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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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By JoDee Turner
The new year is upon us, and as we brave into 2023, what better time to look to the future and set goals than now? The holidays are particularly tough for me, but I try to take time and reflect on the true treasures of life, like the people in my circle – the ones that see the authentic me.
Reflection is defined as a “serious thought or consideration,” though sitting in deep thought can be trying for me at times, I’ve learned to let my thoughts guide and lead me into the future. One of the people that changed my perspective on reflections was my father.
My dad and I used to get into passionate conversations, and I would tell him not to dwell so much on the past because we need to keep moving forward. Now, I wish I could have those conversations again with him because I now realize that it wasn’t about “dwelling in the past”; it was a time of reflection that led us to deep conversations about life, love, and so much more. This realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I wish I could share my journey with the Authentic Leadership Community with him – he would have loved all the heartfelt conversations I get to share and be a part of within the Girl Scout community.
Something else I have been reflecting on is my time as a leader, which is ending after 16 years. Looking at the mistakes and victories of being a leader/volunteer (you all know what I am talking about), the girls make it all worth it. It’s been incredible watching Girl Scouts legacies form within my troop over the years. For example, one of my new Daisies is the daughter of one of my former Girl Scouts, this brings me pure joy!
Girl Scouts has changed me and touched my life so profoundly that all the volunteering in the world will never be enough. We have all faced many challenges in the past couple of years, and my Girl Scout Family has been consistently there. I look forward to the future and all the adventures it may bring, and am delighted to venture into it with a circle of friends of all ages, 99% of whom I met through Girl Scouts.
I ask all of you to take a moment and reflect on the past year. Look at your challenges and your successes – but don’t stop there. Look to the future, set a goal, even if it’s a small one, and write it down. It may change as the year progresses, but that is your journey and it consists of ever-changing paths. I encourage you to follow the one that speaks to you and feels authentic. I have a final request: show grace to yourself.
Learn more about the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), a group of Girl Scout volunteers who hold the flame of GSACPC. Check out their amazing resource, the Authentic Girl Scout Leadership book! Questions? Interested in joining ALC? Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org
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By Oona Mada
“Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. A circle is round it has no end. That’s how long I want to be your friend”.
This was the first song I learned when I became a Girl Scout leader in the early 2000s. As a new leader, I felt extremely overwhelmed trying to balance my home, work, and Girl Scout commitments perfectly. Little did I know the two women who invited me to join this amazing Girl Scout leader journey nearly 20 years ago would become my lifelong friends.
When I first met Tammy and Katie, they appeared to have their personal and professional lives in order. They could easily walk across any tightrope, and I wanted to do the same to alleviate the stress and anxiety that had been building up. I wanted to be the best Girl Scout leader for my girls and learned as much as I could from Tammy and Katie, Council, and other awesome leaders. Eventually, I found my way toward success and balance.
While on a recent trip with my two besties, I reflected upon how much the three of us practice Authentic Leadership in our personal lives. We are transparent, ethical, listen to one another’s thoughts, share our resources wisely and encourage each other to be better versions of ourselves.
Although they have not been involved with Girl Scouts for many years, I shared with them that I was writing this blog and asked for their thoughts on why they think our friendship has lasted so many years. Here’s what we discovered together:
1. We always live by the Girl Scout Law.
2. Over the years, we have created our own safe space, aka our circle, where we focus on what’s important inside – the care and custody of others and, most importantly ourselves.
3. We listen. We take the time to listen to one another, listen to our hearts (follow our passions) and listen to our bodies (Is this stress? should I eat? How am I feeling today?)
4. We reflect on our behaviors and actions and how it impacts ourselves and others positively or negatively. We are respectful and candid in our communication with one another.
5. We share (health, education, family, financial, and stress relief) resources and use them wisely.
6. We want better for each other and encourage one another to try new things, adventures and approaches.
As a member of The Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), I have met new and inspiring women whom I now call my friends. They, too, are committed to this journey – to support our Girl Scout Leaders and volunteers. To my silver and gold circles, I appreciate you.
To learn more about the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community, visit GSACPC Authentic Girl Scout Leadership.
