Service Unit: Coyote Plains
Troop 5790 (Brownies and Juniors)
Years as a troop leader: 3
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
I am inspired by my daughter and wanting to help all girls become independent leaders. I have always loved the outdoors and as a female senior leader myself I have found that having a strong foundation, morales and independence has really made a difference, inspiring me to ensure all girls can experience this. They are our future leaders, and I believe they will increase the current low percentage of women in senior executive leadership roles.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop meets on the first and third Thursday of the month and have really enjoyed encampment this year as well as making swaps. They were also very focused on cookie sales this year and did very well. They also loved visiting a fire station and our end of year celebration!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish there was more training on the resources Girl Scouts has. Maybe a live session where a few seasoned leaders show us their best practices for planning meetings, finance and family dynamics. There is nothing like having the support of another leader helping you navigate your first year as a troop leader.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
We encourage staying organized! Even though it took time and learning, we now use Sign Up Genius for booths, and are trying to get moms to use cookie manager apps so we can help all girls sell out. We got there about halfway this year with use of the app. My co-leader is great at this – she knows the inventory status and gets booths assigned for those who need it.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My daughter came to me the other day and said two things. First, she said, “Mommy, if I ever have to cut out an activity, please don’t cut Girl Scouts”, followed with “I can’t wait to lead my own troop someday.”
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