This was one of my fav Girl Scout songs as well. I also learned that it originated in Canada. Written by a girl in a hospital in British Columbia, she wrote the song as she watched the barges on the Fraser River from her bed.
I was part of the Washington state totem council and attended summer camps in the 1960’s. This origin fact was well known and described each year by the councilors and staff. We sang this song as one of the last at campfire each night. I still sing it to my 2 year old granddaughter as the last song before bed. I’m glad the lyrics are preserved because I could not remember all of them! We need to learn the name of this little author to give her credit.
Linda from Seattle