Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon was born in Savannah, GA, on October 31, 1860. Nicknamed Daisy by an uncle, who said she looked like a Daisy, she retained that nickname throughout her life.
Juliette’s father served in the Confederate Army, and the family took in relatives, which strained the family’s resources. Her Northern grandparents sent packets of food to assist the family. After the surrender of Savannah, GA, during the Civil War, Juliette and her family traveled to Chicago to stay with her maternal grandparents, Juliette Magill Kinzie and John Harris Kinzie. Mr. Kinzie was well known in Chicago and very politically active. Their home was on the north bank of the Chicago River across from Fort Dearborn.
Juliette Magill Kinzie wrote the book Wau-Bun which described their life in Portage, WI, where John served as the Indian subagent at Fort Winnebago.
As a young girl, Juliette enjoyed artistic pursuits – writing, drawing, painting – and, at sixteen, created the Helping Hands Club, a sewing club that made clothing for the less fortunate in Savannah. She was brought up to be a proper Southern lady, Juliette attended boarding school in Virginia and finished school in New York City.
An infection in her ear led to partial deafness when she was just 25 years old.
In December of 1886, she married William (Willie) Mackay Low. At the wedding, guests threw rice as a good-luck tradition, and a grain of rice got lodged in her ear and left her with total hearing loss.
Beginning in 1887, Juliette and Willie traveled to England and spent many years entertaining and being entertained by royalty. They had homes in Warwickshire (Wellesbourne House) and Lude (Scotland). At Wellesbourne House, there were pets and horses but no children of Willie and Juliette. She loved her nieces and nephews and friend’s children, though. Juliette would invite them to visit her home and take them on adventurous trips.
Following Willie’s death in 1905, Juliette remained in England in the summer and returned to Savannah in the winter. She traveled, became a proficient sculptor, and continued to meet new friends, including Lord Baden-Powell, and the rest, as they say, is history. In 1912, Juliette started the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, which, over the years, ignited a movement across America where every girl could unlock her full potential, find lifelong friends, and make the world a better place.
Juliette Gordon Low diedfrom breast cancer onJanuary 17, 1927, in Savannah, GA. She was buried in her uniform with the following note in a pocket: “You are not only the first Girl Scout but the best Girl Scout of them all.”
Juliette’s story has been told by many authors through the years. Pictured are a few of the biographies that share more of her “Crazy Daisy” antics, as well as her work to establish Girl Scouting as the premier organization for girls in the United States. In 1925, she wrote in her birthday message, “Truly ours is a circle of friendships, united by our ideals.”
The story of her Girl Scout years is well documented, and the following websites can provide much information:
From October 6-8, 2023, Girl Scouts and leading career and industry professionals came together for a weekend of empowerment for Camp CEO. Camp CEO is a Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana signature event that connects Girl Scouts with leading career professionals to practice setting goals, collaborate on college and secondary career paths, and strengthen leadership skills.
This year, Camp CEO went camp-based and was hosted at Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana, creating a fun and unique environment for mentees and mentors. 60 Girl Scout mentees arrived at camp on Friday night, bonded with their sister Girl Scouts over fun ice-breaker activities, and then got situated in their cabins.
On Saturday morning, the mentors arrived at camp. Girl Scouts had the opportunity to get to know the mentors better through speed interviews. Girl Scouts would find a mentor who had open seats at their table and ask them as many questions as they could before the two-minute timer went off and it was time to find another mentor to interview. This activity was a great way to break the ice. It was full of giggles and “insta-moments” as Girl Scouts got to capture a selfie with each mentor they interviewed.
After learning about all the mentors, Girl Scouts heard from mentor L’Oreal Thompson Payton, who gave a presentation about self-esteem and what it takes to be a leader. Some key takeaways from her presentation are to embrace your imperfections, remember you are enough, and dare to dream big.
After L’Oreal’s confidence-boosting presentation, everyone headed outside to embrace their leadership in a unique way. Girl Scouts and mentors showed confidence and leadership by scaling the climbing tower and learning archery. Following the outdoor adventures, mentors and mentees worked together on team-building activities. After the team-building exercises, Girl Scouts and mentors gathered for a Q&A session, which allowed Girl Scouts to ask the mentors some more profound questions and get insight into future career paths. The night wouldn’t be complete without a traditional camping experience. Girl Scouts gathered around the campfire for a self-reflection activity and a tasty s’more.
On Sunday, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana welcomed Kathleen Sarpy, who gave an empowering presentation about embracing your talents, embracing resiliency, and being true to who you are on your journey to your life ahead. Kathleen shared personal stories that showed Girl Scouts that life may not always be easy, but with tenacity and resilience, they can thrive in a life that feels true and authentic.
Following Kathleen’s presentation, Girl Scouts welcomed Yasha Sterling, who shared her expertise in personal branding and planning for your future. Yasha led Girl Scouts through an interactive trivia game that piqued the girls’ interest in different career paths.
After all the motivational presentations, Girl Scouts got time to finish their vision boards and present them to their mentors.
As the weekend came to an end, Girl Scouts said their goodbyes to their mentors and their new and old friends.
Camp CEO 2023 allowed Girl Scouts to adventure out of their comfort zones, learn about many career paths, and discover themselves. It allowed mentors to connect and inspire the future generation of women leaders. Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana would like to extend a big thank you to all the mentors who volunteered their weekend and made a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts.
From 1920 to 2011, Girl Scouts could earn a Citizen Badge, that was recognizable by its eight-pointed star symbol. The name varied from Citizen to Junior Citizen to Active Citizen to Model Citizen, but the look of the badge only differed in the colors, varying from black and white on the khaki uniform to green and white and finally blue and white.
The badge was first presented in the 1920 handbook. However, Juliette Gordon Low’s 1913 How Girls Can Help Their Country included a whole section on patriotism, requiring Girl Scouts to know about their town and state to earn their Tenderfoot rank. A few more requirements about the American flag’s history and display rules were incorporated into the Second Class rank.
The new Citizen Badge in 1920 was a requisite badge for First Class rank. A Girl Scout had to know what constitutes a citizen, what are our government’s responsibilities, what are our President’s duties, and how laws are made. Qualifications to vote, secret ballots, and party affiliation were also part of the badge work. Remember, women only got the right to vote in 1920!
In 1934, the badge was renamed Junior Citizen and was green and white. The requirements were more directed at community responsibilities and activities. A Girl Scout had to know who to contact for different emergencies—without a telephone or 911! She had to know public buildings and places of interest in her community and draw a map or give clear directions to get there. She even had to explain how garbage is disposed of in her community and how she could help keep areas clean and attractive.
In the 1938 Girl Scout Program and Activities and the 1940 Girl Scout Handbook, Junior Citizen requirements returned its focus to patriotic symbols, how one becomes a citizen, and how one can help with the responsibilities that accompany privileges. Girl Scouts were to identify patriots in history, find out about various types of taxes, learn about voting procedures, and care of public property.
The 1947 handbook added three mandatory activities: community service, a presentation on what democracy means, and what the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights provides. In 1953, the name was changed to Active Citizen. The requirements were tweaked to incorporate the government and patriotic activities with community life activities.
With the new Junior Girl Scout program in 1963, the badge had fewer requirements but still focused on “finding out about and putting into practice the responsibilities of a citizen of the USA.” Active Citizen in 1977 brought in the blue and white symbol. Then, in 1980, Girl Scout Badges and Signs had both Junior Citizen for Juniors with the eight-pointed star and Active Citizen badge for Cadettes with a state capital symbol, expanding the importance of knowledge about our government and our communities.
In 1990, the name Junior Citizen carried on for Junior Girl Scouts; Cadettes now had Interest Projects.
The last change came in 2001, with the name changed to Model Citizen. The familiar blue and white eight-pointed star remained the same, as the badge was now connected to the part of the Girl Scout Law with a promise to “make the world a better place” by understanding what it means to be a model citizen.
