Chapter XXVIII: Section XVIII: Girl Scout Proficiency Tests and Special Medals (1)

For details regarding these badges see the "BLUE BOOK OF RULES FOR GIRL SCOUT CAPTAINS"

CONTENTS

I. Introduction to Proficiency Tests.

II. Proficiency Tests:

*** Subjects marked thus are specially recommended for First
Class Scouts or girls at least sixteen years old.

**** Subjects marked thus are for Scouts eighteen years and
over.

Artist
Athlete***
Bee-Keeper
Bird Hunter
Bugler
Business Women***
Canner
Child Nurse
Citizen***
Cook
Craftsman
Cyclist
Dairy Maid
Dancer
Dressmaker
Drummer
Economist
Electrician
Farmer
First Aide***
Flower Finder
Gardener
Handy Woman
Health Guardian***
Health Winner
Home Maker
Home Nurse***
Horsewoman
Hostess
Interpreter
Journalist****
Laundress
Milliner
Motorist****
Musician
Needlewoman
Pathfinder
Photographer
Pioneer***
Rock Tapper
Sailor***
Scribe
Signaller
Star Gazer
Swimmer
Telegrapher
Zoologist

III. Group Badge

IV. Golden Eaglet.

V. Special Medals:
Attendance Stars
Life Saving Medals
Bronze Cross
Silver Cross
Medal of Merit
Thanks Badge
Community Service Award
Scholarship Badge

Proficiency Tests and Merit Badges

1. INTRODUCTION

A girl must be a Second Class Scout before receiving a Merit Badge in any subject. However, this does not mean that she cannot begin to study her subject and plan for passing the test at any time.

Proficiency in these tests is to be determined by the Local Council, or by persons competent (in the opinion of the Council) to judge it. If no Local Council exists, certificates should be secured from persons competent to judge each subject, such as teachers of music, dancing or drawing, riding masters, motorists, electricians, milliners, dressmakers, artists, craftsmen, scientists and so forth. These certificates should be sent to the National Headquarters or to the nearest District Headquarters for inspection. Headquarters will either pass on these, or indicate the nearest local body competent to deal with them.

The tests as given are topical outlines of what a Scout should know about the subject rather than formal questions. Captains and others giving the tests will adapt the wording to the needs of the particular case.

With many subjects a list of standard references is given. It is desirable that a girl should read at least one of these books, not in order to pass an examination but that she may be familiar with the general field and the great names and principles associated with it. Where a whole troop is working on a subject, portions of the books may be read at troop meetings, or several Scouts can read together and discuss their impressions.

It is important that every Girl Scout should understand that the winning of any one of the following Merit Badges does not mean that she is a finished expert in the subject.

What does it mean then? It means three things:

1. She has an intelligent interest in the subject

2. She has a reasonable knowledge of its broad
principles

3. She is able to present some practicable proofs
of her knowledge, so that a competent examiner can
see that she has not simply "crammed it up" from a
book. Doing, not talking or writing is the
principle of the Girl Scouts

One of the great things about these Merit Badges is that they require a definite amount of perseverance. This is a quality in which women are sometimes said to be lacking; if this is a fair criticism, the Merit Badges will certainly test it.

Nobody compels any Scout to earn these Badges; she deliberately chooses to do so. Therefore, to fail in a task she has voluntarily set herself, comes straight back to her and shows her what stuff she is made of. For while it is of no particular importance how many things you start in this life, it is of great importance how many things you finish! Out OF GOODNESS of heart, or quick interest, or sudden resolution, a girl will start out to master a subject, earn a certain sum of money, make something for herself or someone else, form some good habit or break some bad one; and after her first enthusiasm has died out, where is she? So that a great many people laugh at a girl's plans--and with reason.

Now while this may be merely amusing, so long as it affects only the girl herself, it becomes very annoying when other people's affairs are involved, and may be positively dangerous if carried too far. If your life depended upon a Girl Scout's efforts to resuscitate you from drowning, you would be very glad if she stuck to it. But if she happened to be a girl who had started to win five different Merit Badges, and had given them all up, half way through, what sort of chance do you think you would have?

Girl Scouts are slower to begin than other girls, perhaps, but they stick to it till they've made good. "She carried that through like a Girl Scout" ought to become a common saying.

2. PROFICIENCY TESTS

ARTIST SYMBOL--A PALETTE

Submit a drawing, a painting, or a model of sculpture which in the judgment of a competent professional represents a sufficiently high order of ability to merit recognition.

This badge is offered with the object of
encouraging a talent already existing, and it is
not suggested that Girl Scouts should select this
badge unless they are possessed of sufficient
natural talent to warrant presenting their work to
a good judge. The standard required for winning
the badge is left to the judgment of the
professional as it is impossible for the
organization to lay down strict requirements in
these subjects.

REFERENCES:

"Children's Book of Art," A. E. Conway, Adam and Charles Black.

"Knights of Art," Amy Steedman, George W. Jacobs and Company.

"Gabriel and the Hour Book," Evaleen Stein.

"Apollo," by S. Reinach, from the French by Florence Simmonds, Scribners.

ATHLETE*** SYMBOL--BASKET BALL

To qualify for this a Girl Scout must be at least fourteen, and must hold the badge for personal health, the "Health Winner."

1. State briefly the value and effect of exercise.

2. Demonstrate habitual good posture, sitting and
standing.

3. Demonstrate (a) marching steps, quick and
double time, and Scout's Pace.

(b) Setting-up exercises, (as shown in Handbook).

4. Present statement from troop Captain, of a hike
of at least 5 miles.

5. Demonstrate with basket ball 5 goals out of 7
trials standing at least 5 feet from basket, OR
demonstrate with basket ball distance throw of 40
feet.

6. Demonstrate with indoor base ball accurate
pitching for distance of forty feet.

7. Write brief description of rules for five
popular games.

8. Play well and be able to coach in any three of
the following games: Basket Ball, Battle Ball,
Bowling, Captain Ball, Dodge Ball, Long Ball,
Punch Ball, Indoor Baseball, Hockey--field or ice,
Prisoners' Base, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Volley Ball
Newcomb.

9. Hold swimming badge or bring statement of
ability to demonstrate three strokes, swim 100
yards, float and dive. Note: For alternate to
swimming requirements see First Class Test,
question 7, page 65.

