Blog Posts

  • 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.

  • South Phoenix Service Unit

    Troop 436 (Daisy – Ambassador)

    Years as a Troop Leader: 2

    What inspired you to become a troop leader?

    I became a troop leader because of my passion to help girls reach their full potential. Being a part of a community that fosters intelligence, leadership, friendship, and service is truly amazing and I want to make sure this troop thrives in the years to come.

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

    My Girl Scouts love to sell cookies, go camping, and attend encampments. I help with cookie distribution, selecting cookie booths, and enrolling girls in Girl Scouts Summer Camp as well as encampments. One of my favorite activities was when another Girl Scout mom and I led a star walk for my troop.

    Our star walks are walks at night to learn about astronomy. I had a blast sharing facts about the stars and planets as we walked the trail in the forest. Seeing the girls enjoy the different plants, flowers, and bugs in the forest was great. We looked at the stream and then even started a talk about the snowmelt which led to a discussion about environmental sustainability. It was such a great time out in nature and having great conversations about being good stewards of the planet.

    What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?

    Our troop works with a senior community and prior to COVID-19, we would perform Christmas carols and donate cleaning products to the residents. We also worked with this community in their garden by pulling weeds and planting seeds. Additionally, my troop donates cookies to the military every year.

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

    One of the volunteer moments that I will always remember was when we partnered with an organization to feed the homeless. The girls met early on a Saturday and together we were able to feed around 75 people. The girls were so excited and helpful in making sure everyone received food and toiletries. It felt fulfilling to be able to make a positive impact and meet a great need in our community.

    What advice would you give other troop leaders?

    I think patience is a great tool to have when being a troop leader. Understanding that projects may not happen as you intended but that does not mean they were unsuccessful, is key. Not all parents and girls may show up for every activity and that is okay. Just make sure that those who did show up have a great time and get the job done. Try not to sweat the small stuff, be flexible, and do your best to reach the main goal.

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

    I have been fortunate to have two other leaders that work alongside me. They have taught me about financial reports and how the Fall Product Program is organized. Every day I am learning how to be an effective leader and have seen that communication with the parents/guardians is critical. Sometimes a parent may need several phone calls about an upcoming meeting or activity and that is just what needs to be done. Don’t stress out about it.

    What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?

    When it comes to volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts, the sky is the limit. There are various positions to choose from that all help us keep the movement going. Regardless of what position you are in, I can guarantee that you’ll feel great volunteering your time with Girl Scouts and also feed off the passion to provide girls the best Girl Scouting experience.

    Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?

    Yes, my troop sells cookies! By participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls are given the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and gain important business skills that will prove essential in adulthood.  Plus, we use those sales to go to summer camp and different trips around the world. Overall, cookies give girls the opportunity to embark on new adventures!

    What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?

    My biggest cookie-selling tip is to have fun. If you make the experience too serious, girls can sometimes lose interest. The program is meant to encourage girls to grow both professionally and personally, so try to make each day full of good memories. Also, decorate your booth and use all platforms available to sell cookies.

    What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?

    My most inspiring moment was when my Girl Scouts and I visited Tucson to meet up with a fellow Girl Scout Sister that recently started attending the University of Arizona. My Senior Girl Scout was so excited to see the dorm and asked many questions about college classes, student life, and being away from home. That moment was great and really emphasized why it is so important for these girls to create friendships. We work so hard with our girls so they can reach their goals, and at that moment they saw that their goals really are attainable?

  • by Rachel Harrison-Lewis

    A few months ago, I found myself at the end of a highly challenging but overall successful cookie season. My troop and I were so proud  that we were able to sell 7,240 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, raise $280 in donations, and donate 63 packages of cookies to Maggie’s Place, a local organization committed to serving mothers. It was awesome! 

    Even with the excitement, I was exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was questioning my ability to sustain my busy life, my business, my family, my health, my sanity, let alone my troop. How could I keep up?! Just a week after the cookie program ended, we began to reserve camp, research family camp, plan events with our funds, etc. It felt as though I didn’t even have a second to breathe!

