Returning to Where It All Began: The History of the Girl Scout National Convention

2023 Orlando – GCNWI Youth Delegate Katharine debating a proposal from the floor.

Juliette Gordon Low established the first national Girl Scout office in Washington, DC, in 1913. She hired two women to run the office but found that, as the movement spread across the United States, the work became too demanding. So she organized an advisory panel to monitor the expansion of the organization with monthly meetings in Washington. However, if the Girl Scouts were to be a truly national organization, its leadership should reflect the broad national interest. Therefore, Juliette Low organized the first Girl Scout National Convention, which took place June 10–12, 1915, at the prestigious Raleigh Hotel in Washington, DC.

At the first convention, 51 delegates were tasked with giving Girl Scouting a firm legal footing and consistent practices, without sacrificing local autonomy. They adopted a constitution and bylaws and elected national officers. Delegates endorsed a federal structure whereby the national organization would serve as an umbrella for multiple, independent councils. Delegates also agreed to create the National Council as the primary decision-making body for the Movement.

“Convention” is a broad name for what happens at these gatherings. There are guest speakers, an exhibition hall, spontaneous singing, organized singing, and forums on a range of enriching topics. The most important component is the formal meeting of the National Council, the Girl Scout legislature. Each local council sends delegates to vote on proposals that will have a significant impact on the Girl Scout Movement.

National Council meetings have shaped many of the most significant policies in Girl Scout history. Starting with the 1915 decision to set annual dues at 25 cents, subsequent increases went through the National Council. That pattern continued until 2012, when the National Board of Directors raised dues without taking the matter to the National Council.

In 1927, Girl Scouts shared that khaki uniforms looked too much like military uniforms, so a new silver-gray fabric was adopted. In 1960, delegates voted to divide the Intermediate level program (ages 10–13) into Juniors (ages 9–11) and Cadettes (ages 12–14). Then, in 1969, it was decided that Girl Scouts would remain a uniformed organization, but the uniforms would be updated to more contemporary styles. In 1975, a motion to admit boys into the organization was defeated; they also passed a constitutional amendment dedicated to diversity, pluralism, and anti-racism. Another interesting motion that was raised at the 1987 convention was to establish a plan to preserve our history. As a result, a National Historic Preservation Center was established at National Headquarters, a museum was created, and the reference handbook The Girl Scout Collector’s Guide was published in 1987 (revised in 2005).

As the organization grew, the frequency of conventions changed to accommodate its expanding membership. From 1915 to 1939, conventions were held annually. Beginning in 1941, they were held every two years. Since 1957, National Conventions have been held every three years.

During 2020, the in-person event was canceled, but delegates still gathered virtually for the National Council Session. Delegates Alonda and Leah shared photos of themselves participating in the meetings from home.

1990 Miami Beach – Delegates from South Cook Council (which eventually would merge into GCNWI)

2026 Girl Scout National Convention

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country, the Girl Scout National Convention was held in Washington, DC, in July.

The GCNWI National Delegation recently returned from attending. They had spent countless hours preparing, and were thrilled to represent our council with the future of our Movement in mind. Thank you to the 2026 GCNWI National Delegation for being an essential part of our Girl Scout community and our Movement.

A Better Future, Built by Gold Award Girl Scouts

Being a Girl Scout means taking an active role in making the world a better place, and this year’s Class of 2026 Gold Awardees embraced that responsibility with passion, purpose, and determination. They started by identifying important social causes and community needs, then followed through with detailed plans and countless hours of dedication to bring their vision to life and fulfill their promise to make the world a better place.

Through their projects, they have shown the power of empathy, respect, generosity, kindness, and compassion. The people who benefited from their work feel more seen and valued, more confident, and better equipped to navigate life’s greatest challenges.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is proud to recognize 60 Girl Scouts who have earned the highest award in Girl Scouting: the Gold Award. Read on to learn more about each awardee and the impact of their project.

Animals

Haley D. Paws n Whiskers, My Gold Award Project provides educational and physical resources for two animal rescues. I made 30 starter baskets to help owners easily transition to animal ownership. All starter baskets included either a hand-sewn dog bandana or a catnip toy. I also created an educational pamphlet and website, which are used as an educational resource for local rescues.

Lily H. Animal Welfare Club, My Gold Award Project is a new Animal Welfare Club at my high school. The goal of the club was to empower members and provide them hands-on experiences. Club members were provided with multiple opportunities to learn and participate in various enrichment activities. Members took this information and experiences from the club to provide safe and nurturing environments for all animals. We met our goal by teaching members of my club how to properly care for and advocate for animals.

Aleah Noelle R. Eyes on Owls: A Sustainable Makeover for Wildlife Education, My Gold Award Project is a self-led revamp of an Owl Enclosure at the little red schoolhouse to improve the safety, enrichment, and overall well-being of the habitat in benefit for the owl. I researched the ideal environmental conditions, structural and natural elements, and coordinated necessary resources along with volunteers to create a more sustainable and stimulating space that better supported the owl’s physical and behavioral needs.

Elizabeth W. Pet Pantries, My Gold Award Project is the creation of two pet pantries to serve low-income families in Eastern Will County and Kendall County. The pantries are filled with pet supplies, and people can come and take what they need or even donate what extra they have.

Arts and Culture Awareness

Grace P. Creating Community Through Theatre for Pre-Teens & Teens, My Gold Award Project focuses on boosting participation in performing arts in our school district and building community for younger students by creating a safe, confidence-building space through theatre. The root cause was insufficient outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students, which limited involvement in the program. To address this, I established a pathway for younger students by inviting them to audition for high school productions for the first time in our school’s history where I served as a student director coaching them on acting, lines, dances, and performance. I also designed and led an inaugural yearly theatre workshop for middle schoolers, complete with instructions and a trained successor to ensure its continuation.

Triniti W. Extending The Arts, My Gold Award Project addresses the issue of fading non-profit arts education. While many things in today’s world are expected to produce income, this has especially impacted the world of fashion and art-making. Through a collaboration with an iconic Chicago fashion designer, I was able to connect young students with the process of fashion entrepreneurship. I offered no-cost educational opportunities surrounding art-making and entrepreneurial realities, emphasizing the benefit of community and philanthropy. While money will always be a powerful incentive, the profit made from art was portrayed as something to be used for social advancement, not simply as the end goal.

