What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Together we have done food and clothing drives, birthday bags for children in foster care, contributed to the school garden, built a little library, provided Thanksgiving meals for families in need and planted trees to help increase our city’s shade canopy. Next year, we will start our Silver Award projects and I look forward to seeing these young leaders make even more of an impact in their community!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
We have broken our troop up into patrols and each patrol has meetings where they plan a badge activity or anything they want to accomplish for two meetings. We sit down and they choose all the activities, and plan who does what and what supplies are needed. I am always blown away by what they come up with! They are full of creative ideas and they are so capable – it makes my heart happy that we can provide this opportunity for them to shine!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
Being a Girl Scout leader is fun, exciting and sometimes it can be hard, but it is the most worthwhile activity I am honored to do. I always remind myself that it’s for the girls because we are modeling and teaching them how to be good citizens and leaders. I also wish someone had told me that I didn’t need to have all the leadership skills when I first started. I was that shy quiet person that would never raise their hand to volunteer but that has changed! I am learning alongside the girls about how to be a leader.
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! Selling cookies makes it possible to do all of the amazing things I have mentioned for the girls and our community and teaches girls valuable skills that they will use for the rest of their life. From the people skills they can use while interviewing for a job to money management skills they can use to budget. The girls also learn to not be afraid of being told ‘no’ because they will eventually get a ‘yes’ if they keep asking!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
To me, it’s inspiring to watch my troop become the older girls. Seeing them lead activities and seeing the Daisies and Brownies look up to them is an amazing experience.
Funny enough, I always wanted to be a troop leader even before I had children, but the timing wasn’t right. As a Brownie, I went to several Girl Scout overnight camps and had many fond memories of Girl Scouting. When my daughter was in Kindergarten, I signed her up with a troop, but the leader returned to school to get an advanced degree and asked me if I would cover a few meetings. After she saw me with the kids, she asked me to be a full-time leader.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has completed many service projects over the years. Last year, we sanded and repainted some playground equipment at our local school. We’ve also have participated in the Christmas Angel program, volunteered at the local food bank, and have done waterway and trash cleanups at local rivers and roads. Every year, our town organizes Make a Difference Day where everyone comes together to do landscaping cleanup for residents that need help, which is another opportunity for our troop to serve the community.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During the Thanksgiving season, I thought it would be a good idea to pair our Girl Scouts with local retirement home residents as pen pals. They wrote letters back and forth to each other, and right before Christmas, we organized a party where the girls got to meet their pen pals. At first, I was a little nervous that the girls would act differently because they had never met, but instead it was like a reunion. They hugged, exchanged gifts, and played games. I was so proud of the girls!
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would remind troop leaders that their role is making a difference in the life of a child. These are memories that will be with the kids forever. I would advise them to tap into the Girl Scout families’ strengths to support the troop. Some parents may be great at crafts, outdoor activities, camping or have another skillset that can support the troop’s growth. If there’s parents that drop-off their girls, you may be helping that family more than you know. Instead of thinking critically of those families, be joyful that their Girl Scout is getting the support she needs and is experiencing activities they may not be able to do without the troop.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that there is a place for everyone. Even if you are not a troop leader or don’t have children, if you have the desire to give back through Girl Scouts you belong here. Make the phone call, send the email and the rest will figure itself out. It will be the most rewarding gift for yourself and those you volunteer with.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop loves hiking and going on overnight trips where the girls earn badges and learn to do things independently and collaboratively. They enjoy horseback rides, participating in ceremonies, and traveling to Disneyland and The Great Wolf Lodge together, but their favorite activity is overnight camping, singing by the campfire and learning new skills.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
The girls do a lot of projects to serve their community! They’ve made fleece blankets to donate to Child Protective Services (CPS) in Payson and donated boxes of cookies to the local fire department and the Veterans in their hometown of Payson. As part of one of their Journeys, they went to their school to learn how to replace styrofoam plates with plastic ones. It was an “aha” moment to see the girls find the root cause, develop a plan for change, and take steps to make their ideas work.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to enjoy their time with the troop and have fun. Don’t get overwhelmed with training, planning, and organization. Involve co-leaders and parents as much as possible, and don’t try to do it all yourself.
