Category Archives: Leaders

December 14, 2021

Oasis Service Unit 

Troop 308 (Multi-Level Troop) 

Years as a Troop Leader: 20 

What inspired you to become a troop leader? 

A Girl Scout myself, I really enjoyed my experience and wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to create her own Girl Scout memories. One day my daughter brought home a call for volunteer flyer from school and I didn’t think twice about joining. I filled out the form to get started as a volunteer and the rest has been history! 

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

My troop enjoys various activities! We especially like participating in community service projects, product programs (like selling Fall Product), and doing crafts! We have also enjoyed presenting girl programs within our neighborhood, camping, and traveling.

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

We have volunteered at Feed My Starving Children events and at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that build beds for kids who are in need of one. We also participate in a neighborhood project called “Books Bears and Blankets” that the girls enjoy.

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

There are multiple moments for me. I enjoy the “ah-ha” moments with the girls. For example, the first time they see snow, when a concept clicks, the sense of pride when they cook or clean for themselves, or when they conquer a problem. 

I also treasure random, unexpected hugs and knowing that the girl that drives you nuts is the one that needs you the most. Additionally, a volunteer moment that stands out has been sitting on the Board of Directors and getting to be a part of the historic decision to rebuild Camp Sombrero into the wonder that is now known as the Parsons Leadership Center.

What advice would you give other troop leaders?

The advice I’d give to another troop leader is “you do you”. Be a little selfish when setting meeting times and activities. If it doesn’t work for you, you are more likely to experience burn out and leave. Have thick skin and don’t take issues personally. Remember your why – the girls, they make everything else the little stuff great and worth it, so don’t sweat it.

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

Gosh, that was a long time ago! I wish someone had told me that there would be ups and downs, but to stay on the high road. I have, and it has served me well! Also, to participate in product sales fully to be able to do more without stressing out parents.

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

You only get so much time with your children and volunteering with her troop is an amazing way to spend time with her as well as the unknown impact you will have on other girls along the way.

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! Girls gain so much from the Girl Scout Cookie Program. I have seen a girl who started off hiding behind the cookie packages because she was afraid of taking to others move into performance arts. I have had a girl who attended speech therapy stop going during the program because her parents thought she got more speech practice selling cookies. 

The cookie program has funded many wonderful activities and trips that we would have not been able to participate in otherwise! The understanding of profit and expenses, budgeting, customer service, and goal setting are invaluable tools for the girls that they will use throughout their lives.

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

We start the cookie season with a troop meeting where we make signs for our booths and do a troop walkabout. This gives the girls the confidence to do walkabouts (door-to-door sales) on their own, in their own neighborhoods.

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

It has been so inspiring to see my troop become independent and grow into capable and courage young women. For example, watching the girls deliver program to younger girls, and allowing them to run the program, and them adjusting things along the way as they see fit. These are priceless experiences and memories that we have had together as Girl Scouts. 

November 15, 2021

Tiffany is pictured in the far right. 

 Cactus Service Unit 

Troop 758 (Seniors) 

Years as a Troop Leader: 8 

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

My daughter wanted to join Girl Scouts, and her troop needed a leader. Having been a Girl Scout for 14 years, I wanted her experience to be as amazing as mine had been, so I volunteered to help!

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

My troop likes to do it all! We participate in many of the activities our Council or its partners host. We also have hosted many events for our neighborhood, Cactus Bloom, including Mother-Daughter Tea, Journey at Night Lock-In, and Operation Christmas Child Packing Party.

We also love to explore the outdoors. We have gone on many hikes in Sedona and have visited both caves at Kartchner Caverns. We’ve even gone indoor skydiving! My troop loves to volunteer, and we love helping at the Arizona Animal Welfare League and St. Mary’s Food Bank.

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

My troop has helped pack and send over 500 boxes of toys and personal items for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan’s Purse. We sewed “joey pouches” that hold baby kangaroos whose mothers were injured during the Australian Wildfires. And last year, we hosted a holiday food drive for our neighborhood where we collected and donated over 1,900 pounds of food for St. Mary’s Food Bank. Additionally, we used our cookie money to make “Just for Me” bags for the Glendale Family Advocacy Center.

