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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I remember seeing how much fun my now co-leader and best friend were having in the organization, but also how much my daughter loved being a Girl Scout. Those moments inspired me to become a troop leader. I love being able to share new ideas with the girls and watch them grow and accomplish their goals.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop likes to experience new things and learn from other community members. One of the many activities we planned , was a field trip to the FBI where the girls had an opportunity to talk to an agent that works in their armory. We also attended Circus School where the girls tried trapeze, tightrope and more. As a troop, we enjoy neighborhood encampments and any activities that involve art or give us the chance to be creative. This summer, we’re preparing to travel to Camp Surf in San Diego!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop loves giving back to the community, and we try to organize different service projects, some of which include:
• Making dog toys and reading to animals at the Maricopa Animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit
• Preparing care packages for cancer patients
• Sending thank you cards to military personnel overseas
• Collecting donations for Ronald McDonald House
• Creating collection boxes for the City of Peoria to support National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
This is a tough one because there are many! What stands out to me is watching the girls try something new and problem-solve. Being able to see the girls grow and make big changes in the world has been an amazing privilege.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
Meetings don’t have to be perfect. Being flexible and finding the best time to have a productive and fun meeting is important. As a troop leader, if you’re ever in need of ideas or you’re unsure about an activity, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
As a new leader, I wish I had a better understanding of all the training and support that’s available. I really encourage new leaders to get to know their Service Unit Team because they have a wealth of knowledge and resources to assist your troop and take on new challenges.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding experience! There are so many ways to support girls regardless of the grade level you serve. You can help with recruitment, our cookie season, and Girl Scout events and activities.
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, and even though cookie season does provide troop funds, the amount of confidence and skills learned during cookie season is invaluable. There’s no better feeling than seeing our cookie bosses setting and accomplishing goals every year. I love seeing the creativity shine through as the girls prepare to market and sell cookies.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
We believe keeping our booths simple is key to attracting customers. Simple, tasteful displays seem to work best for sales, especially if you have a few ideas/suggestions for each flavor. For example, “s’mores are amazing if you pop them in the microwave for a few seconds” or “lemon-ups are delicious with hot tea or adding a little vanilla ice cream”, etc. Lastly, make sure your girls know each of the cookies to be able to describe their flavor profile or answer questions about them.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
I was inspired when I saw our older girls earn their Bronze Award and go on to work on their Silver Award. Our girls have such kind hearts and amazing ideas and seeing how they engage with their communities and implement projects to solve a local or global issue is truly amazing.
As I move through different social settings, I have noticed a few constants around listening. Often people struggle to project their voices loud enough to be heard, while others don’t hear what others have to say for a variety of reasons. At Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, we believe in nurturing a culture of listening. We call this: witnessing in circle.
Witnessing in circle is an experience where people come together to simply be heard. The point is to be present in the moment and “witness” the person who is speaking step into their power with what they share. Some troops practice this by using a talking stick that gives everyone a chance to speak without interruption, crosstalk, fixing, or contradiction from others.
When I first practiced “witnessing in circle”, my go-getter spirit found it a little unnerving. I thought, “Am I supposed to do something with what I just heard?”, “Am I supposed to offer comfort, remedy, or insight to this person?” The answer to my questions was “no.” I was to remain silent unless someone asked for a response. While there are circumstances in which hearing what another person has to say, does require further action there are instances where a solution or an opinion is not required. If someone shares they’ve been struggling to establish a good habit, and I offer unsolicited advice, I am placing myself in their experience instead of witnessing it.
The choice to witness (be fully present) while someone is being vulnerable in their thoughts and words is a profound way of honoring their humanity. It’s like saying, “what you have to say is valuable without limit.” Instead of approaching conversations with an intention to change their mind, or prioritize our voice over theirs, it’s important to take a step back and create space for others to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. It’s a powerful tool that I hope more Girl Scouts and volunteers can embrace.