10. Demonstrate three folk dances, using any
nationality, OR be a qualified member of a school
or society athletic team, playing one summer and
one winter sport, OR be able to qualify for entry
in a regular competition in some sport such as
Tennis, Skating, Skiing. Running, Pitching Quoits,
etc.

REFERENCES:

"Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium," Jessie H. Bancroft, Macmillan.

"Summer in the Girls' Camp," A. W. Coale, Century.

"Book of Athletics," Paul Withington, Lothrop.

"Outdoor Sports and Games," C. H. Miller, Doubleday Page.

BEE KEEPER SYMBOL--HIVE

1. What constitutes a swarm of bees? How do they
live? Tell how honey is gathered and stored and
honeycomb is built, and what part the queen,
drones and workers play in the life of the colony.

2. Be able to recognize and describe each of the
following: queen, drones, workers, eggs, larvae,
pupae, honey, bee food, wax, pollen, propolis,
brood-nest, comb, different queen cells.

3. Have a practicable knowledge of bee keeping and
assist in hiving a swarm, examining a colony,
removing the comb, finding the queen, putting
foundation in sections, filling and removing
supers, and preparing honey in comb and strained
for market, and present a certificate to this
effect.

4. Know which flowers afford the best food for
bees, and how honey varies according to the
flowers in color and flavor.

REFERENCES:

"Productive Bee Keeping," Pellett.

Bulletins from Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

"Life of the Bee," Maurice Maeterlinck, Dodd.

"Queen Bee," Carl Ewald, Thomas Nelson and Sons.

"How to Keep Bees," A. B. Comstock, Doubleday Page.

BIRD HUNTER SYMBOL--BLUE BIRD

To qualify for this badge a Girl Scout should belong to the Audubon Society[8] and be able to answer the following:

1. Give list of twenty wild birds personally observed
and identified in the open and show field notes
including at least the date seen, markings, food
habits, nesting habits if known, and migration, if
any.

2. Give game-bird laws of her State.

3. Name five birds that destroy rats and mice.

4. Give list of ten birds of value to farmers and
fruit growers in the destruction of insects on
crops and trees.

5. (a) Tell what the Audubon Society is and how it
endeavors to protect the birds.

(b) Give name and location of two large bird
refuges; explain the reason for their
establishment and give names of the birds they
protect.

6. (a) Know what an aigret is. How obtained and
from what bird.

(b) Tell methods to attract birds winter and
summer.

1. GENERAL REFERENCES: (At least one must be read
to qualify for badge).

"Method of Attracting Wild Birds," Gilbert H. Trafton, Houghton, Mifflin Co.

"Bird Study Book," T. Gilbert Pearson, Doubleday Page Co.

"Wild Bird Guests," Ernest Harold Baynes, E. P. Dutton Co.

2. HANDBOOKS AND SPECIAL BIRD BOOKS:

"Hawks and Owls of the United States," A. K. Fisher.

"Useful Birds and Their Protection," Edward H. Forbush, Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.

"Home Life of Wild Birds," F. H. Herrick, G. F. Putnam Co.

"Land Birds East of the Rockies," Chester A. Reed, Doubleday Page Co.

"Water and Game Birds," Chester A. Reed, Doubleday Page Co.

"Western Birds," Chester A. Reed, Doubleday Page Co.

"Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America," Frank M. Chapman, D. Appleton and Co.

"Bird Life," Frank M. Chapman, D. Appleton and Co.

"Handbook of Birds of Western United States," Florence Merriam Bailey, Houghton, Mifflin and Co.

"Children's Book of Birds," O. T. Miller, Houghton, Mifflin Co.

"Burgess Bird Book for Children," W. T. Burgess, Little Brown Co.

BUGLER SYMBOL--BUGLE

Play correctly as to notes and time the following calls and marches and play at sight any calls selected:

1, First Call; 2, Reveille; 3, Assembly; 4, Mess; 5, Recall; 6, Fire; 7, Drill; 8, Officers; 9, Retreat; 10, To Colors; 11, To quarters; 12, Taps.

Reference: Cadet Manual, E. L. Steever, Lippincott.

BUSINESS WOMAN***

SYMBOL--NOTE-BOOK

1. Must have a legible and neat handwriting and
show a knowledge of spelling and punctuation by
writing from dictation a paragraph necessitating
use of commas, periods, quotation marks,
apostrophe.

2. Must typewrite 40 words a minute, or as an
alternative write in shorthand from dictation 70
words a minute as a minimum, and transcribe them
at the rate of 35 words.

3. Must show a knowledge of simple bookkeeping and
arithmetic.

4. Must show how to make out, and know how and
when to use receipts, notes and drafts, and money
orders.

5. Must know how to write a simple business
letter, such as asking for employment, or a letter
recommending a person for employment.

6. Must show how to keep a check book, make out
checks and deposit slips, endorse checks, and
balance checking accounts.

7. Must keep a simple cash account to show
receipts and expenditures of personal funds for
three months, OR the household accounts of the
family for three months. (This account may be
fictitious.)

8. Must be able to write a letter from memory on
facts given five minutes previously.

REFERENCES:

"Thrift by Household Accounting," American Economics Association, Baltimore.

"Household Accounts and Economics," Shaeffer, Macmillan.

"What every Business Woman Should Know," Lillian C. Kearney, Stokes.

"Bookkeeping and Accounting," J. J. Klein, Appleton.

"Essential Elements of Business Character," H. G. Stockwell, Revell.

CANNER

SYMBOL--JAR AND FRUIT

1. Submit the following specimens of canning work:
(a) six pint jars of two kinds of vegetables,
showing the cold pack method; (b) six jars of
preserved fruit, at least two kinds; (c) six
glasses of jelly, jam or marmalade.

2. What are the essential things to be considered
when selecting vegetables to be canned, fruit to
be preserved or made into jelly, jam or marmalade?

3. Give general rules for preparing fruits and
vegetables for preserving in any way.

4. What kind of jars are considered best for
preserving? What other materials are used for
making holders besides glass? How should all
utensils and jars, glasses, rubbers, be prepared
before using?

5. What is essential regarding the heat?

6. What are the general rules for preserving
fruit? Give proportions by measure or weight, time
of cooking, amount of sugar, water or any other
ingredient for the fruits that you have preserved,
and for at least two others.