Community Service & Equity

Riley B. Flagpole at Larson Residence, My Gold Award Project benefits the Larson Residence which is a men’s homeless shelter for veterans. They had their flagpole knocked down in a bad storm a few years ago so I built them a new one that included a solar-powered LED light, and an easy system on the pole for lowering and changing the flag. I also hosted and led a class for three Girl Scout troops from my area; one Daisy, one Brownie, and one Junior; where I taught them about flag etiquette and the history of the American flag as well as having them plant flowers around the newly built flag pole.

Margaret F. Reorganized Clothing Room at Connections For The Homeless, My Gold Award Project improves the system used in the clothing room at the Connections for The Homeless location Hilda’s Place in Evanston, IL. My goal was to make the system more organized and efficient for both the volunteers and the people in need. By making it easier for the people in need to identify and obtain clothes, it makes their experience in securing clothing a more pleasant experience. I also created a new system for the volunteers in the clothing room so that the volunteers can both learn and understand the rules they must follow and have a less cluttered and more organized workspace.

Grace F. Paper, Personal Essentials, and Planting, My Gold Award Project serves my community by collecting over 1,200 donations of personal essential products, which are items such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, cleaning products, and soaps. These items were donated to my local food pantry. Additionally, I educated a Brownie troop about the importance of these items to our food pantries, and we learned about sustainability by planting strawberry plants and donating the fruit.

Jenna G. Braille Menus, My Gold Award Project assists people with disabilities by creating Braille menus for individuals who are blind. This initiative aims to empower these individuals by enabling them to navigate restaurant menus independently, enhancing their dining experience without relying on others. By providing accessible Braille menus, I hope to promote inclusivity and independence, ensuring that everyone, regardless of visual ability, can enjoy the simple pleasure of choosing their own meal confidently and with dignity.

Evelyn H. Building a Website & Growing Awareness for Local Food Pantry, My Gold Award Project is a new website for my local food pantry to improve outreach and uphold its mission of “neighbors with neighbors.” The website led to a 63% increase in weekly volunteers over one year, with sign-up slots now filled months in advance, as well as an increase in donations. In such a critical moment of SNAP benefits being threatened and fear amongst marginalized communities, it felt powerful to ensure the pantry could continue to meet increased demands and support our community.

Lia J. Creating an Inclusive Environment through Golf, My Gold Award Project creates inclusive experiences for children from my church and children with disabilities. In partnership with Golf for Life NFP, I host a four week summer program teaching all aspects of the game of golf. Through this partnership, participants are connected to resources like clubs and equipment through the Kids Golf Foundation. To extend the program’s impact, I create a YouTube video so participants can revisit skills, get additional support, and share the experience with others.

Abeedah O. Reading Encouragement: A Library and Classroom in Nigeria, My Gold Award Project addresses the issue of reading deserts in other countries by establishing a library in a primary school in Nigeria. Through doing this the children at the school have greater access to books, improving their literacy rates, and giving them access to books they may not have had otherwise. My Gold Award Project also addresses the issue by expanding the learning opportunities of the students with the addition of a new classroom for them to learn in, which will give them the space and room they need to learn.

Alaya R. Small Box, Big Impact: A Community Food Pantry at a Police Station, My Gold Award Project addresses local food insecurity by creating and implementing a sustainable community food pantry at a police station, providing free and accessible food to individuals and families in need. Through partnerships, organization, and community outreach, this project promotes health, dignity, and long-term support for the surrounding neighborhood.

Kate S. Hattie B. Williams Food Pantry Community Gathering Space, My Gold Award Project is a new warm and welcoming space for fellowship and meaningful interaction at a local food pantry. My Gold Award Project was inspired by my experience volunteering at the Hattie B. Williams Food Pantry. While there, I observed that both volunteers and pantry recipients had a strong desire to socialize and build a sense of community. However, there wasn’t a designated space for them to gather and connect. I noticed an unused outdoor area that, with some care, creativity, and the addition of furniture, I transformed it into a space for everyone to enjoy who visits the food pantry.

Keigan S. Sweet Cases, My Gold Award Project supports foster kids by providing “sweet cases” personalized suitcases, filled with essentials and comfort items to help restore dignity and hope as they transition through the foster care system. These bags not only replaced the standard trash bags often used to carry their belongings, but also carry daily needs like clothing , toiletries, and other supplies frequently in short supply due to tight budgets. Through this project, I brought awareness to the struggles foster children face and made a lasting impact by helping them feel valued and prepared.

Liliana T. NAWS Shelter Donation Drive, My Gold Award Project addresses the need for supplies in local shelters. Not only did it raise an extremely large amount of supplies for a local shelter, NAWS, it also worked to educate the public about how they could better support their local shelters. This was achieved through an educational video as well as distributing educational pamphlets throughout the local community.

Mckenzie W. Women in Golf, My Gold Award Project spreads awareness and brings people together through golf. I hosted a recruitment drive and a series of skill based workshops, and created a golf club called Golf Hour to provide a space where everyone can enjoy the sport. Golf Hour takes place one Thursday each month at South Shore Golf Course, where all are welcome to learn about the course, participate in activities, and take advantage of lessons. The goal is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for golfers of all levels.

Lilian Z. Sports For All, My Gold Award Project makes sports more accessible to teenagers with disabilities in my city. I addressed this issue by creating a weekend sports workshop that combined my sports connections as well as my connection to the disability community within my high school to create this project. I had multiple participants come to multiple weeks and practice playing a different sport each week such as basketball, soccer, and kickball. Sports For All is now intertwined with an existing club called Wildkit Buddies at my school.

Education

Belen B. SMV Children’s Library, My Gold Award Project increases literarcy at my church. I created a children’s library filled with religious books. This gives families direct access to hundreds of faith-filled books for children and encourages them to dive deeper into their faith.

Zenia B. You and Your Skin, My Gold Award Project educates people on science-based skincare practices and how to resist misinformation from social media trends. Building upon a skin science research project from school, I developed informational brochures and packets that explained how sleep, brain development, stress, and other factors affect skin health, then distributed them to over 300 individuals at 12 locations including, dermatology clinics, libraries, and community centers across the Greater Chicago area.

