Juniper Ridge Service Unit
Troop 3198 (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors)
Years as a Troop Leader: 14
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I love teaching young girls new things, and the joy on their faces when they realize that they can accomplish anything is super rewarding. Watching them grow within the program and become independent young women makes it all worth it.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We love to do arts and crafts! I have learned that each girl has a different interest, so we try not to stay on the same platform for too long. Science and robotics are a major part of what we do also.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troops?
We spend much of our time working with Pet Allies, a local no kill animal shelter. The girls love spending time making sure that all the animals are loved and happy.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I have had the pleasure of being a mentor for two of my daughters as they earned their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Being able to guide them while they worked on making it their own was an amazing experience for me.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
My advice to other troop leaders would be, let them make a mess! Allow the girls to explore each activity and adventure in their own way. Sometimes this means that things won’t go perfectly, but that is all a part of the journey.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me to take advantage of my resources and to not be afraid to ask for help. We are all on the same team, working towards the same mission and goal. Ask for guidance when needed to help give the girls in your troop the best experience.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
This is the best experience that I have had.
Watching my daughter grow and learn is the best thing a mom could ask for. There are many ways to get involved with Girl Scouts but being a Troop Leader and having direct involvement with the girls’ growth has been my favorite part.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our troop loves to sell cookies! The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps shy little girls blossom into a cookie boss that can change the world.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
One of my biggest selling tips is, don’t get discouraged by the people that tell you no; keep asking until someone says yes. It is about the triumphs and learning how to become a better entrepreneur.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
When a new girl comes to her first meeting, we as leaders like to make sure they feel welcome. We start the meeting by having everyone introduce themselves and tell the new girl something they like about Girl Scouts. At a recent meeting with a new girl, one of the other girls did that without being asked. Watching her step up into the leadership role and do the things that we taught her is what makes it all worth it.
