Among the biggest draws for Girl Scouts visiting
Savannah is, naturally, Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace. Since Girl Scouts of
the USA purchased the house in the 1950s, it has held its place on the bucket
lists of Girl Scouts young and old. Thousands of Girl Scouts visit each year,
including girls who plan and save for months (sometimes years), eager to come
and connect with our Movement’s history as well as reflect on their place in
its future.
Recently, Girl Scout staff from
across the country came together for a regional meeting and training at the
site where Girl Scouting began. Many
council and national staff who participated training know from talking with
their local Girl Scout troops just how special it is to make a pilgrimage to
Juliette Low’s hometown.
At the meeting, Birthplace staff
welcomed dozens of fellow Girl Scouts for a special evening of sisterhood in
the home of our founder. As Sarah Henley from Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
said, “I immediately experienced a sense of awe at how breathtaking and well maintained
the home is.” And, after visiting the Girls
Writing the World library exhibit, Henley told staff, “I
appreciate you celebrating the diversity of women, including talents such as
Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou.”
Attendees toured the site and
enjoyed refreshments, delighting in being in the actual space that saw our
Daisy grow into the woman we all admire. Just like our girl visitors, staff
enjoyed seeing Daisy’s artwork, hearing great stories, and getting a better
understanding of how one young woman of privilege started a movement that has
gone on to improve the lives of girls of all different types of
backgrounds.
The evening held laughter, some tears
of joy, and engaging discussion about the important and worthwhile work of all
Girl Scout staff and volunteers. As the attendees wrapped up the reception with
a pinning ceremony, all of the Girl Scout staff who were visiting for the first
time became “daughters of the house,” and everyone in attendance left with new
friends and a bit more of Daisy’s amazing spirit.
Reflecting on the event, Janet
Littler of Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland said, “What an amazing place for
girls to come and learn what they themselves might be able to accomplish.”