“If they do, we can start two troops. I guess you can easily find two teachers to act as Captains.”
“I think the girls ought to be allowed to elect their own Captain, don’t you?” asked Miss Allen; and Miss Phillips nodded her approval. “They will have to meet on Friday evenings, of course,” she continued. “But what about the sorority?”
“I don’t think a girl should be allowed to belong to both ΦΑΒ and the Girl Scouts,” said Miss Phillips emphatically. “For one evening in a week is all that can be spared!”
The next night, when dessert was being served, Miss Allen rose from her seat at the front of the room. The girls instantly became quiet, and turned attentively to listen to what she had to say.
“Girls,” she announced in her usual quiet tone, “we have decided, if you are in favor, to start a Girl Scout troop here. It was Ruth Henry’s idea, and after careful consideration of the matter, we have found the organization to be splendid. The members will wear a uniform, meet once a week, and on Saturdays take hikes and boat-trips; and perhaps this summer go camping.
“There will be lots for a Girl Scout to learn—first-aid, out-door cooking, horsemanship—in fact, almost anything you are interested in.”
She paused for a moment, and the girls signified their approval by breaking into a hearty applause. Ruth looked important, as if to take the credit of it all to herself.
Miss Allen continued: “We have decided to make both scholarship and athletic ability the qualifications for membership. Any girl who wishes to belong must have at least 80% in all her studies, and must be a member or a substitute on some school team. And if there are more than thirty-two girls eligible, we will start two troops.”
The girls were surprised at Miss Allen’s remarks, and many of their faces registered disappointment. Frances Wright rose from her seat.