7. Give same rules for jams, marmalades and
jellies.

8. Give directions for filling and sealing jars.
How can jars be tested within twenty-four hours
after filling? If not air tight what should be
done?

9. What should be done to all jars, tumblers,
etc., before storing? How are canned goods best
stored?

REFERENCES:

Government Bulletin--U. S. Department of Agriculture.

"Canning, Preserving and Jelly Making," J. McK. Hill, Little.

CHILD NURSE

SYMBOL--A MALTESE CROSS

1. During a period of three months care for a
little child, under two years, for a time
equivalent to two hours daily for four weeks.
During this period all of the necessary work for
routine care of a child must be demonstrated,
including feeding, bathing, dressing, preparing
for bed, arranging bed and windows, amusing,
giving the air, and exercise, and so forth,
according to directions in Handbook.

2. What are the most necessary things to be
considered when caring for a child under three
years of age? Elaborate on these points.

3. What are some of the results of neglecting to
do these things? What is the importance of
regularity in care, to child, to mother, or nurse?

4. Should a child be picked up or fed every time
he cries? What is the result of so doing?

5. What are the important things to remember in
lifting and handling children?

6. What things are important in connection with
their sleeping, either in or out of doors? Up to
what age should a child have two naps a day? One
nap? What time should a child be put to bed?

7. How can a baby be encouraged to move itself and
take exercise?

8. What should be done when preparing a baby's
bath? How should the bath be given to a little
baby? To an older child?

9. How is a child prepared for bed? How are the
bed and room prepared?

10. What is the best food for a child up to nine
months? If he cannot have this food, what can take
its place, and how should it be given? What are
the principal things to remember concerning the
ingredients and preparation of this food, and the
care of utensils?

11. At what age may a child be given solid food
with safety? What foods are best and how should
they be prepared?

12. When feeding a child either from a bottle or a
spoon, what precautions should be taken? How
often should a child under one year be fed? from
one to two years?

13. When suffering from a cold what precautions
should be taken? If it is necessary to continue to
care for a child in spite of your cold? What is
the wisest thing to do first if a child is ill?

REFERENCES:

"The Baby, His Care and Training," M. Wheeler, Harper.

"Care and Feeding of Children," Ernest Holt, Appleton.

"The Home and Family," Kinne and Cooley, Macmillan.

SYMBOL--EIGHT-POINTED STAR]

1. Who is responsible for the government of your
country?

2. Whose business is it to see that the laws are
enforced?

3. How can you help make your Government better?

4. Give the best definition you know of our
Government.

5. What are the principal qualifications for the
vote in your State?

6. a. Who is a citizen? b. How can a person not a
citizen become a citizen? c. What is the advantage
of being a citizen?

7. Who makes the law for you in your State?

8. What part will you have in making that law?

9. What are the duties of the President of the
United States and of each of his Cabinet?

10. Name five things on which the comfort and
welfare of your family depend, which are
controlled by your Government.

11. a. What is meant by a secret ballot? b. How
can anyone tell how you vote?

12. What is the difference between registering to
vote and enrolling in a political party?

13. If you enroll in a political party must you
vote the straight ticket of that party?

REFERENCES:

"The Woman Movement in America," McClurg and Co., Chicago.

"The Woman Voter's Manual," Forman and Shuler, Century Co., 1918.

"Democracy in Reconstruction," Houghton Mifflin, 1919. Cleveland and Schafer.

"History of Politics," Edward Jenks, Macmillan Co.

"The Subjection of Women," John Stuart Mill, Frederick Stokes.

"Your Vote and How to Use It," Mrs. Raymond Brown, Harper Bros.

"The Story of a Pioneer," Anna Howard Shaw.

"American Commonwealth," James Bryce.

"Promised Land," Mary Antin, Houghton Mifflin.

"Land of Fair Play," Geoffrey Parsons, Scribner.

"Making of an American," J. A. Rils, Macmillan.

"Peace and Patriotism," E. S. Smith, Lothrop, Lee and Shepard.

"The Children in the Shadow," Ernest Kent Coulter, McBride Nest and Co.

"American Citizenship," Charles and Mary Beard, Macmillan.

SYMBOL--GRIDIRON]

This test is based on the thorough knowledge of the article on "Cooking" in the handbook. It may be taken in sections. A certificate may be presented from a Domestic Science teacher, or from the mother if the Captain knows her and can testify to her competency to judge.

1. Build and regulate the fire in a coal or wood
stove, or if a gas range is used know how to
regulate the heat in the oven, broiler and top.

2. What does it mean to boil a food? To broil? To
bake? Why is it not advisable to fry food?

3. How many cupfuls make a quart? How many
tablespoonfuls to a cup? Teaspoonfuls to a
tablespoon?

4. Be able to cook two kinds of cereal.

5. Be able to make tea, coffee and cocoa properly.

6. Be able to cook a dried and a fresh fruit.

7. Be able to cook three common vegetables in two
ways.

8. Be able to prepare two kinds of salad. How are
salads kept crisp?

9. Know the difference in food value between whole
milk and skimmed milk.

10. Be able to boil or coddle or poach eggs
properly.

11. Be able to select meat and prepare the cuts
for broiling, roasting and stewing OR be able to
clean, dress and cook a fowl.

12. Be able to make two kinds of quick bread, such
as biscuits or muffins.

13. Be able to plan menus for one day, choosing at
least three dishes in which left-overs may be
utilized.

REFERENCES:

"The Junior Cook Book," Girl Scout Edition, Clara Ingram, Barse and Hopkins.

"Fun of Cooking," C. F. Benton, Century.

"Boston Cooking School Cook Book," Little.

"Hot Weather Dishes," S. T. Rorer, Arnold and Co.

"Food and Health," Helen Kinne and Anna M. Cooley, Macmillan.

SYMBOL--PRIMITIVE DECORATIVE DESIGN]

To earn this badge a Girl Scout must qualify in at least one of the following and must read at least one general reference:

1. Tie-dying: Make a tie-dyed scarf using two
kinds of tying.

Reference: "Dyes and Dyeing," Charles E. Pellew, McBride.

"Industrial and Applied Art Books, Book 6," Bush.

2. Block Printing: Make an original design for a
block print unit using a flower or bird motif.
Apply to a bag or collar in one color using oil
paint or dyes.

