When Japanese Americans were interned at Heart Mountain in 1942, adults tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for the children. Internees quickly organized girl scout and boy scout troops.
Earning badges and advancing in rank was difficult at Heart Mountain. A 14-mile hike was needed to reach First Class rank. It was also impossible without leaving the camp. Scouts needed a pool to pass swimming tests, so they dug their own pool that served as an ice rink in the winter.
Future Senator Alan Simpson and Cabinet Secretary Norm Mineta met as scouts during World War II and became friends. Mineta was interned at heart mountain while Simpson lived in Cody.
You can learn more about scout history in Wyoming in the Wyoming Girl Scouts Council Records at UW's American Heritage Center.