the tide turns

through the 1950's, the Girl Scouts organization began to undergo structural changes.  These modifications were based on a desire to promote a more unified and consistent organization. During the years after World War II there was a societal trend towards increased patriotism and unity, the Girl Scouts organization followed suit. To provide a more cohesive structure changes were made to all Girl Scouts’ programs, including the Mariners. In 1948, Mariner “ships” were referred to by the generic term “troops,” and “skippers” as “leaders.” Mariner Scouts were also encouraged to wear the standard green Senior Scout uniform and only wear their Mariner uniforms at Mariner gatherings. In 1960, the Mariner uniform was discontinued altogether. From this point forward all senior girls wore the same green uniform. Interests were distinguished by badges and the color of ties and hat trim. The Mariner tie and trim color was white.

 

While the changes made in the 1940's and 50's may have stressed uniformity, by the 1960's “variety” was the objective.  Recognizing the diversity of senior girls’ interests, the Girl Scouts organization put forward the “Wheel of Opportunities” concept in the 1963 handbook.  The “Wheel” offered focuses in ‘International Friendship,” “The Arts,” “Community Action,” “Trailblazer,” “Mounted,” “Homemaker,” “Mariner,” “Wings,” and “Panorama” (a mixture of various focuses).  The thought was that through the “Wheel” girls would have the opportunity to explore many different options instead of concentrating on just one area: "You have the chance to experience and experiment with as many of Senior Scouting’s activities as you want or can handle.”  Of course girls could still primarily focus on Mariner pursuits if they wanted, but the program was slimmed down.  Girls no longer had a separate Mariner handbook to follow or ratings to achieve, nor did they need to belong to a large Mariner troop - a small patrol of Mariners within their Senior Scout troop would do.

 

Another change occurred in the 1970's which further diminished the scope of the Girl Scout Mariners program, although it did open up more opportunities for nautical girls.  In 1971, the Explorer Scouts, a division of the senior Boy Scouts, became co-ed.  This included the Sea Explorers, formally and currently known as the Sea Scouts.  The Sea Scouts were established in 1912, and their protocols had provided a foundation for many of the Mariner’s practices.  Since the inception of the Mariners, the Sea Scouts had been engaged with the Girl Scouts’ program through demonstrations at Ship meetings and friendly competitions at gams.  A familiarity with the Sea Scouts encouraged many Mariners to join their rankings.

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IMAGE: 1955 Mariner Handbook (Ships of the Sea Collection)

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