3. Stencilling: Make an original stencil design
for a border, use flower, bird, boat or tree
motif. Apply in two colors to a bag, collar or
scarf using oil paint or dyes.

4. Crochet, Cross-stitch, Darning: Make an
original border design on square paper using any
two geometric units, or a conventional flower or
animal form. Apply the design to a towel in
crochet, cross-stitch or darning.

Reference: "Cross-stitch Patterns," Dorothy
Bradford, "Industrial Art Text Books, Book 6,"
"Modern Priscilla," Snow.

6. Weaving, Baskets: Design a basket shape with
its widest dimension not less than six inches, and
make the basket of raffia over a reed or cord
foundation. Use eight stitch or lazy squaw.

Reference: "How To Make Baskets,"
White--"Practical Basketry," McKay. "Inexpensive
Basketry," Marten. "Raffia and Reed Weaving,"
Knapp.

Weaving Wool: Weave a girdle, a hat band, or a
dress ornament use a simple striped or geometric
design, in three or more colors.

Reference: "Hand Weaving," Dorothy Bradford.
"Hand-loom Weaving," Todd.

Weaving Beads: Design and weave a bead chain or a
bead band for trimming: use two or more colors.

7. Appliqué: Design an appliqué unit in a 7-inch
square that might be applied to a pin cushion top,
a bag or a square for a patchwork quilt. Use
geometric units or conventional flower or bird
forms suggested by cretonnes. Work out in cotton
materials using two tones of one color or closely
related colors, as brown and orange; grey and
violet.

8. Pottery: Design an original shape for a bowl,
vase or paper weight, and model shape in clay.

Reference: "The Potter's Craft," Binns--"Pottery,"
Cox. "Industrial Work for the Middle Grades," E.
Z. Worst.

9. Posters: Design a Girl Scout poster that will
illustrate some law or activity. Poster to be at
least 9×12 inches and to consist of a simple
illustration and not less than three words of
lettering. Finish in crayon, water color, pen and
ink, or tempera.

Reference: "School Arts Magazine," Jan. 1920.
"Poster Magazine."

10. China Painting: Make a conventional design for
a border that can be used on a plate, bowl, or cup
and saucer. Work out on the object in one color in
a tinted background.

References: Keramic Studio--any number.

11. Decoration: Make an original design for a box
top or a tray center adapting units found in
cretonnes. Apply to the object using enamel paints
and in a color scheme suggested by the same or
another cretonne.

GENERAL REFERENCE BOOKS:

Read regularly: School Arts Magazine, Davis Press. Art Crafts for Beginners, Frank G. Sanford, Century; Handicraft for Girls, McGloughlin--See also: "Wood Carving," P. Hasbruck, McKay.

SYMBOL--WHEEL]

1. Own a bicycle, and care for it, cleaning,
oiling, and making minor repairs, readjusting
chain, bars and seat.

2. Be able to mend a tire.

3. Demonstrate the use of a road map.

4. Demonstrate leading another bicycle while
riding.

5. Know the laws of the road, right of way,
lighting and so forth.

6. Make satisfactory report to Captain, of a
bicycle Scouting expedition as to the condition of
a road with camping site for an overnight hike.

7. Pledge the bicycle to the Government in time of
need.

REFERENCES:

"American Girl's Handibook," L. Beard, Scribner.

"For Playground, Field and Forest," D. C. Beard, Scribner.

SYMBOL--MILKING STOOL]

1. Take entire care of a cow and the milk of one
cow for one month, keeping a record of quantity of
each milking.

2. Make butter at four different times, and submit
statement of amount made and of the process
followed in making.

3. Make pot cheese; give method.

4. Name four breeds of cows. How can they be
distinguished? Which breed gives the most milk?
Which breed gives the richest milk?

5. What are the rules for feeding, watering and
pasturing cows? What feed is best for cows? What
care should be given cows to keep them in perfect
condition? What diseases must be guarded against
in cows? Why is it so imperative to have a cow
barn, all implements, workers and cows
scrupulously clean?

6. Of what is milk composed? How is cream
separated from milk? Name two processes and
explain each. How and why should milk be strained
and cooled before being bottled or canned?

REFERENCES:

"Stories of Industry," Vol. 2, A. Chase, Educational Pub. Co.

"How the World is Fed," F. G. Carpenter, American Book Co.

"Foods and their uses," F. G. Carpenter, Scribner.

SYMBOL--FOOT IN SLIPPER]

This test is being revised. Following is a Temporary ruling (July 1922).

1. Demonstrate three folk dances.

2. Demonstrate three modern social dances in
correct form. See rules of American Association of
Dancing Masters. OR

3. Where social dancing is not given approval by
parents, three additional folk dances may be
substituted.

REFERENCES:

"Dances of the People," Elizabeth Burchenal, Schirmer.

"Folk Dances and Singing Games," Elizabeth Burchenal, Schirmer.

"Social Games and Group Dances," J. C. Elsom, Lippincott.

"Country Dance Book," C. J. Sharp, Novello.

SYMBOL--SCISSORS]

1. Must hold Needlewoman's Badge.

2. Must know the bias, selvage, and straight width
of goods.

3. Must cut and make a garment from a pattern
following all rules and directions given. It is
suggested that two girls work together on this.

4. Be able to clean, oil and use a sewing machine.

5. Demonstrate on other persons the way to measure
for length of skirt, length of sleeve, length from
neck to waist line. Sew on hooks and eyes so they
will not show. Hang a skirt, make a placket, put
skirt on belt. Skirt must be hemmed evenly and
hang evenly.

6. Know what to do if a waist is too long from the
neck to the waist line and does not fit well.

REFERENCES:

"Complete Dressmaker," C. E. Laughlin, Appleton.

"The Dress You Wear and How to Make It," M. J. Rhoe, Putnam.

"The Dressmaker," Butterick Publishing Co.

"Clothing and Health," Helen Kinne and Anna M. Cooley, Macmillan.

"Clothing: Choice, Care, Cost," Mary Schenet Woolman, Lippincott 1920.

SYMBOL--DRUM AND STICKS]

Be prepared to play all of the following taps and steps and in order further to show proficiency on the drum, perform any feat selected.

1. "Roll off"; 2. Flam (right and left hand); 3. Five-stroke roll; 4. Seven-stroke roll; 5. "Taps" step; 6. Six-eight step; 7. two-four step; 8. Single Stroke.

