Juniper Ridge
Troop 2030, Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette
Years as a Troop Leader: 10
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My mom was a Troop Leader when I was a little girl, and it has always been a goal of mine to be a Girl Scout Leader. My daughter was only six months old when I became a leader in my town. I love to watch them learn and mature each year.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop enjoys earning and completing badge work and participating in events such as World Thinking Day and Power Puff Derbies with our Service Unit. We also enjoy attending events together or doing service projects within our community like picking up trash, helping with the Salvation Army Christmas party, and donating to food drives.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has participated in toy and book drives, planted trees in front of the local fire station, helped clean up streets, help with the community Salvation Army Christmas Party, helped with community events in the park, and more. We sincerely enjoy giving back and taking action!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment that comes to mind was when one of my Girl Scouts was having a hard time with some bullying at school and it was effecting her home life. I became the only confidant that she had that wasn't related to her. She trusted to talk and come to me when she needed someone. It made me feel good that she felt and knew she could come to me and help her.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
You need to be open with the girls and make sure that you are doing activities that they find interesting. Yes, I leaned them toward a specific event a couple of times, knowing that they would enjoy it because they didn't know what it was about, but most of the time, it is their decision what we do.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me that there are many more badges than just what's in the book. I wish I had known where to access all of them from the beginning. Find out what your girls are interested in and cross-check to see if there are badges, more than likely, there is!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
Being a leader is such a rewarding job. You don't get paid in money, but the joy, trust, and love that those girls share are so much more than I could imagine – it’s priceless.
Does your troop sell cookies? Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Yes, we sell cookies! The GS Cookie Program has allowed girls who wouldn't talk to anyone at the beginning of the season to grow confidence and communication skills. By the end of the season, I saw those girls take charge, speak to their customers with confidence, and shine. They also learn to count money and be responsible for something more than themselves. They learn to set goals and work to achieve them.
What are your troop's cookie-selling tips and tricks?
When selling cookies, you must always have a smile and be courteous with a few little negotiation tactics.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
When my troop went to California, I was so blessed to have parents that sent their kiddos by themselves. That really meant something to me that they trusted me not only in the state with their daughter but even out of state going to major theme parks and such. It was such a heartwarming moment and made me realize how much these parents trust me and how much their kids are like my own kids.
