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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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Service Unit: Sinagua
Troop 3130 (Brownies – Juniors)
Years as a troop leader: 10
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
One of the many things that inspired me to become a troop leader, were the Girl Scouts principles of empowering young women, teaching them various life skills, and supporting new adventures – things that are really important to me. I learned and benefitted from Girl Scouts so much as a child that when I graduated college and moved to this area, I saw it as a way to give back and meet other people who share these goals. After a few years, I started a new troop for my daughter but handed that troop over to a dear friend when my second daughter was born. When she was in kindergarten, we decided to start another new troop to provide access to the opportunities Girl Scouts provides to as many friends as possible. Our current troop has been together ever since, and it is one of the things that brings the most fun and value to my life.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop is full of compassionate and caring girls who are always motivated to find people and animals in our community who need support. We have donated funds from cookie sales to shelters and organizations that provide relief to children in Ukraine. We have also made homemade dog toys for the Arizona Humane Society, blankets for veterans, and Christmas cards to gift to residents of a local care facility.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There are many great memories, but one of my favorite moments happened during the encampment at Camp Maripai. One of our girls had a stroke before she was born and has some medical challenges, so her mom was nervous about her riding horses at camp, but I assured her that she wouldn’t have to ride if she didn’t want to. When the time came, our Girl Scout said she was scared but wanted to try on the boots and helmet. Since we all had our gear, we decided just to pet the horses; however, once we got there, she decided to sit on one of them. Before I knew it, she was leading that horse all around the arena, completely in control in the saddle and telling him, “whoa!”. It still makes me emotional to think about how scared she was, but with some support, she tried something new and really enjoyed it! Moments like these make everything worth it.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to seek out training and guidance from leaders that perhaps once had the same questions. Know that anything you may be struggling with has most likely been experienced and successfully resolved by someone else. It’s all about being proactive in finding those resources and information.
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Service Unit: Hayden’s Ferry
Troop 203 (Multilevel Daisies – Seniors)
Years as a troop leader: 9
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has worked with several organizations that provide hygiene products and clothing to unhoused populations and has also put together backpacks for children in underserved communities. Other service projects include building a bench for Camp Willow Springs and planting trees, just to name a few. Our Juniors and Cadettes have earned their Bronze and Silver Awards through some of these projects!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During the pandemic, we were pushing through with virtual meetings, and we had a group of Juniors going to bridge who wanted to earn their Bronze Award. We knew it would be difficult, but we brainstormed and used our donated cookie packages to deliver care packages to all the departments at Banner University Medical Center. This hospital took a majority of the COVID patients in the state, and we wanted to recognize them for their efforts. We planned the entire project virtually and created 37 boxes of cookies and treats for every department. Girls came to my house to pack the boxes individually while social distancing, and we delivered them in the ER parking lot to the CEO and nursing staff.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
We sell a lot of cookies! With almost 70 girls, we have been in the top 3 sellers for the past two years. While it’s important because it funds programming for our girls, it also builds confidence and interpersonal skills as girls promote their products. This is often when girls come out of their shells and work together to meet or exceed a goal!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
One of the most inspiring moments I’ve experienced as a troop leader is our bridging ceremonies! I love seeing how excited the girls get to advance to the next Girl Scout Level and feel inspired by their dedication and commitment to this troop and their Girl Scout Sisters.
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Service Unit: Rising Phoenix
Troop 2790 and 3390 (Multilevel Daisies – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 8
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop loves giving back to the community through various service projects, including an annual Christmas Caroling event held at Phoenix Manor Senior Community. Every year, we provide crafts and treats for the seniors while troops lead a couple of Christmas Carols. This event is something the troops and the seniors look forward to each year!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A volunteer moment that stands out to me is when the girls find their voice – it’s amazing! I get to see the girls shine and have the confidence to be themselves. It is such a great feeling seeing them interact at cookie booths and/or sing. I think it gives them a sense of what it’s like to be heard.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that when joining Girl Scouts, you become part of this huge community. I also wish someone had shared how important it is to find a unique teaching style and, most of all, to have fun! I have made lifelong friendships with other troop leaders in my neighborhood and have connected with troop leaders outside of my neighborhood as well. At Girl Scouts, there is always someone to go to if you need a helping hand!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring thing I have experienced is watching these girls blossom! They all start out a bit shy, but when they come together as sisters, their personalities shine. Their confidence comes out when they are singing in the car or shouting at a booth. Through every experience, program, and troop activity, they find their voice and independence. It’s amazing and it’s the reason why I volunteer!
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Service Unit: Yavapai Sky
Troop 2561 (Multilevel)
Years as a troop leader: 8
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
What inspired me to become a troop leader was knowing my daughter was part of a troop that needed adult volunteers. The co-leader was unable to continue, and the troop was going to disband, so I offered to step in as a co-leader. Although that troop eventually disbanded, we started our own troop with other parents that were looking for a place for their girls to feel included.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Every year, we donate presents to Toys for Tots or Christmas Angel Tree and previously have donated items to the Navajo Nation during COVID-19. We also donated items for local dog rescues and, last year, made “care bags” for our local pediatric hospital ward. We made approximately 120 bags for younger kids and teens, including stress balls, sketchbooks, coloring books, crayons, pencils, and small stuffed animals for comfort. Now, the girls are planning to make care packages for the homeless community in our area.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I advise other troop leaders to listen to their girls and try to have a well-rounded program. We were very badge oriented for a couple of years until the girls spoke up about wanting to do more artistic things and have troop meetings outside of our usual spot. To honor their perspective, we’ve met at local parks, done short hikes, and dedicated time to work on badges and art projects.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My biggest inspiration is seeing how my daughter and niece have grown out of their insecurities as they take on more leadership roles, especially when they’re showing the younger girls what Girl Scouts is all about. It’s inspiring watching them ensure other girls have the same quality experience they did when they were younger.
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More than S’mores: My Experience at Summer Camp
By Nadia Kharoufeh, Girl Scout Senior and Media Ambassador
As you pack your bags to go to Camp Willow Springs, you start to get excited, but nervous. Though you’ve been there before, it feels like you’re going for the first time again, then suddenly a spark of fear burns within you with feelings of homesickness. You start to feel the pre-camp jitters and ask yourself scary questions like “Will I meet new people?” But as you are on your way to camp, both feelings start to increase. Your excitement is wondering “Are we there yet?” while your fear asks, “Can I go home?”
Over the past couple of years, you’ve noticed a change in your mental health. The truth is that a lot has changed over time. There was COVID-19, going to a new school, starting a new grade level, and much more. You become anxious of everything that could go wrong, but you remember something important: everyone goes through at least a couple rough situations in their life, and nobody is spared from experiences that can take a toll on your mental health. And though it sounds frightening at first, there are always ways to get out. You assume the rest of the Girl Scouts with you are stressed about this trip too, but everyone seems to be there for each other, making you feel at ease.
The thing about Girl Scouts is that nobody gets left behind. You think back to your past trips and realize that this special element of going to camp has positively impacted your self-esteem/mental health. You discover that no matter how alone you feel at first, you are never going to be lonely.
You arrive at camp and connect with other campers instantly. As you and the rest of your cabin unit start walking to the campfire, you take in your surroundings. You see the wildlife, the trees, and the mountains. It is good to take in the nature around you. After all, before anyone went to camp, technology was one of the highlights of everyone’s lives. You start to come to the conclusion that disconnecting can be good because life slows down. There’s no need to rush here nor the pressure from social media. When you breathe in, you feel the beautiful chill of the air rush into your lungs. When you exhale, your heart fills with joy because of the relief of being away from a quick-paced life.
Does this experience sound familiar? Before you went to camp, how were you feeling mentally? What happened when you returned? I believe Girl Scouts holds a special place in all our hearts, not just because of the s’mores, but because of the opportunities we have to strengthen and take care of our mental health. Summer camp has a special way of building confidence and character, and like other Girl Scout programs, encourages us to be the best version of ourselves.
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By Bobbie Legg of the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community (ALC)
Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It is a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), which you—as a Girl Scout—are part of, has celebrated World Thinking Day since 1926. – GSUSA
“The good life is built with good relationships.” – R. Waldinger
Every year, I received a big “think” envelope in the postal mail filled with letters from my Girl Scout friends from around the globe. We had all worked together at Our Chalet, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Center in Switzerland and promised to stay in touch every World Thinking Day -and we did. We met as 20-year-olds full of adventure with a thirst for living life. Decades later, I still find joy in their connection—we’ve attended each other’s weddings, met on different continents, and cheered each other on during the toughest times.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest study on happiness and life satisfaction– shows that meaningful human connection is primary key to happiness, physical health and a longer life! One of those connections are friendships that act as stress regulators, allowing our bodies to heal and re-balance amidst the challenges of life. And if there’s something I’ve learned from Girl Scouting, is that Girl Scouts are experts at creating, nurturing, and keeping close friendships.
