University of the Woods

University of the Woods - MACY

The Edith Macy Conference Center is located in Westchester County, just 35 miles north of New York City. It is a year round tribute to Edith Macy's vision of educating Girl Scout leaders.

In 1925 the land was deeded to the Girl Scouts by V. Everit Macy in loving memory of his wife, Edith Carpenter Macy to be used as a National Training School.

It was Juliette Low's dream that the site be used for the first biennial International Conference of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (World Camp), despite the fact that the land was woefully underdeveloped. Although not everyone agreed that this site should be the one picked, everyone banded together to get the site prepared - just barely in time.

On May 11, 1926 Camp Edith Macy opened the International Conference with Juliette Low, Sir Baden-Powell and Lady Baden-Powell and delegates from at least 32 different countries in attendance.

At a ceremonial fire dedicated to the memory of Edith Macy, the National Director of Girl Scouting, Jane Rippen is quoted as saying : Once again Mrs. Low has pointed the way to us, her desire has become our desire; the hope of this world camp, held in our country, would mean one more real step toward the goal that was and is in our hearts - World Peace.

The site has been known by 4 names; Camp Edith Macy (C.E.M.) - University In The Woods, Edith Macy Training School, Edith Macy Girl Scout National Center and in 1982, Edith Macy Conference Center.

Participants at Edith Macy receive the "Lamp of Knowledge" pin. Early pins had C.E.M., later pins spelled out MACY. Visitors may purchase the visitor's pin.

To attend at training at Macy, contact your council office for information and a calendar of classes. Many councils assist adult Girl Scouts in the cost of transportation, trainings and lodging at the conference center through training grants.

The International Order of Chartreuse Buzzards

is a group supporting the efforts at MACY. Patch, pin and theme song available.

MACY Participation Pins

image donated by Talli

Standard early version of MACY pin

imaged donated by Talli

Silver MACY pin for the 25th Anniversary

imaged donated by Talli

Gold MACY Pin for 50th Anniversary

image donated by Talli

MACY pin on card

My own MACY pin

MACY's 75th Pin with faux diamond in the flame

, image: Angie Olds

Beverly Miner of Maumee Valley GSC writes: I have attached a new Macy 2006 pin. It commemorates
the 80th anniversary with a small emerald in the
flame.

MACY Pin

image: Talli

Recently noticed that the handle and right side of the base of the MACY pin is filled in on newer pins.

Special 1926 International Conference Pin

According to the Girl Scout Collector's Guide, during the International Conference held at Macy's, this "W" pin was given out to participants. The "W" is for world.

The close-up shows that the "W" wasn't simply stamped on the shield, but that the shield isn't even there.
Both images: Cheryl McGruff

(another example of a "W" pin)

International Conference 1926

Tony Smee was kind enough to send in some rarely seen items from the 1926 International Conference of Girl Guides and Girl Scout that was held at Camp Edith Macy. Items included images, the songbook, program, a list of nations, the expense report and more.

This was to be Juliette Low's last conference. She died a few months later.