Category Archives: TLC

July 26, 2022

Rising Phoenix Service Unit

Troops 3463 and 3640 (multi-level)

Years as a Troop Leader: 2

What inspired you to become a troop leader? 

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. 

June 17, 2022

Cave Creek Service Unit 

Troop 4497 (Brownies) 

Years as a Troop Leader: 3 

What inspired you to become a troop leader? 

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!

May 16, 2022

South Phoenix Service Unit

Troop 436 (Daisy – Ambassador)

Years as a Troop Leader: 2

What inspired you to become a troop leader?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give other troop leaders?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 19, 2022

Coyote Plains Service Unit

Troop 2265 (Cadette-Senior)

Years as a Troop Leader: 11

What inspired you to become a troop leader?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give other troop leaders?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 15, 2022

Cactus Bloom Service Unit

Troop 2425 (Multi-Level)

Years as a Troop Leader: 7

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 16, 2022

Juniper Ridge Service Unit

Troop 3198 (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors)

Years as a Troop Leader: 14

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

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.

January 18, 2022

Sunny Peaks Service Unit

Troop 3297 (Multi-level troop)

Years as a Troop Leader: 6

What inspired you to become a troop leader?

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.

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!!