The Girl Scouts: A Training School for Womanhood

Name: The Girl Scouts: A Training School for Womanhood
Author: Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin

By Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin

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About This Book

The author advocates for organized scouting as a practical training school for young women, arguing that small duties, thrift, cheerfulness, and steady industry cultivate responsible adulthood. Through personal anecdotes about local groups and isolated children, she emphasizes the value of companionship, leadership, and perseverance even for those who cannot join formal units. The essay outlines everyday tasks and moral habits that scouts can practice, stresses uniquely feminine contributions rather than imitation of men, and encourages girls to carry on with self-forgetting service, practical skills, and civic-minded initiative as preparation for womanhood.

About the Author

Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin

Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin was an American author and educator, best known for her children's literature and her advocacy for children's rights. Born in 1856, she gained prominence with her beloved work "Mother Carey's Chickens," which reflects her deep understanding of childhood and family dynamics. Wiggin was also a pioneer in the field of early childhood education, contributing to the development of nursery schools. Her writing often combines elements of humor and warmth, making her stories accessible and engaging for young readers. In addition to her fiction, she wrote several educational texts, including "Children's Rights: A Book of Nursery Logic," showcasing her commitment to improving the lives of children.