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Girl Scout Collection

Gelesen von Betsie Bush

These articles, pamphlets, and stories relating to the Girls Scouts of America touch on the history, activities, ideals, and traditions of this remarkable girls' organization. Though some of the articles appear redundant, they were selected to represent a contemporary view spanning five years of the organization's early popularity (1917-1921). Of significance are the detailed descriptions of Girl Scout involvement in war work during what is now known as World War I. Girl Scouts were prepared through their training for merit badges to be independent, resourceful, reliable, and helpful. They were able to make their own clothes, grow and cook their own food, care for the sick, and start a small business--skills that prepared young women for their future roles as homemakers, workers, and citizens.

A version of the story "The Brownies" is still part of the Brownie Girl Scout literature into the 21st century. The Encyclopaedia and Dictionary of Education edited by Foster Watson (1921) provides the following explanation under the entry for "Girl Guides": "The 'Brownies' are children under 11, who take two promises only, and whose motto is 'Lend a hand.' The scheme is based on Mrs. Ewing's story of the 'Brownies.'"

Though not an official Girl Scout story, The Tadger Tales have become a tradition with many Girl Scout summer camp programs. The stories are read aloud and acted out with improvisation and much silliness. The event concludes with a secret Tadger club ritual involving a safety pin, some tape, and a bit of string. (3 hr 38 min)

Chapters

Girl Scout Movement in the Public Schools

9:04

Read by Betsie Bush

Girl Scouts

8:48

Read by Betsie Bush

Girl Scouts as an Educational Force

18:50

Read by Betsie Bush

The Girl Scouts: Their Works, Ways and Plays

20:39

Read by Betsie Bush

The Girl Scouts: Their History and Practice

15:02

Read by Betsie Bush

Why I Believe in Scouting for Girls

5:20

Read by Betsie Bush

The Girl Scouts: A Training School for Womanhood

4:07

Read by Betsie Bush

How Scouting Began

4:19

Read by Betsie Bush

Girl Scout Leaders

11:02

Read by Betsie Bush

Educational Work of the Girl Scouts

40:47

Read by Betsie Bush

The Tadger Tales

24:23

Read by Betsie Bush

The Brownies

55:47

Read by Betsie Bush