Why are Girl Scout Brownies called brownies?

There is a story in the older Girl Scout Brownie books called "The Brownie Story". The story dates back to Lord Baden-Powell (founder of the Scouting Movement) who adapted the story for use by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

In the story, a brownie is described as a very helpful little person who comes into the house before the family wakes up and does all sorts of chores.

The little girl in the story goes out to try to find some brownies to help in her home and she talks to the Wise Old Owl who tells her there are already two brownies living in her house. The Owl tells her a charm to say while turning and then looking into the pond, but when she looks into the pond, all she sees is herself. The girl then realizes that she herself is the brownie, and goes back home. She gets her brother to help her and the two of them get up early each morning to do chores.

Like the girl in the story, Girl Scout Brownies can be helpful.

In many countries, the troop leader is called "Brown Owl" after the Wise Old Owl who helped the girl find the brownie.

There are many versions of the story.