The third handbook for Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. was written by a full committee, and the author is official the organization. Josephine Daskam Bacon was the Chairman of Publications and Editor. Sir Robert Baden-Powell contributed information from his scouting guides and wrote the preface. The entire Proficiency Badge requirements were revised but mostly followed the same requirements for those they kept.
– Images on Google
– Available on Project Gutenberg
– Available on the Smithsonian Library
– Available on the Open Library: 1920-1926 – Scouting For Girls
Disclaimer: This is an independent, unofficial guide and historical summary. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (GSUSA). “Girl Scouts” and related terms are registered trademarks of GSUSA. They are used here exclusively for historical reference and identification. The text below is an original summary, analysis, and interpretation of the handbook, and does not replicate or distribute the copyrighted expression of the original publication.
The 1920 GSU Handbook Summary
This book had a Table of Contents and was far more organized than the earlier versions. Be aware that this summary does not always go in the order of the original book. Things are simplified sometimes, or more information is provided to make sense in modern day. The order is sometimes rearranged to make more sense to a modern reader.
- Scout History
- Scout Principles
- Scout Organization
- About Scouts
- Outdoor Scouts
- Scout Ceremonies
- Class Requirements
- Flag Knowledge
- Scout Drills
- Signaling
- Scout Aid
- Exercise Setup
- Woodcraft
- Camping
- Nature Study
- Gardening
- Skills
- Badges and Medals
- Reference Reading
Scout History
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Scout Principles
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Scout Organization
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
About Scouts
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Outdoor Scouts
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Scout Ceremonies
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Class Requirements
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Flag Knowledge
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Scout Drills
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Signaling
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Scout Aid
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Homemaking
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Child Nursing
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
First Aid
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Home Nursing
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Health Guardians
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Health Winners
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Exercise Setup
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Woodcraft
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Camping
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Nature Study
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Gardening
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Skills
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
Badges and Medals
Badge Requirements
Only Second Class scouts may earn Merit Badges. They can study their subject before gaining Second Class but only the test can be done when they are Second Class Scouts.
Local Councils determine the qualification of badges. If no local council exists, professionals in the different fields are considered competent to judge. Certificates are sent to the National Headquarters, or nearest District Headquarters.
Tests are topic outlines, not direct questions. Captains and others giving tests adapt the wording to the needs of the individual. Scouts should read at least one of the books in the reference list for the badge. Portions of the books may be read at troop meetings or several scouts can read together and discuss.
Earning a badge does not mean they are experts on the topic. It means three things: She has an interest, she has reasonable broad knowledge of it, and she can present some proof of her knowledge that shows she has not just crammed the knowledge in from a book.
“Doing, not talking or writing is the principle of the Girl Scouts.”
All badges are chosen, not enforces. It is important to finish what you start. “’She carried that through like a Girl Scout’ ought to be a common saying.”
Artist
Palette (Image on p. 499). This badge should not be attempted without natural talent for the arts.
- Show one competent professional artwork you created yourself that is a drawing, painting, or sculpture model.
Reference Books
- Conway, Agnes Ethel, and Sir William Martin Conway. The Children’s Book of Art. 1909.
- Steedman, Amy. Knights of Art. George W. Jacobs and Co., 1907.
- Stein, Evaleen. Gabriel and the Hour Book. 1906.
The Badge Archive Note: The rest of this section will be written in the future.
Special Medals
Life-Saving Medals
Image is on p. 536.
These are worn over the right pocket. Applications must be made by the adult captain, through the local council to the national headquarters. A full account with written evidence from two witnesses is required.
- Bronze Cross is for saving life at the extraordinary risk of the scout’s life.
- Silver Cross is for saving life at considerable risk to the scout.
Badge of Merit
This medal is worn over the right pocket for scouts who do exceptional duty without risk to life. Only registered scouts can earn this medal. Applications should be made by the adult captain, through the local council, to the national headquarters. A full account of the reason for the award is required.
Thanks Badge
Drawn image is on p. 537.
These are given to anyone a scout owes gratitude to. It may be worn on a chain or ribbon. All scouts who see someone where a Thanks Badge will recognize a friend. Scouts have a duty to salute the person who wears a Thanks Badge and ask the wearer if she can be of service to them. Approval from National Headquarters must be given before a Thanks Badge can be awarded to anyone. Any captain, lieutenant, or scout may apply with a written account to justify the award. The adult captain’s recommendation is required unless the Thanks Badge is for the captain herself.
Reference Reading
The Badge Archive Note: This section will be written in the future.
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Click Here -> To see information References:
Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Scouting for Girls. 1920. Sixth Reprint ed., New York City, NY, The Girl Scouts, Inc., 1925.
- Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Scouting for Girls. 1920. 2nd Abridged ed., New York City, NY, The Girl Scouts, Inc., June 1928.
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