logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
31m 12s

How did the Girl Scouts get started?

Brains On Universe
About this episode

Joy is so excited to be going on her first big camping trip, but she needs help – STAT! How do you put up a tent, anyway? And how do you make perfect, ooey gooey s’mores?! Luckily, her Girl Scout buddy and cohost Flora is here to help!
Join Joy and Flora on their camping trip, while they explore the history of the Girl Scouts! This super popular group teaches girls all kinds of skills, from managing money to how to be a good friend. Over a million girls across the U.S. are members – but how did the group get started anyway? (Spoiler: it all began with one courageous woman who had a big idea!) Plus, the story of another courageous woman who fought to ensure Black girls could join the Girl Scouts, too! And as always, a tasty new First Things First for you to sink your teeth into!

This episode was sponsored by:
Disney - Experience Disney's Elio, only in theaters June 20. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.


See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Oct 8
We’re back! Brains On Universe has a new headquarters
We’re back! We’ve officially moved into our new headquarters! Come unpack with us and get a tour while we fill you in on some big news. Plus, new episodes of Brains On coming later this month and new Smash Boom and Forever Ago after that. If you want to support the show or drop u ... Show More
7m 30s
Jun 2025
Where did school uniforms come from?
Our world is filled with uniforms. From mail carriers, to sports teams to students! This week, Joy, cohost Hannah and Articles of Interest’s Avery Trufelman trace the history of school uniforms, from their start 800 years ago in England, to their popularization in America by immi ... Show More
32m 25s
Jun 2025
A big update about Forever Ago and the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 57s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
S3E9 - Floozeville: Flooze Scouts
Martha and Waffle head up to Pflugerville to sell Fizzbars for charity. Selling things is tough– but the Flooze Scouts are always prepared! 
16 m
Feb 2024
Scout’s Honor: Tom Krumins on Keeping Kids Safe
<p>This episode is sponsored by Better Help. </p> <p>Tom Krumins was one of the brave whistleblowers who came forward to shine a light on the scandal of abuse and predation within the Boy Scouts of America. You can see his story in the recent Netflix doc, ‘Scout’s Honor: The Secr ... Show More
1h 9m
Feb 2020
Boy Scouts
How do children learn good values? Anne Muir and Colin Lowther look at an organization helping boys: the world wide Boy Scout Movement. 
15m 1s
May 2025
It's All About Disney - Our Pick of Parks to Top Tips and Tricks!
<p><b>Welcome to </b><b><em>On the Sofa with British Mums</em></b><b> – Season 2, Episode 15!</b></p><p>This week, we’re sprinkling some serious pixie dust with an <em>all-things-Disney</em> episode!</p><p>Cat and I – proud, self-confessed Disney adults – are joined by Ash, a fir ... Show More
32m 11s
Oct 2022
Introducing Mari Copeny - From Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl, learn about incredible change maker, Mari Copeny, in an episode from our friends at Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Follow the story of a brave little girl from Flint, Michigan who wanted to help her town get fresh water. S ... Show More
11m 42s
Jan 2023
2. Girl Scout Cookies
<p>How does America's cutest sales force get billions of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs into our hands every year? Zachary Crockett digs in.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about ou ... Show More
13m 19s
Oct 24
Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies
Parenting can involve big ideas, public debates and the odd festive guilt trip - and this week, we’re tackling all three. The man who created Adolescence has a new idea for how dads can connect with their sons - it’s beautiful, but one of us hates it. Plus, Amelia dives into the ... Show More
39m 20s
Feb 2023
Ellie & Magical Forest
<p>Join us on our latest episode of 'Tales of Adventure' where we share the story of Ellie, a young girl who sets out on a quest to save a trapped bird and break the spell of an evil witch in a magical forest. With her determination and courage, Ellie overcomes obstacles and ulti ... Show More
4m 18s