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

Every year I let the girls throw a whipped cream pie in my face for “creaming” our cookie goals. I end up completely covered in whipped cream, and the girls have a blast doing it. Our togetherness, ability to laugh together and make memories is what I appreciate most – I love making them smile!

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

I would tell other Troop Leaders to enjoy the journey even when the road is bumpy. Celebrate little victories because they matter too. And to learn from your girls as much as you can.

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

I wish someone had told me that no matter how prepared you think you are, it’s ok not to have any idea of what you are doing in running a troop. It will all be ok and work out how it’s supposed to. Girls learn and benefit from watching you learn too. And there are tools and resources to help you in the process or get started.  

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

Girl Scouts is more than just the cookie program! Also, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is not just for young girls but for older girls too. They gain so many valuable life and entrepreneurial skills. If they start from a young age, the program is developed to grow with them, progressing the skills or teaching them new ones at every girl level. For example, learning to count change for younger Girl Scout Daisies, to learning how to manage inventory online for older Girl Scouts. 

Why is it important to participate in the Cookie Program?

My troop has come a long way from shy little Daisies to the young women they are today. The cookie program has truly allowed them to take ownership of their cookie business and build resilience and confidence to speak to customers and handle small challenges. The girls have learned to be experts in their business, express their creativity, and showcase their leadership and communication skills by answering questions and helping customers make decisions. You really do see their growth and maturity shine.

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

Something that our troop discussed is when a cookie customer first says they’re not interested in cookies because they’ve recently started a diet for the New Year – since our cookie program begins after the new year, typically in mid-January. A way to overcome this that my troop has mastered is asking customers to purchase cookies to donate! It works nine times out of 10, and the girls turn a “no” into a “yes.”

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

It has been inspiring watching my girls take on challenges and learn new skills. And even more when overcoming fears like sleeping outdoors, going down a zipline at an encampment, or fear of heights while climbing a rock wall, or venturing into a darkened cave to see rock formations. It makes me proud to be a Girl Scout Troop Leader and watch them unleash their potential and showcase their courage and confidence!

October 19, 2021

Coyote Plains Service Unit 

Troop 6455 (Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors)

Years as a Troop Leader: 4 

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

My Troop Leader story started with a love of Girl Scout Cookies! My husband is a huge fan, and during cookie season, he would sometimes struggle to find a booth. Those cookie hunts sparked an interest in Girl Scouts as a whole. 

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

My troop loves spending time together and being their genuine selves. However, our community service events and summer camp are the two areas that really excite us! 

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

Some of the projects my troop has completed include: 

• Trash pick-ups 
• Animal supply drive 
• Community food drive 
• Crafted holiday cards for a local nursing home 
• Collected and donated books 
• Made water conservation bookmarks for a library
• Donated computers to schools 
• Packing food for Feed My Starving Children 

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

I attended the end-of-the-year meeting and was able to see how successful our Council is; it was inspiring. The commitment displayed by each employee, volunteer, partner, and board member has allowed GSACPC to expand the opportunities available to girls with each passing year. Our Council’s success really makes the difference, and in my opinion, we are doing a great job in securing a future for many generations of Girl Scouts to come. 

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

Communication is the key to everything, especially in Girl Scouts. Don’t be afraid to connect with other leaders in your Service Unit to get advice, suggestions for fun activities, and most of all – perspective. Ask yourself, “what do the girls want?” Their voices and opinions matter. 

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

I wish someone had told me that every troop is different, and the dynamic can change over time. There is no template for what a troop should look or act like; the girls will ultimately decide how the troop will be run and how they interact. Every possibility is the right possibility. 

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

Volunteering with Girl Scouts is an excellent opportunity for someone to grow their professional skills. Pull any job posting, and you’ll see how being a part of Girl Scouts aligns! Team building, creating a growth strategy, networking, financial bookkeeping, and so much more. Whatever area in which a person is looking to grow, a volunteer opportunity within Girl Scouts can fit their personal and professional goals. 

Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us why it is important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?

My troop always participates in any fundraising opportunities, especially cookies. With each year that the girls get older, they gain more independence in handling the details of the cookie program. The program is a highly engaging experience for all troop members as they experience the value of running a business in real-time. They can see how vital product, timing, location, and commitment are to making their goals. Fall Product Program is a great entrepreneurial tool for preparing the girls for cookie season. I highly recommend not passing up either of these opportunities with your troop. 

