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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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January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
GSACPC has been a leader in the fight against human trafficking for over 20 years. Seen as one of the best prevention models in the country, Girl Scouts empower girls with the skills they need to become self-aware and self-reliant. From how to take healthy risks to social and emotional skills for building healthy relationships at every age.
As we aim to bring awareness to human trafficking, it’s unfortunate to know that all children may be vulnerable. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, here are some tips to remain vigilant against human trafficking:
- Empower yourself with current and accurate information.
- Be willing to talk about difficult subjects with your children and loved ones to keep the lines of communication open to allow for healthy dialogue. By continuing to have ongoing conversations with your kids about healthy relationships, positive body image, social media concerns, bullying, and cyberbullying, this will make them more aware and more likely to open up to you if they encounter an unsafe situation.
- Actively listen when a child comes to you and shares their concern about a topic.
- Encourage children to participate in healthy activities and programs in their spare time. Studies have shown that unsupervised youth and teens who hang out with friends unsupervised for long stretches of time are more vulnerable than those who have somewhere to go or something to do.
In addition, here are some signs that a child is being groomed for future trafficking:
- Has new, older friends
- Talks about friends who seem too good to be true.
- Spends a sharply increased amount of time online or on their phone.
- Has suddenly changed their appearance, dress, or grooming habits.
- Has items they’d be unable to afford, like a cell phone, new clothes, etc.
- Has become withdrawn from the family and/or friends and become more secretive
For more information and additional support, you may contact the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN) and its affiliates by visiting visit www.aatnaz.org.
If you would like to receive training and materials, reach out to the TRUST (Training and Resources United to Stop Trafficking) by visiting www.trustaz.org.
If you suspect Human Trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.
Source: “How to Talk to Your Kids About Human Trafficking” by TRUSTAZ
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Service Unit: Oasis
Troop 7073, Daisy – Junior
Years as a GS: 0
Years as Troop Leader: 2
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I decided to become a leader after not finding a troop that fit my daughter’s interests.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We enjoy taking trips outdoor such as hiking. They also enjoy doing artwork.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
One of the service projects has been making snacks bags to feed the homeless.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out for you.
A volunteer moment that stands out to me was to be able to run a Journey in a day for the Service Unit without any prior experience. The event turned out to be such a fun and exciting day for the girls.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
The advice I would give is to always ask for help. There is always a leader out there willing to help you out.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wished someone would tell me that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re unsure of things, it just means that you are wanting extra guidance to direct your girls the right way.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like them to know that there’s a ton of training for almost anything such as mental health and going camping. These trainings are essential and help leaders to have all the proper information to support girls.
Tell us in your own words why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
I think it’s important to participate in cookie selling because it teaches the girls how to independently reach their goals.
What are your troops’ cookie-selling tips and tricks?
My troop sells every weekend after the sale starts and usually does 2-4 booths a day.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
The most inspiring moment has been being able to have such a good connection with my co-leaders that whenever we need something one of us is always willing to help.
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