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, the girls love cookie season! The values of the program develop more with the age level of the girls. They learn social skills, teamwork, coordinating the boxes that need to be refilled at the table, customer service skills and the big one: dealing with money and counting change back to the customer. They decide a goal or trip they want to go on and decide how many boxes of cookies they need to sell to achieve this.
I went to my daughter’s school one day and there was someone recruiting for Girl Scouts and my daughter really wanted to join, so we participated in the summer program for new Girl Scout Daisies, and we had so much fun doing it together. After experiencing this, I would have to say my daughter is the one who inspired me to become a troop leader.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We do a lot of arts and crafts projects, and we always try to make outings work for everyone. I think that what they love most are fun meetings where they get to play games and have a good time together.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that I would not only get a troop but gain a family.
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! I think it’s important to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program because it teaches girls essential life skills. For example, the cookie program is sometimes the first time that girls are exposed to sales and money management, so they really learn how to add prices, give the right change, and work hard for what they want.
I attribute a lot of my leadership skills, sales skills, resilience, my love for the outdoors and my desire to make the world a better place to the foundations that I gained from Girl Scouts when I was a brownie. I wanted my daughter to experience what it’s like to make memories with her Girl Scout Sisters, while gaining valuable lifelong skills. I’m thankful I got to experience Girl Scouts as a child, and I am so glad I get to pay it forward now as a leader who encourages and empowers girls.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
The girls really have a heart for helping children and have used some of their cookie money to donate items like diapers, bottles, blankets, toys, feminine products, toiletries and of course, Girl Scout cookies to local non-profits such as Maggie’s Place, Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Aris Foundation, Child Crisis Arizona, and the Ronald McDonald House. This year, our Juniors look forward to earning their Bronze Award!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I wasn’t aware that there are so many volunteer opportunities in Girl Scouts including the local neighborhood service team! After getting my bearings as a troop leader I was able to help the Hayden’s Ferry service team which has many volunteer positions to choose from including adult recognition coordinator, neighborhood finance specialist, neighborhood event coordinator and more. I’m also thankful I learned about the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) which is a group of volunteers that get together to empower other women to become leaders. I recommend checking out ALC at their next meeting!
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Our troop creates QR codes for each girl’s website and buy packs of little scratcher rainbow cards that we use to write custom thank you cards to customers who buy four cookie packages. We also created our own log sheet for all transactions from the cookie cupboard/cookie house to parents. This makes it so easy to log into eBudde instead of having to flip through the receipt book. Anytime a parent receives cookies they sign both the receipt book and the log. When the cookie manager enters the information into eBudde, they initial each line item to show that it’s been entered. This really helped eliminate any discrepancies and just made life easier!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Together, we’ve helped with several community events, such as the Grand Canyon University and Phoenix Skate Club. We have led neighborhood encampments, helped out with cookie delivery, and attended camp clean up-service weekends. We’ve also volunteered at Relay for Life and Feed My Starving Children. We always encourage the girls to work towards the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would tell other troop leaders that it is okay to say no and set boundaries. As a volunteer, it’s okay to ask parents to lead a meeting with their daughter. The Girl Scout will not only be proud that she and her parent led the meeting but they will also learn all that goes into troop meetings – inspiring them to volunteer their time to support the troop. I recommend organizing speakers who want to share their work and passion with the girls. Lastly, use the council’s Activities Calendar. Here, you can find great opportunities to keep things exciting and the only work required for you as a leader is registration!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
As a new troop leader, you should interview the parents just as they should interview you. Be clear on the expectations of the troop. For example, if you are not an outdoor troop and they want their Girl Scout to participate in outdoor activities, your troop may not be the best fit. Finding a troop is just like finding a good school or good sports team for your daughter. There are many troops but the right one will keep her and the whole
family happy, helping her stay in Girl Scouts longer.
