Josefa Llanes Escoda

Josefa Llanes Escoda founded the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in 1940, but she would not live to see the association take its place on the world stage. Here is her story:

Josefa was born in Dingras, Illocos Norte on September 20, 1898, the eldest of seven children. After finishing high school, she earned a teaching degree from the Philippine Normal School in 1919, followed by a high school teacher’s certificate from the University of the Philippines in 1922. She then became a social worker for the Philippine Chapter of the American Red Cross, and was granted a scholarship to the United States, where she earned a Masters degree in Sociology from the University of Columbia in 1925. While in the US, she met Antonio Escoda. Back in the Philippines, they would marry and later had two children.

On her second trip the US in 1939, Josefa trained with the Girl Scouts of the USA and upon her return to the Philippines, began to train Filipino women to become Girl Scout Leaders and organize troops. On May 26, 1940, President Manuel Quezon signed the charter of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, with Josefa as the first National Executive.

With the arrival of Japanese Troops in 1941, Girl Scouting officially ceased operations, but under Josefa’s leadership, leaders and volunteers worked underground to relieve the suffering of prisoners and civilians. Their work included:

• Conveying messages of families to prisoners of war
• Keeping records of the names and addresses of Filipino prisoners of war at Camp O’Donnel in Capas, Tarlac
• Collecting food, medicine, clothing, shoes, and other supplies and secretly delivering them to prisoners of war and American internees in concentration camps
• Collecting information and relaying it to the resistance movement
• Setting up and running community kitchens to feed the poor and hungry in Manila

By 1944, the work of Josefa and her husband was discovered by Japanese military agents. Antonio was arrested in June and Josefa in August, both being sent to Fort Santiago, an infamous prison during the Japanese occupation. Josefa was last seen alive on January 6, 1945, weak and showing signs of having been severely beaten. At that time, she was put on a Japanese transport truck and it is believed that she was executed and buried in an unmarked grave in La Loma Cemetery, Manila, along with thousands of other Filipinos who resisted the Japanese occupation.

It is a testament to Josefa Llanes Escoda that the Girl Scouts of the Philippines were able to quickly reorganize following the liberation of the Philippines. The association was admitted as a Tenderfoot Member of WAGGGS in 1946, and a Full Member in 1948.

Sources:

• Courage in the Face of Adversity
• Filipina Leader of the Resistance
• Girl Scouts of the Philippines
• Girl Scouting in the Philippines – Josefa Llanes Escoda
• Josefa Llanes Escoda (Wikipedia)

Advertisement

More Games for Girl Guides!

Here are some games from an article “Games for Girl Guides” in The Schoolgirls’ Own Annual 1941 (Fleetway House: London, 1940)

Shipwrecked

The object of this game is to “rescue” a “shipwrecked” Patrol from a “rock” surrounded by “water” by throwing them a lifeline. Draw a circle on the floor with a piece of chalk, just large enough for the Patrol to stand in. Around this one, leaving a space of several feet from the first, draw another circle. For the lifeline, a piece of rope (with or without a bowline loop tied in one end). The rescuer must stand outside the second circle and aim at the shipwrecked Guides in turn, throwing the rope for them to catch. The Guide catching the rope secures it around her waist and is then ‘rescued’.

Skill Connections: Teamwork, Knots – Bowline, Throwing a Lifeline
Program Connections: Sailing Badge, Swimming Badge

A Morse Game

Guides form a ring. One stands in the middle with Signalling Flag. Signals a letter to a Guide. When a Guide has had three misses at reading the letter she drops out, or she can take the place of the Signaller.

Skill Connections: Memory, Concentration
Program Connections: Build Skills in Communication, Interpreting Badge

Kim’s Game

This game is always popular, and tests memory and powers of observation. Various objects such as a cork, a pencil, a rubber, nail, and other small articles should be placed on a tray on the floor. The Guides squat in a circle round it. Captain must give a certain number of minutes in which the Guides may look at the assortment of oddments, then they turn their backs and in a given time write down all the things they can remember.

