How did the Girl Scouts get started?

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Narrator]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms. But only one of them asked for it.

[Flora]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and get me.

[Narrator]

From Disney and Pixar.

[Flora]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Narrator]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Flora]

Welcome to the community. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

[Joy Dolo]

This is the bathroom.

[Narrator]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20th.

[Joy Dolo]

Hi, all you wonderful people listening. This is Joy Dolo. As you no doubt know, I'm not afraid to get silly. Like, really silly. Like, keep an elephant in my closet, make a couch out of gum, collect ancient toilets. Silly, silly, silly. But today, I've got something very un. Silly to talk about. In fact, it's quite serious. Forever Ago is a public media show, and public media is threatened like never before. That's why I'm asking you to donate. Like you, you. The you that's hearing this and thinking, is she talking to me? Yes, you're the you. I mean, I need you to go to forever go.org donate, literally give any amount. $6.79, $102 and 3 nickels. $10,000 and no change, because honestly, that's an amazing enough gift right there, but just give something to help us get through this difficult moment. I know Forever Go fans are caring, and I know there are a lot of you. If you and everyone else listening. Ch. $10, we'd be all set. But we need you now. Foreverago.org donate again. Please go to foreverago.org donate that way I can stop being so serious and get back to my silly side. I've got underwater submarine sandwich shops to run, mayonnaise haters club meetings to lead. So chip in now and a very sincere thank you. Let's see. Make two bunny ears, then loop the loop and. Ugh. No, that's not right. Maybe it was one bunny ear.

[Flora]

Hey, Joy. What's with all the rope?

[Joy Dolo]

Flora. Thank goodness you're here. I thought you were coming hours ago. Didn't you get my messages?

[Flora]

You mean the texts, emails, and carrier pigeon messages you sent? You wrote not emergency in all caps, so I figured it wasn't an emergency.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, I meant to write not emergency in all caps with a K. You know, like the knots you tie with rope? So I'm supposed to go on my first Girl Scout camping trip tomorrow, and I can't figure out how to tie this monkey paw knot. And if I can tie this knot, I'm pretty sure they won't let me be on the trip and my life will be ruined.

[Flora]

Here, let me try. There. You just needed to pull it a little tighter. See?

[Joy Dolo]

Hey, thanks. Wait a sec. Flora, are you wearing a Girl Scout vest with an expert knot tying badge on it? And is that a bag of marshmallows in your backpack?

[Flora]

Uh, yeah, I'm.

[Joy Dolo]

You're a Girl Scout too? I knew it.

[Flora]

Joy, we're in the same Girl Scout troop. Six, five, three.

[Joy Dolo]

I know. I'm trying to earn my very dramatic and convincing acting badge. I invented it myself. And I feel crushed, betrayed, and very, very hungry.

[Flora]

Very dramatic and convincing. Want a marshmallow?

[Joy Dolo]

Mm, yum. Thank you. Hey, can you also teach me how to put up this tent and make friendship bracelets and build a fire with tiny sticks? On second thought, you should just come on this camping trip with me. We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll eat baked beans.

[Flora]

Again. Joy, I am coming. We're in the same Girl Scout troop and we've been planning this trip for. Oh, you're acting again.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. Very dramatic and convincing acting badge. Here I come. Welcome to Forever Ago from APM Studios. I'm Joy Dolo. My co host is Flora from Little Falls, Minnesota. Hi, Flora.

[Flora]

Hey, Joy. Forever Go is a non profit public.

[Joy Dolo]

Radio program, which means we rely on support from our listeners to keep the show going.

[Flora]

There's lots of ways you can support the show.

[Joy Dolo]

You can donate, buy our merch, or become a Smartypass subscriber. Head to foreverago.org to show your support and thank you. Today, Flora and I are on a camping trip in the forest. We've got our tent, sleeping bags, first aid kit, and of course, our cotton candy machine.

[Flora]

Joy, I hate to break it to you, but there's nowhere out here to plug that in.

[Joy Dolo]

But how are we supposed to make fresh cotton candy?

[Flora]

I have something that'll cheer you up. We're talking about the history of Girl Scouts today, remember?