Kaitlyn B. GiGi’s Playhouse Youth Advisory Board, My Gold Award Project is a new Youth Advisory Board for GiGi’s Playhouse. With the formation of a Youth Advisory Board, GiGi’s Playhouse will gain new insights from the perspective of teens in organizing events for participants, fundraising ideas, spreading awareness, and embracing individuals with Down syndrome. Through the Youth Advisory Board we have provided educational opportunities for teens to learn about Down syndrome, helping to dispel misconceptions and encourage a mindset that embraces differences. Leading by example and actively involving teens in GiGi’s Playhouse programs increases awareness about Down syndrome and also inspires others to become advocates for inclusion within their own communities.

Serena G. DECA Chapter, My Gold Award Project is a new DECA chapter at my school. I lead and designed meetings using DECA guidelines, facilitated presentations, discussions, research, and most importantly introduced members to real-world business concepts through role-plays and case studies. I also coordinated competition preparation with my advisor, the DECA team, and my school staff. These competitions allowed students to apply their skills in professional, high-pressure scenarios.

Ayra K. Spark Your Career, My Gold Award Project tackles the challenges high school students face when discovering and exploring careers they are passionate about that will guide them through college and beyond. I organized a career fair and created an Instagram page to share career insights, resources, and professional spotlights and access to information. Ultimately, my project increases awareness of diverse career paths and fosters a stronger sense of direction and purpose as students transition to higher education and future careers.

Rifaa M. Decode & Discover: Reading Mastery for Students, My Gold Award Project teaches literacy skills to students at my local community center. I hosted a series of five workshops, with each class targeting a unique skill related to reading proficiency. I also created lesson plans with outcomes and benchmarks that I shared with other teachers at my community center, as well as a global organization, to continue impacting students with the curriculum I created.

Kelsey R. Making Waves for Water Safety, My Gold Award Project addresses the importance of water safety, including education on safe practices around bodies of water. I also outlined how to contact government officials to push for water safety education in schools and to request for all beaches to have lifeguards.

Environment

Stella A. Our Fashion Footprint: A Girl Scout Patch, My Gold Award Project addresses the issue of fast fashion and its impact on our environment and society through a new Girl Scout patch program. I created resources that educate girls about the ways that irresponsible consumerism and unsustainable clothing production affect the health of the environment and deprive garment workers of fair rights and reasonable wages. Girl Scouts wo earn this patch will not only go on to learn about the issue of fast fashion, but will also learn how to take steps in their own lives and communities to start building a greener fashion future.

Inika B. Drones in Environmental Conservation, My Gold Award Project aims to enhance waste cleanup efforts by monitoring green spaces in the City of Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park with autonomous drones, increasing the overall amount of trash collected and concentrating cleanup efforts in places that truly need it. Previous beach and park cleanups have not been as efficient because small groups of volunteers are tasked with covering vast areas in a limited time. By utilizing autonomous (self-flying) drones and specialized trash detection software, I have set up a system that can detect trash and alert park organizations when an area of the park accumulates a high trash density.

Claire C. Upcycling with Kindness, My Gold Award Project reduces waste and raises awareness about community upcycling initiatives and organizations. I organized resources for nonprofits by creating a lending library for starting 501(c) organizations, assembled care bags for a domestic abuse shelter, and established a plastic recycling partnership through the NexTrex Recycling Program. I also led educational upcycling workshops for younger Girl Scouts to teach them how to reuse household materials and reduce waste.

Madeline H. Bat Bash!, My Gold Award Project focuses on bat conservation. I wrote and illustrated a short story about three girls who bond over a shared dedication to the environment and bats, before posting it on a website I created. I then proceeded to host a Bat Bash: an event filled with games and activities all centered around bat protection and environmental conservation (including favorites such as “Herbicide Hunt” and “Pollution Polo”!)

Alyssa M. Rain to Resource, My Gold Award project is designing, building, and donating rain barrels to local elementary schools in my district, providing a practical solution to stormwater runoff and water conservation. By collecting and reusing rainwater from school rooftops, the system reduces strain on storm drains and supports sustainable water use. The barrels remain on campus as a long-term educational tool, giving students a tangible example of environmental responsibility.

Ariella P. The Less Litter Project, My Gold Award Project is a clean-up station made to combat the trash in my local parks. I worked together with my park district to place the station optimally, and then worked with the rest of my team to make both the station itself and a website with data collection.

Cailin R. Securing a Greener Future- Placing the Planet in the Next Generation’s Hands, My Gold Award Project is a new green space for students and the surrounding community to use and learn in. Fixing up the garden gave students a new place to learn, and by planting native plants, it helps to support declining pollinator populations by contributing another resting place in a space that is becoming more and more urban. It was implemented in an elementary school to help the students be more hands on and learn about the outside world.

Esmeralda S. Helping Pollinators and Spreading Awareness, My Gold Award Project helps pollinators and spreads awareness about their status and importance in our environment. For my project I created a pollinator garden at a local church in my area to provide a space for pollinators and to raise awareness, I created two large wooden butterflies and a sign with a QR code to catch people’s attention. I also educated a first grade class, two Girl Scout troops, and printed flyers out for a nature center and libraries. Lastly, I created a website and Instagram account on pollinators, participated in a pollinator event, and more to broaden my impact.

Health & Mental Wellness

Lily A. Hobby Fair My Gold Award Project aims to combat the negative effects of overdependency on social media, such as mental health issues, by introducing a positive and easy-to-adopt solution: Hobbies! I specifically focused on middle schoolers, as middle school is a vulnerable and foundational time in life that is easily impacted by influences such as social media. I organized a Hobby Fair at my local library that taught four non-digital hobbies to encourage youth to take up activities that would benefit their mental health.

Aaliya B. Spice and Something Not So Nice, My Gold Award Project addresses health disparities within the South Asian community. I led interactive workshops on taking control of your health, created a podcast, and wrote a cookbook with healthier versions of classic South Asian dishes. I educated my community on how small sustainable changes, whether in cooking or exercise, can help prevent and manage the health risks they face while preserving cultural traditions.

Phoenix B. Friendship Bench, My Gold Award Project helps children develop social skills to avoid social isolation. I created four benches in my local park district that created an opportunity for children to help make long-lasting friendships with their peers and learn how to socialize around them. Each bench has a different question, simple enough for the children to answer, so they can elaborate on their answers to make conversations with their peers.

Maggie B. Stitching 4 Sanity, My Gold Award Project involves teaching monthly cross-stitching lessons in cooperation with my school’s Bring Change 2 Mind, a club that helps kids talk about mental health and the stereotypes around it. Cross-stitching is a great skill because it’s a creative outlet as well as a coping strategy for stress, that gives people a sense of accomplishment and pride when they finish a piece. It was so gratifying to watch students learn how to de-stress in a creative way.