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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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By Rachel Harrison-Lewis
Changes in the air are apparent. The mornings feel crisp and cool. We pull out our long-forgotten sweaters and graciously accept that fall has finally come to Arizona. Changes like these, we seem eager to embrace, even when we don’t know if it will be the most frigid winter we’ve ever had. We are simply happy about the change.
But if we parallel these changes to when our lives change drastically, our reactions and sense of preparedness are quite different. Instead of embracing, we tend to run for cover, fight the inevitable, or freeze not knowing what to do or how to adjust. Uncertainty and loss of control may cause anxiety and fear of the unknown. We knew the weather would change and even though we couldn’t control it, we knew how to prepare for it. It’s as easy as grabbing our sweaters and turning up the thermostat.
With the current economic, political, environmental, and social environments being so volatile, it’s unclear how we can prepare, and it’s definitely not an easy solution; however, we all know that change is coming, whether beneficial or detrimental. Uncertainty should not cause panic, but it should encourage action and bring people together to solve problems.
The Girl Scout motto is “be prepared,” and in the 1947 Girl Scout Handbook, the motto was explained like so: “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency.”
Are we prepared in our lives? Are we preparing financially, emotionally, physically, and socially for these ambiguous changes? Are we preparing our children and our Girl Scouts?
As you reflect on these questions, be authentic with yourself. If the answer is no, start a plan to be more prepared. Start a financial plan with your family or your troop, plan emotional wellness days, social gatherings and wellness checkups!
As the end of the year draws near, we should prepare for the changes happening in our world, our country, and our individual lives as we do with the changing seasons. We don’t need to be happy about all the changes, but we do need to be prepared. That being said, grab your sweaters, and enjoy the beautiful warm moments over the holidays. Be thankful with family and friends. As you embrace your loved ones, embrace the inevitable changes because it’s true what the wise philosopher Heraclitus said, “nothing is permanent except change.”
Learn more about the Authentic Leadership Community and check out our Authentic Girl Scout Leadership booklet.
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Service Unit: Lakota Blossom
Troop 4929 (Daisies – Juniors)
Years as a troop leader: 6
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
You name it, and we do it! My troop does everything from badge work, field trips, encampment, parades, hiking, tent camping and more – the girls love it all! One of the events they look forward to all year is our annual Christmas caroling party, where we host a big bash with a potluck, decorate gingerbread houses, drink hot cocoa, and partake in other holiday activities. We even have matching hats, scarves, and gloves! Our neighborhood looks forward to the girls singing door to door every year, and we’ve even had neighbors gift the girls handmade Christmas ornaments.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop loves giving back to the community! We’ve read to dogs, created cat scratch mats for the AZ Animal Welfare League, and hosted food drives for families in need at our local school. We’ve also volunteered to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children and donated cookie packages to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Above all, the girls’ favorite service project is helping out at A Mighty Change of Heart (AMCHAZ), a foster care organization in Surprise, Arizona, to which they have donated cookie packages for the past 3 years. They also volunteer by taking inventory, sorting donations, and packing duffel bags for foster kids. It’s an amazing experience, and the girls love being able to help other kids just like them.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that volunteering is rewarding and fulfilling, and you really do get out what you put in! There are dozens of ways to jump in and help if you haven’t already. There are volunteer positions for everyone and every skill set! I’ve met amazing ladies through being a Girl Scout Volunteer and have created wonderful friendships.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There are so many inspiring moments that have happened over the past 5 years, but there are two that stand out to me. In January, I had a family emergency right in the middle of cookie season, and other volunteers and parents in our troop stepped in to help get us through! I will be forever grateful to them, and I love how much of a family our troop has become. The girls are sisters, and I love seeing them work together to meet their goals and cheer each other on. We recently had a new girl visit our troop, and I was inspired by how the troop welcomed her with open arms. With no hesitations, they saw her as part of the crew.
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(PHOENIX – October 18, 2022) –Today, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) announced a $2.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This local gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and 29 local councils selected by Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. Locally, this gift will expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona, including the Navajo Nation. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona received a separate gift to support its local jurisdiction.
“We are extremely grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her generous investment in girls. Her gift intentionally acknowledges the needs of girls and women whose causes are traditionally underrepresented due to disparities in giving,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “With the challenges facing girls today, investing in their futures is critical. Her support will expand our local programming to help girls in our community reach their maximum potential.”