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

My tips for cookie season are as follows: 

1. Keep calm, it’s only cookies. Things can get stressful around this time of year, but it is essential to stay grounded and remember to have fun! 
2. Support is a plus – getting parents to sign on as volunteers are the key.
3. Timing is essential when it comes to sales. Think about the dates and times when choosing your cookie booths. 
4. A good partnership with a local business for self-scheduled booths is priceless. 

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

Camping with my troop is the absolute best! Watching how independent they are is so inspiring as both a volunteer and a parent. The way they engage during camp activities and how their eyes light up as they take in nature’s beauty warms my heart. 

September 20, 2021

Navajo Nation Service Unit 

Troop 1430 (Daisies-Ambassadors) 

Years as a Troop Leader: 9 

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader? 

I feel strongly about the role we, as trusted adults, play in girls’ lives, helping create a safe and fun place for them to support each other.

When my daughter entered kindergarten, her teacher started a Girl Scouts troop. I immediately got involved and volunteered as a cookie mom and led activities. When her teacher left the district, I decided to take over as their Troop Leader! I thought that if I was starting a troop for one grade, I might as well expand to all grades! We do not have many resources here in the Navajo Nation, so I knew I would need to take it on if I wanted Girl Scouts to continue in our community. I received a grant and partnered with the local school district to offer Girl Scouts to all elementary grades, and over the years, we went from six to over a hundred girls! 

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

Our troop loves earning badges and planning group trips. Our goal is to have weekly meetings as part of the after-school program and participate in summer trips together. Recently, however, our school has been entirely virtual since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We decided to keep running our program weekly on Zoom for the 20-21 school year. And while it has been a challenge, we still could earn badges and connect with other Girl Scout troops across the country! We like using Google JamBoard and having fun online to stay connected. It’s challenged us to be creative in this new space – for example, we even had a Zoom sleepover where we watched a movie together and shared fun TikTok videos! 

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

We’ve supported local community efforts with coat drives, community clean-ups and worked with our elders. During the pandemic, Troop 1430 collected and distributed pet food, PPE, and cleaning products. We gave a mini-PPE kit with gloves and masks to all 1,400 post office box holders in our community!

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

I love taking my Girl Scouts to the GSACPC Annual Meeting because it is a great place to experience the Movement from an overarching and more formal lens. It also allows me to take the 5th grade girls in our troop to see the fantastic girl-led activities – especially since they will be transitioning into middle school. This event is important because I want them to know the leadership skills that Girl Scouts can offer them. 

Another moment that stands out to me was when we participated in the Parsons Leadership Center dedication. I felt so honored. Here, our girls had the opportunity to recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law in the Navajo Language!

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders? 

There are so many resources available to Troop Leaders and so many ideas and paths that you can do with your troop. Every year I feel like we accomplished so much yet, there was much more that we could have done. It can be hard to do everything offered and provide all the experiences; it is overwhelming. Just focus on what your girls want to do and know that being there for them is what’s important.

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

I wish someone had told me to get parents on board and involved early – be sure to connect and engage them! Also, don’t be afraid to accept help and delegate – I am still working on that one.

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

Any help is appreciated! Leading a troop is a big commitment, but there are so many other jobs and positions where you can offer support. The opportunities are flexible with time and welcome many special skills and talents as well!

Why is it important to participate in the cookie program? 

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a great way to connect with your girls’ family members. Especially with our program offered after school, we send the girls home on the bus and do not connect with the parents as often. During the cookie season and Fall Product Program, I get to build relationships with the families. It is also a fun project where our troops can work together to host a cookie booth across all ages. I also feel that learning to communicate and work on people skills is a HUGE benefit for our girls, and that is something girls can learn in both product programs.

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

The good and the bad part about being in a small community is that there are not too many other troops selling cookies. Everyone gets very excited about buying early, but then everyone gets “cookie’d out”! We try to schedule a trip to set up a booth in the Phoenix area along with a badge earning activity or camp to make the most of it and provide more boothing opportunities for our cookie entrepreneurs.

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

I am so proud of all the youth I work with. I always tell girls the famous phrase, “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!” Even if a girl takes time off and is not active, she still thinks of me as her Troop Leader, and I think of her as one of my girls. Even if I only have a hundred active Girl Scouts, there are many more girls I have worked with over the last ten years, and they are all special and forever part of our sisterhood.  