Kelsey F. Addressing Depression and Building Community Connections Through Music Within Nursing Homes, My Gold Award Project assists senior citizens living in nursing homes overcome feelings of depression through building community connections. As a musician, I constantly experience the power music has to uplift mood and I wanted to share this with others. Through my research I discovered that seniors are often a neglected group suffering from depression. I designed my project to include volunteer high school musicians that would travel to the nursing homes providing free performances and teaching about music and the pieces performed; the music and community engagement from the high schoolers interacting with the seniors increases both party’s dopamine and successfully gave the seniors the feeling of belonging and being seen by the community.

Giada G. Musical Healing, My Gold Award Project addresses the often-overlooked issue of loneliness and lack of stimulation during hospital stays by providing supplies that support both mental and physical engagement, including two donated pianos and activity bags. I developed a sustainable Amazon Wishlist donation system and created reusable seasonal social media campaigns to ensure ongoing community engagement and support. This project provides comfort to hospital patients while also raising long-term awareness.

Peyton H. Mental Health Matters, My Gold Award Project provides teen students with practical tools and resources that teach mindfulness, emotional resilience, and healthy coping strategies to strengthen their mental health. I made 100 bracelets and tri-folds. I had five strategies, meaning 20 bracelets for each strategy. Each strategy had colors that corresponded to the bracelets. In my tri-fold, I explained self-acceptance, each strategy, how to use it, and gave examples.

Landyn H. Mental Health Toolkit, My Gold Award Project is a mental health toolkit that the teachers and staff at The Answer Inc are able to use. This is a Saturday tutoring program for students with special needs and autism, so the toolkit is a great support for the teachers to address the growing mental health concerns.

Skyla J. Connecting Children with Nature Through Literature, My Gold Award Project increase awareness among children and parents about the positive impact of nature on children’s health. I wrote and illustrated a children’s book that explores these benefits and provides engaging outdoor activities. To extend its reach, I donated copies to local libraries and schools.

Nuha K. Nuha’s Field of Flowers, My Gold Award Project is a sustainable garden that supports mental health by providing a peaceful outdoor space for mindfulness and reflection. I led a mental health and gardening program for middle school students, helping them connect with nature through activities like seed planting and reflective exercises. This project continues to promote emotional well-being through ongoing garden use and school-supported wellness programming.

Brooke M. Mental Health Support for Elementary Students, My Gold Award Project addresses the growing mental health issues in school-aged students. After COVID-19, there was an increase in mental health struggles in elementary school students. My goal was to address this issue within classrooms by giving teachers new resources to help support their students when they struggle with their emotions. This can also help students learn coping mechanisms at a young age that they can use as they get older. I created a mental health resource that students have easy access to in their classroom, helping teachers create a safe space for the best learning opportunity.

Iman M. Think Ahead: Alzheimer’s Awareness Starts Now, My Gold Award Project raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and teaches teens and young adults that healthy habits, like exercising, eating well, staying mentally active, and how maintaining social connections can help lower their risk later in life. I created an educational project using presentations and online resources to encourage long-term brain health.

Addison P. Hastings Lake YMCA Gaga Ball Pit, My Gold Award Project provides children with a safe and inclusive place to play. By playing in the Gaga Ball pit, the children developed interpersonal skills — for example, learning to work and play fairly with others. This also gave them the opportunity to be physically active, which promoted their health. Playing in the Gaga pit helped support the development of both gross and fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination, which are important life skills needed in everyday life and sports.

Alisha P. Healthy Minds, My Gold Award Project helps seniors in my community who live alone and don’t get to connect much with people their age. For eight weeks I conducted different activities to help stimulate their mind and body, and allow them to build connections with other elders in our community. My materials have been passed to the Aging Gracefully Initiative who will continue to implement my activities with new activities that all build in the idea of mind and body stimulation, keeping the mind and body healthy as well as skills of connecting with the people around you.

Sara S. Rett Syndrome Awareness: Respect. Empower. Teach. Tell., My Gold Award Project creates awareness and educates others about Rett Syndrome in order for those affected to be treated with kindness and sensitivity. I was inspired by my cousin with Rett Syndrome to make my community a more inclusive place. I created informational pamphlets and a slideshow containing general information about Rett Syndrome such as what it is, whether a cure exists, and common symptoms to identify one with Rett. I also included statistics, what organizations work to raise awareness, and what people can do to help. I also created purple bracelets and distributed them with the pamphlets at a high school softball tournament for further reach and impact.

Lexie S. All Feelings Matter: Helping Kids Understand and Express Their Emotions, My Gold Award Project helps young readers recognize that their emotions are valid and important. I created a children’s picture book with the message that all feelings matter. It fosters emotional intelligence, encourages healthy expression of feelings, and promotes empathy by showing that everyone experiences a range of emotions. This foundation is crucial for mental well-being, social development, and conflict resolution skills as children grow.

Kayla Mauri S. Another Perspective: A Guide for Parents with Kids who are Struggling with Mental Health, My Gold Award Project raises awareness among parents about the importance of children’s mental health and how support can help a child’s well-being. Through interviews with peers and educated professionals, I created a book to help parents understand mental health and different way to approach their children so they can intervene earlier when their child is first in need of help.

STEM

Emilia A. Science, My Gold Award Project teaches kids STEM through fun and engaging, hands-on experiments. I lead activities like dancing raisins, homemade lava lamps, marshmallow tower building, catapults, magic milk, and oobleck to make science interactive and accessible. In total, I reached 80 participants across five different groups and facilitated 27 workshops across two volunteer sites.

Claire N. Coding Explorers: Expanding Young Engineering Minds My Gold Award Project provides children with hands-on experience in technology through interactive sessions that make learning basic coding fun and accessible. These opportunities may not otherwise be available during the school day or in after-school programs. Through engaging activities, I help students understand the real-world applications of coding while building digital literacy, encouraging creativity, and sparking interest in STEM careers. I continue to expand the project by posting lessons, articles, and blog content on my website for ongoing learning.

