The girls’ campfire, organized by Mary.

One day in early June, when all nature seemed aglow with happiness, we find Mary earnestly discussing with Elizabeth Schmidt the prosaic, humdrum life of many of the country girls, daughters of well-to-do farmers in the vicinity.

“I wish,” said Mary, wrinkling her forehead thoughtfully, “I could think of some new interest to introduce into their lives; some way of broadening their outlook; anything to bring more happiness into their commonplace daily toil; something good and helpful for them to think about.”

All at once Mary, who was not usually demonstrative, clapped her hands, laughed gleefully and said:  “I have it, Elizabeth.  The very thing!  Suppose we start a ‘girls’ campfire,’ right here in the country?  I don’t think we shall have any trouble to organize.”

“And you, because you understand all about it, will be the Guardian,” said Elizabeth.

At first Mary demurred, but, overcome by Elizabeth’s pleading, finally gave a reluctant consent.  They then made out a list of the girls they thought might be willing to join, Mary promising to write at once for a handbook.  They separated, Elizabeth to call to see the girls, and Mary to interview their parents.  Their efforts were rewarded with surprisingly gratifying results, for many of the girls had read about the “Campfire Girls” and were anxious to become members.

* * * * *

One afternoon, several weeks later, had you gone into the old apple orchard, at the farm, you would have seen thirteen eager young girls, ranging in age from fourteen to sixteen, listening intently to Mary, who was telling them about the “Campfire Girls.”  What she told them was something like this: 

“Now girls, we are going to have a good time.  Some of our good times will be play and some work.  When you join, you will become a ’Wood Gatherer,’ and after three months’ successful work, if you have met certain qualifications, you will be promoted to the rank of ’Fire Maker.’  Later on, when you come to realize what it means to be a ‘Torch Bearer,’ you will be put in that rank.  The first law which you learn to follow is one which you must apply to your daily life.  It is:  Seek beauty, give service, pursue knowledge, be trustworthy, hold on to health, glorify work, be happy.  ‘The Camp Fire’ has meant so much to girls I have known, for their betterment, and has been so helpful in many ways, you surely will never regret becoming a member of the organization, or be anything but happy if you keep their laws.  There will be no dues, except what is collected for good times, and no expense except the cost of your ceremonial costume, epaulettes and honor beads.  The latter are quite inexpensive.  The honors are divided into several classes, and for each honor a bead is given as a symbol of your work.  A special colored bead is given for each class.  We shall meet about once every week.  The monthly meeting is called the ’Council Fire.’  I will tell you later about the ‘Wohelo’ ceremony.  By the way, girls, ‘Wohelo’ stands for work, health and love.  You see, the word is composed of the first two letters of each word.”