Each moment spent helping them succeed, witnessing them achieve their goals, and growing their confidence is what inspires me. 

August 16, 2021

Desert Sunset Service Unit 

Troops 6185 & 494 (Brownies-Ambassadors) 

Years as a Troop Leader: 7

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader? 

I enrolled my oldest daughter a few years back as a Girl Scout. After witnessing the wonderful opportunities and experiences she had, I was inspired to learn more about becoming a Troop Leader. I wasn’t a Girl Scout growing up, so this was a new experience for the both of us. My daughter’s confidence and personal development grew immensely, and the experience opened a whole new world of opportunities for both of us. As a mother of three, I wanted the same for my younger girls too, so I knew I wanted to become a Troop Leader for them as well. 

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

Our troop loves to do anything that involves the outdoors. Some activities we have done with the older girls include camping, encampments, attending Jamboree, overnight trips out of state, horseback riding, hiking, and a ton of other activities. 

We are a troop that values badge earning, completing Journeys, and working towards High Awards – this is the first year my girls will be working towards becoming Gold Award Girl Scouts. 

My Brownie troop also enjoys earning a variety of badges. Before the pandemic, they participated in an overnight camp experience at Parsons Leadership Center and continued to meet virtually to complete badges through February 2021. They really enjoy camping experiences, so this was an exciting activity and something they look forward to doing more of!   

They currently like hands-on activities and recently just completed their Home Scientist Badge. They enjoy connecting and socializing at the park after their meetings. 

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

Community service and giving back is very important to my troops. Here are some of the projects we have completed over the years: 

• Revitalized a garden at a local community resource center
• Supported families by providing diapers and food
• Volunteered at a local food bank
• Volunteered at Special Olympics events
• Participated with the Operation Christmas Child
• Served as flag bearers at an annual 911 memorial
• Installed lending libraries at preschool centers
• Volunteered with Feed My Starving Children 
• Installed a sensory wall at Aimee’s Animal Sanctuary

These are only a few of the many community service projects in which we have participated. Through these experiences, I hope the girls have developed a heart of giving and a lifelong commitment to service.

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

One of the many moments that stand out was a couple of years ago when we adopted a family during the Christmas holiday. Our troop family rallied together to provide Christmas decorations, Christmas dinner, gifts, and furniture to a family in need. We delivered everything to their home, and their humbleness and appreciation were immeasurable. What stood out to me most was how the kindness of the family moved our entire troop, leaders, and girls. That experience is something I will always carry in my heart.

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders? 

My best advice for other Troop Leaders is always to remember why you were inspired to be a Girl Scout leader. Stay present, maintain your wellness, and don’t beat yourself up by comparing yourself to other leaders. Just like the girls in our troop, we all have unique gifts and talents!

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

Most importantly, don’t sweat the small things, and always be flexible in your planning! Remember to enjoy every special moment as the years will go by way too fast!

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

I would want others to know that there are many ways to volunteer with Girls Scouts besides being a Troop Leader. I would recommend that interested volunteers reach out to their Council and ask about service unit opportunities. There is a great need for a variety of skills and talents at all levels of Girl Scouts. Many potential volunteers don’t know you don’t have to work directly with a troop, that you can provide services that make a large contribution to the Girl Scouts experience through other part-time and flexible volunteer opportunities.

Why is it important to participate in the Cookie Program? 

Yes, we participate every year! It is important to participate because it teaches girls how hard work leads to future rewards. What better way for girls to gain customer service, public speaking, money management, and entrepreneurial skills? Recently my oldest daughter interviewed for her first job, and she specifically used her Girl Scout Cookie-selling experiences to showcase her customer service skills.

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

Our best cookie-selling tip is that there is ALWAYS an opportunity to sell cookies. When selling, always present your best self, wear your uniform, have your best attitude, and most importantly, have fun working with your Girl Scout sisters!