By 2011, the Citizen Badge was transformed so Girl Scouts at all levels can still strive to become active and model citizens. Today, the badges are named Good Neighbor (Daisies), Celebrating Community (Brownies), Inside Government (Juniors), Finding Common Ground (Cadettes), Behind the Ballot (Seniors), and Public Policy (Ambassadors).
It’s Girl Scout Fall Product season! From now until October 18, Girl Scouts can sell a variety of products to start earning troop proceeds in the first half of the Girl Scout year. NEW this year, troops that sell $1,000 worth of fall product items will receive an additional $0.05 (five cents) in troop proceeds per cookie box sold during cookie season!
What are troop proceeds?
On top of the patches and rewards Girl Scouts can earn when participating in the Fall Product Program, the Cookie Program, or both, their troop will receive money back for every item sold.
Fall Product Program Troop Proceeds
Daisy and Brownie troops earn 15% of gross sales.
Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops can earn 15% of gross sales (by opting in for rewards) or 18% of gross sales (by opting out of rewards).
Cookie Program Troop Proceeds
Daisy and Brownie troops will receive $1.05 in proceeds per cookie box sold.
Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops who chose to opt out of rewards will receive $1.15 in proceeds per cookie box sold.
But remember, troops that sell $1,000 worth of fall product items will receive an additional $0.05 (five cents) in troop proceeds per cookie box sold during cookie season! This means that Daisy and Brownie troops can earn $1.10 in proceeds per cookie box sold, and Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops who chose to opt out of rewards can earn $1.20.
So, what can troops do with the proceeds?
The possibilities are endless as long as it supports Girl Scout program experiences!
Here are some common ways troops in our council spend their proceeds:
Service projects
Hosting a party for their community
Going to the theatre
Visiting their favorite amusement park
Uniforms
Badge activity books
Summer Camp registration fees
Council programs
Looking for inspiration on how to build troop proceeds to fund travel adventures?
Meet Troop 60314, a multi-level troop from Lansing, IL, who used their troop proceeds for an amazing Girl Scout travel experience to Mackinac Island.
The troop has funded many great experiences through fall product and cookie proceeds, such as camping at Camp Palos and Camp Butternut Springs and visiting the Art Institute and other landmarks in Chicago, but the troop had yet to travel outside the council for a multi-day trip.
With six Girl Scouts in the troop graduating this spring and many Girl Scouts having jobs and other after-school activities, the troop decided this was the perfect time to go on a big trip. Girl Scouts brainstormed places to go, set their budget, and agreed that Mackinac Island was the perfect destination.
From June 12 to June 16, nine Girl Scouts and their families explored the beautiful scenery and learned about the history of Mackinac Island. They went on a ferry tour, a carriage ride, and walked through a butterfly house. They also hiked Munising Falls, and on their last day, the troop toured the old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. The entire trip turned out to be an unforgettable experience for the troop.
Heather, a co-leader of Troop 60314, shared some tips for new troop leaders who are interested in beginning the trip-planning process:
You know your troop and what they’re interested in. Do your research first and share with your Girl Scouts what is reasonable.
Keep it simple: the girls will enjoy spending time together regardless of the destination.
Mention that you are bringing Girl Scouts to the places you are interested in visiting – they may offer you a discount!
You can count Troop 60314 in for participating in the fall product and cookie program this year, as they have already begun planning for their next big troop adventure!
Learn more about our Fall Product Program by clicking here.
On Thursday, September 21, community members and leaders in Girl Scouting came together to support the Girl Scout Mission at Smart Cookies Badge Bash. Hosted by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Associate Board, Smart Cookies Badge Bash allowed guests to embark on their own Girl Scout journey through an array of interactive booths that shared what Girl Scouts are up to today.
Each booth was led by Girl Scouts from our council, and with their infectious enthusiasm, these young trailblazers guided participants through a series of engaging activities to earn a “badge”. From testing the limits of their knot-tying speed to unleashing their creativity through robot operation challenges, attendees gained a firsthand understanding of the dynamic world of Girl Scouting and the impact of investing in Girl Scouts.