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, cookies fund all our Girl Scout adventures! We are teaching our girls how to work and be independent. When they go somewhere cool, we remind them that they earned it with their hard work. The girls feel proud of their accomplishments and then start thinking about their next goals. We also teach them how to save and set goals, so they learn the value of saving for something long term.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop loves to socialize so we either have our regular meetings or meet at a local pizza shop. Some of our favorite activities include crafting and camping! Together, we’ve gone kayaking on the Verde River, and also enjoy going trick-or-treating in Uptown Sedona on Halloween.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s hard to choose just one, but recently, while we were on a camping trip I watched the girls work together to set up their bunks, gather wood for the fire, and help with cooking and cleaning duties. It was satisfying and inspiring!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I want others to know that volunteering as a Girl Scout leader is a real gift. The girls are inspirational and I’ve learned a lot from them about myself and about my relationship with my daughter. It’s a wonderful feeling to watch a group of girls evolve into wonderful young women. It’s truly special knowing that other volunteers and I played a small part in their growth.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There have been so many inspiring moments – small and large. What I find most inspiring is watching the girls go from little kids to pre-teens to young adults, knowing they have learned a lot of valuable things in Girl Scouts and seeing them put those things into action. Their kindness to one another, the way they maintain respect despite their differences and then celebrate their achievements together is always inspiring and empowering.
My daughter who is now a 15-year-old freshman in high school wanted to join Girl Scouts when she was in first grade, and to accompany her, I also took my youngest daughter (now an 11-year-old fifth grader) to meetings with us! Troop leaders allowed her to “help” in activities and if there were extra patches they’d give them to her, so before she became a Daisy, she already had patches on her vest. Unfortunately, when the time came for her to be a Daisy, the troop did not have a troop leader for that level. Instead of transferring them to another troop, I volunteered to lead until a new troop leader was found. I’ve been her leader since then and now she is bridging to Cadettes!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We try to concentrate on badge work, but want to volunteer more this year and get back to earning high awards. The girls love celebrating holidays with parties or creative activities that tie into their Girl Scouting experience. Like other troops, they enjoy taking trips as a troop, whether it’s to Disney World or Northern Arizona for a relaxing weekend in a cabin. Most of our girls have been together since they were Daisies and Brownies so many friendships have formed that extend outside of Girl Scout activities or meetings.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
As a way to give back to the community, the girls have volunteered with the United Way Day of Service event and have participated in Goodwill donation events. During fall, some of the girls traveled with Service Unit members to one of the camps to clean and spruce it up. Recently, a few girls volunteered their time on a Saturday morning before Easter to pick up trash at Cesar Chavez Park.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise troop leaders to communicate and talk to one another because there will always be times where they feel overwhelmed or lost but when they reach out, they realize there’s always someone else who’s been in a similar situation or is currently going through a similar experience. It’s also important to celebrate and recognize each other’s efforts.
When I started with my job for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Girl Scouts was assigned to me. I began as a co-leader and soon became a leader for our Daisy troop. Through the training I’ve completed, the badges I’ve helped the girls earn and the community service projects I’ve been a part of have helped develop my leadership.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the volunteer moments that stands out to me the most is taking two of our Girl Scouts to a photoshoot at Parsons Leadership Center. The girls were really excited to participate and meet other Girl Scouts from surrounding tribes.
