Scouting in the public schools.—Only that organization for young people can succeed which contributes directly to their chief business, which is getting an education. One reason the girl scout organization is received so cheerfully by school people is that it works into the school's own plans to a remarkable degree. Local councils have a larger representation from the public schools than from any other single agency. Scout leaders are drawn largely from the teaching force because teachers naturally have a better insight into the needs of young people than any other single group.
In a few places this interest has resulted in the gradual assimilation of scouting into the school system. At Fort Scott, Kans., this work has progressed furthest, with 90 per cent of all pupils of scout age, either boy or girl scouts. Supt. Ramsey made a most favorable report on this situation at the Cleveland meeting of the Department of Superintendence of the National Education Association in 1920. Among essential features he mentioned the following:
The boy scout executive and girl scout commissioner act as recreational directors and have charge of all the health education and vocational guidance.
A room is set aside in the Junior High School for all scout work which, however, is passed upon by a council, including persons outside of the school force.
Through glee clubs and choruses great interest in community singing and other music has been developed. The scout organization is helping to solve the dress problem for both boys and girls.
“To give the modern ideals of education would be to state the ideals of scouting.” The modern teacher is increasingly well fitted to become a good scout leader.
Scouting may best be promoted through the public school, because that is the only organization that includes all the boys and girls. Moreover, because of close daily association, leaders of school troops can insure each scout being an active scout.
The school also benefits by scouting in a number of ways. Older pupils stay in school longer because of their interest in scouting than because of any other influence. “A year of work in scouting will do as much toward acquainting a teacher with the ideals of teaching as a year spent in any college or university of the country.” Finally, scouting secures the interest, attention, and good will of the parents to the public schools.
Girl Scout badges earned in 1919-20.
| Subject. | Number. | Per 1,000. | |
| 1. | Home nurse | 2,852 | 126 |
| 2. | Laundress | 2,192 | 97 |
| 3. | First aid | 1,523 | 67 |
| 4. | Needlewoman | 1,389 | 61 |
| 5. | Child nurse | 1,267 | 56 |
| 6. | Cook | 991 | 44 |
| 7. | Pathfinder | 990 | 44 |
| 8. | Health guardian | 923 | 41 |
| 9. | Flower finder or zoologist | 878 | 39 |
| 10. | Home maker | 861 | 38 |
| 11. | Citizen | 732 | 32 |
| 12. | Signaler | 647 | 28 |
| 13. | Bird hunter | 636 | 28 |
| 14. | Health winner | 600 | 26 |
| 15. | Pioneer | 595 | 26 |
| 16. | Artist | 592 | 26 |
| 17. | Musician | 580 | 26 |
| 18. | Interpreter | 578 | 25 |
| 19. | Swimmer | 557 | 25 |
| 20. | Business | 424 | 19 |
| 21. | Cyclist | 422 | 19 |
| 22. | Gardener | 393 | 17 |
| 23. | Athlete | 345 | 15 |
| 24. | Horsewoman | 266 | 12 |
| 25. | Bugler | 254 | 11 |
| 26. | Scribe | 216 | 10 |
| 27. | Telegrapher | 192 | 8 |
| 28. | Motorist | 190 | 8 |
| 29. | Dairy maid | 190 | 8 |
| 30. | Farmer | 187 | 8 |
| 31. | Sailor | 130 | 6 |
| 32. | Electrician | 101 | 4 |
| Total | 22,693 | 1,000 |