    I was questioning my “why.” Why was I volunteering my time, effort, sweat, and tears? Why was I struggling to feel appreciated when my work created positive change for girls and our community? Then, one stressful Monday, I was scrolling through our Facebook leadership page trying to plan the next thing and one word stood out to me in a post, “retreat.” It was as if it was calling out to me! 

    It was an invitation for a 3-day, 2-night retreat hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) called Return to Center. It was being held at Parsons Leadership Center exclusively for troop leaders and it turned out that it was taking place that upcoming weekend! All that kept playing in my mind was the word “retreat” and how desperately I needed one. So I extended the invitation to my new co-leader as it was her first-ever cookie season and she was also in need of self-care time. She said yes and we reserved our spots. 

    The day we arrived at the retreat we didn’t know what to expect. We thought we were going to be able to bond with each other more, make new friends, learn about camp, how to get more volunteers, parent engagement, and all the other things we didn’t know. We felt apprehensive, unsure, hopeful, and exhausted. 

    As the event progressed, it was clear the incredible women in the Authentic Leadership Community put together an event that was so diverse in lessons and in their approach that our anxiety disappeared. All of their hearts were golden and each member incorporated an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship, guidance, and love. We became vulnerable, learned openly about ourselves, and gained valuable insight from others. 

    My favorite skill we practiced during each session, that we have since implemented into our troop, is the simple concept of “the circle” – an ALC tool, used at the retreat, that creates a safe space for participants to share ideas and opinions of various topics. After our troop’s first circle, we asked the girls (Daisies and Brownies) what topics they would like to talk about in the upcoming circles, and we were blown away with their responses! They came up with this list of topics: 

    • Friendships
    • Siblings
    • Sadness and grief
    • Hardships and how to overcome them
    • Happy things
    • Animals
    • Meeting planning
    • Anxiety

    Knowing that they want to talk about these difficult topics that they face in their daily lives and having that safe space with people they trust to open up to has been so meaningful and has really brought our troop together. 

    There were so many great takeaways and meaningful moments during our retreat. As a person who is constantly on the go, my favorite practice I learned at the retreat that has helped me significantly were the mindful/full stop moments. A full stop is when a group, or individual, takes a moment to disconnect from previous tasks and thoughts. This allows all participants to take a moment to clear their minds and be present in the current conversation or task. Implementing this practice in my day-to-day has helped me organize my thoughts, destress, decompress, and breathe before tackling another obstacle. I do not feel nearly as stressed as I did before the retreat.

    Return to Center was a great theme for the retreat. We all realized that we have to take care of ourselves to be the best leader we can be, and there’s no way for us to pour out of an empty cup. Unfortunately, this thought of self-care was so abstract to so many of the leaders present because we’re such givers, and it’s hard for us to receive sometimes or even pause to fill our own cups up.

    The women of the Authentic Leadership Community poured their love and encouragement into us, provided us with time to reflect and gave us the skills and tools to help us recharge. We were able to take those tools away with us and now we can use them during any moment that we feel drained. If ever you have the opportunity to attend, you will be happy you did! I know we cannot wait for the next one. 

    Shout out to all those at the retreat who have reminded me that we are not alone and do not have to do everything alone. I want to recognize our troop’s new parent volunteers who help with our troop. I am thankful for my partner who was our Digital Cookie dad and incredibly thankful for my amazing Co-Leader! We could not do this without you all. I’m also so grateful to the troop leaders in Hayden’s Ferry, our council volunteers, and the other neighborhoods for being there for me when we had questions! Thank you for being a sister (or brother) to every Girl Scout and helping me with our learning curve so our troop can help make the world a better place! 

    Before this retreat, I was questioning my “why.” By the end, I remembered my “why” – it is and has always been to encourage Girl Scouts to be their best selves. To love them, guide them, encourage them, listen to them, and remind them that they are respected and appreciated. To teach them the tools and skills they need in life to help them discover the women they want to be. Our hosts and the other leaders who attended helped remind me why I am a troop leader, and I am so thankful for that. 

