Podcast Summary: Forever Ago – "How did the Girl Scouts get started?"

Introduction

In the episode titled "How did the Girl Scouts get started?" from Forever Ago, hosted by Joy Dolo and Flora, listeners are taken on an engaging journey through the history of the Girl Scouts. This episode delves into the origins, growth, challenges, and enduring legacy of the organization, highlighting key figures and pivotal moments that have shaped it into the influential group it is today.

Launching the Episode

The episode begins with the hosts, Joy and Flora, setting the scene of a camping trip in the forest, complete with tents, sleeping bags, and even a cotton candy machine. This playful introduction serves as a metaphor for the exploration of the Girl Scouts' history.

Founding of the Girl Scouts

The narrative traces the foundation of the Girl Scouts back to 1912, spearheaded by Juliet Gordon Lowe, affectionately known as Daisy. Born into a wealthy family in Georgia in the mid-1800s, Daisy defied societal expectations of girls being "quiet and ladylike." Instead, she was "adventurous and outspoken," with a passion for the outdoors and animals. Flora describes Daisy as someone who, rather than conforming to traditional roles, "wanted to do something important, something that could help people" ([03:29]).

Daisy was inspired by the Boy Scouts of Great Britain, introduced in 1911, and envisioned a similar organization for girls. However, societal norms of the time restricted girls to roles centered around becoming good wives and mothers, emphasizing skills like cooking and sewing over outdoor and practical skills.

Despite these constraints, Daisy persisted in her mission. She actively sought support by "writing letters, meeting with leaders in her community, and even stopping people on the street" to advocate for a scouting group tailored for girls. Her dedication paid off when, in 1912, she successfully launched the first Girl Scouts troop in Savannah, Georgia, comprising just 17 girls ([12:21]).

Growth and World War I Contributions

The Girl Scouts rapidly gained popularity, expanding beyond Georgia to other parts of the United States. By 1914, there were "more than a dozen troops across the country, from Baltimore to New Orleans" ([14:21]). When World War I erupted, the Girl Scouts stepped up remarkably. They engaged in activities such as knitting belts and socks for soldiers, running soup kitchens, volunteering in hospitals, driving ambulances, and planting gardens.

A notable highlight is President Herbert Hoover's gratitude for the Girl Scouts' efforts during the war. He penned a letter to Daisy Gordon Lowe, stating, "the work accomplished by the Girl Scouts last year in production of vegetables from home gardens has been of material benefit in solving the problem of food distribution. I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their excellent work" ([14:52]).

By 1917, the organization had burgeoned to over 7,000 members nationwide, empowering girls to undertake roles traditionally reserved for boys, such as piloting boats and sending messages in Morse code ([16:03]).

Challenges of Segregation and the Fight for Inclusivity

Despite its inclusive mission, the Girl Scouts faced significant challenges related to racial segregation. While the organization's constitution proclaimed openness to all girls, in practice, "black girls were often left out entirely." This was during an era when segregation laws enforced the separation of white and black individuals in public facilities and institutions.

Daisy Gordon Lowe, concerned that mandating the inclusion of black girls might lead to resistance from white members, delegated the decision to individual Girl Scout councils. This fragmentation allowed some councils to accept black girls while others did not, leading to inconsistent membership policies across different states.

Amidst these challenges, Josephine Groves Holloway emerged as a pivotal figure in advocating for the inclusion of black girls within the Girl Scouts. As Flora remarks, "Josephine Groves Holloway. She's a legend." ([24:28]) Holloway, a social worker from Nashville, Tennessee, attended a training course led by Daisy herself. Inspired, she became a Girl Scout captain and founded her own troop for black girls in 1924, which quickly grew to over 300 members.

Despite facing official non-recognition and limited resources, Holloway persisted. She personally funded Girl Scout handbooks and organized activities despite segregationist laws that restricted black girls from accessing public camping facilities. Her relentless advocacy culminated in 1943 when the Girl Scout Council in Nashville officially recognized her troops, marking a significant step toward racial inclusivity within the organization.

This victory was part of a broader movement in the 1950s where activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognized the Girl Scouts as a force for desegregation. King highlighted their role in "breaking down barriers between black and white people, starting with kids" ([27:57]). Today, the Girl Scouts' constitution firmly upholds inclusivity, ensuring no girl is denied admission based on race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, socioeconomic status, or disability ([28:33]).

Girl Scout Cookies: A Sweet Tradition

Beyond historical milestones, the episode explores the beloved tradition of Girl Scout cookie sales. The hosts discuss the evolution of cookie sales from home-baked goods sold door-to-door in 1922 to the diverse array of over 40 flavors available today. Flora shares her personal experience of selling 500 boxes in a single season, attributing her success to creative marketing strategies like playing music and dancing to attract customers ([17:01]).

Notable cookie varieties mentioned include:

1. Trefoils (1974): Often considered the original Girl Scout cookie, characterized by the trefoil shape representing the Girl Scout logo. Flora notes, "I heard that was the original Girl Scout cookie" ([18:03]).
2. Toffee Tastic (2014): Introduced as the first gluten-free Girl Scout cookie, responding to consumer demand for gluten-free options.
3. Adventurefuls (2022): A recent addition featuring salted caramel brownie flavors, which became so popular upon release that they caused nationwide shortages ([32:14]).

The hosts also engage listeners with a "First Things First" segment, where Flora correctly orders the introduction of these cookie flavors based on their release dates, demonstrating her knowledge and enthusiasm for the tradition ([31:21]).

Community Contributions and Modern-Day Impact

The episode underscores the Girl Scouts' commitment to community service. Proceeds from cookie sales often fund initiatives like donating to homeless shelters, supporting local bus drivers, and aiding fire departments. Flora expresses admiration for this cycle of giving back, stating, "It's like giving back. It's like you get stuff for the cookies and then they're giving back to the community" ([17:40]).

Celebrating S'mores

Towards the end of the episode, Joy and Flora celebrate by making s'mores, linking the tradition back to the Girl Scouts' invention of this delightful treat in 1927. They reflect on how s’mores have become a staple of the Girl Scout experience, enhancing the communal and enjoyable aspects of their camping activities ([22:12]).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reiterating the significant strides the Girl Scouts have made over the past century. From Daisy Gordon Lowe's pioneering vision to Josephine Groves Holloway's relentless fight for racial inclusivity, the Girl Scouts have continually evolved to empower girls and foster community spirit. Joy and Flora invite listeners to engage further by sharing their thoughts on related topics, fostering a sense of participation and ongoing dialogue.

Notable Quotes

• Flora on Daisy’s Determination: "But Daisy wasn't quiet. She was adventurous and outspoken, and she loved the outdoors." ([11:08])

• Joy on Girl Scout Contributions During WWI: "the work accomplished by the Girl Scouts last year in production of vegetables from home gardens has been of material benefit in solving the problem of food distribution. I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their excellent work." ([14:52])

• Flora on Josephine Groves Holloway: "Josephine groves Holloway. She's a legend." ([24:28])

• Joy on Inclusivity Efforts: "We affirm that the girl scout movement shall be open to all girls and adults who accept the girl scout promise and law." ([23:08])

Final Thoughts

Forever Ago's episode on the Girl Scouts provides a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of the organization's history. Through engaging storytelling, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions, Joy and Flora illuminate the Girl Scouts' role in empowering generations of girls, advocating for inclusivity, and contributing positively to communities. This episode not only educates but also inspires listeners to appreciate the profound impact of the Girl Scouts' legacy.