The Empowerment, Safety, & Health of Women

Nuha B. Helping Henna Hands, My Gold Award Project empowers women through a series of educational and skill-building workshops. I started by teaching henna techniques, with a skill showcase on the sixth day and continued practice through the last training session. Participants also learned how to set up a Shopify store to gain hands-on experience in managing an online business. Additionally, the workshops covered strategies for marketing themselves effectively on social media. To measure progress and impact, I conducted pre-event surveys, post-event surveys, and follow-up surveys after each class. Through these goals, I was able to equip participants with both creative and entrepreneurial skills that they can use to grow personally and professionally.

Katherine C. Women’s Self Defense, Information and Video, My Gold Award Project teaches women self defense strategies that actually work. I taught a series of basic self defense classes and produced a video to expand its reach beyond in person sessions.

Leila F. Ghana Period Project, My Gold Award Project helps girls in need get access to menstrual education and supplies. The girls of Mampong Methodist J.H.S, in Ghana, were given their own supplies such as reusable pads to keep and a presentation to understand what happens in their bodies. Lastly, a “Dignity Cupboard” was built that will be stocked yearly with pads, tampons, wipes, educational books to make sure they have anything they need easily accessible.

Kayla J. Self Defense Classes, My Gold Award Project is around the violence women face. I made a self defense class for the women within my high school as an opportunity to share and teach self defense. I taught these classes to give back to the women in my life who’ve taught me such important lessons, and with these classes I was able to do the same for them.

Emma K. Body Positivity/Positive Affirmation Project, My Gold Award Project is a presentation about body positivity and positive affirmations that I presented to a young group of Girl Scouts. My goal was to teach young girls how to talk about themselves in a positive way and see themselves as beautiful. To teach them how to recite positive affirmations, I had them all decorate positive affirmation mirrors.

Chloe M. Pink Box Project, My Gold Award Project provides free period products to both of my community’s local intermediate and middle schools through public donations and fundraising. I got sponsored by groups in my town, and communicated with each grade’s principals to get permission to set it up. Currently, there are 24 pink boxes located in each bathroom and relevant office, offering free items to be taken when needed; clubs at each school continue to run the operations after my graduation.

McKenzie Y. G.H.A.N.A – Ghana Hygiene Awareness Needs Action, My Gold Award Project educates my school community about the W.A.S.H. mission, a global issue in Ghana. I helped provide hand hygiene products to the Ghanaian community by having an annual drive in conjunction with Breaking Barriers and the National Honor Society, two clubs at my former high school.

A special thank you to the Gold Award Committee coaches who have supported each Gold Awardee throughout their journey, and panelists who reviewed all final reports.

Congratulations. Gold Award Girl Scouts!

Camp Lone Tree

Written by Council Historian, Rosemarie Courtney

When the council received its charter from GSUSA as a local council in November of 1926, plans were all ready in the works for its own summer resident camp. The Oak Park District had so many girls interested in camping that the Chicago council camp could no longer accommodate them.

The new facility would be needed for the 1927 camping season. After much fruitless searching in Wisconsin, property was finally found in southwestern Michigan on Long Lake in St. Joe County six miles from the town of Three Lakes.

The selling price for the thirty acres was $5,000.00 dollars. An article in the Oak Leaves Newspaper in January of 1927 announced the find and itemized the total estimated cost of $11,240.00 to pay for the land and furnish the camp.

Another article published in the Oak Leaves on March 5, 1927 announced a community-wide fund drive beginning March 7 to secure funds for the permanent camp. Fathers of some of the Girl Scouts volunteered to solicit the funds. The goal of the fundraising was to raise a minimum of $10,000 with an ideal figure of $20,000. By June 1, the fundraising reached $12,5000.

Mrs. E. L. March, the Council’s Executive Director (CEO), became the camp’s first director.

Registration opened for the inaugural session of Camp Lone Tree on April 30, 1927. Eighty girls attended this session which started on June 23, 1927.

Mrs. March organized a “Dad’s Patrol” to help with the construction at the new camp site. 35 platform tents were among the first items the dads built.

The recreation and dining hall were a gift from four businessmen’s organizations in Oak Park: the Lion’s Club, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce.

Fees for the new camp were $7.00 per week for food and lodging, plus transportation charges not to exceed $5.00 round trip. A Girl Scout could also spend ten cents per day at the canteen for candy or fruit but only after the evening meal.

In 1932, the camp needed a new boat, so Girl Scouts collected over 6,000 wire hangers that they turned in for cash to pay for the boat.

Swimming was a daily activity and later, horseback riding became the most popular activity at camp. By 1932, the camp program included canoeing, nature projects, hayrack riding, classes in photography, archery, dramatics and handcrafts.

There was an on-going building program to improve the camp, including cabins for Brownies. In June of 1944, 126 Brownies came for a week at camp. More acreage was purchased several times to accommodate this expansion. By 1948, the camp comprised 116 acres with 2,000 feet of waterfront and 52 buildings. But by 1957, civilization was encroaching on the camp which caused concern about safety.

Because of this, at the November 1957 board meeting, it was voted for a site-selection committee to be formed to find a new resident camp site. The last camping season in Michigan was in 1961.

Susan Shafer Helfer’s Memories of Camp Lone Tree in the 1940’s

“Late in the afternoon after a long bus ride along Hwy. 12, we arrived at Girl Scout Camp Lone Tree in St. Joe County, Michigan. We unloaded at the large white house on the top of the hill separated by age. Then each team, girls and counselors, set out down the hill path to the campsites. Each group of campsites cabins had names: Indian Village, Sherwood Forest, Treasure Island and Fort Dearborn. The cabins were set around the outdoor campfire stones. They were made of dark wood on the bottom and had a screened in area on the top. Each cabin held four metal bunk beds and some wooden orange crates to hold your things. Your duffle bag and tin suitcase went under the bed.

Fort Dearborn (my unit) was located along the shoreline of Long Lake where the older girls lived in large canvas tents. These tents were built up on wooden platforms. They had tent flaps that could be closed at night or when it rained. A separate piece of canvas went over the roof. If the roof canvas touched the main canvas during a rainstorm, the roof would leak so Girl Scouts had to make sure the tent ropes were tight at all times.

Mrs. March was the camp director. She drove around camp in a station wagon with wooden sides that we lovingly called “Old Woody.”

Katherine Miller, camp name Tinder, was the assistant director.

Everyone ate together in the large dining hall. We would all assemble on the porch deck before meals and sing camp songs. Food was served family-style with one person picking the food up in the kitchen. Eight people sat at each table with one girl seated at the foot of the table who poured the water. No one wanted that job!

Camp chores were done every morning. They included raking and sweeping the whole area. Cleaning the latrines and polishing the sooty lantern glass with old newspaper were also among the chores. Your cabin, bed, and floors had to be neat and clean.

On Sundays, all campers would march in and gather in the large clearing around the flagpole. The seven members of the color guard would march in through the horseshoe opening and up to the flagpole. Six members of the guard were all dressed in white with a bright red sash around their waist. The leader had a red sash over her shoulder and gave the orders, and the flag was unfolded and raised.

Photos taken from Mary Helen Jones’ 1927 – 1928 Summer Camp Scrapbook

Although this story is about a Girl Scout camp that operated from 1927 to 1961, before many of you were born, the Girl Scouts who experienced it carried those memories with them and shared them for years. Why not sign up for camp this summer and start making new memories, or continue building on the ones you already cherish?

Marty Devereaux- Poch, A Dedicated Volunteer Who Is Always Giving Back

Many of our Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana volunteers are exceptional at supporting Girl Scouts in a variety of ways. Marty Devereaux-Poch is definitely one of those volunteers. Marty’s passion for Girl Scouts started in her girl years and continues to this day, over 60 years since she donned the Brownie uniform. In honor of National Volunteer Month, let’s take a look at the long-term relationship which Marty Poch has had with the movement.

It was in 1962 that Marty started her Girl Scout experience when she became a second grade Brownie with legacy Cloverleaf Council in Cicero, Illinois. Although Marty’s mom had been a Girl Scout through eighth grade, she was not the one to lead Marty’s troop at the beginning. It was her grandmother who took on that role for the troop through Brownies and Juniors. When the troop was getting organized, Marty’s grandmother told her daughter to “watch your own kids, and I’ll do this with Martha.” One of Marty’s fondest memories of her grandmother was her insistence on being in proper attire, even when at camp. When Grandma went to camp, she was always in a dress and stockings and often times in full uniform. She also made sure that the girls had their full uniforms, including white gloves, when at camp. On Sunday morning, the girls would put on those uniforms when they went to mass at a local convent. At one point, Marty’s Mom took Grandma shopping to purchase slacks to use when camping. However, the girls embarrassed her when they made such a fuss over Grandma wearing slacks, that she went back to her original wardrobe. She was known throughout the council for wearing a dress and stockings to camp. When Marty became a Cadette, her Mom took over the troop, and she stayed with them all the way to high school graduation. Marty’s Mom and Grandma became her role models for volunteering. That being said, Marty’s first volunteering experience came to her during high school. She took the Leader-in-Training (LIT) training and helped with a Junior troop that included her younger sisters.

One of the highlights of her girl years happened when Marty was a high school senior. She was selected for a Wider Opportunity (Wider Op) that was taking place during winter break. The Wider Op was an immersion language camp being held in West Virginia. Each participant focused on a particular language, and Marty chose German. The two-week program culminated in a celebration that had the girls wearing traditional clothing and doing traditional crafts. They also had to make a dinner reflective of the culture. Marty prepared potato pancakes, a recipe that her grandmother taught her how to make. Being part of a Wider Op was definitely a way to culminate Marty’s girl years.

After high school, Marty attended college at Loyola University, where she found various ways of giving service to Girl Scouts. One of her college classes required her to do an internship with a social service agency. This gave Marty the opportunity to work with legacy Chicago Council by helping two new field directors with recruitment. She also worked with two troops for several months, which resulted in her spending a lot of time on public transportation. Marty also volunteered with Cloverleaf Council with their camp program during all four years of college.

Another college endeavor for Marty was the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). This is a college-based program that combines academic studies with military training, allowing students to earn a degree while preparing to become commissioned officers. Because of Marty’s extensive Girl Scout training, she had an advantage over other ROTC recruits because she already knew how to camp, AND she could put up a tent correctly.

In 1974, Marty became a volunteer for a Junior troop, first as an assistant leader, then taking on the role of leader. She would have the gratification of leading her three nieces, staying with these girls through their high school years. She was the Junior leader for seven years, and the Cadette leader for eight years.

One of Marty’s favorite troop excursions as a volunteer was to Savannah, not just once, but twice. She was particularly impressed by seeing how different the experience was for the girls from the time they were in grammar school to the time they went there in high school. During the second visit, Marty took the girls on a ghost tour through Savannah, which ended up on the steps of the Birthplace for a photo. While on the steps, the girls noticed a curtain in the window starting to move, and they were SURE it was the ghost of Juliette. However, it should be noted that when air conditioning turns on, curtains are likely to move.

Over the years, Marty has taken on a variety of roles. She has been a trainer for all age levels and has facilitated the training for outdoors, including archery, orienteering and Leave No Trace. She was volunteer staff at Camp River Trails, where she was the camp cook for mother/daughter events. Marty has also served on the LEAP team for numerous years.

Besides her various duties as a trainer, Marty has stepped up to take on other key positions. She was a Service Unit Manager for Whispering Oaks, Prairie Winds, and Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. She has been a Council Delegate for various councils, including legacy Lone Tree, Whispering Oaks, and Prairie Winds, along with serving in that position for GCNWI. She has also taken on the responsibility of National Delegate numerous times, serving in that role for Whispering Oaks, Prairie Winds, and GCNWI. Even with all the various volunteering positions that Marty has had over the years, she will still tell you that her most rewarding volunteer experience was as a troop leader.

Marty’s first full time job was very unusual for a woman at the time. She applied to work for the Saukee Area Boy Scout Council in West Central Illinois that included the counties of Hancock and Adams. Marty had been told that the Boy Scouts only hire Eagle Scouts. However, she got the job because she was a First Class Girl Scout. She became the first female in Illinois to hold the position of District Executive. While an employee for the Boy Scouts, Marty also took on the responsibility of volunteering as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts.

Besides her involvement in Girl Scouts, Marty has found other ways to be of service in her community. She has been a volunteer income tax aid for AARP. She has also done volunteer tax preparation for Ladder Up, an organization that supports low income individuals. Marty is on the HOA board for her homeowners’ association. Additionally, she has been a part of the music ministry at her parish, playing her guitar for services.