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. As we all know, history is the cotton candy of knowledge. The Girl Scouts are a super popular after school group for girls that emphasizes friendship, skill building, and giving back to your community. Flora, you sent in these for this episode. What made you think of it?

[Flora]

Well, I thought of the question when I went to one of my meetings and I wondered. I mean, I love Girl Scouts and I wanted to know how it actually even started.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah. How did you get interested in joining the Girl Scouts?

[Flora]

Well, one of my friends was in it and she told me about it and I thought, whoa, this Is awesome. And we went to the first meeting and I loved it. And we've been going since then.

[Joy Dolo]

What are some things that you enjoy about the Girl Scouts?

[Flora]

Well, I love that. I know I can do anything. Yeah. And I learned so many new skills. Like, I learned how to sew and I love sewing. Now there's so many things.

[Joy Dolo]

So, like we mentioned, the Girl Scouts are a big deal. Over 1 million girls across the US are members. That's more than the entire population of Delaware.

[Flora]

Plus, there are more than 50 million adults who were Girl Scouts when they were kids.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah. It's not uncommon for a family to have multiple generations who are members. Like maybe your mom, grandma, and even great grandma.

[Flora]

Girl Scouts do all kinds of stuff. We learn different skills, volunteer in our communities, and of course, earn badges.

[Joy Dolo]

The badges. I love the badges. Flora, can you describe what Girl Scout badges are for people who don't know?

[Flora]

Well, a Girl Scout badge is like an iron or sew on patch and it usually has a design on the front. Like I got a coding badge the other day and it said this girl can coat on it and a picture of a pink computer on it. And then I'm gonna iron that on my sash when we get home from here.

[Joy Dolo]

And.

[Flora]

And yeah, right.

[Joy Dolo]

When you earn badges, you get to sew them on your Girl Scout uniform. The uniform can be a sash, which is like a strip of fabric that drapes across your body or a vest. Can you tell us how you got the coding badge?

[Flora]

Well, I got it for making little robots called Ozobots.

[Joy Dolo]

That is so cool. Earning badges is a really fun part of being a Girl Scout. We asked you, our listeners, if you could give a badge to an important person in your life, what badge would you give them and why? And you had some great response responses.

[Flora]

If I could give anyone that I choose a badge, I would choose my little brother because he's so funny, even though he is completely annoying. If you're an older sibling, you will get that. And the badge is the little brother badge. My name is Ray and I would give a friendship badge to my best friend Cara for always being there for me. My name is Billy and I'm a Girl Scout from Under Enterprise, Alabama. I'm a part of the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama family. If I could create a badge, I would do a story badge. It would be for truth, not just one person. One person would write the story. One person would illustrate, and then one girl would read it. Hi, this is Abby from Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. And if I had to Give anyone in the world a badge, it would be my mother, also known as my troop leader with the world's best mother's badge because she makes sure I'm on my meetings all the time and she's a good troop leader and makes sure I have the best Girl Scout experience. Also, she makes sure I'm happy all the time and she's just the best mother in the world. My name is Hildy and I'm from Bahama, and I would give a master climber badge to my climbing teachers. Hi, my name is Isla. I would give a badge to David Attenborough for trying to save our environment. My name is Paisley. I am a Girl Scout and Troop 9791 from Montgomery and Severin, Alabama. I will give a friendship badge to my cousins for being nice to me. My name is Fiona, and if I could give anyone want a batch, it would be the all you can eat batch for the deer who visits our backyard because it always eats our plants in the garden without asking.

[Joy Dolo]

Thanks to Caroline, Ray, Billy, Abby, Sylvia, Isla, Paislyn and Fiona for sending in your ideas. What about you, Flora? If you could give someone in your life a badge, who would it be and what badge would you give them?

[Flora]

I've. I gave a badge to someone. I'd probably give it to my karate teacher by sensei. And I give him a funniest sensei badge because he's really good at his job.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, yeah, and he's funny, too. Does he, like, do jokes?

[Flora]

Yeah, he makes a lot of jokes.

[Joy Dolo]

That's what you want in a sensei. So he's got a sense of humor. A sensei of humor.