REFERENCES:

"Recollections of a Drummer Boy," H. M. Kieffer, Houghton Mifflin

SYMBOL--BEE]

A Girl Scout must qualify for 1 and 2, and either 3 or 4.

1. Offer record of ten per cent. savings from
earnings or allowance for three months.

Show card for Postal Savings, or a Savings Bank
Account.

2. Show record from parent or guardian that she
has:

a. Darned stockings.

b. Keep shoes shined and repaired.

c. Not used safety pins or other makeshift for
buttons, hooks, hems of skirts, belts, etc.

d. Kept clothes mended and cleansed from small
spots.

3. For girls who have the spending of their money,
either in allowance or earnings, show by character
of shoes, stockings and gloves, hair-ribbons,
handkerchiefs and other accessories that they know
how to select them for wearing qualities and how
to keep them in repair.

4. Show record of one week's buying and menus with
plans for using food economically, such as
left-overs, cheap but nourishing cuts of meat,
butter substitutes, thrifty use of milk such as
sour, skimmed or powdered milk, and so forth.

REFERENCES:

"Scout Law in Practice," A. A. Carey, Little.

"Thrift and Conservation," A. H. Chamberlain, Lippincott.

SYMBOL--LIGHTNING]

1. Explain the use of magnets for attraction and
repulsion.

2. Describe the use of electricity for forming
electro-magnets and their use in: Electric bell;
Telegraph; Telephone.

3. What is meant by low and high voltage in
electric current? Describe the use of current in:
Dry cell; Storage Battery; Dynamo.

4. a. Describe how current is sent through
resistance wire resulting in heat and light, in
case of Electric lights, Electric stoves,
toasters, flat irons, etc., and

b. How it is converted into working energy in
Motors.

5. Describe fuses and their use, and how to
replace a burnt-out fuse.

6. Connect two batteries in series with a bell and
push button.

7. Demonstrate methods of rescuing a person in
contact with live wires, and of resuscitating a
person insensible from shock.

8. Know how electricity is used as motive power
for street cars, trains, and automobiles.

9. Know the proper way to connect electric
appliances such as flat irons, toasters, etc.

REFERENCES:

"Electricity in Every Day Use," J. F. Woodfull, Doubleday Page.

"How to Understand Electrical Work," W. H. Onken, Harper.

"Harper's Electricity Book for Boys," J. H. Adams, Harper.

"Electricity for Young People," Tudor Jenks, Stokes.

"Heroes of Progress in America," Charles Morris, Lippincott.

SYMBOL--SICKLE]

This badge is given for proficiency in general farming. A Scout farmer may have her chief interest in rearing animals but she should know something about the main business of the farmer which is tilling the soil. Therefore, the Scout must fulfill four requirements: either A or B under I, and II, III, and IV.

I. A. Animal Care

A Scout must have reared successfully one of the following:

a) A brood of at least 12 chickens under hen or
with incubator.

b) A flock of at least 12 pigeons, 12 ducks, 12
geese or 12 guinea-fowl.

c) A family of rabbits or guinea pigs.

d) A calf, a colt, or a pig.

A certificate as to the condition of the animals must be presented, made by some competent judge who has seen them. Wherever possible a chart should be made by the Scout, showing the schedule of care followed, including feeding, and notes on the development of the animals.

AND she must also have planted and cultivated a small vegetable garden like the one described in the Handbook, in the Section "The Girl Scout's Own Garden" OR

B. Vegetable raising

A Scout may make her main interest the raising of some sort of vegetable or fruit and may do one of the following:

1. Plant, cultivate and gather the crop from

(a) A small truck garden, with at least six
vegetables, two berries, and two salads or greens,
OR

(b) Where the soil is not suitable for a variety
of plants, she may raise a single vegetable, like
corn or tomatoes, or tubers.

2. Tend and gather a fruit crop such as apples,
peaches, pears, cherries, oranges, or any other
tree fruit, OR Cultivate and tend a small vineyard
or grape arbor, and gather the grapes, OR

Plant and cultivate and gather the berries from
strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, currant or
gooseberry plants. Whatever the vegetable or fruit
chosen a chart should be made and presented,
showing the schedule of digging, planting, sowing
and tending, with notes on the time of appearance
of the first shoots, the size and condition of the
crop and so forth. Any obstacles met and overcome,
such as insect pests, drouths or storms should be
mentioned. No special size is mentioned for the
garden, as the conditions vary so greatly in
different parts of the country. The quality of the
work, and the knowledge gained is the important
thing.

II. Identify and collect ten common weeds and tell how to get rid of each.

III. Identify ten common insect pests, tell what plant or animal each attacks, and how to get rid of each.

IV. Describe four different kinds of soil and tell what is best planted in each. Tell what sort of fertilizer should be used in each soil. Explain the value of stable manure.

STANDARD REFERENCES:

Farmers Bulletin, published by the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Write for catalogue and select the titles bearing on your special interest. The bulletins are free.

The Beginner's Garden Book by Allen French, Macmillan Co.

Manual of Gardening, L. H. Bailey, Macmillan.

Principles of Agriculture, L. H. Bailey, Macmillan.

Essentials of Agriculture, H. J. Waters, Ginn.

SYMBOL--RED CROSS IN BLACK CIRCLE]

A Girl Scout should know:

1. What to do first in case of emergency.

2. Symptoms and treatment of shock.

3. How and when to apply stimulants.

4. How to put on a sling.

5. How to bandage the head, arm, hand, finger, leg
ankle, eye, jaw.

6. What to do for: a. bruises, strains, sprains,
dislocations, fractures; b. wounds; c. burns,
frost bite, freezing, sunstroke, heat exhaustion;
d. drowning, electric shock, gas accidents; e.
apoplexy, convulsions; f. snake bite; g. common
emergencies such as: 1. cinders in the eye; 2.
splinter under the nail; 3. wound from rusty nail;
4. oak and ivy poisoning; 5. insect in the ear.

A Girl Scout should demonstrate:

7. Applying a sterile dressing.

8. Stopping bleeding.

9. Putting on a splint.

10. Making a stretcher from uniform blanket or
Scout neckerchief and poles.

11. The Schaefer method of artificial respiration.

REFERENCES:

Section on First Aid in this Handbook.

American Red Cross Abridged Text Books on First Aid, Blakiston.

