how to take care of everyday bumps and bruises, and what to do in case of an emergency will be as important to girls in the future as it is to girls today and as it was to those in 1912.

Juliette Low’s Birthday Celebration 

By: GCNWI Historian Debbie Kidd 

It’s always wonderful to celebrate someone’s birthday – and who better to celebrate than our founder, Juliette Gordon Low (often called “Daisy”)? Celebrating Juliette’s birthday with your troop is so much fun! She was born in Savannah, GA, on October 31, 1860. 

Juliette brought so much to girls then and now. She taught us to find something we are passionate about and live it every day. She started Girl Scouts to empower girls with skills to become leaders. She believed in teaching self-reliance, outdoor skills, community service, and leadership at a time when opportunities for young women were very limited. Daisy also taught us how to enjoy life to the fullest. 

Today’s world can be hard to navigate, but Girl Scouts helps girls grow strong, courageous, and kind. We learn to focus on others, act with integrity, explore the world around us – and just be ourselves! 

That’s a lot to celebrate – not only on Juliette’s birthday, but always. Girl Scouts celebrates girls, and we celebrate Juliette! 

Here are some fun ways your troop can celebrate Juliette’s birthday: 

  • Sharing Pearls, Sharing Love – Make “pearl” necklaces or bracelets and give them to a friend as a reminder of Juliette, who sold her rare pearl necklace to help grow the Girl Scout movement. Invite a “sister troop” to join the fun! 
  • A Tray Full of Memories – Play Kim’s Game! Place several Juliette-related items on a tray (pumpkin, pink ribbon, dog, telephone, boat, horse, pearl necklace, s’more, rope). Let the girls study the tray, cover it, and see how many items they can remember. Talk about what each item means in Juliette’s life. 
  • Stand on Your Head for Daisy Challenge – Juliette loved standing on her head! Each year on her birthday, she would make friends laugh by doing it. Try safe versions of headstands (even against a wall) and take a silly troop photo together.

 

  • History You Can Wear – Borrow the Historians’ Box of Vintage Uniforms from your Girl Scout council and dress up in uniforms from the past. 
  • A Sweet Way to Celebrate – Bake and taste the original Girl Scout cookie recipe together. A delicious piece of history! 
  • A Birthday Gift for Others – Create “Birthday Boxes” with party supplies (cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, streamers, plates, forks) and donate them to a food shelter. 
  • Tea with Juliette – Borrow your council’s Tea Party Historian Box and host a birthday tea party in Juliette’s honor. 
  • Be the Change. Share the Friendship. – Do a service project in Juliette’s honor. Collect spare change to donate to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. 
  • Hats Off to Juliette – Juliette loved decorating hats – sometimes with carrots and parsley! Create your own innovative hat designs. 
  • Painting Juliette’s Birthday – Paint or draw what you imagine her first troop birthday celebration looked like. Focus on fun, skills, and giving back. 
  • A Gift for Juliette: Kindness Counts – Do a kindness challenge. Each girl gives Juliette a “gift” by performing a kind deed and sharing it with the troop. 
  • Stitches of Love – Juliette once led a sewing group called Helping Hands. Celebrate by sewing or making no-sew fleece blankets to donate, or sew stuffed hearts as gifts for community volunteers. 
  • Sweet Treats for Juliette – Bake a daisy-shaped cake or hold a cupcake-decorating contest. Be innovative – Juliette would approve! 
  • How Well Do You Know Daisy? – Play Juliette trivia and award small prizes. 
  • Once Upon a Daisy – Read Juliette’s story to Daisy-level Girl Scouts. They love learning how it all began! 
  • Daisy’s Birthday Treasure Hunt – Organize a scavenger hunt with facts and photos of Juliette hidden around your meeting space. 
  • Letters Across the Sea – Connect with Girl Guides or Girl Scouts abroad by writing letters or sending video messages, honoring Juliette’s global vision. 

Juliette’s legacy lives on through each of you. End your meeting by singing “Happy Birthday” to Juliette and making a troop wish to carry on her vision of courage, confidence, and character. 

With all these ideas, I hope you’ll share how your troop celebrated Juliette. 
Happy Birthday, Juliette – from all of us to YOU! 

Girl Scout Council Historians – We Are Looking For New Volunteers!

If you love Girl Scouts, their history, or even their future, you could be a Girl Scout Historian.

Do you enjoy working with people of all ages?    Do you enjoy helping people learn?

Mark Your Calendars!

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Council Collection and meet the Historians!

The Council Collection contains published materials, photographs, uniforms, camping gear, and memorabilia from the last 113 years!  Come be a part of it!

You are invited to an Open House at the Girl Scout History Center inside the Vernon Hills Gathering Place.

Come see the current exhibits and try the hands-on learning experiences.

November 8, 2025             10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

RSVP here: https://fs24.formsite.com/gsgcnwi2/yduzerbcae/index

As people begin to declutter, or downsize, Girl Scout items from the past begin to surface. What to do with them? Who would appreciate them? That is how they come to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) Council Collection.

Once items are donated, historians access them and determine how they can be used. We mount displays for the six gathering places within GCNWI, as well as local libraries. We display items at council wide programs such as the Volunteer Expo, the Sneaker Ball, and the Cookie Kickoff. We create programming material that can be checked out and used at troop meetings. With new members, we could expand our outreach by visiting troops or service units during their meeting times.

There are two locations where historians work on the collection:

Vernon Hills Gathering Place       &     Joliet Gathering Place

650 Lakeview Pkwy                            1551 W. Illinois Hwy

Vernon Hills, IL 60061                          Joliet, IL 60433                       

9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays            Flexible hours, dependent on need

It is possible that some volunteer tasks could be worked on off-site, with flexible hours, which might be a better fit for some volunteers.

Qualifications for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with GCNWI Historians:

  • Must be registered with GSUSA.
  • Must show commitment to the mission, values and programs of GSUSA.
  • Must have a desire to make Girl Scout history relevant to a broad audience.
  • Must be friendly and enjoy interacting with people. Must have a positive attitude.
  • Must be reliable and understand the importance of volunteer commitment.
  • Must be available for occasional weekend events.

If you have further questions, please contact:

Alaina Greene        agreene@girlscoutsgcnwi.org       312-912-6350

Timeless Trails: A Journey Through Our Former Camps – Part 2

Written by, Rosemarie D Courtney

Since Girl Scouts was founded in 1912, camping has provided campers with memories they carry throughout their lives. 

Today, our council has many opportunities for campers to form their own memories at Camp Butternut Springs, Camp Juniper Knoll, Camp Palos, and Camp Greene Wood.

But did you know that over the years, Girl Scouts have made lasting memories at 97 different camps that were once owned by our council, or by the former councils that existed prior to any mergers?

Keep reading to learn more about one of these beloved camps and the memories created there.

CAMP HAPPY HOLLOW

          

On May 30, 1959, Girl Scouts of Northwest Cook Council purchased 287 acres of land from John Bushman Jr.  It featured gentle rolling hills to steep hills with approximately two-thirds open land the last third wooded land.  Sugar Creek flows along the edge of the property.  The only building on the property was the farmhouse which became the caretaker’s home.  The property was purchased with cookie money.

The name “Happy Hollow” was chosen by Junior Troop 365 from St. Mary’s School in Des Plaines, led by Mrs. Eisenbacher. Shortly after the property was purchased, the troop visited the new camp. During a hike down a ravine, the girls discovered a large hollow log and stopped to rest. Inspired by the joyful experience and the unique setting, they submitted the name “Happy Hollow”, which they believed was a perfect reflection of their adventure and the spirit of the camp.

In 1961, troops were provided with tents, camping equipment, water and sanitary facilities for primitive camping experience. 151 girls and adults enjoyed the experience. By 1967, the camp had expanded to include two platform tent sites and Leffer House, a winterized cabin with a kitchen for meal preparation. The cabin was named in honor of Fred Leffer, Chairman of the Campsite Committee and member of the Board of Directors.

In 1970, two more platform sites were added. Then in 1972, Fox’s Den cabin (named after Anne Fox Blakeman – Board of Directors / Camp Director) was constructed.  With the camp growing the board realized Leffer House needed to be remodeled.  The kitchen was expanded, and two covered decks were added in 1981.  The kitchen expansion and equipment were made possible by the June L Kuehl Memorial fund. June, a dedicated volunteer in the Northwest Cook Council, was instrumental in launching the Council’s cookie sale. Her vision and commitment led to years of successful sales, which helped fund the purchase and development of Happy Hollow. Over the years, several other features were added to the camp, including a bell tower, high ropes course, swimming pool, and archery range. The final major addition came in 2002, when stables were built that gave girls the opportunity to enjoy horseback riding without leaving camp property.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) sold Happy Hollow in 2012.   

Debbie Kidd was a troop leader for two troops and going camping was something both troops enjoyed doing.  Continue reading to learn more about her experience.

Happy Hollow was a favorite camping site for the troops.  It was a distance away from our homes and finding Hollow happy was an adventure all its own.  You see, the camp entrance was located on a highway surrounded by trees so finding the sign before you passed it up was “the adventure”.  At that time the words “Happy Hollow” were simply attached to a wooden post.  Often, we would pass up the sign and then find ourselves in the middle of the country where homes were spread far from each other and all you saw was sky and fields: fields of cows and horses.