[Flora]

Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, that's a. That's a good joke, everybody. Okay, let's get this camping trip started. DJ Dolo. Oops, sorry, birds.

[Flora]

Um, did you bring your DJ Dolo turntables with you to play music? And they're solar powered.

[Joy Dolo]

You know it. I'm hoping to earn my DJing in the forest badge.

[Flora]

Pretty sure that's not a thing. Anyway, how about we get our campfire going so we can tell the story of how the Girl Scouts got started?

[Joy Dolo]

Good idea. Just need to rub these sticks together to start the fire.

[Flora]

Joy, those are churros.

[Joy Dolo]

I wondered why they were so sugary and cinnamony and soft. Yum. Anyway, back to the Girl Scouts. The Girl Scouts wouldn't be what they are today if it hadn't been for two women who refused to do what they were told. The first was named Juliet Gordon Lowe.

[Flora]

Juliet or Daisy. As everyone called her, was born into a wealthy family in Georgia in the mid-1800s.

[Joy Dolo]

Like many girls at the time, she was expected to be quiet and ladylike. Girls should be seen, not heard. No giggling, no yelling, none of that nonsense. And at mealtimes, they should always dab the corners of their mouths with napkins in a most delicate fashion.

[Flora]

But Daisy wasn't quiet. She was adventurous and outspoken, and she loved the outdoors. What a beautiful sunshiny day. Hey. Instead of sitting inside eating little sandwiches and dabbing the corners of our mouths with napkins, what if we went horseback riding or rolled down that grassy hill over there or picked flowers?

[Joy Dolo]

Daisy also loved animals. And as an adult, she surrounded herself with lots of pets.

[Flora]

She had dogs, horses, a turtle, even a parrot named Blue boy that rode around on her shoulder.

[Joy Dolo]

But as she got older, Daisy wasn't satisfied with her life. She wanted to do something important, something that could help people.

[Flora]

Luckily, she was about to get a big idea. It was the early 1900s. Lots of people were moving to cities to work in factories.

[Joy Dolo]

Cars had been invented, but they were expensive, and not many people had one. Most homes used big chunks of ice to keep their food cold because the electric refrigerator hadn't been invented yet.

[Flora]

And in Great Britain, a new group was taking off. The boy scouts.

[Joy Dolo]

The boy scouts did all kinds of activities, like mapping, knot tying, first aid, and camping. When Daisy learned about them in 1911, she was stoked. This is exactly what I've been looking for. Girls could learn how to fix bikes, identify wild birds, be good friends to each other. They could learn, well, anything. But there was a catch. The scouts were only for boys. In fact, back then, lots of people thought girls should only learn skills that would help them become good wives and moms, like cooking and sewing.

[Flora]

What?

[Joy Dolo]

Fiddle faddle. Girls shouldn't be limited to learning just a handful of things. If they want to learn how to build a fire and put up a tent, they should be able to.

[Flora]

So Daisy got to work in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, trying to build support for a new scouting group for girls.

[Joy Dolo]

She started talking about her idea to anyone and everyone who would listen. She wrote letters, met with leaders in her community, Even stopped people on the street. And they'll learn whatever they want. Hiking, camping, swimming. First time not tying. They'll roll down grassy hills, and they'll ride horses. So many horses. Can I count on you for your support? Uh, I mean, I was just on my way to buy a loaf of bread, but sure. Then, just over a year later, in 1912, Daisy did it. She launched her scouting group for girls.

[Flora]

There were just 10 rules members had to follow, which became known as the Girl Scout laws.

[Joy Dolo]

Like how they should always be honest and loyal to friends, family, and their country, or that they should be kind to all animals, no matter how small. Like this. Hey, you chipmunk in the tree. You're beautiful.

[Flora]

You're strong.

[Joy Dolo]

You can do anything.

[Flora]

The group started out small, with only 17 girls in Georgia. But word quickly started to spread.

[Joy Dolo]

By 1914, just two years after Daisy started the Girl Scouts, there were more than a dozen troops across the country, from Baltimore to New Orleans.

[Flora]

That same year, a major war broke out across the globe. It became known as World War I.