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

Recently I have been inspired by my Brownies’ confidence to either share or speak up about subjects and topics that often adults find difficult to discuss. When we started meeting in person again, the girls asked questions on why “God” is in the Promise, why we start meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, and why it isn’t appropriate to describe a person only by their race. At first, I was taken aback because I thought these subjects were beyond their years to understand, much less have an opinion about them. The girls answered these questions on their own and showed such empathy and compassion that truly touched my heart. Given the social environment, the topics that tend to make adults uncomfortable, they answered confidently and easily. I am proud that through Girl Scouts, I have given them a space where they can be comfortable expressing themselves.

July 20, 2021

Mesa Service Unit

Troops 2195, 3555, 3095 (Brownies – Cadettes)

Years as a Troop Leader: 19

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

I loved Girl Scouts as a child and have many fond memories. I was inspired to become a Leader because I have first-hand experienced the benefits of being in Girl Scouts. The skills I learned in my youth have served me well throughout my life. As time went on and I had my daughters, who were also in Girl Scouts, and who then had their daughters, I knew I wanted them to have a Girl Scouting experience. Being their Troop Leader has been rewarding, and I am excited to be in their lives this way.

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

Our troop likes to participate in a plethora of activities. Some of their favorite things involve camping and going on field trips. They also enjoy learning new skills and helping others learn. Our troop has helped host World Thinking Day celebrations for our Service Unit in 2019 and 2020.

Lastly, our troop enjoys giving back. Many of our girls have earned their Summit Awards, two girls earned their Bronze Award, and four have earned their Silver Award. Plus, eight of our girls are currently working on their projects to become Silver or Bronze awards Girl Scouts!

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

Our troop LOVES giving back whenever we can. Here are some of the things we have done to give back to our community that can maybe serve as ideas to other troops:

• Participated in the Goodwill drives collecting shoes or gently used clothing and other items
• Collected and donated to local causes and food banks
• Made blankets during the holiday season
• Donated cookies to our military troops, frontline workers, teachers, and food banks
• Donated water to the Mesa’s Hydration campaign
• Collected books for Mesa United Way’s 12 Book program
• Collected socks and donated them to a local shelter
• Volunteered at a memory care unit by leading residents in different activities and performing Christmas songs
• Volunteered at an Alzheimer’s benefit walk and handed out water to participants
• Volunteered and cleaned up several community parks and roadways
• Planted a garden at a local elementary school
• Crafted and distributed “love rocks,” which are hand-painted rocks with positive messages on them for local teachers

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

Watching my granddaughters be Girl Scouts and have their own experiences has pulled at my heartstrings. As a volunteer, it has also been a privilege to honor my Cadettes as Silver Award Girl Scouts. Seeing them dedicate so much time and work and being the one to acknowledge their success in that way was amazing!

The experience to also see your Girl Scouts grow is an honor. For most of the girls in our troops, I have been their Leader since kindergarten and have been blessed to see them grow into beautiful, kind, and caring young ladies.

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

My advice is quite simple, learn and live by the Girl Scout law, share materials and resources, and don’t take on more than you can handle.

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

I want all new leaders to continue to be strong and remember as often as possible that they are making a difference in girls’ lives. I also recommend new leaders build a support system or have another adult to share the experience with. You’ll always need help, and many people want to lend a hand.

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

The girls make it worth your time and effort – they are AMAZING!

Does your troop sell cookies?

Yes, and it’s a program that we look forward to. Participating in the program helps us fund our activities throughout the year but more importantly, it teaches so many important life and business skills. They learn to set goals, interact with customers, work as a team, and handle money, just to name a few.

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

Our tips to other troops participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program would be to smile, have fun, and compliment people whether or not they buy cookies.

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

One of the most inspiring moments I can think of is when my daughter was a Girl Scout, and I was one of her leaders (25 years ago). We did a troop exchange with a troop in Hawaii and had such a wonderful experience. The other troop and their families were so welcoming and genuinely exemplified the values of Girl Scouting that it made our trip that much more memorable.

To this day, my daughter and I are still close friends with her host family and their daughter. Every year, our Hawaiian Girl Scout Sisters buy a case of cookies from each of my granddaughters – that’s a true Girl Scout Sisterhood.

June 9, 2021

Cactus Patch Service Unit

Troop 761, Cadettes

Years as a Troop Leader: 9

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

I first became a parent volunteer when my daughter, Em, was a Girl Scout Daisy. In one meeting, our wonderful Troop Leader, Jennifer, asked me if I could take on the Girl Scout Brownie level in our troop since their level leader could not continue. That’s when I stepped in, and since the start, both Jenn and Em continue to inspire me to be the best leader I can be.