Thanks to your support, we have raised $108,000 and counting! We also thank our generous sponsors for making this evening possible!
We invite you to relive the magic of the night by exploring the gallery of photos available here.
The number of badges offered over the last 110+ years of Girl Scouting is truly amazing. You can find everything from architecture to zoology, but only one badge has survived for 110+ years: the Cook Badge (now known as the Simple Meals Badge).
Several other badges have had a long tenure. The First Aid Badge and the Citizenship Badge started in 1938, and both continue to this day. The Cyclist/Bicycling Badge and the Swimming Badge started in 1912, but the Cyclist/Bicycling Badge ended in 1980 and the Swimming Badge in 2010. The Birds Badge has been around off and on during our 110+ years. Close to the length of the Cook Badge, the Art Badge has also been around for the past 110+ years, but it has had many different focuses, including painting and clothing design, to name a few.
The first Cook Badge in How Girls Can Help Their Country said that Girl Scouts must know how to:
wash up
wait on a table
light a fire
lay the dishes correctly for a table for four
clean and dress a fowl
clean a fish
make a cook-place in the open
make tea, coffee, or cocoa
state the approximate cost of each dish
cook two kinds of meat
boil or roast potatoes and another vegetable
boil rice
make two salads
preserve of berries or fruit, or can them
The requirements in the 1920, 1929, and 1933 versions of the Girl Scout handbook are essentially the same. They add knowing how to cook eggs and operate a gas stove (if available).
With the end of the depression in view and the war in Europe threatening to involve us, the Intermediate level for the Cook Badge was started in 1938. The Intermediate level of Girl Scouts is what we now refer to as our Junior and Cadette Girl Scout levels. Back then, the Intermediate level was for Girl Scouts in grades fourth through eighth grade. The Senior level was for Girl Scouts in ninth through twelfth grade.
The 1941 handbook had the revisions for the Intermediate level and showed the new badge. A Girl Scout had to complete ten of the fourteen requirements and five of the chosen activities required cooking. The requirements also changed with the focus on planning menus and nutrition.
The 1950 handbook listed twenty activities, with a Girl Scout having to complete ten to earn her Intermediate Cook Badge. Eleven out of the twenty activities required cooking.
In 1963, Juniors were now an official Girl Scout level, and the handbook had ten requirements to earn the badge. A Junior Girl Scout had to complete all ten to earn the badge, but only three required cooking.
The 1990 Junior handbook renamed the badge “Exploring Healthy Eating” and showed the badge with a red border as part of the Worlds to Explore Girl Scout Badge Program. It had nine activities, with six, including two mandatory cooking activities, required to earn the badge.
The 2001 Junior handbook renamed the badge to “Let’s Get Cooking” and returned to a green border. This badge had ten activities, and a Junior Girl Scout must complete six activities to earn the badge. Five of these activities required cooking, so cooking has made a comeback compared to the last version, where only two activities required cooking!
In 2011, the Junior badge was renamed to “Simple Meals” and pictures a steaming pot on the badge with a purple border. All five steps must be completed, but there are three choices for each step; only one of the choices for each step must be completed to earn the badge—four of the five steps require cooking.
The Simple Meals Badge has changed over the years to reflect what our society at the time thought Girl Scouts should know. Today, very few of us have to dress our own chickens or turkeys, and our recipes are more likely to come from an internet search than a magazine, but we still want Girl Scouts to be able to cook for themselves.
To earn your Simple Meals Badge, check out the activity book and badge available for purchase here.
Embarking on a Girl Scout international destination trip is an incredible journey that expands your global horizons and builds memories, friendships, and fun. To prepare for your trip across the globe, you must have completed the Girl Scout travel progression timeline, starting with field trips for Daisy Girl Scouts and working your way up regional travel as a Junior Girl Scout. When you bridge up to Cadette’s, you will have built the foundational travel skills needed to take the lead and see the world!