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! Selling Girl Scout Cookies is a hands-on program that teaches girls public speaking, financial and marketing skills and at the same time, helps them save money to fund trips, go to camp, etc.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moment I’ve experienced as a troop leader is seeing multiple generations cycle throughout the past 25 years. I’ve seen Girl Scout alumni return and enroll their daughters back in the programs and experiences they once enjoyed so much!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has worked with several organizations that provide hygiene products and clothing to unhoused populations and has also put together backpacks for children in underserved communities. Other service projects include building a bench for Camp Willow Springs and planting trees, just to name a few. Our Juniors and Cadettes have earned their Bronze and Silver Awards through some of these projects!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During the pandemic, we were pushing through with virtual meetings, and we had a group of Juniors going to bridge who wanted to earn their Bronze Award. We knew it would be difficult, but we brainstormed and used our donated cookie packages to deliver care packages to all the departments at Banner University Medical Center. This hospital took a majority of the COVID patients in the state, and we wanted to recognize them for their efforts. We planned the entire project virtually and created 37 boxes of cookies and treats for every department. Girls came to my house to pack the boxes individually while social distancing, and we delivered them in the ER parking lot to the CEO and nursing staff.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
We sell a lot of cookies! With almost 70 girls, we have been in the top 3 sellers for the past two years. While it’s important because it funds programming for our girls, it also builds confidence and interpersonal skills as girls promote their products. This is often when girls come out of their shells and work together to meet or exceed a goal!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
One of the most inspiring moments I’ve experienced as a troop leader is our bridging ceremonies! I love seeing how excited the girls get to advance to the next Girl Scout Level and feel inspired by their dedication and commitment to this troop and their Girl Scout Sisters.
Troop 2790 and 3390 (Multilevel Daisies – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 8
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop loves giving back to the community through various service projects, including an annual Christmas Caroling event held at Phoenix Manor Senior Community. Every year, we provide crafts and treats for the seniors while troops lead a couple of Christmas Carols. This event is something the troops and the seniors look forward to each year!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A volunteer moment that stands out to me is when the girls find their voice – it’s amazing! I get to see the girls shine and have the confidence to be themselves. It is such a great feeling seeing them interact at cookie booths and/or sing. I think it gives them a sense of what it’s like to be heard.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that when joining Girl Scouts, you become part of this huge community. I also wish someone had shared how important it is to find a unique teaching style and, most of all, to have fun! I have made lifelong friendships with other troop leaders in my neighborhood and have connected with troop leaders outside of my neighborhood as well. At Girl Scouts, there is always someone to go to if you need a helping hand!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring thing I have experienced is watching these girls blossom! They all start out a bit shy, but when they come together as sisters, their personalities shine. Their confidence comes out when they are singing in the car or shouting at a booth. Through every experience, program, and troop activity, they find their voice and independence. It’s amazing and it’s the reason why I volunteer!
What inspired me to become a troop leader was knowing my daughter was part of a troop that needed adult volunteers. The co-leader was unable to continue, and the troop was going to disband, so I offered to step in as a co-leader. Although that troop eventually disbanded, we started our own troop with other parents that were looking for a place for their girls to feel included.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Every year, we donate presents to Toys for Tots or Christmas Angel Tree and previously have donated items to the Navajo Nation during COVID-19. We also donated items for local dog rescues and, last year, made “care bags” for our local pediatric hospital ward. We made approximately 120 bags for younger kids and teens, including stress balls, sketchbooks, coloring books, crayons, pencils, and small stuffed animals for comfort. Now, the girls are planning to make care packages for the homeless community in our area.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I advise other troop leaders to listen to their girls and try to have a well-rounded program. We were very badge oriented for a couple of years until the girls spoke up about wanting to do more artistic things and have troop meetings outside of our usual spot. To honor their perspective, we’ve met at local parks, done short hikes, and dedicated time to work on badges and art projects.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My biggest inspiration is seeing how my daughter and niece have grown out of their insecurities as they take on more leadership roles, especially when they’re showing the younger girls what Girl Scouts is all about. It’s inspiring watching them ensure other girls have the same quality experience they did when they were younger.
