The Badge Archive

Across Generations: GSUSA 1940s

⚠️ This page is under construction

During the 1940s, Girl Scouting was deeply shaped by World War II and a spirit of national service. Troops met in homes, churches, and schools—often led by mothers, teachers, or women with wartime skills to share. Girls wore crisp green uniforms with berets or beanies, recited the Promise and Law from memory, and learned practical skills that directly supported the war effort.

Scouts collected scrap metal, ran bicycle courier services, planted Victory Gardens, and trained in first aid and civil defense. Camping also flourished, offering a much-needed escape and a place to practice outdoor resilience. In this decade, Girl Scouting became not only a source of comfort but a call to action.

What’s Different

What Was Different from Earlier Decades

  • Wartime service was central: Girls participated in scrap drives, food rationing campaigns, and emergency preparedness, often earning related badges.
  • Victory Gardens became scout projects: Gardening for survival and patriotism became part of troop life.
  • Civil defense training was introduced: Older girls learned Morse code, fire safety, and evacuation protocols.
  • Uniforms were structured and ceremonial: Formal green dresses, polished shoes, and white gloves were expected.
  • Handbooks emphasized citizenship and homemaking: Topics like My Government, Child Care, and Emergency Service reflected national needs.

What’s Different from Today’s Girl Scouts

  • The Promise and Law used earlier wording: The language was more formal and duty-based than today’s values model.
  • No Daisy program: Brownies were the youngest official level.
  • Troop meetings were adult-led and scripted: Girl-led planning came later.
  • Bridging ceremonies were just beginning: The concept of “Fly-Up” was mentioned but not widely formalized.
  • Badgework was manual and specific: Girls used paper handbooks and completed fixed requirements—there were no Journeys or Take Action Projects yet.

What’s the Same

  • Singing around a fire
  • Friendship that lasts decades
  • The drive to take the lead and make a difference
  • A love of badges, bridging, and belonging

Featured Profiles

Coming Soon
We’re actively collecting stories from Girl Scouts who served, camped, and led during the 1940s. If you have a memory or know someone from this era, we’d love to hear from you.

Memory Snapshots

Coming Soon
Quotes from scouts active in the 1940s will appear here as interviews and submissions are verified.

🔗 Suggested Resources

  • 1940s Handbooks – Digitized version of the original handbooks.
    • 1941 – Girl Scout Handbook – Not available on the Open Library, but had yellow lines and trefoil on a green cover (w/o paper book cover) – Images on Google
      • This held no badge requirements as they continued to use the ones released in the 1938 Girl Scout Handbook, which is also not available on the Open Library. It has a teal cover – Images on Google.
    • 1947 – Girl Scout Handbook
  • 1940s Girl Scout Leader Newsletter Archive – Wartime leadership, civil defense tips, and troop mobilization strategies during World War II.
  • 1940s Camp Life – Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve – A collection of firsthand memories from Girl Scouts who camped at Crowell Hilaka, highlighting outdoor skills, wartime ingenuity, and the evolution of camp traditions across generations.
  • Camp Alice Chester in the 1940s – GSWISE – A look back at how Girl Scouts in southeastern Wisconsin built lifelong friendships and learned new skills—like vagabond stove cooking and buddy board safety—at one of the region’s most beloved camps.
  • Girl Scout History – Wartime Service & Traditions – An overview of how Girl Scouts supported the war effort through scrap drives, Victory Gardens, and civil defense training, while preserving timeless traditions like ceremonies, uniforms, and the Girl Scout Promise.

Have a photo from the 1940s?

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 1940s story →

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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!

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Tia Kennard