[Joy Dolo]

The Girl Scouts were still a brand new organization, but across the US they jumped into action.

[Flora]

They knitted belts and socks for soldiers, ran soup kitchens to feed hungry people, volunteered at hospitals, drove ambulances, and planted gardens.

[Joy Dolo]

The President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, even wrote a letter to Daisy to say thank you for all the vegetables the Girl Scouts grew during the war. Here's an actual quote from that letter. My dear Mrs. Lowe, 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.

[Flora]

In only five years, the Girl Scouts had gone from just an idea to a group. The President was a fan of.

[Joy Dolo]

And Daisy was helping to lead the charge. She worked tirelessly during the war, training Girl Scout leaders and traveling across the country, encouraging more girls to get involved.

[Flora]

Daisy had wanted to do something big and useful with her life, and she was doing it the whole time.

[Joy Dolo]

The Girl Scouts kept growing. By 1917, there were more than 7,000 Girl Scouts across the country doing things that girls usually weren't allowed to do, like piloting boats, using rifles, and even sending messages in Morse code, just to name a few.

[Flora]

The group took pride in being open to all girls, but it actually wasn't. Luckily, there was another adventurous woman determined to change that.

[Joy Dolo]

And we'll tell you about her in a minute. But first, let's play First Things First. That's the game where we put three things in the order they came in. History. Today we're talking about Girl Scout cookies. Okay, Flora, before I give you your three cookie flavors to put in order, here's a little bite of cookie history for you. Do you get it?

[Flora]

Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Girl Scouts have been selling cookies for more than 100 years, starting in 1922. At first, they baked cookies at home and sold them door to door. And since then, more than 40 cookie flavors have been released. And so, Flora, do you sell cookies?

[Flora]

Oh, yeah. This year, the My cookie season is in February and March. I sold 500 boxes. This is my personal record.

[Joy Dolo]

500 boxes of cookies?

[Flora]

Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Do you have a certain technique like.

[Flora]

Well, we stand out on the corner of Casey's by where we live in Little Falls. And when me and my friend who sells cookies, Heidi, we take a boombox and just blast songs and then dance around with ribbons on the corner that would attract attention.

[Joy Dolo]

So we were like, come buy cookies over here.

[Flora]

It works really well.

[Joy Dolo]

So what does your troop do with the funds that they get from the cookies?

[Flora]

Well, this year I think we're donating to a homeless shelter. Another troop that's in our area, they donated to bus drivers of Little Falls and someone else donated to a fire department.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, I love that. It's like giving back. It's like you get stuff for the cookies and then they're giving back to the community. That's really great. Do you have a favorite Girl Scout cookie?

[Flora]

I love the Adventureful cookies.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, yeah, those are good.

[Flora]

They're kind of like a crunchy caramel brownie.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've had those before. Do you buy your own cookies when you sell them?

[Flora]

Yes.

[Joy Dolo]

How many of those? 500 were you?

[Flora]

Maybe six.

[Joy Dolo]

Nice, nice. Are you ready to put three cookie flavors in order? Okay. So it's funny that you said that you like Adventurefuls because that is on the list as one of the cookies. So the three that we're looking at are Adventurefuls. The chocolate cookies with the caramel cream trefoils, the buttery shortbread cookies, and Toffee Tastic, which is a gluten free cookie.

[Flora]

I think I'll probably put trefoils first. Cause I heard that was the original Girl Scout cookie.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay.

[Flora]

And then I know Adventurefuls are recent, so I'm gonna put toffee Tastic in the middle. Cause I know absolutely nothing about it.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay.

[Flora]

And then probably Adventure bowls is the newest. Yeah.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay, so we have trefoils and then toffee Tastic and then Adventurefuls.

[Flora]

Yep.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. Okay. I have to say that trefoils are my favorite.

[Flora]

I have had them before. I like adventure bowls better, but they're also good.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. I have to say all cookies are good. I mean, I love all cookies. So we'll hear the answers at the end of the show.

[Flora]

So stick around.