  • Coyote Plains Service Unit

    Troop 2265 (Cadette-Senior)

    Years as a Troop Leader: 11


    What inspired you to become a troop leader?

    As a former teacher who enjoys impacting lives and making a difference, I came to a point where I needed to find a new avenue to direct my passions. I remembered as a girl how much Girl Scouting taught me. So, with my love of Girl Scouting and the outdoors, I decided to become the leader of my daughter’s troop when the position became available.

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

    My troop loves to camp, complete community service projects, run events for girls, and more. However, one of their favorite activities is a troop retreat where we go to a cabin and work on our leadership and outdoor skills. It’s a way for the girls to work together, step out of their comfort zone, and gain new experiences with the support of their Girl Scout Sisters.

    What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?

    We helped a small school that lost all the books in its library to vandalism. We rebuilt and restocked their shelves. The school was appreciative, and the kids just were shocked when they saw all the books that the communities around them had donated. It was a special moment for my troop and me.

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

    My troop consists of older girls, so my favorite moments are when I can stand back and watch the girls take the skills they have fostered over the years and put them into action. For example, when they organize a girl-led event and see it to completion. They make me proud of all the time and effort they invest into each project.

    What advice would you give other troop leaders?

    Some advice I would give to other troop leaders would be to start with the badges that interest you and teach those first; your excitement and knowledge will help keep the girls engaged.  Also, take the time you need to find your groove. Every leader is different and has their strengths, use that to your advantage. Finally, don’t be afraid to look to other leaders for guidance. It’s all about creating the best opportunities for the girls.

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

    I wish someone had told me that the girls’ parents and guardians can be a great resource. Don’t feel like you must tackle everything alone, you have people around you who may want to help. If you have a strong community around the girls, the troop will be strong.

    What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?

    There are various opportunities to volunteer within our Council! You do not have to be a troop leader to make an impact in our community or the girls’ lives. You can volunteer during our annual cookie program and host a cookie cupboard, help girls explore nature during summer camp, and offer assistance to your Service Unit. It truly is worth it to get started.

    Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?

    Yes, my troop sells cookies and by doing so they are able to learn so many lessons during the program. It’s more than selling cookies, it is about giving girls opportunities for growth in different areas like communication, business management, and handling inventory, all of which could prove useful as they grow into adulthood.

    What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?

    Some of our tips would to be yourself and thank everyone for listening to you, even if they don’t buy cookies. They gave you an opportunity to practice your pitch and most times they will realize that you are working hard at selling for your goal and are willing to help in any form they can. Remember that the girls’ experience is the priority.

    What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?

    I worked hard to set up a CPR class for my older girls. The girls attended and succeeded in earning their certification. Less than 24 hours after the class, one of my girls had to administer CPR to one of her family members until paramedics arrived. She was honored for her bravery and courage by Girl Scouts with the Metal of Honor.

  • By Jennifer Farner

    Discover

    Last month I had the honor of helping facilitate an Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) retreat at the beautiful Parsons Leadership Center in South Phoenix. It was a wonderful weekend with an amazing group of eight Girl Scout Volunteers from all over the state. The common theme among all the women that weekend was how much they cared for and took care of everyone else, but rarely took that same care for themselves. They also all carried these burdens alone. Maybe you feel that way too? Always giving to others and not always having that same support for yourself.

    Sitting in a circle with these women, I could feel the shift as each woman shared their experiences, and we all came to realize that we are not alone in our struggles. We are all unique yet share some of the same feelings. As we learned together, shared meals and conversations, attempted archery, and walked the labyrinth, something remarkable happened. Connection, friendship, and the feeling of support – sisterhood.

    It struck me that this is the power of Girl Scouting. When our girls go camping, rally together to sell cookies, or support their community and each other through challenges, they learn what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.

    Connect

    There is something special about sitting in a Girl Scout Circle and something that I think we have all missed over the last few years. As an ALC volunteer, I cherish and look forward to our Circles. It is a safe place where all are welcome, and all belong. It’s a place where you feel heard, seen, and affirmed. For our girls, this could be a small yet powerful element of developing their confidence. I know as an adult, it is powerful to feel seen and know you are accepted, valued, and not alone.

    Take Action

    • For your girls: Be intentional about creating a Girl Scout Circle, a center, and taking a full-stop moment with your troops.
    • For you: Consider joining the ALC. Come sit in Circle with us at one of our monthly meetings held on the second Thursday of each month at Parsons Leadership Center. Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org for more information.
    • For your Service Unit: Invite ALC to do a deep-dive workshop on Circle setting – its history, purpose, and tools on how to incorporate it.
  • It’s National Volunteer Month, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the dedicated volunteers who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for girls in their communities. Our volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization—you open the doors of possibility for girls and show them the power they have to make the world a better place.

    You have enabled Girl Scouts across the country to continue their Girl Scout journeys and stay connected to their sister Girl Scouts even during the unprecedented challenges of the last few years. You serve as strong role models and are truly making a difference in their lives—championing, encouraging, and inspiring them to be the leaders and change-makers the world needs.

    • The power of Girl Scout volunteers is felt everyday by the girls and families of our Movement:
      86% of girls say their leader makes them feel important, 80% say their leader helps them pursue their goals, and 70% say their leader helps them think about the future.
    • 99% of parents/caregivers tell us their girl’s leader made her feel like part of a group, and 94% of them say their girl’s leader made their whole family feel like part of a community.
      And during a time of national crisis, this sense of community you foster—and how it empowers girls to give back—is vitally important. Over the past two years, Girl Scouts and volunteers like you have engaged in hundreds of thousands of hours of COVID relief efforts, including sending cards or letters to COVID patients and frontline healthcare workers, making and donating masks, donating and delivering meals, planning food drives, and donating cookies to bring joy to others. At a time when girls have been experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety and powerlessness in their day-to-day lives, you have shown them the difference they can make even under incredibly challenging circumstances.

    On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, the 700,000 incredible Movement-wide volunteers across the country and the world for your commitment to Girl Scouting and for helping girls become their best selves.

    You are building the trailblazers and changemakers of today who will have a lasting impact for generations to come.

    Thank you!
    Sofia Chang

  • (PHOENIX – March 23, 2022) — Girl Scouts­–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is celebrating a successful cookie season. From Jan. 17 to Feb. 27, participating Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona sold more than 2.6 million boxes of delicious cookies, building essential entrepreneurial skills imperative to leadership and future success along the way.

    “Our 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season was the most memorable one yet. Despite selling during a pandemic and experiencing inventory shortages, our girls were confident and innovative as they engaged with customers across central and northern Arizona. We celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and are grateful for the generous support from the community,” shared Christina Spicer, Interim Co-CEO of GSACPC.

    The funds raised through the cookie program will allow local girls to take part in a variety of programs, community outreach projects and enrichment over the next year, including:

    • Fueling adventure by maintaining four camp facilities and outdoor programming year-round, including the NEW boulder wall, zip line and climbing tower at The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
    • Providing STEM, outdoor, life-skills, and entrepreneurial programs for Girl Scouts to participate in in central and northern Arizona, including providing access to programs for girls residing in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Lands
    • Volunteer training and support for over 6,000 volunteers
    • Financial assistance to cover membership, uniforms, and camperships for any family needing extra support.
    • Supporting girls’ passions, take-action project, and pursuit of the Girl Scout High Awards through service projects that make an impact on our community

    The Girl Scout Cookie Program not only helps Girl Scouts earn money for these fun, educational activities and community projects, but also plays an important role in helping girls learn essential life skills like decision making, money management, people skills, business ethics and goal setting. It is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! All proceeds from the cookie program support Arizona’s Girl Scouts.