Skill Connections: Observation
Program Connections: Naturalist Badge; There are many! For example: Learn About WAGGGS (International uniforms or enrolment pins), Learn About Safety & First Aid Badge (First Aid Kit items)

Fences

If fences are broken round a garden, small boys and dogs will enter and do a great deal of harm; therefore, Guides must make strong fences. Guides should stand in two rows, facing each other, with a piece of string. Each guide must join her piece of string to her neighbour’s with a certain knot – chosen by Captain. The side with the least breaks in its fence at the end of a given time wins.

Skill Connections: Knots
Program Connections: Understanding the Promise, Law & Motto (Reef Knot)

What Is It?

This jolly guessing game is an ideal one for a Guide party. Everyone sits in a ring, the lights are turned out, and a series of small objects passed round. Each person must remember the articles which she has handed, and when the lights go on again, write them down in their correct order. The funnier the objects, the more laughable the results. Choose, for example, a piece of soap, a bone, a kid glove stuffed with kapok or rag, a rubber hot-water bottle stopper, the cover of a matchbox and a piece of coal. You will find six things quite sufficient, and be sure to insist on them being passed round fairly quickly.

Skill Connections: Memory, Observation
Program Connections: Naturalist Badge

Noises

This is a good test for training the sense of hearing! The Guides sit in Patrols with their backs to the Captain, who makes a series of noises. She may strike a match, burst a bag or balloon, drop a pin, twirl an egg-whisk, or anything else she chooses. As they hear the noises, the Guides write down what they imagine them to be. They must not write “scratch,” or “pop,” but say how the noise is made. This also would make a good game for a Guide party.

Skill Connections: Observation, Listening
Program Connections: Naturalist Badge

Numbers – Run!

The Guides line up behind their Patrol Leaders, facing their Captain. In front of the Patrols, at a distance of about six paces, there must be a chair. The Patrols number off from the front to the rear, and then, when the Captain calls a number, the Guides in each Patrol bearing that number run up the right-hand side of their Patrols, round the chair, back down the left-hand side, round the rear of their Patrols, and so to their places. The first one in her place gaining a point. A dead heat gains a point for the Patrols concerned. Numbers should not be called in consecutive order.

Skill Connections: Active Living, Following Instructions, Teamwork

A Guide Meeting: 1917

Looking for ways to being Guiding History to life? Why not try holding a Guide meeting as it would have been in the past! Guides can take part in heritage activities and learn about Guiding history in a fun and interactive way.

The following is based on “A Model Evening” by G.M. Cobb, in The Girl Guides’ Gazette, April 1917.

Meeting is held 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

5.30 – On the sound of the whistle the Company “falls in.” The Leaders then call the roll, prove their Patrols, and inspect their kit and general smartness. At the end of ten minutes they leave their Patrols and report to the Captain.

• The week before, let the girls know you will be using a whistle instead of your usual signals the following week.
• Girls go to their Patrol Corners, Leaders take attendance, collect dues, etc. (your usual routine).
• Inspection could consist of wearing uniform, proper shoes, water bottle (specifics will depend on your Unit). You could also provide hair ties and ask anyone with long hair to tie it back (this was required in the past!)
• If your group likes to dress up, they could dress like Guides in 1917. Canadian Guides at this time wore a long navy blue skirt, white middy blouse, and blue scarf.
• If you have time, make your girls Shoulder Knots in their Patrol colours. (I have done this and the ‘knots’ were worn for the rest of the year!). Shoulder Knots were worn by Guides until 1964.

5.40 – Company notices are then given out; this is followed by Patrol inspection, each Leader being held responsible for her patrol, and ready to explain absences, etc.

• Hold your opening ceremony, make any announcements, share information for the evening

5.45 – The next three-quarters of an hour the Leaders are responsible for the work. Each Leader takes a different subject, such as Second-Class, Proficiency Badge work, Recruits, and so on. The Leader may choose whatever she things most interesting or most needed by her Guides, and can detail them off for work with another Leader, if not advanced enough, or too far on, for work with their own Patrol. After half an hour each Guide must return to her own Leader, and the remaining quarter of an hour is spent in drill. When the Leaders’ three-quarters of an hour is up, they leave their Patrols “at ease” and report to the Captain.

