Service Unit: Cactus Patch
Troop 2237 (Multilevel)
Years as a troop leader: 4
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop works with many organizations, but my favorite is working with the local organization of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Together, we go to the cemetery, clean up the gravestones and place poppies or flags on them as we salute the service member and say their name. This ceremony gives us great pride; because as we say their name, it reminds us that they are not forgotten.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
Our troop is made up of parents/guardians and leaders who are former and current military service members and law enforcement officers. My husband and I are both Army veterans and part of local Veteran’s associations which helps our troop stay active in helping the veteran community. A moment that stands out to me was a class we took on flag etiquette and retirement. We were able to fold the flags, be part of the ceremony and retire the flags into the fire pit. This not only gave me a sense of pride, but I could also see the pride in my girls as they were saluting the flag and the country.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
As a new troop leader, I wish someone would have told me I wasn’t alone. I joined my Service Unit and became involved. This is where I found my people, the women who have been leaders for many years and want to share their knowledge. I would recommend that other leaders call on their troop parents for support as they will surprise you and go above and beyond. Take trainings, and it will all pay off! Even the rope tying class helped me when our cookie tent was about to fly away.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
It is important to participate in the cookie program for many reasons, but our main reason for participating is for fun. From the day we start talking about goals and strategies our girls get excited. When we pick up cookies and have them in my garage they come and gawk at them. I have a multilevel troop and see the progression of the girls, especially my daughters that have gone from Daisies to Cadettes. They display confidence when they have conversations about cookies and helping the community with the money they earn. They are also very proud to tell people how many cookies they sold and how many booths they worked.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Out troop’s cookie selling tip is: don’t stress. I would suggest getting plenty of help and using your Kaper chart to give all the girls a task. It works out so much better when all the girls know what they are doing.
girlscoutsaz.blog 