A multi-level troop is a diverse group of Girl Scouts ranging in ages and grade levels, like a troop of Brownies and Juniors. In these troops, girls learn how to collaborate and build meaningful friendships with one another while modeling the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Multi-level troops may also encourage older girls to mentor the younger ones, which could earn them badges and Journey elements that represent their ability to guide younger Girl Scouts. Even though leading a diverse group of girls can be challenging, creating an inclusive learning environment for all is rewarding.
Here’s how you can prepare for your multi-level troop:
Review our Girl Scout guidelines for leadership and programs to make sure you are using the adult-to-girl ratio chart to supervise the girls in your troop.
Organize girl-led activities that include all grade levels in your troop. Please note that some activities for older girls might not be possible for younger girls to participate in, so activities might need to be adapted or facilitated separately.
Tip: Allow the older girls to teach or assist the younger ones. If the activity is a craft, consider pairing an older girl with a younger one and have them work together. If safety is a concern or there is no way to adapt the activity in an appropriate manner, ask the volunteers to separate the troop into smaller groups for that portion of the meeting.
Use GSUSA’s Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) as an online resource to plan activities, and learn all about badges, awards, Journeys, patch programs, and service projects.
Tip: Ask troop volunteers to become program experts for a specific grade level to make sure everyone is following their corresponding program. Having two volunteers for each grade level can be of great help!
Host separate meetings with volunteers to discuss the troop’s goals. Volunteers can use this as an opportunity to plan activities for their grade level and complete trainings to ensure the safety and well-being of the girls.
Incorporate activities that bring everyone together, such as opening and closing ceremonies, songs, games, and age-appropriate field trips.
Being part of a multi-level troop is an exciting and challenging experience for the volunteers and the girls. Since the National Program Portfolio changes for every group, keeping track of the materials and activities for each grade level can be difficult. Sometimes, meeting spaces might not accommodate everyone in the troop, or there might not be enough volunteers to assist with activities; however, the keys to leading a multi-level troop lies in building community and adapting to changes. As you prepare to lead your troop, remind the girls that although they may be in different grade levels, they are all part of the unique sisterhood of Girl Scouts.
For more helpful hints and information, please read these two articles from GSUSA:
(PHOENIX – August 16, 2022) – Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is pleased to announce it will offer the new Raspberry Rally cookie, a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a delicious chocolaty coating, during its 2023 Cookie Season, which will take place Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2023. Raspberry Rally will not take the place of any other Girl Scout Cookie favorites across Central and Northern Arizona. It will serve as an enhancement to the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. This new, limited-edition cookie will be the first in the Girl Scout Cookie lineup to be exclusively offered for online direct shipment only, enhancing girls’ e-commerce sales and entrepreneurial skills.
“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is all about teaching entrepreneurship. When searching for new opportunities for girls, Girl Scouts of the United States considered simplicity, new skills, and building overall excitement for everyone. Having an online-exclusive cookie enables Girl Scouts to learn entrepreneurship through their own online businesses by building relevant omni-channel selling skills, pitching to customers online, and providing convenience to purchasers,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC.
Through the Digital Cookie platform, which GSACPC has utilized since 2016 in addition to traditional booths, girls build a custom website so they can invite friends and family to purchase cookies, with the option of having cookies delivered in-person or shipped directly to their home. Girls can also use the Digital Cookie Mobile App to accept credit card payments on the go from customers. Digital Cookie also introduces lessons about online marketing, application use, and eCommerce to Girl Scouts, through building their own cookie website and managing their virtual sales.
All proceeds raised from both in-person and online cookie orders will directly benefit GSACPC and its troops.
“The Girl Scout Cookie is successful because through it Girl Scouts learn leadership, problem-solving, and community building, resulting in an invaluable experience that cultivates an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Through Digital Cookie, we are helping girls’ develop their entrepreneurial skills in a way that makes sense in today’s world. It is a valuable addition to the skillset they are learning through in-person sales and boothing.”
