Girl Scouts of the USA is one of 129 member countries
of the World Association of
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts [WAGGGS].
Brief History
February 22, 1857 - Lord Robert Baden-Powell [B-P] was born in London.
February 22, 1889 - Olave St. Clair Soames was born.
1908 - B-P founded the Boy Scout Movement
1909 - B-P founded the Girl Guide Movement.
1910 - B-P resigned from the army to devote his life to Boy Scouts & Girl Guides.
1912 - Olave and Robert met & was married the same year. Olave became active in the
Boy Scout & Girl Guide movement.
1917 - Olave began to organize the Girl Guide movement in Sussex, England.
1918 - Olave was appointed UK Chief Guide.
1927 - the first Thinking Day was celebrated.
1930 - Olave as appointed World Chief Guide.
1931 - B-P and Olave went on a world tour.
1939 - because of failing health B-P and Olave moved to Kenya.
January 8, 1941- B-P died.
1970 - Olave retired from the movement due to ill health.
June 25, 1977 - Olave died.
WAGGGS Info
WAGGGS is divided into four regions and a regional group:
The Western Hemisphere Region The Asia-Pacific Region
The Africa Region The Arab Regional Group
The Europe RegionEach national organization must:
1. adhere to the fundamental principles of the original Promise & Law.
2. have membership which is voluntary & open to all girls & women without distinction of
creed, race, nationality, or any other circumstance.
3. be self-governing with the freedom to formulate its policy & put it into practice.
4. be independent of any political organization & any political policy.
Four World Centers:
Our Chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland - focuses on the outdoors. Pax Lodge in London, England - focuses on the history of Girl Guide & Girl Scouts Our Cabana in Cuernavaca, Mexico - focuses on community service projects, folk arts and local history. Sangam in Pune, India - focuses on Indian culture, family lifestyle, religious and the arts as well as service projects in nearby rural and urban communities.
RETURN to the Leader's Resource page