Girls from Burke's Girl Scout Troop 1665 participated Saturday in Rock the Mall, the national celebration of the Girl Scouts' 100th anniversary.

Troops from all 50 states and Japan were represented in a crowd estimated at about 250,000.  According to the organizers, it was the largest gathering of Girl Scouts ever.

Three stages with accompanying big screens were set-up around the base of the Washington Monument.  Groups quickly spread their blankets and chairs in what little shade was provided by the few trees on the grounds. Others followed the shadow cast by the monument to escape the sun's intensity.

Scouts traded SWAPS—"Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere"—highlighting their hometown and the 100th anniversary, danced and sang with those on stage and picnicked.

The U.S. Postal Service officially issued Celebrate Scouting on Saturday. The first-class forever stamp honors the Girl Scouts' centennial.

Some History

• Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized 18 girls into the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga.
• There are currently about 3.2 million Girl Scouts—2.3 million girl members and 890,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers.
• Girls participate in troops and groups in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.
• More than 100 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States.
• Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.
• To date, more than 59 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood.