The First Girl Guide: The Story of Agnes Baden-Powell

In 1909 Sir Robert Baden-Powell’s rally of boy scouts at the crystal palace was joined by 2,000 ‘Girl Scouts’. In an age where single sex education and heavy chaperoning until marriage was the norm, Sir Robert Baden-Powell recognised that a separate organisation for girls was necessary, and his sister ‘Agnes was seen to be the person to lead it’. Agnes Baden-Powell, The story of the first Girl Guide is the first ever biography of the extraordinary, and often overlooked, creator of the guiding movement. From her early years, growing up with her brothers and partaking in many boyish activities, Agnes Baden-Powell had all the hallmarks of a Scout. A woman of remarkable energy and drive, she was already in her fifties and caring for her elderly mother when she agreed take the lead role in the development of the Girl Guides. Interspersed with the recollections of those who met her, Agnes Baden-Powell, The story of the first Girl Guide presents the vivid and fascinating history of a life riddled with challenges. Combining Agnes’ personal history with a rich and detailed account of the foundation and development of the Guiding movement, The story first Girl Guide will prove an invigorating read to those within the guiding movement and to the general reader.