Owls play an important role in the Girl Scouts Brownies program. They serve as mascots and symbols that represent different Brownie achievements and ideals. In this article, we’ll explore the different owl names used in Brownies and what they signify.
Brownie Owl
The Brownie Owl is the most well-known owl in Girl Scouts. It serves as the official mascot for the Brownie level. The Brownie Owl represents wisdom and dignity. It reminds Brownies to act wisely by listening and thinking before they speak or act.
The Brownie Owl is featured prominently on Brownie badges, insignia, and program materials. When a girl first joins Brownies, she receives a Brownie Owl pin to wear on her uniform. The Brownie Owl is a beloved symbol that Brownies recognize instantly.
Brownielocks
Brownielocks is a specific Brownie Owl character featured in some Girl Scout Brownie stories and folklore. In the stories, Brownielocks is depicted as a wise old owl who mentors young Brownies. She provides advice and guidance to Brownies as they learn new skills and build their confidence.
Brownielocks lives in a treehouse and invites Brownies to visit her. She teaches them about nature, teamwork, and being a good friend. Brownies look up to Brownielocks as a source of wisdom. She helps boost their self-esteem and motivates them to keep trying when something is difficult.
Little Brown Owl
The Little Brown Owl is one of the owl characters that appears in Girl Scout Brownie stories and songs. The Little Brown Owl is younger and less experienced than Brownielocks. She represents a new Brownie who is just getting started on her Girl Scout journey.
The Little Brown Owl starts out shy but gains courage and wisdom from Brownielocks. She learns the Girl Scout Promise and Law and discovers her own strengths. The Little Brown Owl shows Brownies that it’s okay to be new to something – with hard work, you can gain skills and confidence.
Tawny Owl
Tawny Owl is another owl character that appears alongside Brownielocks and Little Brown Owl in some Girl Scout stories and folklore. The Tawny Owl represents a Brownie who is halfway through her time as a Brownie. She has mastered some skills but still has more to learn.
The Tawny Owl isn’t quite as wise as Brownielocks yet, but she is always eager to learn. She sets a good example for younger Brownies by being kind and responsible. The Tawny Owl shows that learning is a lifelong process for everyone, even owls!
Goldenwing
Goldenwing is an owl who appears in the Girl Scout Brownie “Goldenwing Brownie” story. In the story, Goldenwing is a Brownie owl who is especially curious and adventurous. She loves trying new things and having new experiences.
One day, Goldenwing decides she wants to fly across the ocean. The older owls tell her she’s too young, but she persists and prepares carefully for the long flight. Her determination and courage pay off when she successfully flies all the way across the ocean.
Goldenwing represents Brownies being adventurous and trying challenging new activities. Her story encourages Brownies to set goals and work hard to accomplish their dreams. Goldenwing shows that Brownies can do amazing things if they put their minds to it.
Fly-Up Owl
The Fly-Up Owl appears in Brownie stories about the Girl Scout “fly-up” ceremony. When a Brownie has completed the Brownie program, she can “fly up” to become a Junior Girl Scout. The Fly-Up Owl represents this transition.
In the stories, the Fly-Up Owl mentors Brownies to get them ready to fly up. She helps them reflect on all they’ve learned and prepare for the new adventures ahead as Juniors. The Fly-Up Owl symbolizes growing up and reminding Brownies they now have wings to soar to new heights.
Brownie Elf Owl
The Brownie Elf Owl is a cute owl character that appears on some Girl Scout Brownie badges and insignia. This little owl has big eyes and feathers that twist into points above its head, resembling an elf’s hat.
The Brownie Elf Owl represents a touch of Brownie magic and delight. Its whimsical appearance captures the sense of imagination and possibility that Brownies associate with Girl Scouting. The Brownie Elf Owl adds an element of fun and adventure to the Brownie program.
Sleepy Brown Owl
Another owl character seen in some Brownie stories is the Sleepy Brown Owl. As the name implies, this owl loves to snooze! The Sleepy Brown Owl is often depicted wearing pajamas and sleeping while standing up.
The Sleepy Brown Owl shows that everyone needs rest and that sleep is important. Brownies who see the Sleepy Brown Owl are reminded not to overdo activities and to get enough rest each night. Even energetic young owls need some downtime.
Hootie Owl
Hootie Owl is an enthusiastic owl in Brownie stories who loves to hoot. He hoots to say hello and goodbye and also just when he’s excited. Hootie Owl brings a lot of energy and joy to the owl troop.
Hootie Owl shows Brownies that everyone has their own special quirks. What’s important is embracing yourself and sharing your spirit and passion. Hootie Owl isn’t afraid to let his hootiness shine, encouraging Brownies to take pride in what makes them unique.
Sophie Owl
Sophie Owl is one of the younger owls in the Brownie stories. She has a very scholarly personality – she loves reading, learning new things, and sharing fun facts with her friends.
Sophie Owl represents how gaining knowledge can be adventurous and exciting. She shows Brownies that being curious, asking questions, and expanding their minds will help them grow. Sophie Owl is a role model for intellectual curiosity and passion for learning new skills.
