Service Unit: Yavapai Sky
Troop 1653 (Daisies – Cadettes)
Years as a troop leader: 6
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do with my troop is our annual progression from sleepovers to summer camp, and beyond. We start with a late-night event at a house (dinner, play, pajamas, movie) where we have the girls prepare for bedtime, then get picked up and go home. Then we do a short lock-in for full overnight experience. That’s followed by a local encampment, then family camp, then a cookie reward trip (Great Wolf Lodge last year). At that point, most Girl Scouts are ready to try summer camp! My troop members frequently bring up these events as their favorite part of Girl Scouts, too.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There’s two types of moments that always seem to pop into my head – the hard ones come first, but the ones that shine more are the successes. I love watching the transformation of a shy, young Daisy at her first cookie booth. At first she’s reserved, more interested in watching than participating, but by the end of her shift, she’s confidently asking customers about cookies, telling them about her favorite, and sharing plans for troop proceeds.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to connect with their Service Unit and attend the council’s troop leader circle meetings on Zoom. Whatever challenge you’re facing, someone else has already overcome it. Connect with the leaders around you so you’re not trying to figure things out on your own.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that I don’t have to do anything more than I have the time, patience, and energy for. Know your limits and lean on other leaders and volunteers for support.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
I love the small moments where somebody understands something that they didn’t before. It’s everything from teaching another leader how to use eBudde, or a small adjustment during an archery lesson, or supporting older Girl Scouts while they prepare to teach younger Girl Scouts for the first time. I have a thousand tiny moments that energize me for what’s next!
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