Emily Knudsen Honored By Girl Scouts

Cadette Girl Scout Troop 478 conducted its Court of Awards on Tuesday, March 13, to honor their committee chairman for her commitment to Girl Scouting that began in 1932 at age 18. The troop felt that it was appropriate to honor Mrs Emily Knudsen during the anniversary week of scouting.

Mrs Knudsen began her volunteer efforts in Girl Scouting as a Lieutenant in 1932 in New Jersey. In this position she was commissioned by the National Headquarters in New York City. She had to show proficiency in all the areas required for the First Class badge. At that time emphasis was placed on homemaking skills, home nursing, care of children, and citizenship. Along with the traditional skills, girls were given opportunities to become proficient in hiking, camping, swimming, lifesaving, and the skills needed to make the young women of the day independent and self-sufficient. These are goals that are pursued today.

After she married and started a family, Mrs Knudsen went back to Girl Scouting. In the 1940s she once again volunteered when her daughter, Arlene, joined scouting. She assisted the troop, encouraged her daughter’s advancement, and provided the opportunity for her to attend camp. This commitment to scouting continued when Arlene’s daughters, Karen and Dawn, joined scouting and continued on to receive their First Class status, the highest girl scouting offered. For a while Mrs Knudsen pursued other interests. When her daughter Debra wanted to join she again volunteered and tried to keep the troop going when the leaders left. For the past eight years she has been the Committee Chairman for Troop 478. She encourages her daughter Debra to pursue her interests as a Troop Leader and Neighborhood Volunteer. During the past eight years Mrs Knudsen has been a positive example for the troop. She enjoys baking for the girls and lends a listening ear to what they have to say.

Mrs Knudsen has had a varied and diverse life. She took piano lessons from Dr Marshall, a son of slaves. She lived on a working farm in northern New Hampshire. When man took to space she was a supervisor involved in the wiring aboard the Mercury Orbiter that took John Glenn on the historic first flight around the earth. Later she worked at Perkin-Elmer as a pre-former in charge of preparing electrical jobs for her department. Wife, mother, girl scout volunteer, professional musician, and space age worker, she has lived a life full of compassion for others and a desire for personal improvement.

By honoring Emily Knudsen, the Troop felt that it was honoring a woman dedicated to the Girl Scout law and promise. Various dignitaries, the local Girl Scout council, and the National Headquarters sent letters of congratulations that were read. The Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut presented her with a Hats Off pin in honor of the years of volunteer service she has given to Girl Scouting.