The Girl Scout Cookie Program encourages girls to be risk takers, to think outside of the box, and to be confident in their own abilities. Whether they’re working toward earning their Cookie Goal Setter badge as a Daisy or their My Cookie Business Resume badge as an Ambassador, Girl Scouts are learning qualities crucial for all forms of leadership and life-skills. The program embraces the understanding of the world of business, money management, and entrepreneurship. Cookie Business badges range anywhere from goal setting to learning effective in-person and online sales pitches, using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns.
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.
Girl Scouts has many opportunities to learn and do new things while having fun in a safe, comfortable environment. I love to see children learning and having fun. So, knowing that I could make a difference, I signed on to be a troop leader which has been incredibly rewarding.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
As a troop, we have completed many programs and projects. A few of them include:
• Gardening
• A field trip to Peter Piper Pizza for a pizza-making workshop
• Christmas caroling at nursing homes alongside other troops
• The Goodwill Shoe Drive
• Participating in a flag activity for Veterans Day
We also love learning about ourselves and participating in exercises and activities that will help us build our self-esteem.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop loves giving back to the community! In addition to some of the projects I’ve already shared, we partnered with West Phoenix High School to help in their holiday gift donation program. The girls learned how to wrap gifts that would be delivered to kindergarten students. We have also cleaned up a school’s campus by picking up trash.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A volunteer moment that stands out for me was when the girls sang Christmas carols at the community nursing home. The girls confidently sang their songs and even recited some original poetry. They had worked so hard to memorize the song lyrics and poems; it was a moment where I realized how much they had grown as individuals and as a troop.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
The advice I would share with troop leaders is to lead with compassion, focus on building relationships, and always show love. The girls are doing their best to learn and gain the most out of this program – showing consistent love and understanding will make a huge difference when they are faced with adversity. Building relationships with parents will prove to be essential whenever help is needed. You’re not in this alone.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me how much work goes into being a troop leader. At times it can feel like I have a second job, but it is all worth it when I see the girls creating change in our community and growing into strong, confident women.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our girls. It feels great to share knowledge with them and offer guidance when learning new skills, all while having fun! Know that they will value this experience for the rest of their lives.
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 troops sell cookies. It is important to participate in the cookie program because it develops the girls’ self-esteem and confidence. They feel proud of their accomplishments, help one another in reaching their goals, and work as a team to fundraise. From the program they learn social skills, going from being shy and anxious to being confident and self-assured.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Look at your environment and respond accordingly. If a potential customer comes out of a restaurant, say “how about some cookies for dessert?”. When speaking with the elderly, ask if they would like to purchase cookies for grandchildren. Cookies can be used for Valentine’s Day and birthday gifts – cookies can be used as any kind of gift!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moments arise when I see the girls learning and then when they apply what they have learned to other areas of their lives. Girl Scouts really does go beyond their time in the program; I cannot wait to see what my girls accomplish in the future.
I became a troop leader to a newly forming Daisy troop because I wanted to fully experience the joys of Girl Scouts with my [then] kindergarten-aged daughter. I was a Girl Scout from the age of seven to 17 and had an absolutely amazing troop leader and overall, Girl Scouting experience! I knew that if I could replicate the wonderful experiences she provided to my troop, I could positively impact so many girls through this program. I knew that my participation as a leader could encourage confidence, leadership, friendship, and provide experiences to girls that they often won’t have elsewhere!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop just wants to be outside and help animals! They want to build, make, and play in nature any time they can, so our entire troop family works diligently to plan meetings and outings that give the girls outdoor experiences as often as possible. We have gone on numerous hikes and have learned how to navigate maps, how to read compasses, and how to use clues to find letterboxes in the desert. Each year we have safety meetings where our girls learn how to pack needs versus wants for outdoor excursions, and how to help a friend in need with their first aid skills. Last year we spent several meetings and field trips learning about desert animals and bugs, and each girl created an entire presentation on outdoor safety with desert plants and animals that they presented to the troop. Shortly after this was when our girls were able to get up close and personal with snakes and tarantulas with the Arizona Bug Guy! I believe that experience has been a troop favorite thus far!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop dedicated an entire afternoon to volunteering at a local bunny rescue. The girls prepared for the service project by learning about how non-profits work and what it costs to provide supplies for an animal rescue. Then, they put all of this into action by getting their hands dirty at the bunny rescue! They spent hours cleaning bunny cages, food bowls, water bowls, and litter pans (and petting bunnies too, of course).
