"Make new friends but keep the old
One is silver and the other gold"

As I finish off another box of Thin Mints this tune wanders through my brain. I learned it while my girls were active in scouting. It contains a serious bit of wisdom in a simple song that is easy to remember. Girl Scouts learn a fair amount of wisdom during their scouting years. It is taught in a fun way that leaves a lasting impression. I must thank Juliette Gordon Low for creating the Girls Scouts of America on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. It is an organization that has taught countless girls not only wisdom, but confidence and the skills needed to explore new people and experiences.

Juliette Low, born 1860, was the second of six children born into an affluent family in Savannah, Georgia. Daisy, as she was known to her family and friends, was interested in the arts, animals and travel. In 1886 she married a wealthy Englishman and moved to England. The couple did not have a happy marriage and in 1905, her husband, Mackay Low died. Searching for a purpose in life, Daisy found one when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Girl Guides and the Boy Scouts in Britain. Inspired by Sir Robert's work with children, Daisy returned to the United States and began an organization that would become known as, The Girl Scouts of America.

Daisy's niece and namesake, was the first registered member of the American Girl Guides started in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. The first troop had 18 girls and by its' second year its' name had been changed to Girl Scouts. Daisy always intended the Girl Scouts to be a national organization. She used her incredible energy and great wealth to fulfill her dream of a national organization for the education and inspiration of girls. She died on January 17, 1927 having started an international institution that has grown to 3.7 million members worldwide and has influenced over 50 million men, women and children.

Daisy Low was hearing impaired. The Girl Scouts was one of the first organizations to encourage disabled girls to be full participants. Daisy never let her hearing impediment hold her back, and she imparted this philosophy to the Girl Scout organization. She trained girls in traditional homemaking skills but also encouraged her Girl Scouts to prepare for active citizenship, education and the outdoors. Juliette (Daisy) Low set the tone for the Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout organization continues her mission today, while pushing the frontier of achievement for girls. Daisy Low would be proud.

I was a Girl Scout, so were my daughters. I have a feeling my granddaughters will be also.

Learn more about this author, Kelly Moser.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about History of the Girl Scouts of America?
We want to hear your view. Write now!