• If possible, have Patrol Leaders, 3rd-Year Guides, Pathfinders or Rangers lead activities rather than Guiders.
• Activities could be based on traditional Guide skills such as Semaphore, Morse Code, Trail Signs, Tracking and Stalking, Knots, First Aid, Map and Compass, Fire Lighting, Camp Gadgets, or Weather Lore.
• Drill could include learning hand and whistle signals (very useful at camp!)

6.30 – The next three-quarters of an hour is given to games, varied by ball, and musical drills, Patrol competitions, any display work, and singing, the last being popular.

• This time could include relay games, participation stories, etc. about Guide History
• Here are some games from the early days of Guiding: Games in Stalking (1918), Games for Outdoor Skills (1925), Some New Games to Play (1927), Games for Patrol Corners (1938)

7.15 – The Company sit in Patrols, and the last quarter of an hour is given to the serious side of  Guideship – debates on difficulties, talks on the Guide Law, and how best to follow the Great Guide, and the parade closes with prayer, and the Vesper Hymn for our men at the front, “Tonight,” and then the “Dismiss.”

• End your meeting with discussion about the Guide’s experiences during the evening, or share more tidbits from our past. Explore this blog for more interesting pieces of Guiding History.

Agnes Baden-Powell

Agnes Baden-Powell has always been my favourite “B-P”, and I have found it frustrating how little her importance to the beginning of Guiding seems to be recognized. The Guide Program (Canadian) asks girls to learn about both Robert and Olave, but not Agnes – needless to say, my Guides learn about all three!

Agnes was responsible, with her brother, Robert, for the organization of the early Guide Movement. They co-wrote the first handbook, How Girls Can Help to Build Up the Empire, and steered the fledgling Association through its early days. Agnes was President of the Girl Guide Association until 1920, when she relinquished the role to Princess Mary. She would remain a Vice-President until her death in 1945.

Outside of Guiding, Agnes was a talented musician and artist, beekeeper, natural history enthusiast, keen balloonist, camper, and animal lover. She kept unusual pets, including a colony of butterflies and small birds. Her other involvements included the Red Cross, League of Mercy and Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild.

For anyone interested in learning more about Agnes, I highly recommend The First Girl Guide: The Story of Agnes Baden-Powell by Helen D. Gardner

Agnes Baden-Powell Appreciation Society

“A group for  those who appreciate Agnes Baden-Powell [16 December 1858 – 2 June 1945] and her contribution to the beginning of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.”

Facebook Group – www.facebook.com/groups/182448958264/

Agnes Baden-Powell Guild

To goals of the Guild are:

• To keep alive the memory of Agnes Baden-Powell, “The First Girl Guide”
• To add Agnes Baden-Powell’s name to the family memorial in Kensal Green Cemetery over her burial place
• To raise the £10,000 needed to repair and restore the Baden-Powell family monument in Kensal Green Cemetary and to add Agnes’ name, and to work with the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery to undertake the restoration.

Society Membership is £10 (includes newsletter, membership button badge and card)

There are also notecards, crests and pins available for purchase, and the “How Girls Can Help … Challenge”.

Membership information is available on the Facebook group of the Agnes Baden-Powell Appreciation Society.

Canadian Guiding Age Groups

This post is inspired by a discussion on Facebook about when the age groups changed for various branches. There has always been a degree of flexibility in the age groupings, sometimes with an official overlap, sometimes with local practice.

This information is based on (1) POR, (2) Program Books, (3) Official Publications. Local results may have varied! If you have information about age groupings from one of the above sources, please let me know! Sources used are listed at the bottom.

SPARKS

A new program for 5-year-olds was launched in the fall of 1988. These 5-year-olds officially became Sparks on January 3, 1989! (Canadian Guider, January 1989) The program did not start everywhere right away, but our youngest branch would quickly become an important member of the Guiding family.