After six months of planning, preparing, and connecting over Zoom, 12 Girl Scouts were ready to connect in person and travel to Switzerland. Girl Scouts immersed themselves in the Swiss culture for two weeks, where they went hiking and sightseeing, toured Our Chalet (the first World Centre for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts!), ate lots of fondue, and so much more! Read on to get a daily recap of their trip and hear from some of the world travelers.
All Girl Scouts arrived in Chicago, then flew together to New York:
Unfortunately, the flight to Geneva was delayed a couple of days due to severe weather. But luckily, Girl Scouts were in New York and had an opportunity to explore the city! While in New York, Girl Scouts shopped at Hudson Yards, took a lovely scenic stroll on the Hi-Line, had a delicious lunch at Chelsea Market, visited the Stonewall Monument, and enjoyed some classic New York pizza.
The following day, before heading to the airport, Girl Scouts were able to visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum and learn about the history of flight from their awesome, friendly staff.
First full day in Switzerland:
For their first full day in Switzerland, Girl Scouts explored Lausanne. They visited Lausanne Cathedral and climbed up to the top for some amazing views of the city.
Girl Scouts also had time to explore the Old Town and stop in all sorts of shops before stopping in a creperie for lunch.
After lunch, they hopped on a ferry to cross Lac Lemon into France!
Girl Scouts spent a few hours exploring Evian and filling their water bottles at the official source spring that started Evian Bottled Water.
Once they returned to Lausanne, they gathered for an authentic Swiss fondue experience!
Second day in Switzerland:
Girl Scouts took the train to Montreux on their second day! Girl Scouts saw the Chateaux de Chillon, a castle built in the twelfth century. They toured the castle for the morning and then went into downtown Montreux for the rest of their day. Girl Scouts first stopped at The Queen Experience, a small museum where the band Queen recorded one of their albums.
Then, they all gathered around the Freddie Mercury statue for a photo together. The group decided to split up for a little while in the afternoon. A few of the Girl Scouts went on a hike while the others went into the old part of Montreux to explore. They all met for dinner before catching the train back to Lausanne for the night.
Week in Adelboden:
For the first night at Our Chalet, Girl Scouts attended a Pinning Ceremony and received their exclusive pins.
The next morning, Girl Scouts were up bright and early for a hike up an actual alp! They hiked all day, stopping for the amazing views and to say hello to some cows. It was a challenging hike, but their months of preparation paid off.
“My most vivid memory is walking up the side of a mountain surrounded by cows and hearing the gentle ringing of their bells. To me, this was a quintessential experience to have in Switzerland,” said Girl Scout Leah.
When they got back to Our Chalet, they enjoyed Swiss Night! Girl Scouts learned about Swiss history and folklore, played trivia, and enjoyed chocolate fondue.
The next day, Girl Scouts had their onsite day. They spent the whole day at Our Chalet participating in activities about knot tying, team building, orienteering, fire building, shelter making, and whittling.
That night, Girl Scouts attended International Night. They got to learn more about where all the Our Chalet volunteers are from and the other guests. They also shared about the 12 different states they were all from.
“It was really interesting to learn how Girl Scouts is different, but also how the Girl Scouts themselves are similar to me and that we have much in common,” said Girl Scout Abigail.
Girl Scouts had one free day at Our Chalet, where they could plan their own activities. Girl Scouts decided to take a hike up to the Trummer Woodcarver. It’s a family-owned business where everything is handmade, and you can have your name hand-carved into a cool souvenir.
Girl Scouts then hiked back into Adelboden to spend some time shopping! Everyone bought some Swiss chocolate to share with their family back home.
“Being exposed to the cultural differences on this trip has inspired me to save my money and seek other unique experiences in the future. Now, I have an appreciation for European culture and a drive to experience other cultures around the world as well, said Girl Scout Calleigh.
