In 'The Girl Scouts of the Round Table' by Margaret Vandercook, readers are transported into a whimsical world where a group of courageous and resourceful young girls embark on an adventurous journey led by the principles of the legendary King Arthur. Filled with themes of friendship, leadership, and the power of teamwork, the book combines elements of fantasy and reality in a captivating and insightful way. Vandercook's engaging storytelling and descriptive prose create a vivid literary tapestry that will appeal to readers of all ages. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the book reflects the cultural and societal values of the time, while also weaving in timeless lessons that are still relevant today. Margaret Vandercook, a pioneering author in children's literature, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a Girl Scout leader, bringing authenticity and depth to the narrative. Vandercook's passion for empowering young girls shines through in this enchanting tale, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring story that celebrates the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

In more than nine decades of Girl Scouting, a vast popular and material culture has given rise to a wealth of Girl Scout history collections. More than an identification guide to uniforms, insignia, and other Girl Scout objects, this work also documents when changes occurred and why new items were introduced. Placing these objects in context, this essential guide provides a discerning look at the history and development of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. Scholars and aficionados of Girl Scout history, costume history, women's studies, popular culture, and dress will welcome this indispensable and definitive resource. This new, expanded edition, with hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and tables, is indisputably the go-to source for information on all Girl Scout uniforms, insignia, awards, and handbooks, as well as dolls, postcards, posters, calendars, and more--from the founding of the Girl Scouts in 1912 through the present day. "An invaluable resource to Girl Scout councils managing a history collection. And, beyond that . . . an informative and intriguing glimpse . . . into the evolution of a Movement that . . . today is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls." --Cynthia B. Thompson, chair, National Board of Directors, and Kathy Cloninger, national chief executive officer, GSUSA "An indispensable reference for collectors; a fascinating resource for anyone interested in Girl Scouting, this comprehensive guide to Girl Scout memorabilia is firmly grounded in the history of the Girl Scouts of the United States. Mary Degenhardt and Judith Kirsch show us what Girl Scouts wore and read, and explain how changes in uniforms, insignia, and publications reflect the evolution of Girl Scout programs and the expansion of opportunities for American girls. Reading this book is like walking through a fine museum where material culture brings the past to life." --Anastatia Sims, author of Negotiating Boundaries of Southern Womanhood

In the early years of the twentieth century, Americans began to recognize adolescence as a developmental phase distinct from both childhood and adulthood. This awareness, however, came fraught with anxiety about the debilitating effects of modern life on adolescents of both sexes. For boys, competitive sports as well as "primitive" outdoor activities offered by fledging organizations such as the Boy Scouts would enable them to combat the effeminacy of an overly civilized society. But for girls, the remedy wasn't quite so clear. Surprisingly, the "girl problem"?a crisis caused by the transition from a sheltered, family-centered Victorian childhood to modern adolescence where self-control and a strong democratic spirit were required of reliable citizens?was also solved by way of traditionally masculine, adventurous, outdoor activities, as practiced by the Girl Scouts, the Camp Fire Girls, and many other similar organizations. Susan A. Miller explores these girls' organizations that sprung up in the first half of the twentieth century from a socio-historical perspective, showing how the notions of uniform identity, civic duty, "primitive domesticity," and fitness shaped the formation of the modern girl.