With the introduction of a new program in 1995, Sparks became a 2-year program for 5-7 year-olds. The age group is adjusted to 5 & 6 year-olds in 2002. (GGC Website)

BROWNIES

There are references to young girls of 7 to 11 taking part in Guiding activities as early as 1913. They are referred to as “Rosebuds” from 1914 and 1919, finally adopting the name “Brownies” by 1920. (Girl Guide Columns in The Toronto Star and The Globe & Mail).

The Girl Guide Gazette (September 1917) and Girl Guiding (1918, 1921) outlined the Brownie program for girls aged 8 to 11.

The P. O. & R for 1927 lists Brownies as “girls under the age of 11”.

A clarification was issued in 1929 that “It is recommended that children under the age of eight should not be enrolled as Brownies. This allows Brownie training to be spread over a period of three years, which is considered long enough preparation before enrolment in a Guide company.” This statement is found in P. O. & R. up until at least 1935.

P.O. & R. (1939 & 1943) defines Brownies as being for girls “under eleven years of age”. It goes on to say that “A Brownie may be admitted to a pack at the age of seven. She may be enrolled before she is eight if she has passed the Recruit Test and the Brown Owl considers she is ready for enrolment.” In order to earn her Brownie Wings, she had to pass the Golden Hand test before her eleventh birthday. In 1944 the age group for Brownies is placed at 8 to 11 years of age (The Commissioner’s Handbook)

By 1948, Brownies are “girls from eight to eleven years of age”. In 1964, Brownies became “girls from seven to ten years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, changing Brownies from 7-10 to 6-9. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition.

From 1981, Brownies are “girls from six to nine years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

With the introduction of a new program in 1995, Brownies became a 2-year program for 7-9 year-olds. The age group is adjusted to 7 & 8 year-olds in 2002. (GGC Website)

GUIDES

The Scheme for Girl Guides (1909) set the age for Guides as 12 to 16 with Group Leaders (later Patrol Leaders) as aged 15 to 18.

How Girls Can Help to Build Up the Empire (1912) has Guides as between the ages of 11 and 16, and Patrol Leaders as over 15. The roots of a program for younger girls is also here, “In special cases, girls may become Junior Tenderfoots at a younger age, in separate patrols.”

The Girl Guide Gazette (September 1917) and Girl Guiding (1918) outline the Guide program for girls aged 11 to 16, but allow that girls may remain in the Guide Company until they are 18.

The P. O. & R. for 1927 states that to become a Guide “a girl must be over the age of 11.” Later, the same volume states that older Guides “under ordinary circumstances would leave their Companies at the age of 18…” P. O. & R. states Guides “must be over the age of 11” up until at least 1935.

In 1939 P. O. & R. states that in order to become a Guide “a girl must be over the age of 10.”

P.O. & R. (1943) defines the Guide Company as being for “girls from ten to sixteen years of age”. In 1944, the age group became “from eleven to fifteen or sixteen years of age”. (The Commissioner’s Handbook)

The age group had changed to “girls from eleven to sixteen years of age” by 1948. In 1964 Guides became “girls from ten to fourteen years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, changing Guides from 10-14 to 9-12. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition.

From 1981 Guides are “girls from nine to twelve years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

The age group is adjusted to ages 9 to 11 in 2003. (GGC Website)

PATHFINDERS
The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, adding Pathfinders as a new group for 12-15 year-olds. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition.

From 1981 Pathfinders are “girls from twelve to fifteen years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

The age group is been adjusted to ages 12 to 14 in 2006. (Listen, Learn, Lead, Live!)

LAND RANGERS/RANGERS
The “Proposed Scheme for Senior Guides” published in The Girl Guide Gazette (March 1917), The Girl Guide Gazette (September 1917) and Girl Guiding (1918) set the age for Senior Guides as over 16. Senior Guides would become Rangers in 1920.

The P. O. & R. of 1927 states that “any girl over 16 is eligible for enrolment as a Ranger”. This is still true as of 1939, however the statement “Rangers are usually enrolled at the age of 16, but may be enrolled at 15 if the Captain considers this advisable.”

