b. Games and other recreational activities thus providing normal recreation which is the right of every child and thus freeing children from the worry and depression fostered by world events and the attitudes of adults. c. Folk dances, folk songs, and literature of other nationalities, races, and creeds, in order to increase acceptance of these at the time when girls are in danger of feelings intolerant. 2. Opportunities to meet demands of the victory program today by teaching: a. Skills that will release adults for defense activities. b. Homemaking, caring for little children, helping shut-ins and old people, and other activities that are becoming increasingly the responsibility of young girls. c. Conservation of resources, particularly materials needed by the defense program. d. Health, nutrition, home safety, etc., to keep people physically fit. 3. Opportunities to prepare for war emergencies by teaching: Emergency skills, such as first aid, living simply out of doors, finding the utilizing materials at hand, finding one’s way about in and out of town, helping others in distress, and being able to organize people. THE PART THE COMMUNITY CAN PLAY In order to give his or her special knowledge to the troop, the program consultant often needs contributions from the community, such as equipment, art materials, money, transportation facilities, a place to demonstrate an activity (a kitchen, an outdoors fireplace, a kiln, a worker’s bench), and a person who can help with the demonstration. The latter need not be a skilled worker, but should be willing to give his or her time. USE THIS SPACE TO LIST YOUR SPECIFIC LOCAL NEEDS 10 The Local Council IN COMMUNITIES where Girl Scouting is developed to the extent that several troops are established, there is usually a local board of directors, called the local council. The concern of the council is to keep the wheels of Girl scouting turning in the community through such activities as organizing troops; selecting, placing and training adult volunteer workers; maintaining program standards in troops; carrying on a publicity and public relations program; financing the local work; and cooperating with the community all along the line. Although the majority of the members of the council and its committees are women, men often serve in an administrative or advisory capacity. In those communities where the administrative work is heavy, a central office is usually established which is supervised by one or more professional workers. These professional workers assist the local council and leadership group in an executive and supervisory way. The Council’s work has many aspects. In order to describe it fully and show its many opportunities for defense service today, the most important aspects have been described on the following pages under these headings: The Troop Organization Job The Program Job The Camping Job The Training Job The Finance Job The Publicity and Public Relations Job The Membership Job 11