After the bunny rescue, our troop created a plan for how we could raise money to purchase needed supplies and donate them to the rescue. We figured out that each girl needed to sell a certain amount of cookie packages to raise money for these products and our girls put these numbers on their Cookie Sales Goals sheets so they could show their customers what reaching their goal would mean to them, and the rescue. It was an all-encompassing service project that required our girls to think outside of personal sales goals for cookie season and to see how their efforts could help those in our community!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the greatest moments as a volunteer was hosting a Journey in A Day for our troop! Our entire troop came together – volunteers, parents, siblings, and friends united to help make this day a success for our troop. For me, it was amazing to have so many hands make the work light that could have been stressful. Instead, it was an incredible experience for everyone!
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect! Girls just want to make new friends and have fun. If you can teach them while they’re making new friends and having fun, even better. Use the resources available to you, and network, network, network! Experienced leaders can be a world of knowledge and can help you so much. So, attend your neighborhood meetings and introduce yourself to others. You’re not in this alone, ever!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
Ask your parents to become volunteers and to help right from the jump! Parents want to help; they just don’t know how to. Have parents fill out the troop forms and then use those forms to figure out parents’ strengths and where they can be of assistance to the troop. Parents have so many hidden talents and they can teach girls so many things that you might not have the skill or know how to do. Oh, and delegate when you need to! You don’t have to do it all.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
There are so many ways that you can volunteer with Girl Scouts, not just being a troop leader! Each neighborhood has a Service Team of volunteers that is always looking for a helping hand with finances, event planning, budgeting, communications, and so much more. Many hands make light work!
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Believe that the cookie program is the basis of entrepreneurship for Girl Scouts. It’s the simplest way to show our girls how to manage inventory and money, and how to talk about their goals and products to customers. Each year of selling cookies builds on another entrepreneurial skill and girls become more confident in themselves as they repeat the process year over year. It is important for [my] girls to participate in this program to gain confidence in making sales, ownership, and responsibility for the goals they set, as well as acquire leadership skills within their community.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
My top selling tip for cookie season is to have your girls start selling the very same-day cookie sales open. They will be the first to approach customers and they’re more likely to have the most sales right at the beginning. Don’t wait until the end when customers have already purchased from booths in the neighborhood! Also, always order more specialty cookies than you think you’ll need.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moment for me as a troop leader was when our girls gained the confidence to climb to the top of the rock walls! Many of our girls had never been up so high and were experiencing a lot of nerves that were keeping them from attempting a new adventure. A few of our girls who were ready to jump in and climb grabbed ahold of the hands of girls who were nervous and helped them get harnessed and feel secure. By the end of the meeting, all the girls were racing to the top of the climbing walls!
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?
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.
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.
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.
What do you want your legacy to be? 10, 20, 50 years from now, what will your name mean?
What one word do you want people to use to describe you? What do you think they’d currently use?
If money was no object, how would you spend your time? What would your day look like?
Fill in the blank: My life is a quest for _______. What motivates you? Money? Love? Acceptance?
If you were to donate everything you have to a cause or charity, which would it be?
What is your biggest regret? If you could go back and have a ‘redo,’ what would you change?
When was the last time you told a lie? Why? What would have happened if you had told the truth?
If you accomplish one thing by the end of the year, what would make the biggest impact on your happiness?
What do you think is the meaning of life? Do you live your life accordingly?
What would others say is your biggest asset? What would they say is your biggest flaw? Be honest.
What did you like to do when you were 10 years old? When was the last time you did that activity?
What do you love most about your current job? What do you wish you could do more of?
What do you think you were put on this earth to learn? What were you put here to teach?