On one of the trips we took, there were no gas stations in sight so I pulled our van over, jokingly said to the girls, let’s ask a cow how far we are and if he turns a direction, we will head that way.  Well, a cow turned around, we went that way, ended up at a country ice cream shop and enjoyed ice cream before we found out from the shop owner that we passed up Happy Hollow about five miles back.  The girls loved the adventure of getting to Happy Hollow.

When my troops were Brownie Girl Scouts we would camp in a lodge.  Later, we moved to staying in tents.  Some of the best memories were made while hiking and singing together, spotting wildlife, building campfires at night, and indulging in delicious s’mores and pudgy pies.

One of my troop members, Erica shared with me how much fun she had at Happy Hollow “catching snipes”.  She said that catching snipes were the best and recalled how one of the members of our troop was in tears when she found out they weren’t real.         

Snipes are a playful myth.  The girls are led to believe that snipes are adorable, harmless, furry creatures that love to be cuddled.  According to the joke, snipes supposedly live in the woods, venture out at night, and are notoriously difficult to catch.  “Snipe hunters” go hunting with adults and bring a brown lunch bag, lay it on the ground and make a whistling noise to attract them to the bag.  When the girl thinks she’s caught a snipe, the adult discreetly drops a few pebbles in the bag.  This clever trick creates the illusion that something is moving inside, thrilling the girls into believing they’ve really caught a snipe.  The girls burst with excitement to see their cute little creature they caught squeal with delight.  However, the leaders had put a small hole in the bottom of the bag allowing the pebbles to fall out before the girls reached the table to open their bag and see their snipe.  Their excitement quickly turns to disappointment when they discover there was nothing in the bag.  This goes on until all the girls had a chance to “catch a snipe”.  As each girl “catches a snipe” she tells the other girls that it was cute, but it escaped and couldn’t show them what it looked like.

One girl in my troop was so disappointed that her snipe escaped, asked me if I could tell her mom where she can get one for a pet when she gets home.  Finally, after the girls finished their nighttime snipe hunt, we revealed the surprise: it was a playful prank!  The snipes weren’t real, and the girls erupted into laughter.  The rest of the night was filled with laughter and stories about the elusive snipes.

Erica also shared that she remembers sleeping in her sleeping bag on a mat in the main room of the cabin and making breakfast in the morning. 

Other great memories for the girls were cooking over a fire, preparing and making foiled meals, dutch oven desserts, singing grace before meals, washing their mess kits and hanging them on clothesline to dry in their dunk bag and making unique crafts.  One very special craft that the girls loved was decorating pillowcases.  As a leader, I enjoyed creating crafts that were unique and memorable; something that they would keep forever.  To this day, 30 years later, some of my troop members have shared with me that they still have their pillowcases as it brings back fond memories of the fun times we had.  The girls would put their name at the opening side of the pillowcase, and add their creation using fabric markers, putting Happy Hollow and the date somewhere on the cover, then having each girl sign it.  On each subsequent camping trip, we would bring our special pillowcase and add to it, having the girls sign their names on a section of the cover with the date of our trip.

I remember my daughter, Jennifer, going to Happy Hollow resident camp for the first time.  She went horseback riding, made new friends and loved the time away!  Also, Happy Hollow was the camping site where our service unit went camping. That was a fun trip – as a member of the service team, I chose to teach the girls first aid, and each girl made a small first aid kit. Other stations were run by other service team members or troop leaders teaching outdoor cooking skills or other camp skills.

The GSGCNWI Historians are trying to collect photos and memories of all the 97 camps that were once owned or rented by our council or former councils.  If you have any camp photos or memories you’d like to share, please send them to rdcourtney1940@gmail.com.

Timeless Trails: A Journey Through Our Former Camps – Part 1

Written by, Rosemarie D Courtney

Since Girl Scouts was founded in 1912, camping has provided campers with memories they carry throughout their lives. 

Today, our council has many opportunities for campers to form their own memories at Camp Butternut Springs, Camp Juniper Knoll, Camp Palos, and Camp Greene Wood.

But did you know that over the years, Girl Scouts have made lasting memories at 97 different camps that were once owned by our council, or by the former councils that existed prior to any mergers?

Keep reading to learn more about one of these beloved camps and the memories created there.

CAMP MANISTEE

In August of 1948, South Cook County Council purchased 1,040 acres of land in Manistee National Forest which is located near Whitehall, Michigan. The property was part of the Edward Swett estate, which had been used by Mr. Swett to entertain his hunting and fishing friends. The Council was able to finance the $26,500 purchase price for the property through a fund drive. There were additional fundraisers held to support the camp, one of which allowed the girls to make a 10-cent donation for the “privilege” of embroidering a square for a Camp Manistee quilt.

