Council Histories

Girl Scouts of Heritage Trails Council's Brief History

By the 1920’s pockets of lone Girl Scout troops were found throughout north central Ohio. By the 1930’s, Girl Scout councils were being chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to continue building Girl Scouting.

In the 1940’s and 50’s the phrase “Under the Green Umbrella” was used to describe the Council’s coverage of lone troop areas. But by mid 1961, the National organization announced plans for total Council coverage of the United States through touching Girl Scout Councils.

In 1961, the presidents and executive directors of Appleseed Trail, Indian Trails and Wooster Councils met and began the dialogue that in 1962 would unite the three councils along with several lone troops into Heritage Trails Council to serve girls in Ashland, Crawford, Holmes, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Wayne and Wyandot counties.

The name Heritage Trails, unanimously chosen and approved by GSUSA, symbolized the historical trails that have passed through the Council’s eight county area: the Indian trails, the pioneer trails, the Johnny Appleseed Trail and the Underground Railroad. The original drawing of the council logo was researched and created by Hazel Shreve in July of 1962.

Shortly after the formation of Heritage Trails Council, plans were underway for a capital campaign to develop outdoor opportunities for girls and the Council’s original resident camp, Walhonding, was developed. Today, girls from the Girl Scouts of Heritage Trails area enjoy the great outdoors at Crooked Lane Learning Center in Mt. Gilead. This 220 acre camp facility has been providing outdoor experiences for Girl Scouts from across Ohio. In 1974, Wawingas Lodge, a multipurpose building was built. In 2005, Wawingas was updated with air conditioning and a handicap accessible shower. A playground, low challenge ropes course, archery, fishing dock, amphitheater and ice skating make Crooked Lane Learning Center the place for year-round fun!

Through this site, we will be sharing news about the activities of the subcommittees charged with moving forward the work required for a successful merger of our councils into the newly named Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council.

Girl Scouts-Heart of Ohio Council

Girl Scouts of Heritage Trails Council

Girl Scouts-Seal of Ohio