    How the cookies crumbled, by the numbers:

    • 7,063 girls in central and northern Arizona sold 2,686,833 cookies
    • The per girl average was 380 boxes each, up from 320 boxes each in 2021
    • The top cookie seller, Kaitlyn of Troop 2232 in Glendale, sold 7,788 boxes of cookies
    • The top troop, Troop 558 in Peoria, sold 64,886 boxes of cookies
    • 113 girls sold over 2,000 boxes each
    • 843,710 packages were sold online through its Digital Cookie program
    • The most popular cookie sold was Girl Scout Thin Mints
    • In its first year, 247,456 boxes of Adventurefuls found their way to local homes
    • Girl Scouts hosted hundreds of booths thanks to restaurant and retail supporters, and long-term partners like Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores (Bashas’, Food City, A.J.’s), and Safeway

    In other sweet news, 19 restaurants participated in the 8th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. The Dessert Challenge invites chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants to support Arizona’s girls by creating a special dessert using one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout Cookies. A public voting component was introduced last year, allowing diners to vote for their favorite dessert! With 22% of the votes in the central Arizona area, Nook Kitchen and chef Amber Cumming took the title for best dessert with their Don’t Mind if I Do using Girl Scout Do-si-dos. In the northern Arizona region, Shift won with 37.5% of the votes for their Mint Chocolate Churros created by chef Dara Wong featuring Girl Scout Thin Mints. A portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold was donated to support Girl Scouting in our community.

    The season also marked the first-ever Girl Scout night during a Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Arena and Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run and Walk, which took place on Feb. 26 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners and the community at large, featured music, food and even a Girl Scout business or two. In total, more than 400 girls and their families took part with the community in this special event day-of.

    The overwhelming success of this year’s cookie program was possible only with the support of the community. All funds raised stay in Arizona, ensuring girls will have the resources they need to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.


    About Girl Scouts

    Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org. 

    Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)

    In partnership with 6,000 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 www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

    About the Girl Scout Cookie Program

    The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.

  • Cactus Bloom Service Unit

    Troop 2425 (Multi-Level)

    Years as a Troop Leader: 7


    What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

    When my oldest daughter was a Daisy, one of the leaders stepped down and I was approached about taking over that role. I decided that it would be a great opportunity to support my daughter in her Girl Scout Journey as well as spend time with her. I had no idea what it fully entailed but I’ve enjoyed being able to share this experience with my daughter as well as our troop.

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

    We are a multi-level, multi-school troop, and we love to bonding together by giving back to our community. We like to engage the girls with new experiences, introduce them to different worlds, and promote team building with an emphasis on supporting their Girl Scout Sisters. As the girls have aged, encampment has become one of their favorite things to do. Each camp allows them to try new things, meet other Girl Scouts, and bond. One of their favorite things to do is skip the bonfires and have dance parties and tell bad jokes in their cabins. Those nights are full of laughter, memories, and stories that they will tell years later from a previous encampment.

    What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?

    We have done several different types of service projects. We like to teach the girls about the different ways to give back (time, monetary, etc.). A few of the service projects we’ve completed have been:

    • Collecting donations for the Arizona Animal Welfare League
    • We’ve read to the dogs at the MCSO MASH Unit
    • Collected donations and pop-tops for the Ronald McDonald House
    • Made and donated dog toys
    • Put together Snowman Soup to give out at a “Shop with a Cop” event for the Peoria Police Department
    • Created donation boxes for Domestic Violence Awareness month
    • Painted rocks that were placed at the Oncology unit of the Mayo Clinic.

    With each project, I see the girls’ passion and their growth as leaders!

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

    One of my favorite moments was when our troop hosted a daddy/daughter day to build robots that earned girl their Robotics badges. As moms we get to participate in programs more often, but the ability to include the dads and allow the girls to show their dads what they can do was great. It allowed the girls to bring their dads into our Girl Scout world but also allowed the dads to see how incredible and capable their daughters are.

    It also bring be great joy to see how the girls love and support each other. It doesn’t matter who they are within the troop, you are guaranteed to hear giggles and discussion. They are there for each other, encouraging each other during a difficult moment, applauding and praising when one succeeds, and ensuring each girl is safe. Those are the bonds and moments I believe help shape their experience and will leave lifelong impressions.