Jo Wisa Owl
Jo Wisa Owl is a creative and crafty owl who always has an art project in the works. She loves working with her wings and talons to make beautiful and useful items for her friends.
Jo Wisa Owl teaches Brownies to express their creativity through arts, crafts, and handiwork. She shows them how accomplishing DIY projects boosts self-confidence and brings joy. Jo Wisa Owl encourages Brownies to be resourceful and find innovative ways to create items out of everyday objects.
Owl Scout
The Owl Scout is a knowledgeable owl who acts a guide for Brownies exploring the outdoors. She is well-versed in basic wilderness survival and camping skills.
The Owl Scout sets a great example for being prepared and responsible during outdoor adventures. She knows how to build a safe campfire, pitch a tent, use a compass, and identify poisonous plants. The Owl Scout motivates Brownies to be observant about nature when hiking and camping.
Breeze
Breeze is a singing owl who loves to perform and entertain her friends. She has a beautiful singing voice and knows lots of songs by heart. Breeze enjoys composing new songs and even choreographing dance moves.
Breeze represents Brownies expressing themselves joyfully through music, dance, and performance. She encourages Brownies to get creative, play instruments, write songs, and perform for each other. Breeze shows that everyone can make music and be a star in their own way.
Owl Names by Personality
In addition to the specific owl characters, Brownie owls are sometimes given names that reflect their personalities. Here are some examples of owl names grouped by common personality traits:
Adventurous Owls
- Sky
- Explorer
- Adventure
- Wanderer
- Journey
Wise Owls
- Athena
- Scholar
- Sage
- Einstein
- Professor
Silly, Fun Owls
- Goofy
- Giggles
- Chuckle
- Silly
- Funnybone
Brave, Strong Owls
- Valor
- Courage
- Bold
- Hero
- Athena
Friendly, Kind Owls
- Buddy
- Sweetheart
- Joy
- Happy
- Sunshine
Owl Names in Other Languages
Since Girl Scouts spans the globe, owls in some regions are given names that reflect local languages and cultures. Here are a few examples of Brownie owl names in other languages:
Spanish
- Sabiduría – “wisdom”
- Explorador – “explorer”
- Amiga – “friend”
- Aventura – “adventure”
- Sueñito – “sleepyhead”
French
- Sagesse – “wisdom”
- Joie – “joy”
- Dormeur – “sleeper”
- Amusement – “fun”
- Explorateur – “explorer”
Swahili
- Hekima – “wisdom”
- Rafiki – “friend”
- Starehe – “fun”
- Ujuzi – “skillful”
- Safari – “journey”
Mandarin
- Zhìhuì – “wise”
- Màofá – “adventurer”
- Yǒuqì – “lively, energetic”
- Péngyǒu – “friend”
- Kē’ài – “lovely, cute”
Hindi
- Buddhimaan – “wise”
- Jigyasa – “curious”
- Sangati – “companion”
- Khushaal – “cheerful”
- Safar – “expedition, journey”
Symbolic Meaning of Owls in Brownies
Owls have symbolic meaning in many cultures around the world. Here are some of the traits and attributes that owls represent, which make them a fitting mascot for the Girl Scout Brownies.
Wisdom
Owls are associated with wisdom due to their large, wide eyes and solemn facial expressions. The owl is a reminder for Brownies to reflect carefully before acting and seek out knowledge to guide their decisions.
Intelligence
Owls’ reputation for wisdom also connects them with intelligence. To Brownies, owls represent using their minds to analyze situations thoughtfully and solve problems innovatively.
Observation
With their extraordinary night vision and ability to turn their heads almost all the way around, owls exemplify keen observation skills. They show Brownies the importance of staying alert and attentive.
Guidance
As respected birds typically depicted perched on a tree branch or flying overhead, owls symbolize guidance and leadership. For Brownies, owls are mentors imparting their knowledge.
Protection
Owls watching over their surroundings represent guardianship and protection. Brownies see owls as wise friends watching out for them.
Transition
In many cultures, owls represent transitions, as they are nocturnal birds associated with the passage from day to night. For Brownies, owls signify growing up and transitioning to new stages.
Adventure
Owls are mysterious, free-spirited birds of the night that embody adventure. To Brownies, owls encourage curiosity, exploration, and embracing the wonder of the unknown.
Individuality
With over 200 extremely varied species, owls demonstrate that every individual has their own distinctive traits. Owls teach Brownies to recognize and appreciate the differences that make each person unique.
Conclusion
Girl Scout Brownies features a cast of wise owl characters that provide valuable lessons through story and song. From the beloved Brownie Owl mascot to international owl friends like Jo Wisa and Rafiki, each owl has a personality and name that conveys an inspiring message to Brownies. These owls build confidence, model good character, and motivate girls to keep expanding their horizons and abilities. The owls show that by embracing their own strengths, talents, and uniqueness, Brownies can grow into wise, thoughtful leaders who enrich the world around them.