Marty’s dedication to Girl Scouts has not gone unnoticed. She has received almost every Girl Scout recognition that is available, including the Thanks II Badge and induction into the GSGCNWI Hall of Fame. However, Marty will tell you that the most rewarding recognition she received was Outstanding Leader, presented to her while volunteering for the Whispering Oaks Council. The award is so special to Marty because the girls in her troop wrote the letters of endorsement, which was a testimonial of their appreciation for her leading them. May all Girl Scout leaders feel that same gratitude, not only during Volunteer Month, but all year long.

A big Thank You goes out to Marty and to all of our volunteers who make Girl Scouting possible for so many girls!

Girl Scouts Anniversaries Through the Years

Written by Council Historian, Vikki Zack

Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, GA, who was a woman ahead of her time preparing girls to be leaders in all aspects of life

By the 25^th anniversary of the Girl Scout movement in 1937, 529 councils existed, supporting girls ages 7 to 18. The first national franchised cookie sale had been started the year before with 29 bakers, raising funds to further develop programs. Girl Scouting promoted not only social responsibility and leadership, but also outdoor skills. The Silver Jubilee was held at Camp Andree in Briarcliff Manor, NY, where 100 girls from the USA and 26 other countries gathered to celebrate.

The U.S. Post Office issued a 4-cent commemorative Girl Scout stamp for the 50^th anniversary. Membership had grown from the 18 girls in Savannah to approximately 3.5 million in 1962, with over 300 Girl Scout councils empowering girls with skills, confidence, and leadership. A Girl Scout Rose and a Brownie Marigold were specifically cultured to observe this milestone and were unveiled at the McCormick Annual Flower Show. The Girl Scout slogan for this anniversary was “Honor the Past, Serve the Future”.

In Chicago, with over 6,000 girls, a Jubilee was held at the International Amphitheater with demonstrations of folk dancing, outdoor skills, and many exhibits of Girl Scout activities. Girls wrote a pledge that they sent to President Kennedy in response to his challenge to Girl Scouts to “prepare yourselves for service to your country and to mankind”.

DuPage County Council kicked off the 50^th with a “Kaffee Klatch” for the staff that was sponsored by their Board of Directors. Four performances were held at Melody Top in Hinsdale, reserving seats for Girl Scouts and families to attend.

Cook County held a special 60^th anniversary going back to the traditions from the beginning. Special services were held Sunday at many places of worship, and several neighborhoods took on the challenge of Girl Scout Week with each day having a theme: Monday was Homemaking Day; Tuesday was Citizenship Day, Wednesday was Health and Safety Day; Thursday was International Friendship Day; Friday was Arts and Crafts Day; and Saturday was Outdoor Day. Girl Scouts learned things from someone who could help them from the past. Nearly 350 Girl Scouts from Markham participated in a flag ceremony at the public library and then held an exhibition including skits and films, along with arts, crafts and other displays.

The 75^th anniversary was themed “Tradition with a Future”. On March 12, the U.S. Post Office released a 22-cent stamp featuring a Junior Badge Sash. New uniforms for Cadettes and Seniors were introduced with blue skirts, vests and sashes, with a white, green and blue pinstripe shirt and a kelly green tie.

Girl Scouts of Chicago held a promise Circle Ceremony at the Daley Plaza and presented the mayor’s office with a scroll of troops doing 75 Days of Service. On April 25 a parade of over 3,100 girls and adults from 12 Chicagoland councils marched down Michigan Avenue, “Girl Scouts on Parade”, to celebrate the 75^th milestone. Chicago also printed a book with its council history of all the above activities and the parade featuring everyone involved.

Calumet Council held a Flag Ceremony for the 75^th where Girl Scouts from several troops participated, inviting Girl Scouts and their families to join in for cake and soft drinks at the Hammond Civic Center. Everyone was asked to bring canned goods that were taken to Greater Hammond Community Services.

To observe the 85^th anniversary, Girl Scouts from across the country gathered to “Rock the Mall” in Washington, D.C. with singing of many loved new and old Girl Scout songs. The overwhelming success of this event led to the revival several times, ensuring many more years of this wonderful organization.

For the 90^th anniversary, and with Girl Scouts still growing, Girl Scout volunteer Carol Kocan held a food drive at Chicago’s Navy Pier to help fight hunger. Donations benefited pantries, shelters, day care centers, and other agencies through the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where a full truckload plus was delivered.

The year 2012 brought the 100^th birthday. Promise Circles were held at several locations around our new council, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, which had merged seven councils into one. A presentation of uniforms across the years was done at council recognition events. A 10-km run was held in Downtown Chicago, to support and celebrate Girl Scouting.

In Northwest Indiana, Girl Scout Senior/Ambassador Troop 60035 held a Promise Circle in Wicker Park with over 400 people in attendance. The Highland Fire Department hung a huge flag at the top of one of the engines with a flood light at dusk, while the police provided traffic control. Former CEO Ester (Rusty) Kristoff from Calumet Council was the guest speaker, a Girl Scout played TAPS on her trumpet while everyone sang along. Canned goods were collected which the fire department took to food pantries. Dessert and drinks were served by the Girl Scouts with many donations of cakes and sweets from local businesses.

While our next mile marker event won’t be held until 2037 for our 125^th, we can look at our Nation’s 250^th this year and find ways to celebrate milestones of our camps, our troops, and our founder, Juliette Gordon Low every year.

Our Chalet

Written by Council Historian, Rosemarie Courtney

In 1929, Helen Storrow, chair of the World Committee, initiated to the committee the idea of a World Center in Switzerland. Helen agreed to look for the site and fund the building of a chalet plus other expenses for three years. The World Center was to provide a place for international friendship, offering year-round high-altitude outdoor adventures and leadership training for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide.

Helen hired Swiss scout Ida Von Herrenschwand to help find the site. His first recommendation was Kanderstag but Helen did not like the site because it did not have any hills where games, songs and other outdoor activities could be held. Helen settled on the site in Adelboden.

Our Chalet was dedicated on July 31, 1932, by Helen Storrow and Olave Baden-Powell. At the ceremony the Chalet song was introduced “High Up High on A Mountain we founded Our Chalet.”

Helen loved the place so much that she had a “baby” chalet built where she spent months at a time.

Over the years another chalet was built for staff members, and in 1999, another one for visitors, shop and office.

There are programs for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides year-round. They reserve one week each year for an all-adult event in the fall. In 2018, a group of historians from our council went to the event. There we met Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from Canada and England.