    What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

    My advice to other troop leaders would be, allow yourself some grace. Life is busy and there are times when we don’t always feel on our game but that is the best time to lean on your fellow Troop Leaders and share the responsibilities. The girls will see your actions and will learn how to ask for help or even step-up when someone needs help. Leading by example is important and can help groom positive self-care and mental health examples. Leading takes a village.

    What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?

    You do not need to know everything about Girl Scouts and do not hold yourself to another troop’s standards. Each troop is unique, like a snowflake, and what one does may not be what’s best for your troop. Find your own groove. There are a million resources available which can be overwhelming but do not fret, you do you. And if you need help, ask. Look for a mentor within your neighborhood or even another that you are comfortable with, and you can lean on. We are all here to support each other.

    What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?

    If you’d like to see improvements or changes within your neighborhood or council, get involved. There are many types of committees that you can join. They might seem intimidating at first, but you will not regret it. I’ve been able to support IGMs, new volunteers, present at a council training, and even provide council feedback on training over the years. Everyone has skills that they can offer, and we always need new ideas and sounding boards to make our daughters experiences better.

    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 Girl Scout Cookies each year. I think the cookie program helps girls learn how to handle money, how to improve customer service skills, and proper etiquette when a guest is at a business. These are all important lessons that the girls will need to know throughout their life. No matter what career path they choose or where they adventure, they will need to understand money, working with others, and proper etiquette. It’s OK to be sad when goals aren’t hit or a customer refuses or ignores you but we like to teach the girls how to handle rejection, move on and try not to dwell on a handful of “nos”.

    What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?

    This is where we’ve seen success with girl behaviors and etiquette. Our girls always thank customers no matter if it’s a “yes” or “no” and they like to add a touch at the end such as “have a great day” or “thanks for supporting” based on the response from the customer. We’ve had customers return to purchase based on etiquette alone. I don’t believe there are many tricks to selling as it comes down to the girls’ goals and how they want to push themselves. We have one who will knock it out of the park every year and as soon as she hits a goal, she sets another. We also have some girls who use this as an opportunity to help support the troop and they focus on wanting to help earn funds for high awards. I love the flexibility of the program and how it allows the girls to lead but with clear boundaries to help them succeed.

    What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?

    When a girl finds her voice or is willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and try something new is such a great feeling. I love that our girls are learning healthy boundaries and supporting themselves while having fun. Leading is great but most speak of leading others; we want them to lead themselves and witnessing a girl learn her worth and lead herself is a true testimony of what the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is.

  • True North

    By Bobbie Legg

    Times change. People change. Places change. But deep inside, your heart’s inner compass knows the way. Years of Girl Scouting taught me to be true to my own values and ambitions. As a Girl Scout Cadette, my involvement in the organization helped me gain the courage to pursue my own interests outside of what was popular in the world around me. This strength followed me into higher Girl Scout levels and other areas of my life. I learned to follow my true North.

    The pandemic that struck in 2020 has changed all our lives. Repeated surveys have reported that at least 55% of Americans are seeking a new job. People are looking at their lives through a new lens and are considering changes that may help them feel more congruent to their values. Given this time to look back and evaluate our lives, we ask, “Are you happy with the life you are living?”

    Do you know your true North? What does your authentic self, crave? Listen to that voice. As we emerge out of this stormy time, know that you have a true purpose. Let your self-awareness guide you in path that leads you to excel at what is most important to YOU.

    Looking for your true North? Take time to journal and reflect on these thirty questions written by Bill George, author of Discover Your True North.