1. To pass this test a Scout must be able to tell
the difference between plants and animals and the
difference between the two general types of
plants.

2. A Scout must also pass either the test for
Flowers and Ferns or Trees given below.

A. FLOWERS AND FERNS

1. Make a collection of fifty kinds of wild
flowers and ferns and correctly name them or make
twenty-five photographs or colored drawings of
wild flowers and ferns.

2. Why were the following ferns so named:
Christmas Fern, Sensitive Fern, Walkingleaf Fern,
Cinnamon Fern, Flowering Fern?

3. Name and describe twenty cultivated plants in
your locality.

4. Be able to recognize ten weeds.

5. How can you distinguish Poison Ivy from
Virginia Creeper? What part of Pokeweed is
poisonous? What part of Jimsonweed is poisonous?
Be able to recognize at least one poisonous
mushroom.

B. TREES

1. Give examples of the two great groups of trees
and distinguish between them.

2. Why is forest conservation important? What are
the laws of your State concerning forest
conservation?

3. Mention at least three uses of trees.

4. Collect, identify and preserve leaves from
twenty-five different species of trees.

5. Mention three trees that have opposite
branching and three that have alternate.

6. How do the flower-buds of Flowering Dogwood
differ from the leaf-buds? When are the
flower-buds formed?

7. The buds of what tree are protected by a
natural varnish?

8. Mention one whose outer bud-scales are covered
by fine hairs. Can you find a tree that has naked
buds?

9. From a Sassafras-tree or from a Tulip-tree
collect and preserve leaves of as many shapes as
possible.

10. Name five trees in this country which produce
edible nuts.

REFERENCES:

A. FLOWERS AND FERNS

"New Manual of Botany," Asa Gray, American Book Co.

"Illustrated Flora of the Northern States and Canada," (three volumes), N. L. Britton, Brown and Addison, Scribner.

"Flower Guide," Chester A. Reed, Doubleday Page.

"Flora of the Southeastern States," John K. Small, published by the author, New York Botanical Garden.

"Flora of the Rocky Mountain Region," P. A. Rydberg, published by the author, New York Botanical Garden.

"State Floras."--There are some excellent State Floras, and in order to keep this list from being too long, it is suggested that the Scout leader write to the Professor of Botany in her State University and ask for the name, author and publisher of the best Flora of her State. Especially is this advisable for those living in sections of the country not covered by the above references.

"Our Native Orchids," William Hamilton Gibson.

"Wild Flower Book for Young People," A. Lounsberry, Stokes.

"Field Book of American Wild Flowers," F. S. Matthews, Putnam.

"Emerald Story Book," A. M. Skinner, Duffield.

"Mushrooms," George F. Atkinson, Henry Holt Co., (See Handbook, "Scouting for Girls," Section on Woodcraft.)

B. TREES

REFERENCES:

"Field Book of American Trees and Shrubs," F. S. Matthews, Putnam.

"Trees of the Northern United States," Austin C. Apgar, American Book Co.

"Manual of Trees of North America," Charles S. Sargent, Houghton Mifflin Co.

"Handbook of the Trees of United States and Canada," Romeyn B. Hough, published by the author, Lowville, N. Y.

"Trees in Winter," A. F. Blakeslee, and C. D. Jarvis, Macmillan Co.

"The Book of Forestry," F. F. Moon, Appleton.

SYMBOL--TROWEL]

The test may well be worked for by a patrol or even a troop who can share expenses for tools, and cultivate together a larger plot of ground than would be possible for any one girl. Arrangements may frequently be made through the school garden authorities.

Alternate: For Scouts already members of the Girls' Garden and Canning Club throughout the country, a duplicate of their reports, sent in for their season's work, to the State agricultural agents, or agricultural colleges, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture of the United States, may be submitted as their test material for this badge, in place of the Test given.

1. What are the necessary things to be considered
before starting a garden? List them in the correct
order.

2. What exposure is best for the garden? Why? At
what season of the year is it best to prepare the
soil? What care should be given garden tools?

3. Why is it necessary to fertilize the soil for a
garden? What kind of fertilizer will you use in
your garden, and why?

4. Do all seeds germinate? What precautions must
be taken when purchasing seed? During what month
should seed be sown in the ground in your
locality? What are the rules for sowing seed as
regards depth?

5. What does it mean to thin out and to
transplant? When and why are both done?

6. What does it mean to cultivate? Why is it very
important? How is it best done? What should be
done with pulled weeds?

7. When is the proper time of day to water a
garden? Is moistening the surface of the ground
sufficient? If not, why not?

8. Name five garden pests common in your locality
and tell how to eradicate them. Name three garden
friends and tell what they do.

9. At what time of day is it best to pick flowers
and vegetables? Mention two things to be
considered in both cases.

10. What are tender and hardy plants? Herbaceous
plants, annuals, perennials and biennials? Bulbs
and tubers?

11. Select a garden site, or if space is lacking
use boxes, barrels, window boxes, tubs and so
forth; prepare the soil, choose the seed of not
less than six flowers, and six vegetables that
will grow well in the soil and climate in which
they are planted; take entire care of the garden
and bring to blossom and fruit at least 75 per
cent. of the seed planted. Keep and submit a
record of the garden, including size, time and
money spent, dates of planting, blooming, and
gathering of vegetables, or colors of flowers, and
so forth.

REFERENCES:

"Harper's Book for Young Gardeners," A. H. Verill, Harper.

"Beginner's Garden Book," Allen French, Macmillan.

"Home Vegetable Gardening from A to Z," Adolph Krulm, Doubleday.

"Suburban Gardens," Grace Tabor, Outing Publishing Co.

"The Vegetable Garden," R. L. Watts, Outing Publishing Co.

SYMBOL--HAMMER]

1. Know how to mend, temporarily with soap, a
small leak in a water or gas pipe.

2. Know how to turn off the water or gas supply
for the house and whom to notify in case of
accident, OR

Know what to do to thaw out frozen water pipes, OR

Be able to put on a washer on a faucet, OR

Cover a hot water boiler neatly and securely to
conserve the heat, using newspaper and string.