The next day was their favorite activity of the whole trip – the adventure park! Girl Scouts had two different activities for the day: zip lining and rock climbing. The rock climbing wall was challenging, but a ton of fun, and the zip lines were so exciting! Girl Scouts all got to work together as a team to cheer each other on and help each other through the different levels.
That night, all the groups at Our Chalet gathered for a campfire. They all shared songs with each other and learned songs from different countries!
The last full day in Adelboden was one last big hike. Girl Scouts hiked a steep trail to a beautiful lake with cows hanging out on the beach.
They stopped for lunch and then headed to the toboggan run, followed by a cable car back down towards town.
Girl Scouts spent the evening packing up their rooms and attending the Closing Ceremony.
Being at Our Chalet with people from all over the world was such an amazing experience, and all Girl Scout travelers made some great friends they hope to keep forever.
“The overall experience was unforgettable and one that I will cherish forever. This trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It was my first time traveling to a different country without my parents. I was nervous and anxious to leave my family for so long, but once I made it to Chicago, I felt included and welcomed by all of the Girl Scouts and leaders. This experience has also taught me to persevere during times of adversity,” said Girl Scout Camdyn.
“Coming back from this trip of almost a month in a foreign country with people I hardly knew, I can confidently say that I grew mentally and emotionally,” said Girl Scout Amelia.
For more information on Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana travel opportunities, please contact programs@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
In August 2023, the Chicago Triathlon saw over 8,000 participants, who swam in Lake Michigan and raced through the streets of Chicago. The event’s mission statement, “YOUR ABILITY, YOUR EXPERIENCE, YOUR TRI,” was evident in the diverse range of triathletes, from beginners to experts, children to grandparents, and even para-triathletes.
As a first-time charity partner, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) had a team of five, including four Girl Scouts and one adult, who completed the triathlon while raising funds to support our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
On August 26, the Girl Scouts arrived at Foster Beach with their supporters at 5:30 a.m. to take on the 2.82-mile (Jr. Tri- 7 – 10 years) or 5.64-mile (Sr. 11- 14 years) course, which involved swimming in Lake Michigan, cycling along the shore, and running to the finish line. Our adult triathlete completed an 18.57-mile course the following day, also featuring swimming, cycling, and running. The lake’s rough conditions limited the swim for the kids and caused the swim to be canceled for the adults, but team GCNWI overcame their nerves and successfully completed the race with smiles on their faces.
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Alison B. (20:37), Robyn G. (29:24), Savannah T. (31:22), Isabella S. (33:17), and Kathy G. (2:13:27).
Our team aimed to raise $5,500 to provide access to Girl Scouts for all girls. If you would like to support Team GCNWI, you can still donate by clicking here. We are already preparing for the 2024 Chicago Triathlon, and if you would like more information on how to join our team or support GCNWI, please email LaTanya Gatewood at Lgatewood@girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
Check out the amazing recap video by clicking here.
Over 120 Girl Scout friends and families participated in the inaugural S’mores Day Fun Run held on August 12, 2023, to support Family Partnership’s annual giving campaign and celebrate National S’mores Day!
The 1.2-mile course around Camp Greene Wood weaved through the scenic fields and wood trails of the camp, allowing runners to enjoy nature and get a tour of the camp in a unique way.
The run was followed by some fun activities, including crafting of s’mores-themed bead buddies and marshmallow catapults led by Camp Greene Wood’s CITs (counselors in training).
Erin Morton, one of the participants, shared her experience and said, “We had so much fun. The counselors in training were awesome and super engaged during the crafting.”
It wouldn’t be an actual S’mores Day without making a s’more! Girl Scouts enjoyed delicious s’mores around the campfire; there were even flavored marshmallows to choose from to make your s’more extra tasty.
The event celebrated the love of s’mores while also raising over $4,000 towards the Family Partnership’s annual giving campaign. The money raised will provide financial assistance, ensuring that Girl Scouts is accessible to all girls. It will also be used to offer training and support for adult volunteers and innovations to camps and properties.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana would like to thank everyone who participated and made the day special. The council would also like to thank Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, for sponsoring the bottled water used at the event.
