Service Unit: Fountain Hills

Troop 6445 (Juniors)

Years as a troop leader: 6

What inspired you to become a troop leader?

Funny enough, I always wanted to be a troop leader even before I had children, but the timing wasn’t right. As a Brownie, I went to several Girl Scout overnight camps and had many fond memories of Girl Scouting. When my daughter was in Kindergarten, I signed her up with a troop, but the leader returned to school to get an advanced degree and asked me if I would cover a few meetings. After she saw me with the kids, she asked me to be a full-time leader.

What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?

Our troop has completed many service projects over the years. Last year, we sanded and repainted some playground equipment at our local school. We’ve also have participated in the Christmas Angel program, volunteered at the local food bank, and have done waterway and trash cleanups at  local rivers and roads. Every year, our town organizes Make a Difference Day where everyone comes together to do landscaping cleanup for residents that need help, which is another opportunity for our troop to serve the community.

Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.

During the Thanksgiving season, I thought it would be a good idea to pair our Girl Scouts with local retirement home residents as pen pals. They wrote letters back and forth to each other, and right before Christmas, we organized a party where the girls got to meet their pen pals. At first, I was a little nervous that the girls would act differently because they had never met, but instead it was like a reunion. They hugged, exchanged gifts, and played games. I was so proud of the girls!

What advice would you give other troop leaders?

I would remind troop leaders that their role is making a difference in the life of a child. These are memories that will be with the kids forever. I would advise them to tap into the Girl Scout families’ strengths to support the troop. Some parents may be great at crafts, outdoor activities, camping or have another skillset that can support the troop’s growth.  If there’s parents that drop-off their girls, you may be helping that family more than you know. Instead of thinking critically of those families, be joyful that their Girl Scout is getting the support she needs and is experiencing activities they may not be able to do without the troop.

What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?

I would like others to know that there is a place for everyone. Even if you are not a troop leader or don’t have children, if you have the desire to give back through Girl Scouts you belong here. Make the phone call, send the email and the rest will figure itself out. It will be the most rewarding gift for yourself and those you volunteer with.