“It is an honor to be stewards of this incredible gift as it solidifies how strongly our community recognizes Girl Scouts as the premiere organization serving girls,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Every day, we help girls discover their untapped potential and watch them become the leaders our community needs, so when philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott invests in a girl-led future, it changes the world.”
The Grant Impact
This gift to Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council will empower leadership opportunities for girls through the advancement of the organization’s mission, expand its impact and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19. The support allows GSACPC to:
- Expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona that reflect a girl’s cultural needs and lived experiences. This includes innovation around older girls, a Mobile Building Space to travel across the jurisdiction, and an investment in current delivery models that will help attract and retain girls.
- Create more equitable membership opportunities in communities that have been under-engaged. This includes Diversity Equity Inclusion and Racial Justice initiatives, reimagining the troop experience model to break down accessibility barriers and partnering with families and communities to holistically support the wellbeing and development of all girls.
- Sustain membership retention and growthby investing in volunteer systems, new models for member support staff, and enhancing council-led support around the cookie program.
Nationally, this donation will fund rebound growth opportunities stemming from the impact of COVID-19, build upon GSUSA’s vision to empower all Girl Scouts and its 700,000+ volunteers as they pursue their dreams, and accelerate movement-wide initiatives that give girls the tools to become the next generation of powerful female leaders.
The Girl Scouts Difference – Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow
Today’s challenges are complex, interconnected and more than ever, global. Solving them will demand collaborative leadership and innovative perspectives. Girls represent humanity’s greatest untapped talent pool and investing in them will produce the greatest return in economic development, social progress, and public health, improving not only individual lives, but the fabric of society overall.
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,500 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 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. For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
With 111 councils nationwide, GSUSA has a presence in every zip code. Each new investment enables Girl Scouts to become a unifier at the broadest level, harnessing the leadership skills of generations to come and ensuring a future that is inclusive, empathetic, united, and equitable.
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East Kyrene Service Unit
Troop 1220 (Cadettes & Seniors)
Years as a troop leader: 10
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
My family inspired me to become a troop leader. My grandmother and mother were Girl Scout leaders and my father was a Boy Scout leader. So, when my daughter wanted to join Girl Scouts and needed an adult volunteer to lead the troop, how could I resist? Girl Scouting provides great opportunities for girls to become confident and strong leaders, and seeing the girls in my troop grow over time has been a rewarding and unique experience.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Troop 1220 has a list of amazing community service projects, and one of them was installing a Buddy Bench at a local elementary school, which earned the girls their Bronze Award. They also created a video to instruct the students on how to use the bench and why it’s important to have one. After more girls joined our troop, we offered them an opportunity to earn their Bronze and worked with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at their annual walk. In addition, they held “Think Pink” lemonade stands to raise funds and purchase patient comfort items to donate to a breast cancer treatment facility. After this, the girls earned their Silver Awards by serving the homeless population. They made masks, donated a refrigerator, and prepared meals. Some girls within our troop worked with two local churches to revamp their child education centers, and another group made sensory blankets and boards, which were donated along with a year’s supply of completed greeting cards to a nursing home. Even though these are some of our biggest projects, we’ve also worked with pet adoption centers, Kyrene Resource Center, Feed My Starving Children, and more.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
For the past three years, our troop has been planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, and I admit that I was initially nervous about taking the girls, but with a deep breath, we headed to California. This was the best thing I have ever done as a Girl Scout! The girls were told to pack their good attitudes and willingness to work together, and they didn’t disappoint. I feel so proud of these girls and their ability to cheer each other on as they hiked farther than they expected. They planned, cooked, and cleaned up every meal. And on our last night, they worked together to try to hatch a plan to extract a mouse from the cabin – all with a smile on their faces. I first became a Girl Scout volunteer to support my daughter and make her experience special, but being a troop leader has given me such a rewarding feeling. I am blessed to work with these girls, their families, our fabulous Service Unit, and the council (Shout out to Rebecca Smith and our Awesome Cookie team).
