Thinking Day: Girl Scouts across the world- Spying & Scouting
Today is Thinking Day, where all across the world girl scouts and guides remember each other. Most troops have something elaborate, but for retired/former members it's just a chance to reflect on an organization that provides so much. Participation builds character, independence, and allows girls to learn practical skills, engenders mutual respect for all, & civic responsibility. The social network is international and friendships are enduring. Sadly in the USA, I feel it has been co-opted by the religious conservatives twisting the precepts of scouting to reflect their bigoted views. I believe in the universal sisterhood of Girl Guides, and reject any idea of exclusion (be it religion, sexual orientation or any other reason for that matter). I was an enthusiastic member of Brownies, Girl Guides (=Scouts), and Rangers (=Eagle Scout), completing my Duke of Edinburgh award while I was at school in Cambridge.
I was fortunate to participate in the 5th Pan-American Jamboree hosted in Kingston, Jamaica in the summer of 1985, as the youngest Ranger to attend. Totally fun but exhausting. When I got home I slept 32 hours straight. Haha.
But thinking about the guy who started it all Baden-Powell, I conclude that the organization was encouraged because the British government wanted a quasi military trained pool of candidates that were inculcated early in their youth to the arts of camping, tracking, hunting and (ahem) spying; thus preparing the next generation of leaders, fighters and spooks.
I'm ambivalent about the idea of being part of a paramilitary organization (however remotely); I don't think I would choose it for my kids if I had any, since there are so many other (less controversial) options available now but I remember my time with fondness. Happy Thinking Day to all Girl Guides & Girl Scouts