    1. What do you want your legacy to be? 10, 20, 50 years from now, what will your name mean?
    2. What one word do you want people to use to describe you? What do you think they’d currently use?
    3. If money was no object, how would you spend your time? What would your day look like?
    4. Fill in the blank: My life is a quest for _______. What motivates you? Money? Love? Acceptance?
    5. If you were to donate everything you have to a cause or charity, which would it be?
    6. What is your biggest regret? If you could go back and have a ‘redo,’ what would you change?
    7. When was the last time you told a lie? Why? What would have happened if you had told the truth?
    8. If you accomplish one thing by the end of the year, what would make the biggest impact on your happiness?
    9. What do you think is the meaning of life? Do you live your life accordingly?
    10. What would others say is your biggest asset? What would they say is your biggest flaw? Be honest.
    11. What did you like to do when you were 10 years old? When was the last time you did that activity?
    12. What do you love most about your current job? What do you wish you could do more of?
    13. What do you think you were put on this earth to learn? What were you put here to teach?
    14. What keeps you awake at night when you should be sleeping? What gets you out of bed in the mornings?
    15. List your core values. Use your company’s mission statement to list its core values. Do they match up?
    16. What skills do people frequently compliment you on? These may not be what you think you’re best at.
    17. If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would you say?
    18. What do you not want others to know about you? Use your answer to find and conquer insecurities.
    19. List the five people you interact with most frequently (not necessarily friends). How is each helping you to reach your goals (or not)?
    20. If yourself from ten years ago met you today, would he/she be impressed with where you’ve gotten? Why or why not?
    21. What bugs you? If it makes you mad, you’re passionate about it! Can you make your anger productive?
    22. Fast-forward ten or twenty years. What is the one thing that, if you never pursued, you’d always regret?
    23. When was the last time you embarrassed yourself? You have to be vulnerable to find your purpose.
    24. Who or what energizes you? What makes you feel depleted? Do you thrive on chaos, or prefer order?
    25. Who do you look up to? Who are your mentors, both those you know personally and those who inspire you from afar?
    26. Think about your talents, passions, and values. How can you use them to serve and contribute to society?
    27. Why do you want to find your purpose? Write the answer down and put it somewhere you can see it. The journey isn’t always easy.
    28. What in your life is ‘on hold’? Until you lose weight, until you retire, etc. What are you waiting for?
    29. What price would you take to give up on your dreams? What price would you be willing to pay to achieve them?
    30. Now that you’ve answered these questions, what is your action plan? What steps will you take today?

    In Girl Scouting, we support and encourage one another in our journeys. Join us in the Authentic Leadership Community as we all look to improve our own lives and the lives of the girls we serve.

    Want to learn more about the Authentic Leadership Community? Check us out here. Want to get more involved or have questions? Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org

  • (PHOENIX – Feb. 23, 2022) – Join Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), State Forty Eight, and State Forty Eight Foundation for the first-ever Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run and Walk on Feb. 26 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to families, competitive runners and the community at large, will start and finish at Sun Devil Stadium and feature music, food and even a Girl Scout business or two. All registered participants will receive a Girl Scout goodie bag with a State Forty Eight branded 5K shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies, a medal, and more.

    “For six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in central and northern Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: The Girl Scout Cookie Program,” says Christina Spicer, interim Co-CEO for GSACPC. “Bring Home the Cookies 5k is a celebration of all our incredible girls and their dedication, innovation, and creativity during these unique times. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their whole life. We are also honored to celebrate with State Forty Eight and State Forty Eight Foundation as we close out this year’s cookie season.”

    “We are thrilled to have joined forces with Girl Scouts to celebrate the spirit of local entrepreneurship,” says Mike Spangenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of State Forty Eight. “They do so much to equip and empower the young women of our community to be leaders, that it was an easy decision to choose them as our partner for our first-ever 5K.”

    In addition to the race itself, the event will feature special appearances from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, Arizona Cardinals’ Cheerleaders and Big Red, and a Runner’s Village both with traditional booths and vendors as well as food trucks and even a couple Girl Scout entrepreneurs, notably 9-year-old Giselle, a Girl Scout Junior with Troop 2894 in Goodyear, who will exhibit her Pawsome Pet Boutique.

