Abstract

Girl Scouting began in Utah in 1921 out of a desire of several wealthy women to help build the character of young girls in Ogden. Exhibiting many elements of the "social gospel" aspect of progressivism, they adopted the Girl Scout program which emphasized preparation for practical living, appreciation of nature, and development of character.
Since the first troops were organized in Ogden, Girl Scouting slowly spread throughout the rest of the state, resulting in several Councils and Lone Troops. After responding to a call for consolidation from the National Girl Scout Council the Utah Scouts made a dramatic change in 1961 to a single Council: The Utah Girl Scout Council.
Although growth in size has been fairly steady, the Girl Scouts have encountered the unique problem of dealing with a dominant religious community, the LDS Church, which has demonstrated ambiguous feelings about the Girl Scout program. Nevertheless, the Girl Scouts have played an important role in Utah's communities and have continued to grow and strengthen.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

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