Service Unit: Indian Bend
Troop 4345, Multi-Level
- Years as a Troop Leader: 3
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My daughter wanted to join and our local school did not have a
troop. So, I asked a friend who is well connected in the community if
she knew of a Girl Scout Troop nearby that our girls could join and
she replied, “No, but I've been wanting to start one!” So, we started
a troop for our daughters and stuck with it!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We like to cook and bake (dog biscuits, cupcakes, snacks), go to encampments, do crafts, learn about animals, play games, complete service projects for our community, and sell cookies!
Out troop enjoys giving back. We have participated in making wellness packs for the homeless and supported our local healthcare providers with messages of support and care packages during the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve also made blankets and food packs for relocated refugees arriving to Phoenix, and plan to earn our Bronze Award by supporting a local animal shelter with toys, food, and improved living conditions for the dogs they support. We have also collected pajamas for kids in foster care and helped to clean a new agency supporting foster and adoptive families in Arizona, ASA.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
Our girls have such big hearts! We keep some of the homeless packs we’ve made in our car when driving to events and activities and on our commute, we’ll look out to see if anyone is homeless that we can give them to and to spread some joy, cheer, and encouragement.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Provide the girls with opportunities that can make a difference in your community and the world around us. The girls are receptive and they are already aware of needs of those around them. There are many ways to get involved that girls at each level can participate in like bringing awareness to bullying, going to public places that need trash picked up or better recycling plans, or participating in groups that need support and advocacy. Girl Scouts can change the world if you lead them to the ways they can be involved.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
It is okay to embrace a little chaos so that meetings and activities can truly be girl-led. They'll be better for it! I also recommend going outside and going camping with the girls often!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
There are girls in your community and maybe in your own household, that need strong female leaders to help guide and support them. It takes extra time and energy to be a Girl Scout volunteer but the seeds that you plant and the return and joy you receive from the girls is worth all of it.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
It is important for our girls to participate in the cookie program because it teaches them confidence, goal setting, working together with others, and learning to be adaptable when situations do not go your way.
What are your troop's cookie selling tips and tricks?
Have fun! Sign up for cookie booths. Interact and engage with your customers. The cookies are delicious and sell themselves, but a Girl Scout who knows why she is selling cookies and how this helps her, and her troop, speaks volumes and you're sure to see the cookies fly off the table!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
I think the most inspiring moment for me as a leader has been to witness our girls grow into themselves, to start to speak up for themselves and for those around them, to embrace difference and change, to find their voice and to blossom into the leaders they are meant to be.
