Playing the Past: Brownies Chase the “Fair Play” Badge in a 1920s Time Capsule

WASHINGTON HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Playing the Past: Brownies Chase the “Fair Play” Badge in a 1920s Time Capsule

A 90-minute program at the Woodrow Wilson House where Brownies play vintage games to earn the Fair Play badge while exploring civic values in a preserved 1920s setting.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Playing the Past: Brownies Chase the “Fair Play” Badge in a 1920s Time Capsule.

Duration
90 Minutes
Location
Washington
Operator
Woodrow Wilson House Museum
Category
History Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At the President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C., Brownies spend 90 minutes stepping into a perfectly preserved 1920s domestic salon to play vintage games and earn their Fair Play badge. The program pairs hands-on play with short historical context, teaching teamwork, inclusion and the basics of keeping score against the backdrop of a National Trust–preserved home.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SETTING

A Preserved 1920s Parlor

The event unfolds inside the President Woodrow Wilson House, presented as a time capsule of the 1920s; the intact period setting frames the games and conversations about civic life.

THE ACTIVITY

Vintage Games for a Modern Badge

Brownies play vintage indoor games—and outdoors when weather allows—to learn rule-following, inclusion, teamwork and how to keep score, all as part of earning the Fair Play badge.

THE LESSONS

History, Democracy and Fair Play

Beyond play, the program connects game rules and fair play to larger themes of democracy, civil liberties and the civic ideals that the site interprets for visiting youth.

What the day feels like

What the 90 Minutes Feel Like

The program is a compact, guided session at the Woodrow Wilson House: girls gather at the museum, play a sequence of vintage games—indoors and, when weather permits, outside—then reflect briefly on teamwork, fair rules and civic ideals as they complete the requirements for the Fair Play badge.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this program suits and why.

1
Brownies (Girl Scouts)Specifically designed for Brownies to complete the Fair Play badge through guided play and short interpretive moments.
2
Troop Leaders & ChaperonesLeaders coordinating badge work will find the session focused, badge-oriented and suitable for group instruction within a historic house setting.
3
Youth Groups Seeking Civic LessonsGroups interested in connecting play to themes of democracy and civil liberties will benefit from the built-in historical context and discussion prompts.
4
Short-Program SchedulesAt 90 minutes, the program fits well into a half-day schedule for school groups or troop outings that require an efficient, structured activity.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The program lasts 90 minutes.

Meeting Point

The session meets at the Woodrow Wilson House.

What to Bring

No specific gear is listed; activities take place indoors and may move outdoors if weather permits.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the event?

The program runs 90 minutes.

Where do we meet?

Meet at the President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C.

Who is this program for?

The event is designed for Brownies working to earn their Fair Play badge.

What will the Brownies do?

Brownies play vintage games to practice following rules, including others, working as a team and keeping score, as part of earning the badge.

Will activities be indoors or outdoors?

Activities are conducted indoors and may take place outdoors when weather permits.

Who operates the program?

The program is offered at the Woodrow Wilson House (President Woodrow Wilson House).