When Camp Manistee was in operation, it featured a director’s cottage, kitchen and dining hall, infirmary, craft house, shower house, food storehouse, C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) house, boathouse, eight platform tent units, and a tent storage area. Initially, the camp could accommodate 140 campers per session, but that number eventually grew to 220. Resident camp sessions lasted two weeks for older Girl Scouts, while Brownies attended one-week sessions.

Trails were carved out from the tent area to a swimming hole, which was formed by diverting water from the north branch of the White River. According to reports, Florence Ann Schlott, the council’s executive director, personally helped shovel three tons of sand to create a beach at the site.

The first camp director, Dr. Martha C. Carr, ensured campers stayed active with swimming, hiking, nature study, outdoor cooking, and even lessons on building traditional Chippewa ovens. Canoeing and boating were camper favorites, with Oxbow Lake offering the perfect setting for paddling adventures throughout the summer. The camp also featured an archery range, adding another fun and engaging activity to the experience.

The summer of 1979 marked the final season of resident camp at Camp Manistee. Rising operational costs and the need for major building renovations led the Board of Directors to make the difficult decision to sell the property. The camp was officially sold in June 1981.

Monica Woolard, a former Camp Manistee camper, shared her memories from her time at camp.

I went to Camp Manistee two summers in a row, 1969 and 1970. It was wonderful. Some of the activities were canoeing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, crafts, hiking – each led by great counselors.

I remember singing before meals, after meals, around the campfire – and everyone, both campers and counselors – got along very well.  It always seemed that the counselors knew just what to do to keep the camp moving smoothly.  Counselors were always around for questions, or just to chat with us. Of course, they had their own stories of when they were our age (although there were a few of them that weren’t that much older than me!).

It was a very organized camp. Charts were used for everything – both for chores by the campers and when events were scheduled.  You always knew what was going on.

I remember receiving care packages from home – and those were always welcome.  There was a store at the camp where we could buy things.  I still have my Camp Manistee jacket – and it still fits!  I have a lot of patches sewn on the jacket that I got from other camps as well as from visits to other states.  Just looking at the jacket brings back warm memories.

What I got the most from Camp Manistee was the feeling of belonging – no one was left out.  I never noticed cliques or groups separate from the rest of us.  Yes – there were a few campers that I got to know better than others – some of that was due to being in the same cabin.

The cabins were great – cots set up for about eight campers – and we got a pad to go under our sleeping bag.  They were very comfortable, and waterproof. 

The activities were so much fun – especially those on the water.  Canoeing was fun – a little scary sometimes – however once you got the hang of it, it was very enjoyable, too.  Horseback riding was interesting – and since this was the first time I’d been on a horse it was a little scary.  Again, the counselors were well versed in helping make us comfortable in an uncomfortable situation – which meant we didn’t go away afraid of any activity.

I believe these types of experiences help you grow, become more confident, get closer to nature, and just enjoy life more.

Self-Expression Through Camp Crafts

Written by Council Historian, Christine Cline

Have you ever noticed that no matter how long you are at camp, there seems to be a craft involved during the time you are there? Well, I did, and it is something that has been going on for as long as I can remember. I decided to put some thought into the reasons for that, and to discuss crafts that were popular fifty years ago when I was a kid at camp.

The first reason crafts are popular at camp is simple: they help pass the time. Crafts are also a great go-to when it is raining, or if the weather gets too hot, or if the campers need some down time.

While I’d love to say that all crafts can be done outdoors, the wind doesn’t always cooperate. Still, many activities can be done outside. Some camps are lucky enough to have a dedicated craft cabin stocked with supplies, which allows for an even wider variety of creative experiences.

So why crafts in the first place? Because we learn so much from them. You might be surprised by how much a simple project can teach you.

Crafts help build:

  • The ability to follow step-by-step directions
  • Dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Patience, especially when you need to redo a step
  • Empathy and leadership by helping others with their projects
  • Self-confidence when you complete something challenging
  • The understanding that you don’t have to be good at everything
  • The courage to try new things
  • Responsibility for cleaning up after yourself
  • A sense of design and color coordination
  • Practical skills by making something useful
  • Camaraderie through shared creative time

Crafts can also reinforce lessons being taught in other areas, and sometimes they can even be life changing.

Craft time is also the best time to talk to friends, make new friends, and just really enjoy yourself.

Crafts will always be a part of camp. Some crafts are still being done today that have been done from many years ago, but many have changed. I decided to look up some old-time craft projects from fifty years ago, and to put them out there for the modern generation.

I thought long and hard about what crafts I remember doing as a child at camp, and asked others which ones they remembered too.

The crafts from my youth were usually simple, because there were few craft items available at the time. Most craft items that were available were made of glue, scissors, glitter, colored paper, and such from the local store. So, the crafts I have chosen are very similar to the ones I did fifty years ago. Take take a look below to see examples of the crafts from my past.

Tissue Paper Flowers

Items Needed:

  • Tissue paper in any color you wish
  • Green pipe cleaner for the stem
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut at least six pieces of tissue paper into 4×4 sheets. This makes the simplest flowers.
  2. Fold back and forth.
  3. Fold in half.
  4. At the fold, hook pipe cleaner around center.
  5. Carefully open tissue paper one at a time.

For fancier flowers you can cut tissue into a circle, use fancy scissors to cut the outer edges of the circle, or even cut divots out. This project can be done with recycled tissue paper from gift bags. This project is for ages eight and up. I loved to make these flowers. They are a great craft for Mother’s Day, and if you look online, you can see that they can get quite elaborate.  You can learn to make very creative wall designs with them.

Weaving Paper

Items Needed:

  • Paper
  • Scissors or paper cutter
  • Glue or tape

Choose paper that is a bit thicker and smoother for this project.  Back in the day, we only had thin paper, and it made it more difficult to weave the paper without tearing it.  This project is limited by your imagination. I was amazed when I saw just how creative people were getting with their designs. I noticed some type of paper grabber in the center of the third photograph. This is a very complex and beautiful project, and a definite progression from the above two photos.

Toilet Paper Roll Puppets

Items Needed:

  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Colored paper
  • Googly eyes
  • Feathers
  • Glue
  • Anything else you can think of

There used to be a lot of toilet paper rolls at camp until someone invented enormous rolls.  but at my house we still seem to go through a lot of the stuff and can accumulate plenty of toilet paper rolls for a group to do a project quickly.  This project is limited only by your imagination.  I have a few photos to get you started. I remember doing this with my mom to make Christmas ornaments. The ideas online are so varied, in scope and variety. There are even ideas for making home decoration projects. The pink ones are cell phone holder. I love the variety of ideas shown above, and the stamp for the flower.  Many more can be found online.

Yarn Art

Items Needed:

  • Scraps of yarn
  • Cardboard, could be from cereal boxes or cardboard boxes.
  • Glue, HIGHLY recommend craft glue. But use what you have. 
  • Also, HIGHLY recommend not gluing on the shiny side of any surface.

Picture shown is a guide. Use your imagination. The shown picture is between 4×4 to 6×6 inches large. You do not want to make the pictures too large when you have a finite time for craft class. Start by drawing your idea on a piece of paper. Have fun!

This project is a great way to use up scraps of yarn. Cut the yarn pieces a little longer than needed, then cut the ends after you have glued them on to get a neat, clean edge. Older kids could use a utility knife.

Popsicle Stick Catapult

Items Needed:

  • Eight popsicle sticks or the larger tongue depressor type ones.
  • Three thicker rubber bands.
  • One sturdy plastic spoon
  • Cotton balls, aluminum, or pompoms

Instructions:

  1. Stack seven of the popsicle sticks on top of each other and then put a rubber band around one end until it is tight.
  2. Slip the last stick between the first and second stick in the stack and move it to the center of the stack, then wrap the second rubber band around the end of the stack tightly.(Some people will use another popsicle stick instead of a spoon and glue a bottle cap to it as the launch mechanism.  Plastic spoons do tend to break.  But so do popsicle sticks, which is why some people moved to the larger tongue depressors.)
  3. Secure the plastic spoon to one end of the single popsicle stick with the last rubber band until tight.

Use cotton balls, or other small light balls made of aluminum foil or other items such as pompoms to launch from your catapult.

Set up targets or buckets and make a game of it!

String Art

Items Needed:

  • A piece of wood, or a piece of cardboard
  • String in the colors you have chosen
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Template

This project can be very easy to very complicated. The first thing you need to do is to figure out which project you want to do, then get the correct supplies for it.  The easier projects do not need a hammer and nails, and can be done with just cardboard. I remember enjoying this project as a child. Here are several examples of different types of projects.

Bead Doll

Items Needed:

  • Pony beads
  • Any other beads you have
  • Larger wooden bead for head
  • Pipe cleaner to hold beads
  • Yarn
  • Markers

Assemble beads onto the pipe cleaners, one for each side of the body.Get creative and have fun! Name your creations. Great for using up beads. Use this photo as a starting point.

We have made so many things out of beads, but I thought these dolls were so cute and could be used to play with while at camp. Like a camp buddy. It would be something I could see myself keeping for a long time.

