# Study Notes: History of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting ## Overview For over 100 years, Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting have empowered girls and young women worldwide through leadership development, community action, and advocacy. The movement has grown to include 150 countries and has impacted over 250 million members globally. --- ## Origins of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting ### The Beginning: 1909 - **Event**: A group of girls attended a Boy Scout Rally in the UK, declaring themselves "Girl Scouts." - **Response**: Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, recognized the need for a similar movement for girls. ### Formation of the Girl Guides - **1909**: Guiding was introduced to address the specific needs of girls and young women. - **1910**: The Girl Guides movement was officially founded by Robert Baden-Powell and his sister, Agnes Baden-Powell. - **Global Expansion**: Early groups formed in countries like Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, and South Africa. **Example**: In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouting in the USA, starting with 18 girls in Georgia. She believed in providing opportunities for girls to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. --- ## Formation of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) ### Early International Collaboration - **1920**: The First World Conference was held in England, allowing representatives to exchange ideas and experiences. - **1924**: The First World Camp brought together 1,100 girls from 40 countries. ### Establishment of WAGGGS - **1928**: At the Fifth International Conference in Hungary, WAGGGS was officially formed with 26 founding member countries. - **World Bureau**: A secretariat was established in London to replace the advisory International Council (formed in 1919). - **World Conferences**: These conferences, held every three years, became platforms for policy-making and decision-making. The creation of WAGGGS marked a significant step in uniting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide under a shared vision and mission. --- ## Key Milestones in the Movement ### Early Years - **1907**: Lord Robert Baden-Powell organized the first Scout camp in the UK. - **1908**: Publication of _Scouting for Boys_, which inspired the Boy Scout Movement. - **1910**: Formal establishment of the Girl Guides movement. - **1912**: Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouting in the USA. ### Growth and Global Impact - **1926**: Launch of World Thinking Day at the Fourth International Conference. - **1931**: Membership reached 1 million despite challenges like the World Wars. - **1932**: Opening of the first WAGGGS World Centre, Our Chalet, in Switzerland. World Thinking Day, celebrated annually, encourages members to reflect on the global impact of the movement and their role in it. ### Regional Development - **1940**: Formation of the WAGGGS Western Hemisphere Region. - **1969**: Establishment of the Asia Pacific Region. - **1971**: Formation of the Europe Region. - **1975**: Creation of the Africa Region. - **1999**: Formation of the Arab Region. --- ## WAGGGS World Centers WAGGGS operates five World Centers, which serve as hubs for training, cultural exchange, and leadership development: 1. **Our Chalet** (Switzerland, 1932) 2. **Our Cabaña** (Mexico, 1957) 3. **Sangam** (India, 1966) 4. **Pax Lodge** (UK, 1991) 5. **Kusafiri** (Africa, 2010) **Example**: Our Chalet, the first World Center, was opened in 1932 in Switzerland. It continues to host international events and training programs for members. --- ## Advocacy and Leadership Initiatives ### Advocacy Campaigns - **1999**: First advocacy campaign, "Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy." - **2011**: Launch of the "Stop the Violence – Speak Out for Girls' Rights" campaign. ### Global Action Themes (GAT) - **1993**: "Create Peace Worldwide." - **2002**: "Our Rights, Our Responsibilities." - **2008**: "Together We Can Change Our World," based on the UN Millennium Development Goals. ### Leadership Development - **2008**: Launch of the WAGGGS Leadership Development Program (WLDP), focusing on empowering girls and young women to lead change. Many people assume that WAGGGS is solely about outdoor activities. In reality, it also focuses on advocacy, education, and leadership development. --- ## Timeline of Key Events ### Early 20th Century - **1907**: First Scout camp organized by Robert Baden-Powell. - **1909**: Girls attended the Boy Scout Rally, prompting the creation of Girl Guides. - **1910**: Official founding of the Girl Guides movement. - **1912**: Girl Scouting founded in the USA by Juliette Gordon Low. ### Mid-20th Century - **1928**: Formation of WAGGGS. - **1932**: Opening of the first World Center, Our Chalet. - **1941**: Death of Robert Baden-Powell; Olave Baden-Powell became Chief Guide. ### Late 20th Century - **1977**: Death of Olave Baden-Powell. - **1991**: Opening of Pax Lodge in London. - **1999**: Launch of the first advocacy campaign. ### 21st Century - **2008**: Launch of the WAGGGS Leadership Development Program. - **2011**: Global Advocacy Campaign, "Stop the Violence," launched. - **2015**: WAGGGS became an Incorporated Charity. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Global Reach**: Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting have grown to include 150 countries, impacting millions of lives. - **Empowerment**: The movement focuses on leadership, advocacy, and community action. - **Unity in Diversity**: WAGGGS unites members worldwide while respecting cultural differences. - **Legacy of Leadership**: From its founders to modern leaders, the movement continues to inspire girls to make a difference. To learn more about the movement's history and values, explore resources like the WAGGGS website or participate in World Thinking Day activities. --- ## Practice Questions 1. **Who founded the Girl Guides movement, and in what year?** 2. **What is the significance of the year 1928 in the history of WAGGGS?** 3. **Name the five WAGGGS World Centers and their locations.** 4. **What was the first advocacy campaign launched by WAGGGS, and when?** 5. **Explain the purpose of World Thinking Day.** Use these questions to test your understanding of the history and impact of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.