Some of us hiked in the Alps every day while others went touring. After breakfast and packing our lunch on the first day we gathered around the flagpole for the raising for the flag and posting a small flag in a log representing every country at Our Chalet. Also, on the first day each was given their Our Chalet pin.

The first day everyone went to Engstigen Falls and took the gondola up to Engstigenalp.

Other places the entire group went were Bunderfalls and Magic Tree, Aare Gorge & Reichenbach Falls (where Sherlock Holmes fights to death with Professor Moriarty) and the village of Adelboden & Museum and Woodcarver who makes pins in the WAGGGS symbol and neckerchief slides.

The hikers went to Kletterturm Silleren, and Tschenten on two separate days. While hiking they saw people flying large model airplanes, parasailers and snow.

The tourists went on a boat ride from Spiez to Turn where they saw Mt Nielsen and Ballenburg.

Dinners were served family style. One plate at each table had a sticker on the bottom side and they were the table’s “hopper” getting the dishes of food from the kitchen. If your birthday occurs while you are there the volunteer staff (voiles) sing Happy Birthday to you in their native tongue.

Each evening had a theme including Swiss Night, Campfire and songs, Cheese & Wine, WAGGGS night and chocolate fondue.

Everyone who attends an event at Our Chalet can take part in the Our Chalet Challenge. The challenge consists of six components: Physical Challenge, WAGGGS Knowledge, Our Chalet History, Swiss Culture, Personal Challenge and Service.

A tradition is to have a group picture taken on the steps.

What is Day Camp?

Written by Council Historian, Rose C.

“Day camp is an adventure in the out-of-doors. Camp by the day – home each night. Brownie, Junior and Cadette units of troop size, plan hikes, cook over an open fire, learn songs, play games, develop skills and relax under trees. A trained staff provided by the council join the girls in creating a program of fun, adventure, and learning.” (Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council 1972 summer camp brochure)

The earliest information we have about day camp in what is now our council goes back to the 1940s. In the early years and into the early 1970s Day Camp was run by volunteers in each district, neighborhood, community, council, or service unit. They were held in forests preserves and parks.

Transportation was by bus or the girls walked to the park in their neighborhood. Girls brought an unbreakable cup, a sit-upon, paper & pencil, pocketknife and the handbook appropriate for the level they would be in next fall. Lunch was normally a sack lunch unless the unit decided to cook their lunch then girls would divide between themselves what ingrediencies they would bring to cook their lunch. When the girls cooked their own meal, they also brought a mess kit, silverware and a dunk bag to hang their cleaned dishes in to dry. Major equipment for cooking, crafts and buckets was brought to and from each day by the volunteers.

Day camp always started every day with a flag ceremony, followed by crafts, singing, hiking, games, cooking, nature study, storytelling and much more.

Each unit had a caper chart so the girls would rotate responsibilities each day. Some of the responsibilities were gathering wood for a fire, cook the meal, wash the cooking utensils (girls washed their own dishes) and getting water to keep by the fire.

Some day camps were one or two weeks long. Also, some camps had a theme like Wagon Ho!, Super Summer Sampler, the Wild West, Kaleida-Scout Summer, Fun in the Sun, Mosaic of Olympics, Let’s Explore Nature, and World of Fun. This led to theme weeks like Fine Arts, Playhouse (drama), Let’s stay (planning a campout and staying overnight the last two nights), Vagabond (biking), Paddlers (canoeing), and Program Aide (now CIT).

In the 1970s some of the councils moved their day camps to their camps and hired a staff member to be day camp director. South Cook Council started hosting day camp at Camp Palos in 1969 and when The Friendship Center was built in 1992 day camp was offered at both sites. Lone Tree Area to The Wild Rose Program Center in 1972. DuPage County Council to Camp Greene Wood and Von Oven. In the 1990s DuPage County Council also offered what was called S.W.A.P.S. (Summer Weather Activity and Program Specials). These programs were designed for Junior Girl Scouts and older. These activities were short-term and badge-related and held throughout the council. Other councils continued to have day camp run by service units with volunteers staffing the camp.

Today, day camp is weeklong and is held at Camp Greene Wood. Also, some service units have their own day camp run by volunteers. They are held in parks, community centers and forest preserves. Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with Camp Greene Wood offering before-camp and after-camp programs.

The camp is open to youth entering grades K-12. Adult volunteers are welcome at all camps.

Information about 2026 Summer Camp is out now. Take time to read through all the opportunities available to make new friends, learn in skills, adventure in the out-of-doors and just have fun.

Summer Camp Registration Opens on February 2, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.!

Postcards Through Girl Scout History

Written by Council Historian Nancy Corry.

Postcards have played a charming and meaningful role from the earliest days of Girl Scouts. Just a decade after Juliette Gordon Low founded the organization in 1912, postcards captured the spirit of scouting. These small, illustrated messages served as keepsakes, a means of communication, and cultural snapshots—documenting everything from campfire songs to the Girl Scout Promise. Their evolution over the past century reflects not only the changes in American life but also the values of the Girl Scout movement.

First appearing in the early 1920s, they captured a way to share the Girl Scout experience. Early postcards often featured the Girl Scout trefoil symbol or the Girl Scout promise.

In 1922, a set of silhouette postcards was designed by Jessie Gillespie Willing. These silhouettes captured scenes of camp life and Girl Scout activities.

1924–1929: Another rare set depicted the four seasons, designed by Edith Ballinger, showing Girl Scouts in seasonal settings.

Humorous drawings of Girl Scouts hiding from rain, cooking over campfires, or enjoying camp life with charm and wit were popular from 1936 to 1973.

Collectors and historians cherish Vintage Girl Scout postcards. These postcards not only highlight the changing uniforms and styles of Girl Scouts over the decades but also preserve the spirit of camaraderie, outdoor adventure, and personal growth that defines the organization.

This is a 1940 Vintage Girl Scout postcard.

Throughout the years, Girl Scout postcards have featured a wide range of themes, including: The Girl Scout Promise and Law, Girl Scout activities, celebrations, and historic landmarks such as Savannah, Georgia. These themes reinforce the values of the organization and help girls feel connected to a larger community of scouts across the world.

Recent Girl Scout postcards from the 2020s include cheerful designs celebrating friendship, cookie sales, and troop activities, and are often available as digital downloads or printed cards.

Postcard from 1955, the 33^rd Convention

Everyone loves getting mail. Take a minute to write a postcard to a Girl Scout you know and keep the spirit alive.

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.

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