Line Art

Items Needed:

  • Paper, white or light colored
  • Crayons, colored pencils, markers, or chalk.
  • Your imagination

This is a project that starts out slow and grows with you. As a child we only did the easy thing.  Just lines around our name, or from corner to corner on a piece of paper.  Now, it has grown to be much more creative and beautiful.  This project is for all ages. You can see the progression from the first line drawing to the second one.  There are many more examples online.

I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you enjoyed this brief history of crafts.

Happy Camping All!

-Christine

It’s Not Too Late to Register for Girl Scout Summer Camp! 

Written by GCNWI Council Historian, Veronica Pradelski 

What better way to keep on enjoying your Girl Scout fun this summer, than to spend some time at our council-led camps. 

Spending time outdoors with other Girl Scouts your age this summer is a great reason to attend camp. You’ll learn new skills and make new friends, especially during the warm summer season, when troops are usually not meeting. 

You will have time for traditional activities, like exploring nature, making crafts, playing games and learning songs.  You will also learn outdoor skills, like learning to cook over a fire, meal planning and budgeting for the food you will need for your meal. 

All camp programs have different themes, you get to decide which one is right for you! With all the various activities at camp, you can sometimes earn a badge or complete some requirements for a badge that you are interested in earning. 

Our council holds summer camps at three different locations. Camp Greene Wood is a day camp, and both Camp Butternut Springs and Camp Juniper Knoll are overnight camps. Some service units may hold a day camp in their area, run by devoted leaders who put together the planned programs for their camp.  

As I am writing this article, it brings back memories of my time in the summer at Girl Scout camp, in the 1960s, in Chicago. The day started with an opening ceremony, and then you would go with your unit to work on what activities were planned for the day.  We would plan our meals, write out a shopping list, and whoever was on cooking duty that day would go to the grocery store and purchase the items needed for our lunch meal. 

We’d hike, make crafts, sing songs, and learn how to budget for our meals.  It was a fun time, and I made new friends. 

So, it’s not too late to plan your own summer camp adventure. Click here to view all summer camp offerings and find a program that interests you and make it a summer to remember. 

The Lady With the Museum, Nancy Hackett – A Distinctive Volunteer

by Karen Schillings, GCNWI Council Historian

During the third week of April each year, we celebrate National Volunteer Week, so it seems appropriate to highlight one of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s exceptional volunteers at this time. If you don’t already know her, I would like to introduce you to Nancy Hackett, someone who has given so much of her life in service to the Girl Scouts.

Nancy became a Girl Scout when in 1945 she joined as a Brownie in Pennsylvania’s legacy Tricounty Council, her mother served as her troop leader. She moved up to be an Intermediate Girl Scout, earned her Curved Bar, the highest award at the time. Nancy then bridged to Senior Girl Scouts, and remained a girl member until her high school graduation.  After graduation, Nancy started her journey as an adult volunteer by helping with a troop for the Tricounty Council. When she went off to college, Nancy continued to work with troops in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. From 1962 to 1980, Nancy lived and worked in Baltimore where she volunteered for legacy Baltimore Council. When she moved to Illinois in 1980, Nancy became part of legacy Trailways Council. As a volunteer for Trailways, Nancy did something out of the ordinary – she started a Girl Scout museum in her home.

Being somewhat of a collector from her early years in Girl Scouts, Nancy began saving Girl Scout calendars, cookie boxes, and the American Girl magazine when she was just a girl. She especially liked the American Girl because of the interesting covers. Then she went to Roundup in 1956 where she collected numerous SWAPS from her sister Girl Scouts from across the country. Subsequently in 1965, she was able to attend Roundup as an adult volunteer, and once again she accumulated a wide variety of SWAPS.  Nancy really enjoyed her Girl Scout collection, so over the years, she kept adding to it. She found herself going to antique shops and malls to purchase any Girl Scout items she could find. 

With her collection continuing to grow, Nancy became really serious about her hobby. She decided to become a Girl Scout Historian. She took several historians’ trainings at Macy Center in New York and also attended workshops that were offered during the various conventions.  At one of the sessions, the trainer was Mary Degenhardt, a co-author of the Girl Scout Collector’s Guide, the quintessential handbook for all Girl Scout memorabilia collectors. Nancy was thoroughly impressed by Degenhardt’s expertise and presentation.

The Edith Macy Center in Westchester County, New York, where trainings for Council Historians are often held.