3. Know the use of and how to use a wrench and
pliers.

4. Demonstrate the way to use a hammer,
screw-driver, awl, saw can-opener, corkscrew.

5. Locate by sounding, an upright in a plaster
wall, and know why and when this is necessary to
be done.

6. Put up a shelf using brackets, strips of wood
or both and know under what conditions to use
either.

7. Be able to put up hooks for clothes or other
articles and properly space them.

8. Be able to measure for and put up a rod in a
clothes closet, OR

Be able to repair the spring in a window shade and
tack the shade on the roller, OR

Know how to keep clean and care for window and
door screens.

9. Must wrap, tie securely and neatly, and label a
parcel for delivery by express or parcel post.

10. Be able to sharpen knives using either a
grindstone, whetstone, the edge of an iron stove,
or another knife.

11. Clean, trim and fill an oil lamp, or put on a
gas mantle, OR Clean, oil and know how to repair
the belt of a sewing machine, OR Lay a fire in a
fireplace and tell what to do with the ashes.

12. Choose a wall space for a picture, measure for
the wire, fasten the wire to the picture frame and
give the rule concerning height for hanging
pictures.

13. State how brooms, dry mops, dustpans, and
brushes should be placed when not in use, and be
able to wash brushes and place them properly for
drying.

REFERENCES:

"What a Girl Can Make and Do," Lina Beard, Scribner.

"Harper's Handy Book for Girls," A. P. Paret, Harper.

"Handicraft for Handy Girls," A. N. Hall, Lothrop.

"In the Days of the Guild," L. Lamprey, Stokes.

SYMBOL--THE CADUCEUS]

I. Recreation and Health. What is offered to the
public in the town you live in, or in that part of
the city in which you live, in the way of Play
Grounds, Gymnasiums, Baths, Skating Rinks, Tennis
Courts, Golf Links, Water Sports?

If there is a public park in or near the town;
what privileges does it offer, especially for
young people? Is it well taken care of? Well
patronized?

Discuss briefly why you think the Government
should provide these things and what results may
be expected when it does not supply them. How does
the lack of them affect the grown people of a
town, in the end?

II. Special Health Facilities in your Locality.

1. What is the rule as to registering births? What
is the advantage of this? What is the infant
mortality rate?

Of what diseases should the local authorities be
notified?

What diseases must be quarantined? Isolated?
Posted? Reported?

2. Food Supplies. What are milk stations? Does
your community control the marketing of milk to
any degree? Why is the milk question so important?

Are there any laws for your bakeries?

What are the regulations as to the storage and
protection of meat in local markets?

3. Housing. If three families are willing to live
in three rooms in your town, may they do so?

Is there anything to prevent your erecting a
building of any size and material you wish in any
place?

4. Medical Institutions. Is there a public
hospital in your town? Who has a right to use it?
Who pays for it?

Is there a public clinic? Why should there be?

Is there a public laboratory? How would it benefit
your community if there were?

Is there a district nurse? How could Girl Scouts
assist such a nurse?

5. Schools. Is there any medical inspection in
your schools? How did it ever effect you?

Is its work followed up in the home? How are Girl
Scouts particularly fitted to help in this?

Is there a school nurse? Why does it pay the
community to employ one?

Are luncheons served in your school free, or at
low cost? Mention at least two advantages in this
and one disadvantage.

Are there school clinics for eyes and teeth? Why
are some cities providing such clinics?

6. Baby Hygiene. Is there any place in your town
where young or ignorant mothers can ask advice and
instruction in the care of infants? State briefly
why you think such help would benefit the
community in the end.

III. Public Services and Sanitation.

1. Who is responsible for the cleaning of the
streets? Dry or wet method used?

2. What are the laws concerning the public
collection and disposal of garbage? How much
responsibility in this line has your family? Can
you do what you please? Is there any practical use
for garbage?

3. What is the source of your local water supply?
What measures are taken to make and keep it
pure?--State some of the results of lack of care
in this matter.

4. Why should there be regulations about spitting
in public places? Why are common towels and
drinking cups forbidden? What are the general
rules for prevention and treatment of
tuberculosis?

5. Trace the life history of the house fly or
filth fly and tell why it is a menace. How may the
fly be exterminated? How are mosquitoes dangerous?
How may they be eliminated?

REFERENCES:

"Democracy in Reconstruction," Frederick A. Cleveland and Joseph Schafer, Houghton Mifflin.

"A Manual for Health Officers," J. Scott MacNutt, John Wiley and Sons.

"House of the Good Neighbor," Esther Lovejoy, Macmillan.

"Community Civics," J. Field, Macmillan.

"Town and City," F. G. Jewett, Ginn and Co.

"Good Citizenship," J. Richman, American Book Co.

"Healthy Living," Charles E. Winslow, Merrill Co.

SYMBOL--THE CADUCEUS IN TREFOIL]

I. To earn this badge a Girl Scout must for three
months pay attention to those conditions upon
which health depends. She should keep a Health
Record like that shown in the Handbook, which must
cover at least the following points:

1. Position of body: Show improvement in posture.

2. Exercise (a) Walk a mile briskly or walk
steadily and vigorously for fifteen minutes, or
take some other active and vigorous outdoor
exercise for at least thirty minutes. OR in case
of bad weather, (b) Do setting-up exercises as
given in Handbook every day. At least twenty
minutes should be spent on these, either at one
time, or ten minutes night and morning. To make
this point will require a record of compliance for
at least seventy-five days in three months.

3. Rest. (a) Go to bed early. Be in bed by at
least 9:30 and sleep from eight to ten hours. Do
not go to parties, the theatre, movies or any
other late entertainment on nights before school
or work.

4. Supply needs for Air, Water and Food in the
right way:

(a) Sleep with window open.

(b) Drink at least six glasses of water during the
day, between meals; taking one before breakfast,
two between breakfast and lunch, two between lunch
and dinner, and one before going to bed.

(c) Eat no sweets, candy, cake or ice cream except
as dessert after meals.

5. Keep Clean:

(a) Have a bowel movement at least once every day,
preferably immediately after breakfast or the last
thing at night.

(b) Wash hands after going to the toilet, and
before eating. Take a daily tub, shower or sponge
bath, or rub down with a rough towel every day;
and take a full bath of some sort at least twice a
week.

(c) Brush teeth twice a day: after breakfast and
just before bed.

(d) Wash hair at least once a month, and brush
well every day.

II. In addition to doing the things that make for
health, the Girl Scout must know the answers to
the following questions:

1. What is the best way to care for your teeth?

2. Why is care for the eyes especially necessary?
How are the eyes rested? What are the points to
remember about light for work?

