Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains; or, A Christmas Success against Odds

At the Hiawatha Institute, nestled in the snow‑capped Allegheny Mountains, a chorus of nearly two‑hundred Camp Fire Girls gathers around a blazing bonfire for the final Grand Council ceremony of the year. Their chant rings out over the crisp winter air as they celebrate a curriculum that blends traditional campcraft with the unusual addition of military drill and nursing instruction—a response to the nation’s wartime needs. The girls, a lively mix of city daughters and country teens, revel in the sense of purpose that comes from learning both how to tend wounds and how to march in step.

As the holidays approach, the institute buzzes with plans for a Christmas celebration that will put their new skills to the test. The girls are determined to turn their training into a “success against odds,” channeling their energy into projects that will brighten the season for their families and community. Amid the cold and the camaraderie, they discover that teamwork and dedication can make even the toughest challenges feel manageable.