The Badge Archive

---

A Life Shaped by Girl Scouting

Brownie, 1956 • First Class Award Recipient, 1963 • Troop Leader • Scout Grandma x6

“We thought it was a really realistic first aid drill. It was so cool they even loaded her in the ambulance. Only afterwards did we find out it was real. She had actually broken her neck.”

Marilyn’s journey in Girl Scouts began in fall 1956 and continued through the Senior level, where she earned the First Class Award in 1963. Her troop stayed close through every stage, and many remain lifelong friends, still exchanging birthday cards and letters or visiting when they are back in Miami.

A First Aid Challenge That Became Real

To complete her Health and Safety Challenge (one of four required for the First Class Award) Marilyn’s leader was supposed to stage an emergency scenario. They practiced a lot, bandaging her brother and sister as “mummies.” Marilyn and her troop went on a picnic near the beach and when someone drew attention to an injured surfer, they thought this was another rehearsal. They floated a surfboard out to a girl who had been injured by a wave, performed first aid, and watched her leave in an ambulance. They believed it was all a simulation. Only afterward did they learn the injury was real: the girl had broken her neck. Thankfully, she recovered fully. Their leader thought it fully counted and never did a simulation after they handled a real emergency so well.

From Pen Pals to Finland

As a teenager, Marilyn visited the World’s Fair near New York City with her family. A BIC pen program matched attendees with international pen pals, and Marilyn was paired with a Finnish Girl Guide named Anita. They exchanged letters for over five years. When Anita’s delegation came to the U.S., they were able to meet in person. Thanks to her father’s airline job, Marilyn arranged a limo ride to greet Anita and spent the night with her in New York. Just before losing her flight privileges when she got married, Marilyn traveled to Finland to visit Anita again. Both were troop leaders at the time, Marilyn with Juniors in college, and Anita with Brownies in Finland.

A Scout Legacy That Still Grows

Marilyn later led Boy Scout troops for her three sons. Now, she’s a grandmother to seven girls. Six are already Girl Scouts, with the last only three years old. Marilyn is involved in their scouting experience and loves leading them in their own memory making, just as her mother once did for her.

Read Marilyn’s Mother’s Story!

–

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

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

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!

–

• Return to the Daisy Badge List.
• Return to the Brownie Badge List.
• Return to the Junior Badge List.
• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.
• See Multi-Level Themes

–

Back to the Across Generations Page →

–