Girl Scouting's Roots in Arizona

From Savannah to the Southwest

In 1912, Juliette Low said, "I've got  something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America and all the world." It didn't take long for Girl Scouting to travel from Savannah to the southwest. In 1916, Maxie Dunning unofficially began activities with a group of girls from the Girls Friendly Society using the Girl Scout Handbook. There were a few lone troops scattered across the state and the first registered troop for this council was in Ajo, Arizona in 1918. The first troop in Phoenix began in 1921 at Madison School and disbanded in 1922. A second troop, sponsored by Trinity Cathedral began in 1922. This troop, led by Alice Marshall became Troop #1 of Phoenix. Troop #1 passed its Tenderfoot test on December 16th, 1922.

The 40th Birthday of Troop #1 Phoenix, AZ 1963 Alice Marshall (left) and Jean Clark (right) Phoenix, AZ

Most of this information was taken from the Long Green Line, 1977, by Dorothy Canfield Foster. Other information has been researched by the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Historical Society. History is an ongoing process. If you have any information that would add to our knowledge, especially about Girl Scouts in Arizona, please contact the Historical Society.

Arizona Women's Heritage Trail features Jean Clark!

Jean Clark became an exemplary Girl Scout leader in Phoenix, earning the highest awards and badges. An elementary school teacher, she dedicated her summers and free time to Girl Scouting, organizing troops for forty years, with over 500 girls benefitting from her leadership. Like other leaders, she helped girls to gain confidence and skills, while also creating service projects throughout the Valley of the Sun. [read more...]

Troop Museum Visits

A troop tour takes approximately one hour and may be scheduled during Council Shop hours. Call 602.452.7000 or 800.352.6133 to schedule a troop museum visit. A volunteer docent will contact you to plan a program for you troop's visit to the museum.

Available to Borrow

• Historical Uniform Collection

  Authentic vintage uniforms from all eras of Girl Scouting in the USA may be borrowed for events such as teas, fashion shows, flag ceremonies, and parades (newer vintage uniforms only for parades).

• Fashion Show Program

  A light-hearted adult fashion show looks at what staff and volunteers wore through the years. The 12 uniforms and script provide an interesting program for Neighborhood meetings.

• The Golden Eaglet VHS

  A 20 minute silent movie featuring Girl Scouts in 1914. Contact the Member Resource Center or the Council Shop to reserve The Golden Eaglet.

• Research Materials

  Various research materials are available including handbooks, program resources, songbooks, newsletters, photos and newspaper articles.

Donations of Historical Girl Scout Uniforms, Handbooks and Memorabilia

Donations of many Girl Scout items are welcome. Please do not dispose of your Girl Scout memorabilia, uniforms or handbooks without consulting your Girl Scout Historical Society.