Rising Phoenix Service Unit
Troops 3463 and 3640 (multi-level)
Years as a Troop Leader: 2
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
Girl Scouts has many opportunities to learn and do new things while having fun in a safe, comfortable environment. I love to see children learning and having fun. So, knowing that I could make a difference, I signed on to be a troop leader which has been incredibly rewarding.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
As a troop, we have completed many programs and projects. A few of them include:
• Gardening
• A field trip to Peter Piper Pizza for a pizza-making workshop
• Christmas caroling at nursing homes alongside other troops
• The Goodwill Shoe Drive
• Participating in a flag activity for Veterans Day
We also love learning about ourselves and participating in exercises and activities that will help us build our self-esteem.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop loves giving back to the community! In addition to some of the projects I’ve already shared, we partnered with West Phoenix High School to help in their holiday gift donation program. The girls learned how to wrap gifts that would be delivered to kindergarten students. We have also cleaned up a school’s campus by picking up trash.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A volunteer moment that stands out for me was when the girls sang Christmas carols at the community nursing home. The girls confidently sang their songs and even recited some original poetry. They had worked so hard to memorize the song lyrics and poems; it was a moment where I realized how much they had grown as individuals and as a troop.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
The advice I would share with troop leaders is to lead with compassion, focus on building relationships, and always show love. The girls are doing their best to learn and gain the most out of this program – showing consistent love and understanding will make a huge difference when they are faced with adversity. Building relationships with parents will prove to be essential whenever help is needed. You’re not in this alone.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me how much work goes into being a troop leader. At times it can feel like I have a second job, but it is all worth it when I see the girls creating change in our community and growing into strong, confident women.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our girls. It feels great to share knowledge with them and offer guidance when learning new skills, all while having fun! Know that they will value this experience for the rest of their lives.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Yes, my troops sell cookies. It is important to participate in the cookie program because it develops the girls’ self-esteem and confidence. They feel proud of their accomplishments, help one another in reaching their goals, and work as a team to fundraise. From the program they learn social skills, going from being shy and anxious to being confident and self-assured.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Look at your environment and respond accordingly. If a potential customer comes out of a restaurant, say "how about some cookies for dessert?". When speaking with the elderly, ask if they would like to purchase cookies for grandchildren. Cookies can be used for Valentine’s Day and birthday gifts - cookies can be used as any kind of gift!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moments arise when I see the girls learning and then when they apply what they have learned to other areas of their lives. Girl Scouts really does go beyond their time in the program; I cannot wait to see what my girls accomplish in the future.