[Joy Dolo]

We're working on an episode all about school uniforms and we Want to hear from you. Do you think kids should wear uniforms to school? Why or why not? I'm also curious. If you could design your own school uniform, what would it look like? Frilly collar, metallic buttons, Stripy socks. Record yourself sharing your opinion on school uniforms or describing your dream design and send it to [e-mail] contact. I can't wait to hear from you. Thanks. Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Forever a Goal, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore. It's Alien exercise hour. Hi yah hoo ha.

[Flora]

While I stretch my snoodles and bounce on my trampolini, I'll listen to a new podcast. I'm going to try Brains on, the best science podcast ever. It's starting. Yay.

[Joy Dolo]

Hello and welcome to Pop Planet, the.

[Flora]

Only show that gets you up close.

[Joy Dolo]

And personal with space. I'm your host, star Eden Zorp.

[Flora]

Come back here. Podcast Must listen to Brains on now.

[Joy Dolo]

Listen to Brains on wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms. But only one of them asked for.

[Flora]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Narrator]

Get me from Disney and Pixar.

[Flora]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Narrator]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Flora]

Welcome to the community Verse. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

[Joy Dolo]

This is the bathroom.

[Narrator]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20th.

[Joy Dolo]

You're listening to Forever Ago. I'm Joy.

[Flora]

And I'm Flora. Today we're camping in the forest and talking about the history of Girl Scouts.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes, we just built a campfire and now we're roasting weenies. Oh, no, Flora, we forgot the buns. Hang on. I think I've still got some of those churros in here somewhere. Maybe we could use those.

[Flora]

As delicious as a churro hot dog sounds. Don't worry. I've got actual hot dog buns right here. And for later, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for s' mores.

[Joy Dolo]

S' mores are the best. Did you know they were invented by the Girl scouts?

[Flora]

Yeah, in 1927, they were first called s' mores, but the name got shortened later.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay, time for s' more. Girl Scout history. Before the break, we heard how a woman named Daisy Gordon Lowe started the Girl scouts more than 100 years ago. Back then, girls were expected to be quiet and polite and only learn the skills they needed to become good wives and moms.

[Flora]

But Daisy disagreed.

[Joy Dolo]

She thought girls should be able to learn whatever they wanted, from camping and swimming to first aid. And she wanted them to build strong friendships.

[Flora]

The group was a wild success, with thousands of girl scouts joining across the country.

[Joy Dolo]

The girl scouts were supposed to be for all girls. The group even included this line in their constitution. We affirm that the girl scout movement shall be open to all girls and adults who accept the girl scout promise and law.

[Flora]

Not everyone was allowed to join, though, Right.

[Joy Dolo]

Black girls were often left out entirely. This was during a dark time in American history when white people made laws to keep black people separate from them.

[Flora]

It was called segregation, which is another word for keeping groups apart.

[Joy Dolo]

Segregation started in the 1870s, not long after black people had been freed from slavery. Lots of states passed laws that made it illegal for black and white people to use the same facilities.

[Flora]

That means that there were separate bathrooms, separate schools, and even separate swimming pools and drinking fountains.

[Joy Dolo]

Some states made it illegal for black people to live in white neighborhoods. And in some places, it was illegal for a black person and a white person to get married.

[Flora]

This was racist and very wrong. And for years, people pushed back against.

[Joy Dolo]

Segregation, even though the girl scouts claimed to be open to all. Daisy was afraid that if the troops were required to admit black girls, some white members would leave the group in protest. So she decided to leave the decision up to individual girl scout councils in cities and states.

[Flora]

That means that one state might allow black girls to become scouts, while another could say no.

[Joy Dolo]

But some people didn't wait for permission to form their own black girl scout troops. Which brings us to my personal hero, Josephine Groves Holloway.

[Flora]

Josephine groves Holloway. She's a legend.

[Joy Dolo]

She sure is. I actually made us matching Josephine Groves Holloway fan club pins for our girl scout vests. Check it out.

[Flora]

Hey, thanks, Joy. I love it.

[Joy Dolo]

So as a young black woman in the 1920s, Josephine worked as a social worker with girls in Nashville, Tennessee.

[Flora]

When she heard about the girl scouts, she decided to go to a training course led by girl scout founder Daisy Gordon Lowe herself.

