Blue Robin, the Girl Pioneer

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  "What can I do for you? Are you in pain?"]

  BLUE ROBIN, THE GIRL PIONEER

  BY

  RENA I. HALSEY

  _ILLUSTRATED BY NANA FRENCH BICKFORD_

  BOSTON LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.

  Published, March, 1917

  Copyright, 1917 By Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co.

  _All rights reserved_ BLUE ROBIN, THE GIRL PIONEER

  Norwood Press BERWICK & SMITH CO. NORWOOD, MASS. U. S. A.

  BLUE ROBIN THE GIRL PIONEER IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED TO

  MISS LINA BEARD

  FOUNDER AND CHIEF PIONEER OF THE NATIONAL INCORPORATED ORGANIZATION OF THE GIRL PIONEERS OF AMERICA

  WHAT ARE "GIRL PIONEERS"?

  The first public meeting of the National Organization of the GirlPioneers of America was held by the founder, Miss Lina Beard, in thequaint old Pioneer meeting-house on Broadway, in Flushing, New York,February 8, 1912.

  The aim of the Organization of Girl Pioneers is: To cultivate in girlsthe sterling qualities displayed by our early pioneer women; to create adesire in them for a happy, broad, and useful life and to show them howto attain it; to give them things to do that are interesting, wholesome,and that will strengthen character; and to develop a love forout-of-door life by showing them how to live it.

  The watchword of the Girl Pioneer is, "I Can."

  The principles upon which the organization is founded are not simplytaught as precepts, they are found and practiced in all the delightfulactivities of the movement. Outdoor life with its limitless avenues ofinterest: camping, trailing, woodcraft, learning to know the wild lifeof the open, its plants, its flowers, birds, common wild animals andinsects; the stars and the meaning of the shadows, the use of nature'smaterial in handicraft; all these and many more are opened to the GirlPioneer, and by actual contact she is finding the beauty of truth andthe wonder of reality. By her membership in this large organization sheis learning to be less self-centered, learning to work with others andfor others, and to share her enjoyments with others. By the joyousparticipation in field-sports, and such recreation as rowing, swimming,fishing, riding, kite-flying, stilt-walking, and the more conventionalgames, such as basket-ball, service-ball, tennis, and archery, she islearning to play honestly and fairly, and _is building up bodily healthand strength_ to keep pace with the mental and moral health that isbeing developed within her.

  By her indoor life, lived as truly in the pioneer spirit as her life inthe open, she is bringing into play the faculties of resourcefulness, ofadaptability, of thoroughness, and the virtue of helpful kindness. Shelearns to do all household tasks, to do them well, and to be interestedin them. She is taught in charming ways the use of her five senses, andis delighted to find that she can develop them and consciously enjoythem. She learns to care for the sick and the young children; she isproud of being able to render "first aid" according to the latest andbest methods; she learns how to avoid accidents as well as what to do incase of accidents. She has a system of signs for blazing the trail whichbelongs solely to the Girl Pioneers, and she learns what to do in caseshe is lost when camping or trailing. In short, the Girl Pioneer'steaching makes her efficient in all fields. The mind and imagination ofthe Girl Pioneer are stimulated by true stories of heroism and theadventures of the early pioneers. Her merit badges are given the namesof the women pioneers, including besides the early settlers those whowere in helpful work for humanity. Her honors are shown by stars worn onthe sleeve, which indicate the tests successfully passed and lead up tothe final merit badge.

  The Girl Pioneer colors, red, white, and blue, not only signify that theorganization is national in extent but hold a still further meaning forthe Girl Pioneers; red standing for courage, white for purity, and bluefor truth. The graceful salute symbolizes a brave heart, an honest mind,a resourceful hand. The motto of the Girl Pioneer is, "Brave, Honest,Resourceful."

  The Girl Pioneers have their khaki uniform with red tie and red hatband,which is practical, adaptable, and pleasing. They have their banners,their Pioneer sign, their initiation, with its ceremony and membershipcertificate; their rallies, field-days, and other general meetingsindoors and out. They have their Pioneer cheer, and each Band and eachgroup has a cheer of its own. There is the official song which all thePioneers sing, and there are songs composed by the Bands.

  Each Band is under the leadership of a volunteer director who furnishesacceptable credentials. The Band is composed of one group, or severalgroups, of from six to ten girls in each. The name of an American wildbird is chosen for the name of each group, and the Band is known by itsnumber. The bird cheers of the groups are very breezy and inspiring.

  The Girl Pioneer ranks are open to all girls, and the work is veryhelpful in Sunday-schools, public schools, private schools, camps, andall large societies for girls, such as Young Women's ChristianAssociation, Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, playgrounds, etc.

  The Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, and likeorganizations seek to preserve the historical records and objectsconnected with the early life of our country, while the Girl Pioneersseek to revive and perpetuate the spirit that dominated the invinciblemen and women who made our nation possible.

  The Girl Pioneer organization is governed by an Executive Board, ofwhich the Chief Pioneer, Lina Beard, is the head. There is also aNational Council composed of eminent and influential men and womenliving in various parts of the United States, to be called upon whenneeded.

  The Pioneer folder will be sent upon application, and the Manual will besent upon receipt of price, thirty-five cents, and seven cents forpostage. For further information and for literature, address:

  Secretary of Girl Pioneers of America, Flushing, New York.