What keeps you awake at night when you should be sleeping? What gets you out of bed in the mornings?
List your core values. Use your company’s mission statement to list its core values. Do they match up?
What skills do people frequently compliment you on? These may not be what you think you’re best at.
If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would you say?
What do you not want others to know about you? Use your answer to find and conquer insecurities.
List the five people you interact with most frequently (not necessarily friends). How is each helping you to reach your goals (or not)?
If yourself from ten years ago met you today, would he/she be impressed with where you’ve gotten? Why or why not?
What bugs you? If it makes you mad, you’re passionate about it! Can you make your anger productive?
Fast-forward ten or twenty years. What is the one thing that, if you never pursued, you’d always regret?
When was the last time you embarrassed yourself? You have to be vulnerable to find your purpose.
Who or what energizes you? What makes you feel depleted? Do you thrive on chaos, or prefer order?
Who do you look up to? Who are your mentors, both those you know personally and those who inspire you from afar?
Think about your talents, passions, and values. How can you use them to serve and contribute to society?
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.
What in your life is ‘on hold’? Until you lose weight, until you retire, etc. What are you waiting for?
What price would you take to give up on your dreams? What price would you be willing to pay to achieve them?
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.
I love teaching young girls new things, and the joy on their faces when they realize that they can accomplish anything is super rewarding. Watching them grow within the program and become independent young women makes it all worth it.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We love to do arts and crafts! I have learned that each girl has a different interest, so we try not to stay on the same platform for too long. Science and robotics are a major part of what we do also.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troops?
We spend much of our time working with Pet Allies, a local no kill animal shelter. The girls love spending time making sure that all the animals are loved and happy.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I have had the pleasure of being a mentor for two of my daughters as they earned their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Being able to guide them while they worked on making it their own was an amazing experience for me.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
My advice to other troop leaders would be, let them make a mess! Allow the girls to explore each activity and adventure in their own way. Sometimes this means that things won’t go perfectly, but that is all a part of the journey.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me to take advantage of my resources and to not be afraid to ask for help. We are all on the same team, working towards the same mission and goal. Ask for guidance when needed to help give the girls in your troop the best experience.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
This is the best experience that I have had.
Watching my daughter grow and learn is the best thing a mom could ask for. There are many ways to get involved with Girl Scouts but being a Troop Leader and having direct involvement with the girls’ growth has been my favorite part.
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 loves to sell cookies! The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps shy little girls blossom into a cookie boss that can change the world.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
One of my biggest selling tips is, don’t get discouraged by the people that tell you no; keep asking until someone says yes. It is about the triumphs and learning how to become a better entrepreneur.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
When a new girl comes to her first meeting, we as leaders like to make sure they feel welcome. We start the meeting by having everyone introduce themselves and tell the new girl something they like about Girl Scouts. At a recent meeting with a new girl, one of the other girls did that without being asked. Watching her step up into the leadership role and do the things that we taught her is what makes it all worth it.
My journey as a troop leader began when my oldest daughter showed interest in becoming a Girl Scout. To help give her the experience, I stepped up and became a leader. Then, when my youngest daughter joined, her troop needed a leader which I filled. It’s been such a rewarding experience to not only be a troop leader but also be one with my daughters involved.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We are in Flagstaff, so we like to take advantage of the nature and local scenery by exploring the outdoors. Additionally, we are currently working on our Bronze and Silver Awards, so the girls are gaining some valuable leadership experience.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
A lot of people don’t know that you can donate Girl Scout Cookies! Last year, my troop donated cookies to Hope Cottage, a local women’s and children shelter. This year my troop packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, an international project that provides children in various communities in need with shoe boxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. It was a moving experience that allowed the girls to give back.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I love helping the girls in my troop organize service team events. I get to see the girls take action, work together, and organize an event that will help our community. Two of my favorite events were the mother-daughter tea and the Christmas parade.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would tell other troop leaders to enjoy every moment and to be flexible. Sometimes, meetings will not go as planned and that is totally okay. Just take a deep breath and move forward!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone told me not to stress about the little things! This is a rewarding role to be in and the growth you see in the girls over time is the important piece.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I have a blast being a leader and on the service unit team! However, there are other ways to get involved with the organization outside of being a Troop Leader. For example, you can volunteer time in specific programs, you can lead outdoor activities, volunteer at events, and more!