[Joy Dolo]

Josephine was inspired. Wow. These girl scouts are really onto something here. This is just perfect for building character and teaching girls outdoor skills.

[Flora]

Afterward, Josephine became a girl scout captain and decided to start her own troop for black girls.

[Joy Dolo]

By 1924, more than 300 girls had signed up for her troop. But because black girls weren't allowed to become girl scouts in Tennessee, these troops weren't officially recognized by the organization. That meant they Couldn't do the things that other scouts got to do, from earning badges to going on Girl Scout trips.

[Flora]

Josephine wasn't deterred, though.

[Joy Dolo]

Why shouldn't my girls have the same opportunities as the official Girl Scouts? Just because they're black, they can't go hiking and camping.

[Flora]

Hmm.

[Joy Dolo]

What if I just trained them myself? She bought Girl Scout handbooks with her own money so she could train the new scouts. And the girls sewed their own uniforms.

[Flora]

Because they were black, the girls were discouraged from going camping in Tennessee state parks.

[Joy Dolo]

These parks were supposed to be public and open to everyone. But some white people didn't want black people camping there.

[Flora]

So Josephine got permission to take them camping on private property instead of, all.

[Joy Dolo]

Right, everyone, now that we've put up our tents and started a campfire, who wants to roast some weenies? Yeah. In 1933, Josephine asked the Girl Scout Council in Nashville to recognize her troops as official Girl Scouts. The council said no, but Josephine kept.

[Flora]

Fighting, pushing Girl Scout leaders to admit her troops. He did this for years.

[Joy Dolo]

Even Josephine's teenage daughter got involved. In 1942, her daughter was at a conference in Nashville where the president's wife, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, was speaking. So she slipped backstage and asked the first lady if she could help her mother's group become official Girl Scouts.

[Flora]

We can't know for sure if that's what did the trick. But in 1943, Josephine's hard work paid off.

[Joy Dolo]

Girl Scout leaders in Nashville finally allowed Josephine's black troops to officially join the organization. Today, Josephine is remembered as a hero in Tennessee. March 10th is officially Josephine Groves Holloway Day in her home state, and there's even a Girl Scout camp named after her.

[Flora]

Hooray. But Josephine wasn't the only one pushing for change. Other black women across the US Continued to pressure Girl Scout chapters to officially admit black girls.

[Joy Dolo]

They also wanted girls of all races to be able to be in the same Girl Scout troops together. Some people didn't want black and white kids spending time together, so they tried to keep that from happening.

[Flora]

But by the 1950s, Girl Scout leaders across the country finally started allowing black and white girls to be in the same troops.

[Joy Dolo]

This was a really big deal. In lots of other spaces, black and white people were still being kept separate, like in schools and on buses.

[Flora]

But activists were pushing for change and noticing what was happening in the Girl scouts.

[Joy Dolo]

Activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1956, he called the Girl Scouts a force for desegregation.

[Flora]

In other words, he saw them as leading the charge to help break down barriers between black and white people, starting with kids.

[Joy Dolo]

It was an important step toward creating a world that was a little more equal by making sure that the Girl Scouts truly were open to all girls. Today, the Girl Scout constitution even includes a rule that no girl shall be denied admission because of race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, socioeconomic status, or disability.

[Flora]

Wow. Such a cool story.

[Joy Dolo]

It really is. And now, Flora, I have something very urgent to share with you. It's a matter of life. Life and death. A matter of an empty tummy versus a full tummy. A matter of.

[Flora]

You want to make s' mores, don't you?

[Joy Dolo]

I thought you'd never ask. Hello, my puffy little marshmallow beauties. Come to me. Wait. We forgot the graham crackers.

[Flora]

What? I could have sworn they were in here. I thought. Ugh. You're acting again, aren't you?

[Joy Dolo]

Aha. Acting. The elusive and completely made up, very dramatic, convincing acting badge is mine. And for you, Flora, I'd like to present the really amazing friend badge.

[Flora]

Aw, thanks, Joy. You know how we should celebrate S' mores? Let's do it.

[Joy Dolo]

Daisy Gordon Lowe started the Girl scouts more than 100 years ago in 1912.

