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"I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!"
Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927), also affectionately known by her nickname “Daisy,” founded Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. She imagined a movement where all girls could come together and embrace their unique strengths and passions—and as Girl Scouts has done since, she made that dream a reality.
Born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia, Daisy was known for her sense of humor, compassion, and concern for others. She was interested in athletics, the arts, animals, and nature—elements that would one day become a big part of Girl Scouting. As a child and young adult, Daisy experienced several ear injuries, resulting in almost total hearing loss that affected her for the rest of her life.
She married William Mackay Low in 1886, and together they set up homes in both England and Georgia. Juliette returned often to the United States to connect with her many friends and family members—and to find support during an unhappy marriage that ended shortly before her husband’s death in 1905.
After meeting Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, Daisy became involved with the Girl Guide movement in 1911, establishing three troops in the UK. The following spring, she return to the United States to begin the organization we now know as Girl Scouts of the USA. Telephoning a cousin Nina Pape from her home, she announced, "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!"
From that first gathering of a small troop of 18 girls, Daisy broke the conventions of the time—reaching across class, cultural, and ethnic boundaries to ensure all girls had a place to develop their leadership skills, advocate for themselves and others, and turn their ambitions into reality.
Using her innate talent for fundraising and public relations, combined with her vast network of friends and supporters, she led Girl Scouts with passion and determination—ensuring it was, and always would be, an experience that was “girl-led.”
Juliette Gordon Low died January 17, 1927, at her home in Savannah, Georgia, after a long and private struggle with breast cancer.
After her death, Daisy’s friends honored her by establishing the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, which powers international projects for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.
She is remembered nearly 100 years after her passing with camps, schools, and scholarships established in her honor. Other tributes include a postage stamp, numerous biographies, and even an opera about her life and achievements. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2012.
But most importantly, the vision of Juliette Gordon Low comes to life in every Girl Scout and Girl Scout alum who speaks up for what they believe in, leaves the world better than they found it, and blazes a trail of their very own.
Our Properties
Read on to learn about our properties and the amazing Girl Scouts and alumni they are named after!
Juliette Gordon Low
Founder of Girl Scouts.
Camp Low in Savannah is – of course – named after our founder Juliette Gordon Low. Girl Scouts purchased part of the island in 1950 and the remainder of the island in 1962. But the name “Rose Dhu” has been associated with the island for centuries. The island was under the control and ownership of the Houstoun family beginning in the mid-1700s through the late 1800s. Mr. Houstoun also owned significant property on the mainland that was known as Rossdue / Rossdhu (supposedly an old Gaelic term meaning “a high bluff overlooking a lowland”). The island was eventually known by that name as well, and that name gradually morphed into “Rose Dhu.”
Clementi
Lacey-Baker Holder
Mrs. Clementi Lacey-Baker Holder (1920-2013) was a lifetime Girl Scouts who joined in 1930 just shy of her 10th birthday. Mrs. Holder received the Thanks Badge 1 and 2 for her long-time dedication and philanthropy to our council, beginning with serving as a troop leader and extending to serving as a board member for many years. The Clementi Holder Service Center in Athens bears her name because it was made possible by her generosity.
Mrs. Holder received many Girl Scout awards and recognitions, but regretted aging out before completing all the requirements of the Golden Eaglet due to changes in the requirements. In 2012 the board and staff, after consulting with GSUSA presented her with the Golden Eaglet, 80 years after joining Girl Scouts.
Earnie Graham
The Earnie Graham Cabin at Camp Tanglewood was named after Girl Scout staff member Earnie Graham. The cabin was built in 2011 by ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (along with her family home) as a surprise for Ms. Graham. Show officials learned of Graham’s passion for Scouting and wanted to include the camp in the project by building a handicapped-accessible cabin for the Girl Scouts.
Robert Lewis
Camp Robert Lewis is a primitive camp in the Columbus region. It was named after Robert Lewis who donated the property to Girl Scouts with one condition – it cannot be sold. The beautiful property rests near a river with a waterfall and is often use to train volunteers outdoor skills.
Sarah
Randolph Bailey
Sarah Randolph Bailey, born in 1885 in Macon, Georgia, was a longtime educator. In 1935, a time when black troops we not allowed in Georgia, Bailey started organizing YWCA Girl Reserve groups. After organizing 15 Girl Reserve groups within two years, GSUSA took notice and invited Baily to organize the first Black Girl Scout troop in Georgia. The group was formally introduced as official Girl Scouts in 1948.
Ms. Bailey was also named the chairwoman for the Macon Girl Scout’s Central Committee and earned the Thanks Badge, the highest honor a Girl Scout adult can receive.
In 1961, a permanent campsite in Lizella was named in her honor. Bailey passed in 1972. In 1994, the Macon Girl Scout Center was renamed the Sarah Bailey Service Center. She has also been the subject of a dedicated exhibit at Macon’s Tubman Museum.
Martha
Fort Johnston
Mrs. Martha Fort Johnston was an early Girl Scout supporter, who had the honor of meeting with Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low at the property in Crawford County, Georgia. Mrs. Johnston later deeded the same property now known as Camp Martha Johnston to Girl Scouts in 1925.
Estella McGee
The McGee Lodge at Camp Martha Johnston was named after longtime camp cook Estella McGee. Ms. McGee was known for her delicious meals, prepared with love and within budget. She worked in the kitchen at CMJ Summer Resident Camp for at least 20 years.
Inez
Farmer Oliveros
The Oliveros Lodge at Camp Low is named for Inez Farmer Oliveros (1894 – 1946). She was an early Girl Scout leader, camp counselor, Camp Director, local Girl Scout executive, and friend of Juliette Gordon Low.
Dorothy "Dottie" Morris Cheves
Dot's Little House
The Little House has been a staple of the Girl Scouts and the Columbus community since 1949. Very few of these early Girl Scout meeting places are still in existence.
In 2024, after 75 years of active use, the building was restored, renovated, and rededicated in honor and memory of Dorothy "Dottie" Morris Cheves, a former Girl Scouts staff member who embodied the Girl Scout mission of courage, confidence, and character as she helped make the world a better place.
