The Badge Archive

Across Generations: GSUSA 1920s

⚠️ This page is under construction

The 1920s were the dawn of Girl Scouting in the United States. This was a decade shaped by innovation, independence, and civic engagement. As the movement grew from Juliette Gordon Low’s 1912 vision, troops formed in cities and small towns alike. Girls wore khaki uniforms with brass buttons and felt hats, met in homes and clubhouses, and studied signal flags, thrift skills, and citizenship.

The values reflected post–World War I service and suffragist ideals. Girls earned their Golden Eaglet awards, wrote in journals, camped in canvas tents, and contributed to the health and welfare of their communities. The 1920s were bold, imaginative, and full of firsts.

What’s Different

What Was Different from Earlier Decades

  • Handbooks were foundational and patriotic: Early editions emphasized home safety, thrift, preparedness, and service to country.
  • Uniforms followed military styling: Khaki dresses, wide belts, brass buttons, and felt hats were standard.
  • Signal flags and Morse code were emphasized: Communication and precision were key scouting skills.
  • Golden Eaglet was the highest honor: Girls worked toward citizenship, homemaking, and outdoor skills through rigorous badgework.
  • Camping was experimental and regional: Some councils offered nature hikes and overnight trips with homemade gear and journal-based activities.

What’s Different from Today’s Girl Scouts

  • No Daisy or Junior levels yet: Brownie troops were introduced in 1918 but were still evolving; most scouts were older girls.
  • Handbooks had no illustrations: Instructions were text-heavy and badge requirements were formal and detailed.
  • Badges focused on domestic service: Needlework, home nursing, and citizenship dominated badge topics.
  • No Journeys or TAPs: The emphasis was on mastering skills, not thematic or project-based learning.
  • No bridging ceremonies: Troop advancement was informal or based on age transitions.

What’s the Same

  • Singing, hiking, and the joy of campfires
  • Sisterhood and life-long friendships
  • A focus on self-reliance, leadership, and service
  • Trefoil pride and badge earning

Featured Profiles

Coming Soon
We’re actively searching for scout stories from the 1920s. If your family has letters, handbooks, or photos from this decade, we would love to feature them.

Memory Snapshots

Coming Soon
Verified quotes and stories from Girl Scouts active in the 1920s will appear here once collected.

🔗 Suggested Resources

Have a photo from the 1920s?

We’d love to feature vintage snapshots! Submit your troop pics or camp memories here.

Browse More or Submit Yours

Looking for another decade? Back to the Across Generations Page →
Got a memory to share? Submit a 1920s story →

–

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

–

–

Tia Kennard