3. What is the difference in effect between a hot
and cold bath?

4. How can you care for your feet on a hike so
that they will not become blistered or over-tired?

REFERENCES:

"Good Health," F. G. Jewett, Ginn and Co.

"How to Get Strong and How to Stay So," William Blaikie, Harper.

"Keeping Physically Fit," Wm. J. Cromie, Macmillan.

"Exercise and Health," Woods Hutcheson, Outing Pub. Co.

"Handbook of Health and Nursing," American School of Home Economics, Chicago.

"Food and Health," Helen Kinne and Anna M. Cooley, Macmillan.

"Healthy Living," Chas. E. Winslow, Chas E. Merrill Co.

SYMBOL--CROSSED KEYS]

1. In planning a house and choosing a site for it
what things should be considered?

2. Draw the floor plan of an imaginary house or
apartment to be built in your locality for a
family of four, and list the furnishings for each
room.

3. Choose a system for heating and state reasons
for choice.

4. How will water be furnished? What precautions
should always be taken about the water supply and
why?

5. How will the house be lighted? How will it be
ventilated?

6. State how the walls and floors will be finished
and why?

7. Describe the cook stove and the ice box; tell
why they were selected and the best way to keep
them clean.

8. List the utensils used in keeping the house
clean.

9. State why it is particularly necessary to keep
the cellar, closets, cupboards, wash basins,
toilets, sinks, clean. Give ways of cleaning each.

10. State the proper way to prepare dishes for
washing and the order in which silver, glass,
table and kitchen dishes should be washed.

11. How should rugs, mattresses, pillows,
upholstered furniture, paper walls, and windows be
cleaned?

12. How should winter clothes and blankets be
stored during the summer? What should be done with
soiled laundry prior to washing?

13. What is the most economical way to buy flour,
sugar, cereals, butter and vegetables? How should
they be kept in the house?

14. What is the law in your community concerning
the disposition of trash, ashes and garbage? How
will you care for these things in the house? If
there is no law what will you do with them and
why?

15. Under what conditions do germs thrive and
vermin infest? How can both be kept away?

16. Plan the work in your house for one week
giving the daily schedule and covering all
necessary points.

17. Tell how to make and use a fireless cooker.
Explain what it is good for.

18. Take care of your own bedroom for one month.
Report just what you do and how long it takes.

REFERENCES:

"Housewifery," L. Ray Balderston, Lippincott.

"The Home and the Family," Helen Kinne and Anna Cooley, The Macmillan Co.

"Foods and Household Management," Helen Kinne and Anna Cooley, Macmillan.

"Shelter and Clothing," Helen Kinne and Anna Cooley, Macmillan.

"Feeding the Family," M. S. Rose, Macmillan.

"Handbook of Food and Diet," American School of Home Economics, Chicago.

MAGAZINES:

"The House Beautiful," "Ladies Home Journal," "Delineator," "Good Housekeeping."

SYMBOL--GREEN CROSS]

1. Describe care of the room under following
points:

(a) Ventilation heat and sun; (b) Character and
amount of furniture; (c) Cleanliness and order;
(d) Daily routine; (e) General "atmosphere."

2. Demonstrate bed making with patient in bed. Bed
must be made in fifteen minutes.

3. (a) Show how to help a patient in the use of a
bedpan. (b) Care of utensils, dishes, linen and
their disinfection.

4. Bodily care of patient. Know all the following
and be able to demonstrate any two points asked
for:

(a) Bathing; (b) Rubbing; (c) Changing of body
linen; (d) Combing hair; (e) Lifting and changing
position; (f) Arranging of supports; (g)
Temperature, pulse and respiration; (h) Feeding
when helpless.

5. Local applications, hot and cold,
(fomentations, compresses etc.) (Demonstrate at
least one point).

6. Common household remedies and their use: castor
oil, soda, olive oil, epsom salts, aromatic
spirits of ammonia.

7. First treatment of some common household
emergencies, cramps, earache, headache, cold,
chills, choking, nosebleed, and fainting.

8. How to give an enema.

9. Proper food for invalids and serving it. Be
able to prepare and serve five of the following.
Two foods must be shown to examiner and three may
be certified to by mother or other responsible
person.

1. Cereal, as oatmeal, gruel; cereal water, as
barley water.

2. Toast, toast water, milk toast, cream toast.

3. Plain albumen, albuminized water, albuminized
milk.

4. Eggnog, soft cooked egg, poached egg.

5. Pasteurized milk, junket, custard.

6. Beef, mutton, chicken, clam or oyster broth.

7. Fruit beverage, stewed dried fruit, baked
apple.

8. Gelatin jellies, chicken jelly.

9. Tea, coffee, cocoa.

REFERENCES:

"Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick." Red Cross Text by Jane A. Delano, R. N. Revised by Anne H. Strong, R. N., Blakiston, Philadelphia, 1922.

"What to do Before the Doctor Comes," Frieda E. Lippert, Lippincott.

"Home Nurses Handbook of Practical Nursing," C. A. Aikens, Saunders.

"Home Nursing," Louisa C. Lippitt, World Book Co.

SYMBOL--STIRRUP]

1. Demonstrate saddling and bridling a saddle
horse.

2. Demonstrate riding at a walk, trot and gallop.

3. Demonstrate harnessing correctly in single
harness.

4. Demonstrate driving in single harness.

5. What are the rules of the road as to turning
out?

6. What are the rules for feeding and watering a
horse, and how do these vary according to
conditions?

7. What implements are used for grooming a horse?
Show how they should be used.

8. Hitch a horse, using the best knot for that
purpose.

9. Know principal causes of and how to detect and
how to remedy lameness and sore back.

10. Know how to detect and remove a stone from the
foot.

11. Know the principal points of a horse, and the
different parts of the harness.

REFERENCES:

"Riding and Driving for Women," B. Beach, Scribner.

"Horsemanship," C. C. Fraser.

SYMBOL--CUP AND SAUCER]

1. Demonstrate receiving, introducing and bidding
guests goodbye.

2. Write notes of invitation for a luncheon,
dinner party, and write a letter inviting a friend
to make a visit.

3. Give an out of door party or picnic planning
entertainment, and prepare and serve refreshments,
OR