With her sizeable collection and expansive knowledge of all things Girl Scout, Nancy decided to do something very unique. She let Trailways Council know that she wanted to open her home to troops who wanted to experience Girl Scout history through the memorabilia she had amassed. So in the late 1980’s, her Girl Scout museum became a place for girls to explore the rich history of Girl Scouts. The council promoted the museum in newsletters, and since Nancy was also a trainer, she would share information about the museum at trainings. Because of these efforts, Nancy welcomed anywhere from thirty to forty troops to her home during each school year. They would come after school, in the evenings, and on Saturdays. When the girls arrived, Nancy would be wearing a replica of the first uniform which she had made for herself.  She had a long table permanently set up in her living room where the girls could gather around to view and examine Girl Scout memorabilia as Nancy talked to them about the various items. While some girls were at the table, others would go to the bedroom where Nancy had her collection displayed. The girls could look at all the cases filled with patches, pins, handbooks, camping gear, mugs, dolls, and so much more. Nancy especially enjoyed hearing all the “ohs” and “aahs” as the girls entered the room. She would then start showing the girls uniforms from various eras. It was always quite exciting when one of the leaders or chaperones would say, “That’s the uniform I wore as a girl!” Much to their delight, the girls were also allowed to try on the uniforms. 

A wall in the museum room displaying various insignia and a picture of Juliette Gordon Low.
Shelf in the museum room with assorted dolls displayed.

As a troop would get ready to leave, Nancy would ask them what they liked the best, and the girls would almost always say, “The drawers!” Nancy had a multi-drawer cabinet with items in each drawer. The girls loved pulling out the drawers to see what was in each of them. Nancy even had one drawer dedicated to the Boy Scouts to keep any brothers happy who had come along with their sisters. When Nancy was at various Girl Scout events, girls would recognize her and refer to her as “the lady with the museum.”

The drawers used to hold various Girl Scout items.

It should also be noted that Nancy has a substantial collection of World Association items. She was a member of the International Committee for Our Chalet and became interested in collecting items from WAGGGS countries. If she was visiting such places as Switzerland, England, or Australia, she would find the local Girl Guide office and purchase patches, pins, or anything else that caught her eye.

Nancy holding a vintage WAGGS poster that features Brownie pins and badges from around the world.

After the merge of the seven metro councils in 2008, Nancy’s museum was no longer promoted. However, Nancy continues to serve as a GCNWI Council Historian. She is always willing to create displays for local libraries, World Thinking Day celebrations, or service unit events. She and her sister historian Linda Pote also are responsible for the displays in the cases at the Joliet Gathering Place. Currently, the efforts to present the vast history of Girl Scouts are being done at the History Center which is located in the Vernon Hills Gathering Place. However, any of the historians, including Nancy, are always willing to share their expertise with anyone who asks. 

Current display at the Joliet Gathering Place created by Nancy Hackett and Linda Pote.
Current display at the Joliet Gathering Place created by Nancy Hackett and Linda Pote.

Nancy Hackett is just one example of the many dedicated volunteers whom we salute during National Volunteer Week. Thanks, Nancy, for all that you’ve done for Girl Scouts!

Bring History to Life! Explore Our Council Historian Check-Out Kits for Your Troop’s Next Learning Adventure

As we wrap up March and reflect on Girl Scouts’ Birthday, it’s the perfect time to learn a little more about Juliette Gordon Low and embrace the founding Girl Scout principles she introduced 113 years ago.

Wondering how you can learn more about Juliette Gordon Low in an exciting and interactive way? It’s easy with the program kits the council historian team has put together! You can check out a program kit by visiting your local gathering place for your troop’s next fun learning activity.

The most popular tote is filled with Girl Scout uniforms. These pieces, collected from throughout the years, can be worn for a troop fashion show, to march in a parade, or to participate in a special ceremony. A book with pictures of the uniforms is included so you can properly put all the parts together. The uniforms come in a variety of sizes and eras. Which uniform is the girls’ favorite?

The Historic Book tote includes five handbooks from 1947, 1963 (2), and 1986 (2), for Girl Scouts, Brownies, and Juniors. In 1963, girls were divided into four levels: Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior. Check out some of the badge work and life skills introduced in these books! While you cannot earn the badges, you can use these books as a reference for troop activities. Also included are two songbooks, two game books, and a 1955 book entitled Exploring the Hand-Arts, which is filled with fun, low-cost projects.

Juliette Low’s story is told through the Kim’s Game kit. Kim’s Game is a memory game made up of 18 items that reveal some lesser-known facts about Juliette’s life and the beginnings of the Girl Scout movement. Simple instructions are included, along with an explanation of each of the 18 items. What new facts about Juliette did you learn through this game?