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, we sell cookies. The cookie program funds what we do as a troop but more importantly, it teaches my girls confidence, ethics and how to be entrepreneurs. They step outside of their comfort zones to talk to members of the community and make sales!
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
The cookie program is a time of year when the public eye is on Girl Scouts, so it is important for girls to be professional when selling cookies. Also, we recommend that you wear your vests! People love to come over and ask about patches and pins – it’s a great way to transition into a cookie pitch.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
It’s a Girl Scout Camp tradition to have a camp name and a camp name is given to you by another Girl Scout. One of my favorite moments was when my troop went to Jamboree and the girls gave me my camp name. It was a special moment that I will keep with me for a long time.
The new year is upon us and with it comes the excitement of setting new year’s resolutions! Around this time also our cookie season begins and girls set goals and make thoughtful, strategic decisions about how they want to achieve them. We’ll show you an activity you can introduce to your troop that will show them the strength of outline steps to big goals.
My daughters have often aimed high when it comes to goal setting during cookie season. They’ll be the first to tell you that the recognitions for high achievers are enticing. When it comes to showing up for the work required to meet those lofty goals, though, the enthusiasm that comes with goal setting can dwindle. Established habits and desires to do other things may end up taking precedence, and if they do, disappointment about the failure to meet goals can surface.
Making a resolution for the new year is like setting a goal for cookie season. How does one strike a balance between setting resolutions and developing habits that support the actions required for them?
Below is an exercise you can do in a hands-on way to explore this balance and reach your goals.
Supplies
6 strips of colorful cardstock or paper (1″ wide, 8.5″ long)
A colorful marker/pen
Clear tape
One marble
Instructions
Step 1: On the first strip of cardstock, write down your resolution. On three additional strips, write down three steps that will support your success in meeting that resolution. These steps may include actions you know you’ll need to take as well as subsequent actions you’ll take if/when your initial interest begins to fade.
Step 2: Hold up your marble. This is your resolution. Now use the strips of paper to pick up your marble. How well do the strips hold your resolution?
Step 3: Arrange two of the strips next to one another vertically on a flat surface. Then weave two strips horizontally through the vertical strips, alternating between going over and under. Once this is done, you’ll have a plus sign with a woven square at the center. This square is the floor of your container. From here, fold the ends of the strips so that they stand straight up above the floor of the container. These will be the walls of the container.
Step 4: Take another strip and fold it every two inches along its length to form a square shape. Tape the ends of this strip together to secure the square shape.
Step 5: Position your square from Step 4 so it is parallel with the floor of your container. Weave the square from Step 4 onto the upstanding ends of your container from Step 3. The ends of the container from Step 3 should alternate over and under the square from Step 4 on all four sides. Once this is done, repeat steps 3 and 4 with a second strip of paper.
Step 6: Fold the ends of the vertical strips from Step 3 over the second square from Step 5 (fold it toward the inside of the container if the strip is on the outside of the square, and fold it toward the outside of the container if the strip is on the inside of the square). Tape the folded ends to the walls of the container.
Step 7: Put your marble in the container you’ve woven and pick up the container. How does the container support your marble compared to the individual strips of paper? Describe what was it like to weave a container for your resolution. What do you imagine it would be like to try weaving a container again for a new resolution? Journal for 5-10 minutes about the process and share your insights with someone you know.
Try this activity with your troop and have a discussion on goal setting. Share your troop’s experience with creative goal setting at stories@girlscoutsaz.org
This article is hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community. The Authentic Leadership Community is currently running a new workshop for Service Units – Introduction to Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. We would love to visit your SU! To learn more and sign up, please complete our interest form.
girlscoutsaz.blog 