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

Our troop enjoys working on Girl Scout Badges, Journeys, and completing service projects. We also enjoy art-inspired activities as well. We have made our own t-shirts to wear during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and created kindness rocks and positivity chalkboards. One of my troop’s favorite thing to do is Journey in a Day programming. I also enjoy getting outdoors and teaching archery to all our fellow Girl Scouts.

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

We’ve completed a few service projects! Over the years 2014-15, my Girl Scout Brownies collected pencils and donated them to schools in Avondale and Goodyear. In 2017, my Juniors made blankets and hosted a kitten adoption event. Then in 2018, my Juniors created positivity stones for our local church to use for parishioners who needed a bit of sunshine. 

In 2019, my daughter also continued the pencil donation and collected over 20,000 pencils. She donated them to schools in Arizona, Texas, and New York! She was even featured on the news!  

This year we’re working on two projects. One is supporting a free library in the City of Goodyear, and the other is making pet blankets and beds for a no-kill animal shelter. There are always ways to give back, and we enjoy doing so! ❤ 

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

I have volunteered for a lot of Council events, from girl events to product delivery events. I have also hosted several events like “Badge in a Day, Journey in a Day,” to mother/daughter tea parties. But, of all these events, what stands out most to me, is the extraordinary support from our Service Unit (a.k.a., designated neighborhood group). We may be small, but we all pitch in to help each other out. No woman or volunteer stands alone. We help, sometimes even without asking, and simply show up! It is truly what our Girl Scout Sisterhood is about – supporting our Sistas! 

Overall it is just great to be a part of this sisterhood, movement, and community. When you volunteer, not only do the girls create friendships and a support team, but we adult volunteers do too. 

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

Don’t be idle, and don’t wait for some to ask you to join them. Step up! There are so many ways you can help your troop, your neighborhood, and all Girl Scouts! You can share your passions and be an active, positive influence in the lives of so many girls, women, and other adult volunteers!

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

It’s ok to step back and take a breath. Don’t strive for perfection.

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

No role is small. Everything you do counts and makes a difference. Becoming a volunteer gives you the opportunity to get to know your Girl Scouts on a deep level. You’ll be the person they come to when they need that boost to keep on moving forward or need advice. So, it’s enriching to be that for girls. 

It also is a great time to solidify your bond with your daughter… this journey is twice as rewarding when you share it with your daughter.

Does your troop sell cookies?  

Yes, every year. The Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie program is such a rewarding program. It teaches girls business and life skills like inventory management and reconciliation, forecasting sales, reconciliation of funds, and accounting skills. All these skills girls will get to apply later in their personal and professional lives.

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

A tip from our troop would be to create your own cookie booth table cloth. We like to decorate our booth in a way that shows who we are as salespeople and apply that as our marketing strategy. That unique look can entice prospective buyers and open a line of communication even for the shyest of young Girl Scouts.

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

My Girl Scouts always inspire me. They are independent thinkers always striving to help others. They always want to donate their hard-earned cookie proceeds to local womens’ shelters and no-kill animal shelters and volunteer their time at local food banks. They inspire me to be a better, kinder, more generous person and leader.

April 16, 2021

Cactus Patch

Troop 620, Cadettes

Years as a Troop Leader: 8

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader? 

My daughter’s school did not have a troop initially, and when she looked up with her big eyes and asked if I would start a troop and be a Troop Leader, I could not say no. Just like that, the journey began.  Now I continue because these girls are amazing and really all feel like my own children and their families are extensions of mine. They have grown so much over the years, and I can’t wait to see how much more they continue to grow.

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

The troop has stayed together since kindergarten and has grown an interest in all sorts of activities. Some of the things they enjoy most are making food and exploring new badges and programs. We also enjoy spending time outdoors, going camping and hiking, and traveling out of state. My troop’s philosophy is to always try new things at least once before deciding whether we like it, leading us to many fun adventures!

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

We have routinely done park cleanups and collected food to donate to our local food banks.

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

A moment I remember fondly occurred as we were walking into our local roller skating rink, Great Skate, and one of the girls stopped, had one of those light bulb moments, and said, “this is why we sell cookies.”