Another fun activity is assembling the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) Flag. Juliette based her U.S. Girl Scout program on the English Girl Guide and Boy Scout programs started by the Baden-Powells. A world traveler, Juliette understood the value of learning from and sharing with our neighbors around the globe. Play an action game that teaches about the World Fund, and learn the significance of each part of the World Flag. There’s a paper copy to color, or a felt board version to assemble during a ceremony. Why not present the WAGGGS pin to the girls when they complete the flag? Ready to make some special SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere)? Instructions are included for making a friendship knot.

And finally, celebrate a special occasion with a Tea Party! Juliette was a Southern belle who enjoyed the pleasures of afternoon tea. This kit includes a binder with suggested activities and games, plus a service for ten to set your table. Please note: the Chicago Gathering Place does not currently have this tote due to its size and weight. However, we can send you a list of included materials upon request.

If you are unable to pick up a kit at a gathering place, PDFs of the games and stories in the kits can be found in the historian section of the council’s website linked here.

We hope you’ll find these kits helpful—and share the info with other leaders! Please let us know if any pieces are missing or if you have suggestions for additional kits. We’d also love to receive photos of your troop using the kits. Be sure to include your troop number and the occasion when you send them. Our email address is: historian@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.

WAGGGS World Center, Sangam

Told by council historian, Mia M.

In 1966, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) established Sangam, which in Sanskrit means “coming together”. The symbol for Sangam is meant to show the convergence or, “coming together”.

India may seem a long way from our Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) Council and may seem to be a very different place from where we live, but it has so much to experience. There could be no better place for a Girl Scout from the US to be introduced to India than at Sangam, one of the five World Centers of WAGGGS. 

In 2003, my daughter Lillian and I were visiting family in India and took a side trip to Sangam for the day. We were warmly greeted by the staff and shown around. We found a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the middle of a bustling city. It is a place where guests can relax, swim in the pool, walk through a garden, sample home cooked Indian meals, and meet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world. It is also a place where girls can learn more about India, by meeting its people and experiencing its culture. 

We saw a wall with logos of all Girl Scout and Girl Guide programs from around the world. We found the ones from the US. We also saw the array of flags from around the world, that are used in ceremonies when Girl Scouts or Girl Guides from different countries visit, and during World Thinking Day Programs.

In 2005, Girl Scouts of Chicago offered a Destination Opportunity for Older Girl Scouts to visit Sangam. In all, 20 girls from across the country went. Julie Somogyi, who today is Chief Experience Officer for GCNWI, went on the trip as a staff chaperone. Below are some of her memories: 

These opportunities to travel far and wide through Girl Scouts and immerse into other cultures, learning about their families, art, music, communities, food, and social services is a vital way for us to build respect and expand our views of the world around us. It was a transformative experience, and I will never forget how the program staff at Sangam shared many important lessons with us. They urged us to see and experience their culture through their eyes, not ours, and to understand the values they hold without comparing it to ours. That was an incredible gift of perspective that I will carry with me forever as I seek to experience more of the world. 

Rebecca Strocchio, one of the girls who went to Sangam in 2005 wrote the following about her experience: 

My favorite memory from my trip to Sangam is learning about Bollywood and the dances they do for the movies.  It was so much fun!  It’s something I still remember to this day.  It gave me an interest in a culture I knew nothing about before the trip. 

I’ve had the chance through my career to interact with people from India.  Having the opportunity to tell them how much I enjoyed my trip there and how kindly we were received is something that has helped me connect with people since my trip there so many years ago.  I have been told countless times by people from India, here in the States, that they hoped I would travel there again, and the people of India would be happy to have me back.  The bond I have with India and its culture and people is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  I hope I have the opportunity to return one day because it was the greatest cultural experience I have ever had, the opportunity of being part of.

Dionne Hawkins, who still volunteers with GCNWI in special events, went with the group to Sangam as a volunteer chaperone. She remembers how much the group enjoyed going into the town of Pune to shop for sarees. When they returned with their purchases, the Sangam staff taught them how to wrap/wear a sari. The variety of colors and fabrics, is a great snapshot of India.

Dionne is creating Warli art, a type of drawing specific to the state where Pune is located.
Another form of art is Rangoli, using chalk to make designs on the walkway or at the doorway of a home.

worldcentres.wagggs.org lists programs at Sangam throughout the year, ranging in length from one to ten weeks where you and your group can work on leadership skills, celebrate World Thinking Day, focus on wellness, and/or learn about a culture different from your own.  

If GCNWI offers an opportunity to travel to Sangam, I hope you’ll give serious consideration to applying as one of the participants. If the group/troop you are traveling with chooses to, you may be able to extend your stay in India to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, or the backwaters of Kerala! Belonging to WAGGGS is a worldwide connection for every Girl Scout. It gives you a place to make new friends and keep the old, no matter where in the world you go. So, each year, on February 22, know that Girl Scouts and Girl Guides at Sangam are thinking of you!