LISBON FALLS — Teen Girl Scout Super Troop 314 of Dirigo Neighborhood hosted a birthday celebration for Juliette Low, founder of Girl Scouts, on Oct. 31.

Juliette Gordon Low of Savannah, Ga., also know as Daisy, founded Girl Scouts in March 1912, after learning about Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in England from Sir Robert Baden-Powell the previous year. The original 18 girls registered as American Girl Guides, but the name was changed to Girl Scouts the following year.

Low’s vision was to offer girls an opportunity to explore the outdoors as well as to become productive citizens in and outside the home by learning, no only the traditional skills of the time, but also learning about business, science and the arts. Low died on Jan. 17, 1927, of breast cancer. She is buried in Savannah, Ga.

Her contributions have been honored in many ways, including the museum at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and being one of Georgia’s first Women of Achievement. Currently, Girl Scouting serves three and a half million girls and adult volunteers.

Low’s Pet Powwow, attended by five troops of younger Girl Scouts, explored her love of animals by introducing the girls to the various aspects of pet care and pet ownership. Each troop brought pet items to donate to local organizations and the girls made dog biscuits and pet journals to donate to the local shelter.

Junior level Girl Scouts were able to complete their Pets Badge, while all the girls enjoyed dancing, games, snacks, cooking, dressing up as their favorite pets, a pet parade and learning about pet care. The Pet Powwow was the first event sponsored by the Teen Super Troop, which is a group of 22 girls ages 11 to 17 from three towns.

The teens are exploring leadership skills through working with younger girls, but are also beginning to raise money for a trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2011. 

For more information about Girl Scouts, contact Girl Scouts of Maine at 1-888-922-4763.