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to embrace the girls and let them lead you. Usually, I set the schedule for when we will meet, but the girls do the rest. They decide on what badges and what volunteer work we need to do. Even though they lead the badges, I am there to provide materials and support when needed. I also encourage everyone to reach for those high awards. For example, I have several girls who plan to work towards their Gold Award, which is a wonderful opportunity for our Girl Scouts to find a project they’re passionate about.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that there are different ways you can volunteer. I am a troop leader, an assistant troop leader, the Event Manager for the Service Team, and a Cookie Cupboard, but there are so many other things you can do. We always need certified instructors to run things like the rock wall and canoeing at encampments. Plus, the neighborhoods would love for more people to plan events for the girls in your area. If you’re wanting to get involved at a council level, they need volunteers too!
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 does sell cookies, and I believe that we need to sell to keep our council and camps in good condition. The cookie program provides funding for an array of things, and also gives girls the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their time as Girl Scouts and beyond. Cookie sales are one of the only programs for troops to earn money, so we sell to support our troop as well.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My eldest daughter is an Ambassador in Troop 1553, and in the 10 years that I have been a leader, no other girl in our Service Unit has earned her Gold Award until she did. Watching her earn her Gold Award was inspiring, and I want to continue encouraging at least half of the girls in my troop to go for Gold. I want to support them so they can earn the highest award in Girl Scouting.
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By Jennifer Farner
Be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Those words rolled around my mind this week as I wandered the busy streets of Ubud, Bali- an interesting thing to think about as you’re traveling halfway around the world.
But Girl Scouts knows no borders.
As I watched people going about their days, laying out offerings in front of temples, inviting passing tourists into their shops, and navigating crazy traffic, I asked, “what does it really mean to be a sister to every Girl Scout? Is it the same here in Bali as it is in America? Does culture play a role in how we show up for each other as women or what we need from a “sister”?
As if the universe was listening to my thoughts, I met a woman who answered my questions.
Her name is Rai. She’s a petite Balinese woman in her 40s with a bright smile and bubbly personality. She is the owner of a small shop where she sells clothing she designed herself. As I browsed the rack of dresses, we talked about her designs, things to see in Ubud, and how grateful we both were that Bali was open to tourists again. As we spoke, her voice trailed off for a moment and I could see that even though she was smiling she was holding back tears.
I paused and gave her my full attention and a gentle smile as if to say “it’s ok”. Then her whole body melted as she let herself cry and shared what’s been weighing on her.
Her landlord had just informed her that she would need to move at the end of the month. Financially exhausted from trying to survive the last two years, she didn’t know what she was going to do. She had poured everything into her dream of owning a business and could lose it within a week. She worried about her family and employees. On top of this, just a year ago, she lost her mom – the person who always knew what to do and say.
The relief on her face after sharing a piece of her heart with me was immense. She was lighter, brighter, like a weight had been lifted. Though her problems were still there, she felt they were not as heavy.
Rai is a lot like me – and maybe like you too – carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and holding it together for everyone else despite feeling a painful ache inside. When someone asks how she’s doing, she smiles and says “fine” but really, she’s not.
As I listened in that moment, I realized what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout: It’s about presence. Sometimes that presence is listening deeply and holding space for the tears to flow, while other times are full of fun, silliness, and deep belly laughs.
But in the end, it’s always about being present. Authentically, and intentionally present.
Being present is something we practice in Authentic Leadership Community (ALC). Deep presence fosters connections that are impactful, deep, and lasting. The kind of connections we all yearn for. The ones where we can feel safe to let down our guard and be our authentic selves. The kind I’ve been blessed to experience and witness at our ALC retreats and during our regular meetings.
If this resonated with you on any level, I invite you to join us at the next Authentic Leadership Community retreat in November. Come experience and embody what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Want to learn more about the Authentic Leadership Community? Check us out here and review the Authentic Girl Scout Leadership Book.
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Service Unit 673
Troop 1955 (Seniors and Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 11.5
What inspired you to become a troop leader?
