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Service Unit: Sunny Peaks
Troop 529 (Seniors – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 9
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop loves to socialize so we either have our regular meetings or meet at a local pizza shop. Some of our favorite activities include crafting and camping! Together, we’ve gone kayaking on the Verde River, and also enjoy going trick-or-treating in Uptown Sedona on Halloween.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s hard to choose just one, but recently, while we were on a camping trip I watched the girls work together to set up their bunks, gather wood for the fire, and help with cooking and cleaning duties. It was satisfying and inspiring!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I want others to know that volunteering as a Girl Scout leader is a real gift. The girls are inspirational and I’ve learned a lot from them about myself and about my relationship with my daughter. It’s a wonderful feeling to watch a group of girls evolve into wonderful young women. It’s truly special knowing that other volunteers and I played a small part in their growth.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There have been so many inspiring moments – small and large. What I find most inspiring is watching the girls go from little kids to pre-teens to young adults, knowing they have learned a lot of valuable things in Girl Scouts and seeing them put those things into action. Their kindness to one another, the way they maintain respect despite their differences and then celebrate their achievements together is always inspiring and empowering.
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Cactus Patch Service Unit
Troop 761, Cadettes
Years as a Troop Leader: 9
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I first became a parent volunteer when my daughter, Em, was a Girl Scout Daisy. In one meeting, our wonderful Troop Leader, Jennifer, asked me if I could take on the Girl Scout Brownie level in our troop since their level leader could not continue. That’s when I stepped in, and since the start, both Jenn and Em continue to inspire me to be the best leader I can be.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop enjoys working on Girl Scout Badges, Journeys, and completing service projects. We also enjoy art-inspired activities as well. We have made our own t-shirts to wear during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and created kindness rocks and positivity chalkboards. One of my troop’s favorite thing to do is Journey in a Day programming. I also enjoy getting outdoors and teaching archery to all our fellow Girl Scouts.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We’ve completed a few service projects! Over the years 2014-15, my Girl Scout Brownies collected pencils and donated them to schools in Avondale and Goodyear. In 2017, my Juniors made blankets and hosted a kitten adoption event. Then in 2018, my Juniors created positivity stones for our local church to use for parishioners who needed a bit of sunshine.
In 2019, my daughter also continued the pencil donation and collected over 20,000 pencils. She donated them to schools in Arizona, Texas, and New York! She was even featured on the news!
This year we’re working on two projects. One is supporting a free library in the City of Goodyear, and the other is making pet blankets and beds for a no-kill animal shelter. There are always ways to give back, and we enjoy doing so! ❤
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I have volunteered for a lot of Council events, from girl events to product delivery events. I have also hosted several events like “Badge in a Day, Journey in a Day,” to mother/daughter tea parties. But, of all these events, what stands out most to me, is the extraordinary support from our Service Unit (a.k.a., designated neighborhood group). We may be small, but we all pitch in to help each other out. No woman or volunteer stands alone. We help, sometimes even without asking, and simply show up! It is truly what our Girl Scout Sisterhood is about – supporting our Sistas!
Overall it is just great to be a part of this sisterhood, movement, and community. When you volunteer, not only do the girls create friendships and a support team, but we adult volunteers do too.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Don’t be idle, and don’t wait for some to ask you to join them. Step up! There are so many ways you can help your troop, your neighborhood, and all Girl Scouts! You can share your passions and be an active, positive influence in the lives of so many girls, women, and other adult volunteers!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
It’s ok to step back and take a breath. Don’t strive for perfection.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
No role is small. Everything you do counts and makes a difference. Becoming a volunteer gives you the opportunity to get to know your Girl Scouts on a deep level. You’ll be the person they come to when they need that boost to keep on moving forward or need advice. So, it’s enriching to be that for girls.
It also is a great time to solidify your bond with your daughter… this journey is twice as rewarding when you share it with your daughter.
Does your troop sell cookies?
Yes, every year. The Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie program is such a rewarding program. It teaches girls business and life skills like inventory management and reconciliation, forecasting sales, reconciliation of funds, and accounting skills. All these skills girls will get to apply later in their personal and professional lives.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
A tip from our troop would be to create your own cookie booth table cloth. We like to decorate our booth in a way that shows who we are as salespeople and apply that as our marketing strategy. That unique look can entice prospective buyers and open a line of communication even for the shyest of young Girl Scouts.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
My Girl Scouts always inspire me. They are independent thinkers always striving to help others. They always want to donate their hard-earned cookie proceeds to local womens’ shelters and no-kill animal shelters and volunteer their time at local food banks. They inspire me to be a better, kinder, more generous person and leader.
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Sinagua Service Unit
Troop 3182, Cadettes
Years as a Troop Leader: 6
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My daughter’s troop was disbanding, and I saw how much Girl Scouting benefited her and the other girls. I didn’t want them to miss out, so I decided to step up and become a volunteer.
I’m so glad I did because it’s been such an incredible experience. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We have done fun and educational trips around our state. Our troop has enjoyed tie-dying arts and crafts, painting kindness rocks, camping, and horseback riding. We’ve even gone to several state parks and earned our Junior Ranger badges!
Especially during this past year, our troop has realized how important it is for us to stay connected. Once we were given the okay to meet in person, any face-to-face meeting we could have has been our favorite thing to do. This past year has been hard for everyone, but it was hard not to see our Girl Scout Sisters regularly. We’re applying all the recommended guidelines so our troop stays safe and healthy and so we can continue to plan in-person meetings.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop enjoyed giving back to the community regularly. We’ve volunteered with a couple of different animal rescue sanctuaries to help feed, walk, bathe dogs and puppies. We’ve also volunteered at our community senior center and made blankets for babies in the hospital, which we enjoyed.
Each year we also look forward to our neighborhood hosting a community Turkey Dinner, where all our troops help serve our community members dinner.
Our troop recently installed a Little Free Library at a local park to help our community have access to books. Our local paper, The Verde Valley Independent & Camp Verde Bugle, even wrote an article about us!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
My favorite thing about being a volunteer is seeing these girls grow over the years.
Some were very shy and introverted when we started, and I’ve seen them blossom into strong, confident young leaders.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Stick with it. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but it’s so rewarding in the long run. You don’t have to have elaborate meetings every time. Sometimes it’s good for the girls to get together and play a game. Sometimes that’s when the best memories are made.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and don’t try to do everything on your own. It’s okay to delegate tasks and get help from your parent volunteers! You’d be surprised that they are willing and want to help!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
It’s so worthwhile! If you’re considering it, I can tell you firsthand that it’s worth pursuing!
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
We sell cookies every year not only to help fund our troop activities but for the girls to learn essential life skills.
They’ve learned business skills and money management, how to be confident, and strong communication skills. It’s such a well-rounded program in regards.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
This year we weren’t sure how things would go due to COVID-19, so we used the Digital Cookie site. And guess what? We wound up having one of our best years ever! Our customers loved our free local delivery offering and how they could press an online order through the girls’ and troop Digital Cookie websites.
I highly recommend that all troops enroll in Digital Cookie to offer this option to customers and so girls can learn other skills like e-commerce and digital marketing.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
I think I’ve been most inspired by my Girl Scouts when I see them work together to problem-solve and overcome challenges.
When we went to encampment with our neighborhood, one of my troop members was terrified to the point of tears by the rock climbing wall, but all our neighborhood Girl Scout Sisters built her up and encouraged her. She was able to complete the course! Girl Scouts is the ideal space for girls to support one another and thrive.
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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Girl Scouts is excited to partner with DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed to celebrate the power of girls.
Your girls might go to a movie together, do a fun summer service project or go on an exciting adventure. Whatever it is, getting together over the summer will help girls stay engaged and excited about being in Girl Scouts. Continue reading to get fun summer activity ideas, plus, learn more about Spirit Untamed Activity Book and how to enter for a chance to win a DreamWorks swag bag!
As summer break approaches, now is a good time to introduce girls to the planning process of Girl Scout Activities.
Start by introducing the Preparing for Activities page in an age-appropriate manner and have girls vote on and plan at least one troop activity a month over the summer.
- Give earning badges and patches a fun flair – whether it’s taking a road trip along Route 66, exploring Kartchner Caverns, or visiting Riordan Mansion State Park.
- Explore our Council’s Own Patches and patches as summer fun options.
- Participate in the Get Outdoors Challenge and get your girls outside.
- Take part in a Community Service Project – part of the Girl Scout experience is giving back. Help girls consider taking part in a community service project this summer. Either locally or nationally, there are a plethora of options available. Here are just a few:
- Ronald McDonald House Patch Program – Girls feel connected to their communities by learning about the Ronald McDonald House and contributing to the House through tab collection and service projects.
- Arizona Humane Society Service Project – Girls can join us in this Council-wide service project by making homemade pet supplies that can be donated to the Arizona Humane Society.
- Have you seen our national mission to protect the planet from the effects of climate change? This is a great opportunity to talk to your girls about how they can make a difference in protecting our planet. If your girls are interested, show them how they can be a part of the Girl Scout Tree Promise – to plant, protect and honor 5 million trees by 2026! Make sure to consult the Safety Activity Checkpoints when planning this project!
- Spirit Untamed: Start making your own wildest dreams come true with Girl Scouts’ and Dreamworks Animation’sSpirit Untamed Activity Book (PDF). Alongside your favorite characters from the movie, you’ll go on a scavenger hunt, unleash your creativity, and more.
- After completing the activities in the book, head to the Girl Scout Shop to get a free, limited-edition Spirit Untamed fun patch! Simply use the code SPIRIT at checkout to claim yours. *Limited supply available, based on first-come, first-served basis.
- Enter for a chance to win a DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed Swag Bag. To celebrate the spirit of Girl Scouts, 25 girls will win swag bags filled with DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed goodies plus four Fandango gift codes (valued at $125). To enter the sweepstakes, comment on this post, tag two friends, then share the post to your stories with #GirlScoutSpiritPromo. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Read the official rules.
Lastly, don’t forget our Program Partners! Our “More Stuff To Do” page has many options to consider!
Artwork: DreamWorks Spirit Untamed © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Many things have gone virtual this past year – like movie releases and healthcare appointments–and Broadway productions. In fact, a Broadway production was performed virtually for the first time, and one of our Girl Scouts had the opportunity to be part of it.
Amber Chan, a Junior in Troop 3835, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and has been a young actor for a few years. This past year she auditioned and gained a role in the world’s first 100% live and virtual full-length off-Broadway musical, Newsies. For this production, Actors Technique NY (ATNY) theatre company used proprietary technology developed by the director, Broadway veteran Carl Anthony Tramon, to make the production as seamless as possible.
While she’s not auditioning for roles, Amber is busy studying and Girl Scouting. She’s participating in this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program with plans to sell 560 boxes. To learn about how Girl Scouting has impacted her career on stage, she takes us behind the scenes in this interview!
Tell us a little about the off-Broadway production and your character’s role.
Newsies is a well-known musical based on the 1899 Newsboy Strike, in which a ragtag group of boys and girls shut down the most powerful newspapers in New York City in their quest for higher wages and better working conditions. Like Girl Scouts, they wanted to make the world a better place. I played Spot Colon, the leader of the Brooklyn newsies.
What was unique to this production, and how did you prepare for it?
This was the world’s very first 100% live, entirely virtual production. There have been streaming “virtual musicals” before, but they have all either been live streams of a theatre company on stage together, or the actors film their scenes on their own at home and send them in for editing to produce a “virtual show” that is then viewed at specific times. ATNY’s Newsies was completely live and virtual, with all actors broadcasting from their own homes worldwide. We performed in front of a green screen in our living rooms, so each performance was unique, subject to all the whims of live theatre because it was live theatre. The proprietary software helped sync the music, voices, and dancing. Have you ever tried to sing over Zoom? Here’s an experiment – sing “Happy Birthday” with a few friends. It’s hilariously awful, but that’s why a live virtual production had never been tried before.
How has Girl Scouting helped in your Broadway career/experience?
Girl Scouting has taught me to take risks and try new things. The great thing about theatre is that you can be whoever you want and create a new character with each show. Being in Girl Scouts has given me the confidence to go out on stage and give it my all, as well as take risks like auditioning in a nationwide casting call and broadcasting a full-length musical from my living room.
What are some of your favorite Girl Scouting memories?
My favorite memory was getting to speak in the Rose Garden of the Arizona Capitol at a press conference about the bill my troop had inspired to ban the intentional release of balloons.
Now that it’s cookie season, how has performing helped your Girl Scout Cookie business?
Being in shows has taught me to think quickly, and like the cookie program, it has made me more outgoing, which is essential when speaking with customers.
What do you/your troop plan to do with the proceeds?
Right now, we’re working on our Bronze Award to raise awareness of the dangers of releasing balloons into the atmosphere. We had planned to take a trip to California this summer to celebrate the end of elementary school and bridging to Cadettes, but we will put that off until next year now. And hopefully, we’ll do something even bigger and better.
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(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz – April 26, 2021) – Fiesta Bowl Charities has awarded Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) $100,000 to support the organization’s newly created mountain biking program for Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona. The grant will support the purchase of a trailer for supporting and transporting the mountain bikes, a truck to pull the trailer, and all the equipment for the girls to hit the Arizona trails.
“We are extremely grateful to Fiesta Bowl Charities for providing funds to expand our program offerings which include giving girls access and resources for new outdoor experiences,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of GSACPC. “Over the lifetime of the bikes, we’ll be able to provide tens of thousands of girls the opportunity to experience outdoor adventures while also learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and learning new skills.”
GSACPC was among 44 nonprofit organizations across the state of Arizona that benefited from Fiesta Bowl Charities grant funding in the 2020-21 season. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl and various community events throughout the year, Fiesta Bowl Charities has granted $16 million in charitable giving for the past five years alone.
“We are committed to enhancing the lives of Arizonans, and by supporting GSACPC and their amazing grassroots efforts, we are collectively making a meaningful difference,” said Patrick Barkley, chair of the Fiesta Bowl board of directors. “Giving back to the Arizona community has been core to the Fiesta Bowl mission since we were founded 50 years ago, from our board of directors to Yellow Jacket committee, volunteers and staff.”
Through Girl Scouts, local female leaders of tomorrow practice essential life skills and develop the confidence they need to create their own success, whatever that looks like to them. They receive support and mentorship from an inclusive network of girls and women who champion every girl’s potential to do amazing things. Girl Scouts helps girls thrive in five key ways as they:
- Develop a strong sense of self
- Seek challenge and learn from setbacks
- Display positive values
- Form and maintain healthy relationships
- Identify and solve problems in their communities
The grant will allow GSACPC to further its proven Girl Scout Leadership Experience – a one-of-a-kind leadership development program (and the largest in the world!) focused on helping girls:
- Engage in healthy activities
- Explore the great outdoors
- Learn the foundations of the sport through bike safety, maintence knowledge, and skill development
- Participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skill-building
- Take risks in a safe, all-girl environment
- Develop confidence and grit
- Take the lead in her own life and the world
“The last year has been incredibly challenging for us all, and that is why it is imperative that the Fiesta Bowl still deliver these necessary funds to Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scouts,” said Fiesta Bowl executive director Mike Nealy. “The heroes are nonprofits like Girl Scouts across Arizona who use these funds to improve people’s lives, specifically girl’s lives, right where they need it. We are part of this community, and it’s our mission to give back to the community.”
Quick facts about Fiesta Bowl Charities:
- $5.5 million given in charitable giving for 2020-21 season
- 44 nonprofits benefit from Fiesta Bowl Charities’ grant cycle in 2020-21
- $16 million in charitable giving over last five years
- $21 million in charitable giving over last 10 years
- $3.7 million granted through Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers in program’s first five years
- Fiesta Bowl gives more in annual charitable giving than any college bowl organization
- More than 1 million people served in 2020-21
- 3,723,570 meals served in 2020-21
- 50,000 PPE face masks distributed in 2020-21
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. Girl Scouts grow courageous and strong through girl-driven programs, ranging from summer camp to troop activities and product sales. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter and Instagram.
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Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin.
Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or add something special to the beginning or end of a group’s meeting. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in words or songs. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony helps girls share in Girl Scout history and traditions—and create special memories.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, we put together this guide of Girl Scout Ceremonies to help you plan and get familiar with the traditions.
Let’s start with a quick guide on important Girl Scout Ceremonies:
- Bridging Ceremonies mark a girl’s advancement from one level of Girl Scouting to another.
- Hosting a Bridging Ceremony? Check out this guide to planning your first Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony! It covers the basics and outlines some tips and key program pieces to make it traditional and unique. This ceremony is typically hosted in May or June.
- Flag Ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag. These are typically hosted at major Council or Girl Scouting events.
- A Fly-Up is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings.
- Founder’s Day or Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday, October 31, is a time to remember the vital role Juliette Low played in the founding and growth of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States.
- Girl Scout Birthday Ceremonies can be held on or near March 12, the date Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
- A Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award Ceremony honors Girl Scouts who have earned these special awards and is usually held at the troop/group level or combined with the annual Council event.
- Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-planned program that lets girls explore their feelings around a topic, such as friendship or the Girl Scout Promise and Law, using spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other forms of expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
- Investiture welcomes new members—girls and adults—into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time.
- Journey Ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family.
- Court of Awards is a special ceremony recognizing girls’ accomplishments. Girls are presented with their badges, year pins, and other recognitions earned during the year. Volunteers may also be recognized during the ceremony. The Court of Awards can be held anytime during the year, at any location, and as often as the troop wants.
- Opening Ceremonies start a Girl Scout meeting.
- Pinning Ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
- Rededication Ceremonies are an opportunity for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
You might find yourself asking, “How do I plan this Ceremony?” As a Troop Leader, your job is to guide the girls in an age-appropriate way as THEY plan their celebration. Walk your Girl Scouts through the ceremony one step at a time. Listen to your girls’ ideas and be open to help them create the ceremony in a meaningful way. With younger Girl Scouts, you might consider giving them simple choices to make, such as choosing a theme for the event or having them pick the songs they want to sing. If your girls want to make bracelets or hold a daisy flower, for example, honor their decision-making skills and include their ideas in the ceremony.
Offer the opportunity for girls to express how important this ceremony is to them by allowing them to create invitations, ceremony programs, and decorations. When it comes time for preparation, call on your troop parents for support to help make this celebration come to life. As your girls get older, you’ll be able to turn over additional responsibilities in the planning and execution of the ceremony – keeping in mind that their ideas will change over time. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting back and watching the girl-led, learning-by-doing process unfold, leaving you with a feeling of honor and pride.
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Cactus Patch
Troop 620, Cadettes
Years as a Troop Leader: 8
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My daughter’s school did not have a troop initially, and when she looked up with her big eyes and asked if I would start a troop and be a Troop Leader, I could not say no. Just like that, the journey began. Now I continue because these girls are amazing and really all feel like my own children and their families are extensions of mine. They have grown so much over the years, and I can’t wait to see how much more they continue to grow.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
The troop has stayed together since kindergarten and has grown an interest in all sorts of activities. Some of the things they enjoy most are making food and exploring new badges and programs. We also enjoy spending time outdoors, going camping and hiking, and traveling out of state. My troop’s philosophy is to always try new things at least once before deciding whether we like it, leading us to many fun adventures!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have routinely done park cleanups and collected food to donate to our local food banks.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment I remember fondly occurred as we were walking into our local roller skating rink, Great Skate, and one of the girls stopped, had one of those light bulb moments, and said, “this is why we sell cookies.”
She was able to see her hard work pay off, which is a huge life lesson moment. It made me feel really proud to see her and the girls see their goals come to life, feel rewarded, and celebrate together. It has also been rewarding for me, watching the girls support each other when one is scared about trying something new and how they encourage and support each other. It makes me smile and reminds me why I do what I do.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Give yourself grace as you learn about the Girl Scout program and once you’ve embarked on your journey of becoming a Troop Leader. Something to remember is as long as your girls are having fun, you are doing a good job.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You will get just as much out of it as the girls do. I also recommend attending or reviewing all of the trainings that the Council has to offer.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
I want to share the many ways to volunteer, like being a Troop Leader and/or parent volunteer. Without the support and help of my troop parents, I would not have been able to do as much for our girls as we have.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
During the cookie program, my girls have learned to interact with customers, count and manage money, manage inventory, and so much more. I have jokingly told the girls they should put these things on their resumes.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Some tips I would share is to bling your booth – this helps even the shyest girls feel more confident and is something to talk about and break the ice with potential customers. The customers always love unique decorations.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are many inspiring moments, and one that I recall took place at an amusement park. One of the girls had not yet ridden one of the rides and was scared to do so. The rest of the girls rallied around her, gave her encouragement, and helped her develop some ideas to deal with her fear. They showed support, care and offered the idea to ride in the cart with me next to her. She felt so supported and ended up riding it with me! Now she jumps to the front of the lines when we go anywhere with the rides!
What this moment showed me is how through Girl Scouting, my girls have built such great qualities, courage, confidence, and its shows up over and over in moments like this, all the time. They may not see it yet, but I see how much they continue to grow each day.
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Written by Rocky – Shadow Rim Ranch Camp Director/Manager
Oh, hello there! Thinking about working at one of our four Arizona camp properties? We want to share a few reasons why being a camp staff member could fulfill many of your personal and professional goals.
Working at camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT) or as camp staff will give you more experience than you realize. Regardless of what career you have ahead, a role at one of our camps offers you an opportunity to develop skills that are sure to make you stand out on all future job applications.
Who you are:
- A young adult over 18 years of age
- An outdoor enthusiast who loves nature and spending time outdoors
- A leader and team player who communicates well with others
- Excited to lead campers through weeks of fun, skill-building, and learning
Does this sound like you? Then keep scrolling!
If you’re considering working at camp, you might be at a pivotal moment in your life. You might have just finished high school or are three years into college. Decisions about how to spend your time are getting harder. You want to make sure you’re investing time in a place that will help you learn different skills and prepare for your career, and other goals – a job at summer camp can support precisely this!
Just imagine your answers to these interview questions after a summer at camp:
- Are you a leader? Yeah, you’ve managed and been a role model for 20 campers at once.
- Can you be flexible? Oh yeah, you should have seen when a monsoon came rolling in, and we came up with a Rube Goldberg challenge utilizing only cabin items.
- How organized are you? Well, you’ve planned eight weeks of session schedules, multiple activities and mapped out the programs themselves. So, very organized!
If that wasn’t convincing enough….here are some other skills and benefits you can experience by joining our team!
Communication
A huge part of camp is realizing how vital communication skills are! Camp roles will teach you the many ways to communicate. You’ll be communicating with campers, learning to communicate well with the camp leadership team, and engaging with parents. Other counselors, parents, campers, your camp director…everyone will be asking you questions and expecting answers. Your communication skills will flourish during your summer at camp.
Live and work in the great outdoors
You have a whole life ahead of you to choose a career path. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a job where you work and live in the great outdoors. The sunsets, the connection to nature, the shooting stars, the storms…. oh, and did we mention the summer tan? Spend the summer not tied to a desk.
Camp friends
You’ll be housed with your colleagues for over two months and will bond with them in a way that is different from anywhere else. These friendships will last you a lifetime. The end of summer will be the hardest goodbye you’ve had in a long time.
Work attire? How does tie-dye sound?
Camp is outdoors! So, don’t expect to wear slacks! Instead, how about jeans and a camp t-shirt? Or maybe a tie-dyed camp t-shirt? Best. Dress. Code. Ever.
New experiences
Camp counselors are trained to do multiple things during the summer. You’ll get First Aid/CPR certification. Next, you could be in archery instructor training or learning to run the zipline! Whatever it is, we can guarantee you’ll get to experience what campers sign up for.
You will carry a tradition
The Girl Scout Camp experience is bigger than all of us. Some camp traditions predate all of us. Each camp is unique in its traditions, and you can be someone who shepherds them forward, preserving history for the next round of campers.
The campers are the best
Working with kids will be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. You’ll become an older sibling to your campers. You’ll lead them in activities and be a role model. They’ll ask you for advice, tell you funny stories, and sing their hearts out when you start camp songs like “Little Red Wagon.” Best of all, you’ll find it rewarding knowing you’re creating memorable experiences for Girl Scouts.
New Mindset
Camp has a profound effect on everyone who emerges after their first summer. You’ll be more confident in your abilities, open with communication, and perhaps have a new sense of purpose that follows you out of the gates. Camp opens us up to who we are as people, and you’ll be surprised at how happy that can make you.
Living and Commuting to Camp
Camp staff working at one of our three Northern Arizona camps (Camp Maripai, Willow Springs, and Shadow Rim Ranch) will reside on-site for the entire camp season, late May through early August. Staff will receive a two-hour daily break, a 24-hour weekly break, and will be provided lodging and meals.
Camp staff working at our Phoenix day-camp (Parsons Leadership Center) have the option to reside at camp or commute daily to the property, providing a flexible opportunity for metro Phoenix candidates. Commuting staff will receive breakfast and lunch, and resident staff will receive lodging and meals. When applying, please specify which option interests you.
Learn more and apply for our current summer camp positions at one of our four beautiful Girl Scout camp properties located in Phoenix, Prescott, and Payson.
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Rising Phoenix
Troop 290
Years as a Troop Leader: 8
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I enjoyed spending quality time with my daughter, and what better way to spend some additional time with her than through Girl Scouts?! I’ve enjoyed watching her interact with the other girls, have fun, and make memories. It’s special to share these experiences with the girls– teaching them and learning from them as well.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop has a great balance and likes to participate in different activities. Our favorite types are crafts, giving back to the community whenever possible, and going out to camp!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
In the past, our troop has volunteered at different community events. For example, we have placed flags on Veterans’ graves for Veterans Day and sang Christmas carols for our friends at Phoenix Manor Senior Community.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During our last “in-person” Christmas carol event in December 2019, we had planned crafts that our older girls taught and then served cookies and cocoa to the senior residents at Phoenix Manor. Each troop in our neighborhood sang two songs, and our whole neighborhood closed the show together with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
What made this event special is that it was completely girl-led. They planned and executed it, and it made me so proud to see them confident in their abilities and manage it almost all on their own! They have learned so much, and it makes me feel good to know that I was a part of their journey.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
I would advise leaders to try their best to manage their time; even being a Troop Leader a few hours a week makes an impact. As you grow as a leader, you’ll learn where to invest your time, and it will be enriching.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are oodles upon oodles of resources for badge work and meeting ideas from our Council. A few resources are GSACPC’s Leaders Facebook Group page and the council website, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Help is just a click or phone call away, and someone is always willing to offer help.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
We need more adults to become leaders so we can make more impact in the lives of girls. They’re the future!
Why is it important to your troop to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Because it helps girls learn so many life skills. One of the main and important skills they learn is setting a goal and finding the way to achieve it.
Selling cookies also helps our entire organization succeed. From the camp properties to the girl programs, and down to the individual troops – all Girl Scouts benefit from the program as proceeds stay local.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Our troop loves colorful and creative posters. We’ll get creative and add puns, create themes, or make them funny to call attention. We also make posters with photos of the cookies to make it easier for customers to shop. While out boothing we also encourage the girls to keep it professional and polite, and people respond positively to that.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are honestly a few moments I remember often. One that stands out is when our girls made a seven-course meal at an outdoor overnight camp trip. Every leader, troop, and girl had a job to do, and we executed it and had fun at the same time! I was so impressed. The girls have learned many skills that show in everything they do, leadership, being independent, confident, and being a team player.
Girls can do anything!!
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