The truth is, I worry that many Girl Scout volunteers may struggle with feeling disconnected as they scroll through pictures online or gaze at others hiking or brunching together.
What does it take to make connections as an adult? Vulnerability and courage. It takes courage to put yourself out there and meet new people. It takes prioritizing relationships and engaging in fun recreation with friends and loved ones instead of being consumed by a never-ending to-do list. At the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), we believe in nurturing friendships and caring relationships to experience full, healthy connection and community. Our passion is using Girl Scouting to support girls and adults in being true to themselves, so we can all build happier and healthier lives.
As we reflect on another World Thinking Day that has past, The Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) wants you to know that we are here, we care about supporting you and would love for you to join us.
I will leave you with this excerpt from John O’Donohue’s poem, A Friendship Blessing:
May you be blessed with good friends.
May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling and forgiveness.
May this change you.
Want to learn more about the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community? Check out Authentic Girl Scout Leadership booklet. Interested in joining, email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org.
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Service Unit: Copper Ridge
Troop 3179 (Multilevel Daisies-Cadettes)
Years as a troop leader: 5
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
What sparked my interest and inspiration in volunteering was my daughters. Twelve years ago, my oldest daughter really wanted to be a Girl Scout, but there were no troops in our area, so I became a troop leader to help guide her through the experience. Then, four years ago, my youngest daughter was unable to find a troop that was willing to accept her with her disabilities, so I created a troop that welcomes a diverse group of girls.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop participates in a wide range of activities, but we mostly work towards earning badges every time we meet. We also enjoy hands-on activities and programs that involve building items, creating artwork, and spending time in nature.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the greatest volunteer moments that stands out to me the most is witnessing the growth of one of our Girl Scouts. When she first joined our troop, it was challenging for her to communicate with others; however, when cookie season came around, her confidence grew, helping her communicate with customers and other people approaching the cookie booths.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Girl Scout Cookie Season is always fun, but to boost the girls’ energies, we recommend setting up a booth at an entertaining location. If it’s your first time boothing, try selecting a spot that that isn’t so stressful but is comfortable to be at for a certain period of time. One of our favorite locations to booth at is Sonic because it’s fun, and the girls are able to learn how to respect others while they work.
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Service Unit: Desert Sunset
Troop 6223 (Multilevel Brownies and Juniors)
Years as a troop leader: 7
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Troop 6223 loves participating in neighborhood and council activities and programs because it gives us an opportunity to connect with other troops and leaders. Our troop also loves creating SWAPS and participating in hands-on activities at the Arizona Science Center and other sites to earn our badges.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has served the community through various service projects – we hosted a free community dinner with Streets of Destiny Global Outreach Center, a local nonprofit that provides weekly meals to the local community. We handed out toiletry bags made by the girls and served a spaghetti dinner. We’ve also participated in the annual Goodwill shoe drive, and recently, our Juniors completed their Bronze Award by providing a new library and craft station to a DeeCilla Comfort Center, a faith-based non-profit organization serving families and individuals that are transitioning from crisis situations.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to enjoy every moment, even when they’re exhausted from keeping an eye out for sleepwalkers during overnight programs and helping the troop when no one can roll their sleeping bag before breakfast. As a troop leader, you’ll realize that the growth the girls experience over time is all worth it!
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Throughout Girl Scout Cookie Season, parents/guardians and troop leaders must keep their girls knowledgeable so that they can set realistic goals. Our troop believes that a cookie business is only as good as the time you commit. We understand that not all families can attend certain boothing dates and times, but communicating with parents/guardians about cookie season updates and boothing information can help the troop meet its goals for the season.
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By M. Kate Allen
When my oldest daughter was a Daisy running her cookie business for the first time, I helped her write her very first handwritten thank-you cards to cookie customers – a tradition that has continued with both of my daughters every year during cookie season and fall product program. The only thing better than buying a package of Girl Scout Cookies is receiving a handwritten letter of gratitude. I’ve heard many customers comment on their delight after receiving thank-you cards, and I’m convinced that these are a factor in cookie customers returning.