    “Giselle used the skills she learned and confidence she gained through the Girl Scout Cookie program to start her own business,” says Mary Mitchell, co-interim CEO of GSACPC. “Her business, through which she sews and personalizes over-the-collar pet bandanas, makes pet bowls and creates handmade gemstone jewelry for pet lovers, even donates 10% of all sales to Sun City 4Paws Rescue, paying it forward as part of her business model.” 

    The Runner’s Village will open at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. It will be followed by a celebration and medal ceremony. The course is a fast-paced route that loops with a minimal elevation change. This course is perfect for attempting a personal record or having a fun, leisurely run or walk. Water will be available for runners and walkers at the start, finish and midpoint. Restrooms are public and near the start, finish and expo areas. Sports strollers, running chairs, handcycles, sports wheelchairs, prostheses and canes are allowed on the course.

    Girl Scouts and their accompanying family members can participate in the race untimed for free. For those who wish to sign on as timed runners or walkers, registration starts at $80 and there are team options for sign-up. 

    “This event would not be possible without a village – a Runner’s Village, to be specific – of supporters, including sponsors at State Forty Eight, State Forty Eight Foundation, Ardie & Steve Evans, Clear Channel Outdoor, Lovett & Touché, Helios Education Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, KITCHELL, Duffy Group, Mutual of Arizona Financial Group, As You Wish, Bashas’, Burrito Express, Circle K, Kappa Delta, and LAVIDGE,” says Spicer. 

    “This a cause that is deeply aligned with the mission of our foundation,” says Alyssa Moore, Executive Director for State Forty Eight Foundation. “To co-create a fun event with our local Girl Scout chapter that will in turn support Arizona’s future leaders and business owners is very exciting for us.”

    Visit www.bringhomethecookies5k.com to sign up today. 

    About Girl Scouts

    Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org. 

    About Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)

    In partnership with 6,000 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 www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

    About the Girl Scout Cookie Program

    The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.

    *** Please note that Girl Scout Cookie Program dates are set by each of the 112 councils throughout the United States and vary based on the local market and environment. The 2022 cookie program for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is Jan. 17 – Feb. 27, 2022. GSACPC is one of two  councils in Arizona. GSACPC includes central and northern Arizona. The second council, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSoAZ), includes Tucson and Yuma, and their cookie program is Jan. 22 – March 13, 2022.

  • by M. Kate Allen

    When my oldest daughter was a Daisy running her Girl Scout Cookie business for the first time, I helped her write her very first handwritten thank-you cards to her cookie customers. This is a tradition that has continued with both of my daughters every year since, both during cookie season and the Fall Product Program. The only thing better than receiving an order of Girl Scout Cookies is receiving a handwritten letter of gratitude with them. I’ve heard numerous cookie customers of my daughter’s comment on the thank-you cards they received, and I’m convinced that the cards are a factor in cookie customers coming back the following year.

    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 level it is magic. A handwritten note takes effort. It takes time. It takes 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. These steps can be done with others or in solitude, whatever you prefer.

    Hand-Written Note – Self-Care Activity

    First, take yourself on a trip, in-person or virtually, to a store that sells stationary. I like to visit local bookstores like Changing Hands in Tempe/Phoenix, but any bookstore, drugstore, dollar store, or online retailer will do. Find some eye-pleasing stationary or thank-you cards that delight you, even if (perhaps especially if) someone else would find it silly.

    Second, find yourself a fancy pen, a marker, a colored pencil, or a crayon. The brighter and more unusual and fun the color, the better.

    Third, scavenge for stickers. Splurge on a pack if you don’t already have some. Consider splurging on a pack even if you do have some. 

    Fourth, 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. Write with intention and answer questions like what are you thankful for? Why is this amazing human 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.

    Fifth, fold your letter, place it in an envelope, address it to yourself, stick a stamp on it, as 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.

    Sixth, check the mail like you’re waiting for a reply to fan mail 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 someone close to you. Consider even writing one for someone else and mailing it to them!

    Seventh, put your note to yourself somewhere close-to-hand so you can read it as often as you wish. You’re worth it.