[Flora]

Back then, girls were expected to only learn skills that would help them become wives and moms.

[Joy Dolo]

But Daisy thought girls should be able to learn whatever they wanted, from reading maps to first aid.

[Flora]

The organization wasn't always open to all girls, though in many states, black girls were not allowed to join the Girl scouts until the 1940s and 50s.

[Joy Dolo]

But through the hard work of black women like Josephine Groves Holloway, the group eventually opened its doors to all girls. This episode was written by Shayla Farzon. It was produced by Nico Gonzalez Whistler and Ruby Guthrie. It was edited by Sandon Totten. Fact checking by Nico Gonzales Whistler. Engineering help from Alex Simpson with sound design by Rachel Brees. Original theme music by Mark Sanchez. We had additional production help from the rest of the brains on Universe Team. Molly Bloom, Rosie Dupont, Anna Goldfield, Lauren.

[Flora]

Humpert, Mark Sanchez, Joshua Ray, Rebecca Rand.

[Joy Dolo]

Charlotte Traver, Anna Weigel and Aron Woldeselassi. Beth Pearlman is our executive producer, and the executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavadi and Joanne Griffith. Special thanks to Michelle Pemberton, Hana Leah, Andrea Pierre, and girl Scout troop 653. Okay, Flora, ready to hear the answers for First Things First?

[Flora]

I have literally never been more ready in my life.

[Joy Dolo]

That's what I'm talking about. Okay, so just as a reminder, we said that trefoils were First Toffee Tastic was second, and Adventure Foals were third.

[Flora]

Mm.

[Joy Dolo]

Okay, let's see what the answer is. And you were right.

[Flora]

Right? Really?

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah. Yeah, you were. That was amazing. I said it. Great job. Okay, so first up was trefoils, and that was invented in 1974. So these were one of the first official Girl Scout cookies released, like you said. You were absolutely right, smarty pants. They're stamped with the Girl Scout logo. It's shaped kind of like a shamrock with the profiles of three people inside. And fun fact, an unofficial early version of this cookie was actually created decades earlier in the 1930s by Girl Scouts in Philadelphia. They made their own cookie cutter to make them in the trefoil stamp. And then second, like you said, it was Toffee Tastic, and that was invented more recently in 2014.

[Flora]

Oh.

[Joy Dolo]

So fairly recent. Yeah. This was the first gluten free Girl Scout cookie released, and it was created in response to customer demand for a gluten free cookie.

[Flora]

I mean, I've never had one, but they sound really good.

[Joy Dolo]

I know I'm gonna get some toffee tastics right after this. It's gonna be Tastic. And last but certainly not least is Adventurefuls, which were your favorite. And those were invented in 20. 2022. So very recently. So these salted caramel brownie cookies were so popular when they were released in 2022 that they sold out in some parts of the country and caused a shortage.

[Flora]

Oh, so the Adventure Bowls must have been the first year they were there. The first year I joined Girl Scouts because I was eight or nine when I joined.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, yeah. So you were there right when Adventure bowl started too. And Maybe in, like, 40 years, you can look back and be like, I remember when Adventure Folds first came out.

[Flora]

I heard they're adding a new cookie this year.

[Joy Dolo]

Do you know any secrets about that that you can share?

[Flora]

They haven't announced it yet.

[Joy Dolo]

If you had a dream cookie, what would it be? What would be on it?

[Flora]

It'd be kind of the Adventureful, but it'd be vanilla, and then there'd be raspberry jelly in it.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, that sounds cool.

[Flora]

White chocolate drizzled on top instead of chocolate.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, Girl Scouts get on that. That sounds so good. I would buy 500 boxes. The name Adventurefuls is a nod to the spirit of adv that the Girl Scouts help inspire and members. Adventure Foals. Join us next week for a new episode all about a very ancient sport played thousands of years ago.

[Flora]

Thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms. But only one of them asked for.

[Flora]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and get me.

[Narrator]

From Disney and Pixar.

[Flora]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Narrator]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Flora]

Welcome to the community. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

[Joy Dolo]

This is the bathroom.

[Narrator]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance. Suggested only in theaters June 20.