There’s something intimate and delightful about receiving a hand-written card, especially one that arrives in the mail. On one level, it’s just scribbles on processed tree pulp; on another, it is magic. A handwritten note takes effort, time, and intention. It says that the person writing it stopped everything for a few moments of their day to think of you and offer their appreciation.
What better way to engage in self-care during cookie season than to write yourself a handwritten card?
This form of self-care has seven steps that can be done with others or in solitude, depending on your preference.
1. Take yourself on a trip, in-person or virtually, to a store that sells stationery. I like to visit local bookstores like Changing Hands in Tempe/Phoenix, but any bookstore, drugstore, dollar store, or online seller will do. Find some stationary or thank-you cards, something that delights you, even if (perhaps especially if) someone else would find it silly.
2. Find yourself a fancy pen, a marker, a colored pencil, or a crayon. The brighter and more unusual and more fun the color is, the better.
3. Scavenge for stickers. Splurge on a pack if you don’t already have some.
4. Write yourself a thank-you letter. Consider writing in your non-dominant hand if you’d like to invoke the spirit of your younger self or write with your dominant hand if you love how your handwriting looks on the page. Be specific as you’re writing: what are you thankful for? Why is this person that you’re writing to so amazing? Consider making a list of five things that you’re thankful for. Then consider expanding it to ten. The quicker you write, the better (and the easier the gratitude will flow). Add stickers for emphasis.
5. Put the letter in an envelope, address it to yourself, stick a stamp on it, add another sticker (or three) to the envelope, and walk it out to the mailbox or take it to the post office. Take a selfie with the envelope before you drop it in the mailbox and post it on social media.
6. Check the mail like you’re waiting for a reply to fan letter you just sent to your favorite band. When it arrives, let your inside feelings come right out. Squeal, do a happy dance, do a cartwheel–whatever suits your mood. Then make yourself a yummy beverage, grab your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, and open that envelope. What’s it like reading those words? Journal about it or share it with your best friends, or both.
7. Put your letter somewhere close so you can read it as often as you wish. You’re worth it.
The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”) is centered around the idea of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. We are committed to helping you discover, unlock, and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.
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Service Unit: Cactus Bloom
Troop 2050 (Multilevel Cadettes – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 11
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
My Girl Scout experience and working at Camp Willow Springs when I was in college inspired me to become a troop leader. As a lifelong Girl Scout, I try to live by the Girl Scout Mission daily – striving to make the world a better place. After having a daughter, I knew I would be getting back into Girl Scouts again.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
Our troop is full of compassionate and caring girls who are always motivated to find people and animals in our community who need support. We have donated funds from cookie sales to shelters and organizations that provide relief to children in Ukraine. We have also made homemade dog toys for the Arizona Humane Society, blankets for veterans, and Christmas cards to gift to residents of a local care facility.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It is hard to pick a specific volunteer moment out of so many! I loved working with girls as a camp counselor because I made many lifelong friends, one of whom I visited when I was on vacation in Alaska! Something else I’ve enjoyed is teaching high-adventure camp activities. I have been certified to teach archery since 2015 and loved teaching high ropes when I worked at Camp Willow Springs. I believe this is directly linked to the joy of seeing girls push themselves to do something that they never thought they could. Their first time hitting a bullseye or daring to step off the zip-line platform is a monumental accomplishment in their strength and growth. One of my current Girl Scouts has very low vision and still has the confidence to push herself at camp to mountain bike and do the zipline, and I’ve loved seeing her independence grow over the years. As a leader, I love seeing my girls take on new challenges with grace and perseverance. It might not always be easy for them, but they amaze me with their ideas and plans for the future.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our troop sells cookies because it’s our primary method of raising funds. My girls have used the funds to go horseback riding, for camp, and now are looking into planning larger out of state trips. I know I have seen my own daughter go from someone who doesn’t particularly talk to strangers well, to being able to manage a cookie booth completely on her own. She is confident in making a sale, talking to customers, and setting goals for herself and her troop.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
Watching my girls grow has been one of the most inspiring things. I have known many of my girls since they were in Kindergarten and seeing them grow into strong confident young women is inspiring. I love seeing my older girls take on new challenges as they take training to lead girls in campfire safety and work with younger girls to gain confidence. My girls inspire me, and I know they will lead the world to a better tomorrow.
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