I became a Girl Scout as soon I could, and continued all throughout high school. Because of the military, my family moved a lot, and everywhere we went, we would find a new Girl Scout troop. During my time as a Girl Scout, I earned the Gold Award, which helped fund my college education, and made friends that have remained a part of my life. I always knew I wanted a daughter so I could share my love for Girl Scouts. My grandmother and mom were Girl Scouts and it’s wonderful to share it with my daughter.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
The girls love doing a variety of activities like supporting different community organizations and coming together to learn ways they can continue to make a difference. We all still love camping even though it is challenging to get them all together as they’ve gotten older.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Over the years, our troop has consistently helped the Arizona Humane Society, where three of our girls earned their Silver Award. We also donate cookies to the military every year, as we have several military families in our troop. Additionally, the girls have helped the homeless population over the last couple of years and completed service projects for the Ronald McDonald house. Lastly, our troop enjoys supporting Circle of Peace church, where we met for several years.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There are two volunteer moments that stand out for me. When my daughter was in second grade, we went to encampment, and I hugged her at nighttime. One of the girls in my troop that I’ve known since she was born asked if I could hug her too since I was her second mom. I then asked all the girls if they wanted a “mom hug”, and they all said yes. Even though they grew into high schoolers, the girls still want a “mom hug” at every overnight trip. My second favorite moment is being able to sit back and provide support when they need it. I love listening to them laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
Listen to the girls! Our girls have stayed with the troop over the years because we keep them involved in all decisions. Something that has helped us maintain a well-rounded troop is having three leaders, all with different talents and relationships with the girls. It’s important to also engage with your families and encourage parents to get involved and support the troop.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that everything would continue to change. Before becoming a troop leader, I thought I’d be better prepared since I had gone through it for 12 years, but I was wrong. Girl Scouts is always changing, but don’t stress! Everything you do for your troop and community matters.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that volunteering with the Girl Scouts is so rewarding. I’ve watched girls do things they wouldn’t normally do, and grow into amazing young women, who accomplish big goals. I’ve enjoyed sharing this experience with my daughter and I hope she continues with future generations because being a Girl Scout is a family experience. For example, when our son turned 18, he became a registered Girl Scout and went to training and encampment to help with the zip line and rock-climbing wall.
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 girls have sold cookies to help fund their service projects and support their community. Participating in the cookie program has given our girls an opportunity to travel and participate in fun activities using their earnings. We’ve done over nights at the Arizona History Museum, Arizona Science Center, Lake Pleasant Outdoor Center, and Sea World. We’ve also done escape rooms, troop dinners and visited Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios. Currently, our eleventh graders are saving up to go on a cruise after they graduate high school.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
To sell cookie packages, we recommend lots of color at the booths. When the girls were younger, they used to decorate cute signs and wear costumes, but now that they’ve grown up it’s a bit harder. If you have a troop with older girls, asking them to wear their vests especially during cookie season will let customers know that they’re Girl Scouts.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
Most of the girls in our troop have joined our troop because they were friends with a girl in the troop, while some girls left, and then returned. What inspires me the most is their consistency and seeing them stay in the troop this long. We have girls that are playing sports, preparing for college, and doing other extracurricular activities, yet they want to stay in Girl Scouts, and that to me is inspiring.
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By M. Kate Allen
September marks the end of the Girl Scout membership year. As girls and volunteers come together to decide how they would like to spend the next 12 months, this is a good time for reflection.
I invite you to grab a journal and something to write with, take a full stop moment, and spend a little time in your favorite place (perhaps with your favorite beverage!). This is an opportunity to reflect on any or all of the following questions and prompts:
• Describe a memorable time when you practiced honesty or fairness, even when it was challenging.
• Describe a time you went out of your way to be friendly or helpful to someone, even when it was inconvenient.
• Give yourself credit by describing a time when you went out of your way to be considerate or caring.
• What was it like when you dared to be courageous or strong, especially when it would have been easier not to?
• Consider a time when you practiced accountability for what you said or did. What kinds of feelings came up?
• Reflect on a time when you practiced self-respect and respect towards others.
• To whom or to what do you grant authority in your life?
• What resources did you treasure this year?
Review the answers you’ve written so far, then take a moment to recognize that you have—in these ways and so many more—made the world a better place.
Now, list the names of the Girl Scouts who have impacted your life. Next to their names, write a word or phrase that describes them (e.g., empowered, happiness, encouraging). Consider sharing your words and phrases with the people on your list. If you haven’t already, add your name to the list, and on a separate piece of paper, write the word or phrase you give yourself, and decorate it.
Enjoy preparing for the new membership year!
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