P.O. & R. (1943) defines Rangers as being for “girls over fifteen years of age”. By 1948, Land Rangers were girls “girls from fifteen to nineteen years of age”. The upper age limit was raised by 1950, noting that Land Rangers “should usually be about 15 years of age and should go on to other activities before she is 21”. In 1964 the ages were lowed, and Land Rangers became “girls from fourteen to eighteen years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

Land, Sea and Air Rangers merge in 1971, retaining the name “Ranger” and staying as “girls from fourteen to eighteen years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, changing Rangers from 14-18 to 15-17+. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition.

From 1981 Rangers are “girls from fifteen to seventeen plus years of age”. (P. O. & R.)

In 2008 Cadets, Junior Leaders and Rangers merge to become Rangers, while retaining the age grouping of 15 to 17+. (Rangers: You Lead the Way) The age grouping was adjusted to 15 to 17 in 2012. (GGC Annual Reports 2011 & 2012)

SEA RANGERS

Groups of Sea Guides were first formed in Canada by 1920 and would become Sea Rangers in 1927. These girls were all over 16.

The P. O. & R. of 1927 states that Sea Guides “must be over the age of 16.” This is still true as of 1939, however the statement “Rangers are usually enrolled at the age of 16, but may be enrolled at 15 if the Captain considers this advisable.”

P.O. & R. (1943) defines Rangers as being for “girls over fifteen years of age”. By 1948, Sea Rangers were “girls from fifteen to nineteen years of age”. The upper age limit was raised by 1950, noting that Sea Rangers “should usually be about 15 years of age and should go on to other activities before she is 21”. In 1964 the ages were lowed, and Sea Rangers became “girls from fourteen to eighteen years of age”. Sea Rangers merged with Land and Air Rangers in 1971. (P. O. & R.)

AIR RANGERS

Air Rangers were added in 1954, and as with the other Ranger branches, P. O. & R. stated that they “should usually be about 15 years of age and should go on to other activities before she is 21”. In 1964 the ages were lowed, and Air Rangers became “girls from fourteen to eighteen years of age”. Air Rangers merged with Land and Sea Rangers in 1971.

CADETS

Cadet Companies were in existence by 1923, providing an opportunity for young women to train for leadership in the Guide Movement.

Girl Guiding (1921) states that Cadets are “16 or over” and P. O. & R. (1927) further adds that all Cadets “will be at least 16 years of age and a Second Class Guide.”

In P. O. & R. (1931-35) Cadets must be at least 16 years of age and it is noted that “If she joins at 16 she may go on training till 18 or 21”.

While no definitive age is given for Cadets in P.O. & R. (1939, 1943), it does suggest the formation of a Cadet Company “where there are a number of Guides over sixteen”, and goes on to state that “It is suggested that training should last from one to two years”. In 1944, Cadets are “girls over fifteen years of age”. (The Commissioner’s Handbook) By 1948,  Cadets were stated to be both “girls of 16 and 17 years of age” and “girls of 17-18 years of age”. The age group was clarified in 1950, stating that Cadets “must have passed her 16th birthday and should be under 21, except in college companies where the age may be extended.” From 1970, current Guides and Rangers may become Cadets at 15 years of age. (P. O. & R.)

Beginning in 1974, Cadets were “girls from fifteen to twenty-one years of age”, however, it was still usually only girls who had been Guides or Rangers who were allowed to begin at 15, while others usually started  after their sixteenth birthday. The upper age limit of 21 could still be extend in college companies. (P. O. & R.)

The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, changing Cadets from 15-21 to 15-17+. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition.

From 1981 Cadets are “girls from fifteen to seventeen plus years of age” (P. O. & R.) until they merge with Juniors Leaders and Rangers in 2008.

JUNIOR LEADERS

The Bridge (April 1979) outlined the new age groupings, establishing Junior Leaders as being 15-17+. While the new age groups officially came into effect on September 1, 1979, the 1979-80 Guiding year was to be one of transition. This also marked the first time that Junior Leaders were mentioned in a Program publication.