She was able to see her hard work pay off, which is a huge life lesson moment. It made me feel really proud to see her and the girls see their goals come to life, feel rewarded, and celebrate together. It has also been rewarding for me, watching the girls support each other when one is scared about trying something new and how they encourage and support each other. It makes me smile and reminds me why I do what I do.

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

Give yourself grace as you learn about the Girl Scout program and once you’ve embarked on your journey of becoming a Troop Leader. Something to remember is as long as your girls are having fun, you are doing a good job.

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

You will get just as much out of it as the girls do. I also recommend attending or reviewing all of the trainings that the Council has to offer.

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

I want to share the many ways to volunteer, like being a Troop Leader and/or parent volunteer. Without the support and help of my troop parents, I would not have been able to do as much for our girls as we have.

Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program? 

During the cookie program, my girls have learned to interact with customers, count and manage money, manage inventory, and so much more. I have jokingly told the girls they should put these things on their resumes.

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

Some tips I would share is to bling your booth – this helps even the shyest girls feel more confident and is something to talk about and break the ice with potential customers. The customers always love unique decorations.

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

There are many inspiring moments, and one that I recall took place at an amusement park. One of the girls had not yet ridden one of the rides and was scared to do so. The rest of the girls rallied around her, gave her encouragement, and helped her develop some ideas to deal with her fear. They showed support, care and offered the idea to ride in the cart with me next to her. She felt so supported and ended up riding it with me! Now she jumps to the front of the lines when we go anywhere with the rides! 

What this moment showed me is how through Girl Scouting, my girls have built such great qualities, courage, confidence, and its shows up over and over in moments like this, all the time. They may not see it yet, but I see how much they continue to grow each day. 

March 15, 2021

Rising Phoenix

Troop 290

Years as a Troop Leader: 8

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

I enjoyed spending quality time with my daughter, and what better way to spend some additional time with her than through Girl Scouts?! I’ve enjoyed watching her interact with the other girls, have fun, and make memories. It’s special to share these experiences with the girls– teaching them and learning from them as well.

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

Our troop has a great balance and likes to participate in different activities. Our favorite types are crafts, giving back to the community whenever possible, and going out to camp! 

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

In the past, our troop has volunteered at different community events. For example, we have placed flags on Veterans’ graves for Veterans Day and sang Christmas carols for our friends at Phoenix Manor Senior Community.

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

During our last “in-person” Christmas carol event in December 2019, we had planned crafts that our older girls taught and then served cookies and cocoa to the senior residents at Phoenix Manor. Each troop in our neighborhood sang two songs, and our whole neighborhood closed the show together with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  

What made this event special is that it was completely girl-led. They planned and executed it, and it made me so proud to see them confident in their abilities and manage it almost all on their own! They have learned so much, and it makes me feel good to know that I was a part of their journey. 

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

I would advise leaders to try their best to manage their time; even being a Troop Leader a few hours a week makes an impact. As you grow as a leader, you’ll learn where to invest your time, and it will be enriching. 

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

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  There are oodles upon oodles of resources for badge work and meeting ideas from our Council. A few resources are GSACPC’s Leaders Facebook Group page and the council website, YouTube, and Pinterest.  

Help is just a click or phone call away, and someone is always willing to offer help. 

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

We need more adults to become leaders so we can make more impact in the lives of girls. They’re the future! 

Why is it important to your troop to participate in the GS Cookie Program? 

Because it helps girls learn so many life skills. One of the main and important skills they learn is setting a goal and finding the way to achieve it. 

Selling cookies also helps our entire organization succeed. From the camp properties to the girl programs, and down to the individual troops – all Girl Scouts benefit from the program as proceeds stay local. 

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

Our troop loves colorful and creative posters. We’ll get creative and add puns, create themes, or make them funny to call attention. We also make posters with photos of the cookies to make it easier for customers to shop. While out boothing we also encourage the girls to keep it professional and polite, and people respond positively to that.

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

There are honestly a few moments I remember often. One that stands out is when our girls made a seven-course meal at an outdoor overnight camp trip. Every leader, troop, and girl had a job to do, and we executed it and had fun at the same time! I was so impressed. The girls have learned many skills that show in everything they do, leadership, being independent, confident, and being a team player. 

Girls can do anything!!