What sparked my interest and inspiration in volunteering was my daughters. Twelve years ago, my oldest daughter really wanted to be a Girl Scout, but there were no troops in our area, so I became a troop leader to help guide her through the experience. Then, four years ago, my youngest daughter was unable to find a troop that was willing to accept her with her disabilities, so I created a troop that welcomes a diverse group of girls.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop participates in a wide range of activities, but we mostly work towards earning badges every time we meet. We also enjoy hands-on activities and programs that involve building items, creating artwork, and spending time in nature.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the greatest volunteer moments that stands out to me the most is witnessing the growth of one of our Girl Scouts. When she first joined our troop, it was challenging for her to communicate with others; however, when cookie season came around, her confidence grew, helping her communicate with customers and other people approaching the cookie booths.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Girl Scout Cookie Season is always fun, but to boost the girls’ energies, we recommend setting up a booth at an entertaining location. If it’s your first time boothing, try selecting a spot that that isn’t so stressful but is comfortable to be at for a certain period of time. One of our favorite locations to booth at is Sonic because it’s fun, and the girls are able to learn how to respect others while they work.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Troop 6223 loves participating in neighborhood and council activities and programs because it gives us an opportunity to connect with other troops and leaders. Our troop also loves creating SWAPS and participating in hands-on activities at the Arizona Science Center and other sites to earn our badges.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has served the community through various service projects – we hosted a free community dinner with Streets of Destiny Global Outreach Center, a local nonprofit that provides weekly meals to the local community. We handed out toiletry bags made by the girls and served a spaghetti dinner. We’ve also participated in the annual Goodwill shoe drive, and recently, our Juniors completed their Bronze Award by providing a new library and craft station to a DeeCilla Comfort Center, a faith-based non-profit organization serving families and individuals that are transitioning from crisis situations.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to enjoy every moment, even when they’re exhausted from keeping an eye out for sleepwalkers during overnight programs and helping the troop when no one can roll their sleeping bag before breakfast. As a troop leader, you’ll realize that the growth the girls experience over time is all worth it!
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
Throughout Girl Scout Cookie Season, parents/guardians and troop leaders must keep their girls knowledgeable so that they can set realistic goals. Our troop believes that a cookie business is only as good as the time you commit. We understand that not all families can attend certain boothing dates and times, but communicating with parents/guardians about cookie season updates and boothing information can help the troop meet its goals for the season.
My Girl Scout experience and working at Camp Willow Springs when I was in college inspired me to become a troop leader. As a lifelong Girl Scout, I try to live by the Girl Scout Mission daily – striving to make the world a better place. After having a daughter, I knew I would be getting back into Girl Scouts again.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
Our troop is full of compassionate and caring girls who are always motivated to find people and animals in our community who need support. We have donated funds from cookie sales to shelters and organizations that provide relief to children in Ukraine. We have also made homemade dog toys for the Arizona Humane Society, blankets for veterans, and Christmas cards to gift to residents of a local care facility.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It is hard to pick a specific volunteer moment out of so many! I loved working with girls as a camp counselor because I made many lifelong friends, one of whom I visited when I was on vacation in Alaska! Something else I’ve enjoyed is teaching high-adventure camp activities. I have been certified to teach archery since 2015 and loved teaching high ropes when I worked at Camp Willow Springs. I believe this is directly linked to the joy of seeing girls push themselves to do something that they never thought they could. Their first time hitting a bullseye or daring to step off the zip-line platform is a monumental accomplishment in their strength and growth. One of my current Girl Scouts has very low vision and still has the confidence to push herself at camp to mountain bike and do the zipline, and I’ve loved seeing her independence grow over the years. As a leader, I love seeing my girls take on new challenges with grace and perseverance. It might not always be easy for them, but they amaze me with their ideas and plans for the future.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our troop sells cookies because it’s our primary method of raising funds. My girls have used the funds to go horseback riding, for camp, and now are looking into planning larger out of state trips. I know I have seen my own daughter go from someone who doesn’t particularly talk to strangers well, to being able to manage a cookie booth completely on her own. She is confident in making a sale, talking to customers, and setting goals for herself and her troop.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
Watching my girls grow has been one of the most inspiring things. I have known many of my girls since they were in Kindergarten and seeing them grow into strong confident young women is inspiring. I love seeing my older girls take on new challenges as they take training to lead girls in campfire safety and work with younger girls to gain confidence. My girls inspire me, and I know they will lead the world to a better tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
girlscoutsaz.blog 