Girl Scout history

guest commentary by Debbie Robinson, a Girl Scout volunteer and Girl Scout Woman of Distinction recipient

It is a rare privilege when an organization can say it is celebrating 100 years of service.  For the Girl Scouts this centennial birthday is quickly approaching in 2012.

Our council, Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, is planning a yearlong celebration to mark this historic occasion. Together we will embrace our past and look forward to another 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence and character.

Our council is embarking on a unique oral history project as Girl Scouts of all ages will set out, video cameras in hand, to interview former Girl Scout members. In true Girl Scout fashion, these little journalists will be prepared. Each member who will conduct interviews will attend a council-sponsored training with an oral history professional. There they will learn the tips of the trade from equipment usage to historical research to conducting interviews.

Following the trainings the interview process will begin with our alumni. From there the individual interviews will be compiled into a small documentary that will be released in 2012 for the 100th anniversary celebration. But before all of this can begin, we need former Girl Scouts who are willing to be interviewed on camera.

Alumni of all ages are needed to share the memories and experiences that shaped who they are today. Regardless of the role they played in Girl Scouts; a girl member, troop leader or board member, we want to preserve their story so it can be heard for years to come.

The Fort Smith region has a history rich in Girl Scouting. It is important that the overall project reflects this while representing us and the impact the organization has had on our community. Chances are you, like me, have positive memories of Girl Scouts in our city.

As a long-term volunteer I have directly seen how Girl Scouting has made a lasting impression on the lives of our young ladies and volunteers. Life-long friendships have been made, leadership and life-skills have been learned and countless doors have been opened for girl members who, otherwise, would not have had the opportunity.

One opportunity that is unique to this area is something that has occurred since 1980. Our Girl Scouts have been able to visit West Sussex, England, through an exchange program. What an amazing testament of what Girl Scouts can do! These stories and so many more are the ones we want to hear, share and preserve. Will you help us?

Even if you did not grow up in Fort Smith Girl Scouts, you are needed to join this project as it is council-wide. We have interviewees who participated in councils across the state, country and even world. I encourage you to tell others about this as word of mouth is one of the best tools to alert Girl Scout alumni that this oral history venture is taking place.

If you are interested in being interviewed for this once in a lifetime project or have any questions, please contact our council communications director, Kendall Thornton at (800) 632-6894, ext.6242 or [email protected]

Once we receive your information, a confirmation letter will be mailed to your home and your name will be given to a local Girl Scout troop who will contact you to set up an interview. Interviews are taking place and will do so until the fall of next year.

I’m thrilled about what this project means for the council as we work together to preserve our Girl Scout history. It is my wish that all of our Girl Scout alumni, young and old, will join us on this amazing journey!