Troop Leader Spotlight: Meghan Hauter

Service Unit: Cave Creek

Troop 7053

Years as a troop leader: 6

What inspired you to become a troop leader?

I was a Brownie and have great memories of Girl Scouts, and I wanted my daughter to be able to experience the same things. There wasn’t a troop to join, so we created a new troop, and I was happy to take the reins and become the troop leader. I have a background in education, so I knew it was something I could offer to support the girls!

What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?

We love to be outside in nature. We recently hiked with a focus on studying rocks. Soon, we will go to Willow Springs in Prescott for our first overnight adventure as a troop. Our troop loves nature, taking care of animals and creating art.

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

I love seeing some of the shy girls come out of their shell and try new things!

What advice would you give other troop leaders?

I would tell others to be willing to adjust on the fly to meet the needs of their girls, even at the expense of skipping portions of a plan that you spent a lot of time and effort developing/planning. I would rather meet the girls where they are at and ensure they are having a positive experience than rushing through activities.

What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?

I wish someone had told me more about training offered by Girl Scouts for leaders. The ones I have attended have been so good, like the recent TCC2 in person camping training.