Girl Scouts in Arizona and New Mexico

In Short

This travel-adventure narrative follows the Dandelion Troop of Girl Scouts as they embark on a summer expedition through the American Southwest. Led by their mentor, Mr. Gilroy, and a skilled Native American guide named Tally, the girls traverse the historic Santa Fe Trail, explore cliff dwellings, and navigate the breathtaking vistas of Arizona and New Mexico. The book serves as both a fictional account of adolescent companionship and an educational travelogue, capturing the era’s enthusiasm for national exploration, geology, and the preservation of historical sites.

The Story

The journey begins with the Dandelion Troop planning a grand summer excursion. Guided by the ever-jovial Mr. Gilroy and the capable, stoic Tally, the scouts depart for the Southwest, eager to experience the "enchanted land." Their itinerary is ambitious, taking them from the plains of the Santa Fe Trail through the forested peaks of the Pecos Mountains and deep into the heart of Navajo territory. Along the way, the girls encounter a variety of characters, including an earnest forest ranger named Sanderson—or "Sandy"—who finds himself drawn to the spirited and charming Julie Lee.

The expedition is not without its trials. Early in their travels, the group faces a crisis when a pair of thieves steals their pack-burros and equipment. Tally demonstrates his exceptional skill and courage by tracking the men through the wilderness and orchestrating a clever, bloodless recovery of their supplies. As the party pushes forward, the landscape shifts from lush mountain trails to the stark, arid beauty of the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forests. The scouts immerse themselves in the region’s history, visiting the towering dwellings of Taos, the prehistoric ruins of Puye, and the intricate, cliff-carved architecture of the Frijoles Cañon.

Throughout the trek, the girls balance rigorous physical activity with intellectual curiosity, learning about geology, indigenous cultures, and the work of forest rangers. They bond over campfires, early morning swims in frigid mountain lakes, and the shared awe of witnessing a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Romantic sparks flicker between Sandy and Julie, adding a layer of youthful sentimentality to their adventurous outings.

The journey nears its conclusion in Arizona, where the scouts prepare for further excursions to Montezuma Castle and Phoenix. However, an urgent legal matter regarding an estate in the Adirondacks forces Mr. Gilroy to cut the trip short. Though the girls are initially disappointed, they quickly pivot, rallying behind their leader with characteristic resilience. They unanimously agree to end their travels early, choosing to prioritize their mentor’s needs over their own sightseeing. The story concludes with the group preparing for their return home, already looking forward to future mountain sojourns and confirming their enduring loyalty to one another and to Tally, their steadfast guide.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The Dandelion Troop receives word of their upcoming itinerary and prepares for a summer in the Southwest. They meet their guide, Tally, and begin their journey along the historic Santa Fe Trail.

A test of character The scouts find their trip threatened when their pack-burros are stolen by opportunistic thieves. Tally tracks the outlaws and, using his expertise and calm nerve, successfully secures the return of their essential supplies.

Mountains and romance The party ascends the rugged trails of the Pecos Mountains, where they meet a forest ranger named Sanderson. As they hike toward high-altitude observatories, a romantic connection begins to blossom between Sandy and Julie.

Deep into history The group explores the ancient pueblo of Taos and the cliff dwellings of the Pajarito plateau. These visits provide a window into the past, as the scouts marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the region’s original inhabitants.

Across the desert The expedition enters Navajo land, where they witness traditional dances and learn about the stark beauty of the desert environment. They navigate toward the Petrified Forests, observing the remnants of ancient landscapes transformed into colorful, gemstone-like rock.

A sudden departure The arrival at the Grand Canyon is interrupted by a telegram requiring Mr. Gilroy’s immediate return to the East. The troop decides to abandon their remaining plans, affirming their commitment to support their host and return home together.

The People

• Julie Lee: A central, spirited figure in the troop who values both adventure and personal connection. Her developing relationship with the forest ranger, Sandy, provides a romantic focal point. By the end of the journey, she grows from a curious traveler into a young woman who balances her own desires with a deep sense of loyalty to her troop.
• Mr. Gilroy (“Gilly”): The generous and paternal host of the Dandelioners. He is driven by a desire to provide the girls with an educational and transformative summer. His commitment to the troop is unwavering, though he is ultimately forced to prioritize his legal responsibilities over his role as their guide.
• Tally: A full-blooded Native American guide whose knowledge of the land is essential to the troop’s survival and success. He remains cool under pressure, particularly during the recovery of the stolen burros. His presence provides the girls with a window into the culture and history of the Southwest.
• Sandy (Sanderson): A forest ranger working in the Pecos region. He is an expert in his field, deeply knowledgeable about the landscape and the Pueblo ruins. His interactions with Julie reveal a sincere, if slightly persistent, interest that challenges her to think about their connection beyond the confines of the trip.
• Mrs. Vernon: The troop’s Captain, who manages the logistics of the trip. She ensures the girls are safe, properly equipped, and focused on the educational aspects of their travels.

In Its Own Voice

Regarding the group's lighthearted and adventurous spirit:

“Gilly, your lease says you can leave them at Gallup, if you have done with them, or go on and leave them at some other city, doesn’t it,” demanded Julie, eagerly.

(Julie displays her resourcefulness when the group faces a logistical hurdle regarding their pack animals.)

On the beauty of the Arizona landscape:

The air was most exhilarating, but it got to be so cool that the Captain called a halt in order to make the girls don their heavy sweaters.

(This observation captures the scouts' constant interaction with the changing, often intense, climate of the American West.)

Regarding the group's bond:

“Don’ leaf Tally outen dat mountain climb, eh?” said the Indian, anxiously.

(Tally’s simple request highlights the deep mutual respect and affection that has grown between the guide and the scouts.)

What It's Really About

The book explores the intersection of youthful curiosity and the American landscape during the early 20th century. It argues that travel is not merely about sightseeing, but about personal growth, the building of character, and the appreciation of history. Beneath the plot lies a deep respect for the diverse cultures of the Southwest, particularly the indigenous populations whose lands and traditions the scouts encounter. The narrative asks how a group of young people can engage with the vastness of the American wilderness while maintaining their own community, suggesting that true education comes from hands-on experience and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical travelogues or stories of early 20th-century youth organizations will find this book a charming, albeit dated, window into the past. It captures the infectious, optimistic energy of the Girl Scout movement and the era’s fascination with the "frontier." Reading it feels like flipping through a dusty, well-kept scrapbook from 1923; the language is earnest and the tone is uniformly cheerful, even when the characters face real difficulties.

Modern readers should be prepared for the period-typical attitudes regarding indigenous cultures and the slightly idealized, paternalistic framing of the scouts' experiences. The dialect used for Tally and other local characters reflects the conventions of 1920s literature, which can feel jarring today. However, for those interested in the history of the Santa Fe Trail or the romanticized vision of the American Southwest that dominated the early century, the book offers a distinct, immersive quality. It is a gentle, low-stakes read that lingers on the beauty of the natural world, serving as a reminder of a time when the "enchanted land" was a newly discovered treasure for many young Americans. The unwavering focus on group loyalty and resilience ensures the story remains a pleasant, if simplistic, testament to the spirit of the Dandelioners.