Junior Leaders are “girls from fifteen to seventeen plus years of age” in 1981, but this has changed to “fifteen to seventeen” by 1984. (P. O. & R.) They are once again 15 to 17+ until they merge with Cadets and Rangers in 2008.

ADULT MEMBERS

The Scheme for Girl Guides (1909) set the age for Officers (Guiders) as over 21.

How Girls Can Help to Build Up the Empire (1912) states that Captains must be over the age of 21. Girl Guiding (1921) states that Captains must be not less than 21 years of age, while Lieutenants must be over 18.

In the 1927 issue of P.O. & R.:

• Ranger Captains should be over 25 years of age.
• Brown Owls and Guide Captains must be at least 21 years of age
• Tawny Owls and Guide/Ranger Lieutenants should be at least 18 years of age

According to the 1943 issue of P.O. & R., the following age requirements existed for adult members:

• Provincial & Division Commissioners, Ranger Captains and Sea Ranger Captains should be not less than 25 years of age
• District Commissioners, Brown Owls, Guide Captains, Ranger Lieutenants and Sea Ranger Lieutenants should usually be not less than twenty-one years of age.
• Tawny Owls and Guide Lieutenants should usually be not less than eighteen years of age.

By 1948 Area Commissioners had been added at not less than 25 years of age and the age for Land and Sea Ranger Captains is lowered to 24. By 1950 the age for Cadet Captains and Lieutenants is lowed to 22. When they are added in 1954, Air Ranger Captains should be not less than 24 years of age. (P. O. & R.)

The Canadian Guider of March 1965 contained a decision that qualified 17-year-olds could be registered as a Tawny Owl or Guide Lieutenant at the discretion of her commissioner.

In 1966, the age for Cadet Captains & Lieutenants is raised to 25 years of age. (P. O. & R.)

Beginning in 1969 Guiders are approved for appointment on the basis of maturity and ability, rather than age, and a minimum age of 17 is set. This is still in effect as of 1984. (P. O. & R.)

“Trefoil Guild” is for Members over the age of 21 (1948-65), lowered to 18 (1966) who wish to retain their Association with Guiding. No ages are noted beyond the group being for adult members (1967 to 1984). (P. O. & R.)

The formation of a new group called “The Trefoil” for young women aged 18-23 was noted in the May 1966 issue of the Canadian Guider. The age group was changed to 18-30 in 1971. This group is renamed “Link” in 1979. (P. O. & R.)

Sources:

Policy, Organization and Rules (P. O. & R.) – 1927, 1935, 1939, 1943, 1948, 1950, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1964 through 1977, 1980 (supplement to 1977-79 issue), 1981, 1984, 2001

The Girl Guide Gazette – 1914 to 1932; Canadian Guider Magazines – 1940 to present

Program Books – Scheme for Girl Guides (1909), How Girls Can Help to Build Up the Empire (1912), Girl Guiding (1918 through 1943), The Commissioner’s Handbook (1944), The Bridge (1979), Guiding For You (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977), The Guide Handbook (1959, 1963, 1965, 1977), Sparkling Ideas (2004), Brownies Can Do It! (2004), Listen, Learn, Lead, Live (2006), Rangers: You Lead the Way (2008)

Websites – Girl Guides of Canada; Ontario Council

Annual Reports – Girl Guides of Canada, 2000-2012; Ontario Council, 2004-2014

Canadian Guiding Uniform History Charts

So my little project of creating historical timelines for the uniforms for each branch has gotten a boost from Facebook, when someone asked if just such a thing existed!

I’ve started with Sparks, as I can confidently date many of the uniform changes through catalogues (1989/90 through 2010/11). There will be 3 files for each branch:

1. Uniform Posters – these are full-colour pages showing pictures of girls in uniform and uniform pieces, with a description of the official uniform and optional pieces that were available during that time period. I do not have images of all available uniform items – if you have a good, clear picture to share, please let me know!
2. Uniform Piece Year Chart – this is a chart that shows the Guiding years when each uniform piece was available.
3. Uniform Description Chart – this is similar to what can be found in the handbook and shows a picture of a girl in full uniform and a description of each piece. This includes wearing instructions and material information if available.