One of the many things that inspired me to become a troop leader, were the Girl Scouts principles of empowering young women, teaching them various life skills, and supporting new adventures – things that are really important to me. I learned and benefitted from Girl Scouts so much as a child that when I graduated college and moved to this area, I saw it as a way to give back and meet other people who share these goals. After a few years, I started a new troop for my daughter but handed that troop over to a dear friend when my second daughter was born. When she was in kindergarten, we decided to start another new troop to provide access to the opportunities Girl Scouts provides to as many friends as possible. Our current troop has been together ever since, and it is one of the things that brings the most fun and value to my life.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop is full of compassionate and caring girls who are always motivated to find people and animals in our community who need support. We have donated funds from cookie sales to shelters and organizations that provide relief to children in Ukraine. We have also made homemade dog toys for the Arizona Humane Society, blankets for veterans, and Christmas cards to gift to residents of a local care facility.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There are many great memories, but one of my favorite moments happened during the encampment at Camp Maripai. One of our girls had a stroke before she was born and has some medical challenges, so her mom was nervous about her riding horses at camp, but I assured her that she wouldn’t have to ride if she didn’t want to. When the time came, our Girl Scout said she was scared but wanted to try on the boots and helmet. Since we all had our gear, we decided just to pet the horses; however, once we got there, she decided to sit on one of them. Before I knew it, she was leading that horse all around the arena, completely in control in the saddle and telling him, “whoa!”. It still makes me emotional to think about how scared she was, but with some support, she tried something new and really enjoyed it! Moments like these make everything worth it.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to seek out training and guidance from leaders that perhaps once had the same questions. Know that anything you may be struggling with has most likely been experienced and successfully resolved by someone else. It’s all about being proactive in finding those resources and information.
Changes in the air are apparent. The mornings feel crisp and cool. We pull out our long-forgotten sweaters and graciously accept that fall has finally come to Arizona. Changes like these, we seem eager to embrace, even when we don’t know if it will be the most frigid winter we’ve ever had. We are simply happy about the change.
But if we parallel these changes to when our lives change drastically, our reactions and sense of preparedness are quite different. Instead of embracing, we tend to run for cover, fight the inevitable, or freeze not knowing what to do or how to adjust. Uncertainty and loss of control may cause anxiety and fear of the unknown. We knew the weather would change and even though we couldn’t control it, we knew how to prepare for it. It’s as easy as grabbing our sweaters and turning up the thermostat.
With the current economic, political, environmental, and social environments being so volatile, it’s unclear how we can prepare, and it’s definitely not an easy solution; however, we all know that change is coming, whether beneficial or detrimental. Uncertainty should not cause panic, but it should encourage action and bring people together to solve problems.
The Girl Scout motto is “be prepared,” and in the 1947 Girl Scout Handbook, the motto was explained like so: “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency.”
Are we prepared in our lives? Are we preparing financially, emotionally, physically, and socially for these ambiguous changes? Are we preparing our children and our Girl Scouts?
As you reflect on these questions, be authentic with yourself. If the answer is no, start a plan to be more prepared. Start a financial plan with your family or your troop, plan emotional wellness days, social gatherings and wellness checkups!
As the end of the year draws near, we should prepare for the changes happening in our world, our country, and our individual lives as we do with the changing seasons. We don’t need to be happy about all the changes, but we do need to be prepared. That being said, grab your sweaters, and enjoy the beautiful warm moments over the holidays. Be thankful with family and friends. As you embrace your loved ones, embrace the inevitable changes because it’s true what the wise philosopher Heraclitus said, “nothing is permanent except change.”
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
You name it, and we do it! My troop does everything from badge work, field trips, encampment, parades, hiking, tent camping and more – the girls love it all! One of the events they look forward to all year is our annual Christmas caroling party, where we host a big bash with a potluck, decorate gingerbread houses, drink hot cocoa, and partake in other holiday activities. We even have matching hats, scarves, and gloves! Our neighborhood looks forward to the girls singing door to door every year, and we’ve even had neighbors gift the girls handmade Christmas ornaments.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop loves giving back to the community! We’ve read to dogs, created cat scratch mats for the AZ Animal Welfare League, and hosted food drives for families in need at our local school. We’ve also volunteered to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children and donated cookie packages to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Above all, the girls’ favorite service project is helping out at A Mighty Change of Heart (AMCHAZ), a foster care organization in Surprise, Arizona, to which they have donated cookie packages for the past 3 years. They also volunteer by taking inventory, sorting donations, and packing duffel bags for foster kids. It’s an amazing experience, and the girls love being able to help other kids just like them.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that volunteering is rewarding and fulfilling, and you really do get out what you put in! There are dozens of ways to jump in and help if you haven’t already. There are volunteer positions for everyone and every skill set! I’ve met amazing ladies through being a Girl Scout Volunteer and have created wonderful friendships.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There are so many inspiring moments that have happened over the past 5 years, but there are two that stand out to me. In January, I had a family emergency right in the middle of cookie season, and other volunteers and parents in our troop stepped in to help get us through! I will be forever grateful to them, and I love how much of a family our troop has become. The girls are sisters, and I love seeing them work together to meet their goals and cheer each other on. We recently had a new girl visit our troop, and I was inspired by how the troop welcomed her with open arms. With no hesitations, they saw her as part of the crew.
My family inspired me to become a troop leader. My grandmother and mother were Girl Scout leaders and my father was a Boy Scout leader. So, when my daughter wanted to join Girl Scouts and needed an adult volunteer to lead the troop, how could I resist? Girl Scouting provides great opportunities for girls to become confident and strong leaders, and seeing the girls in my troop grow over time has been a rewarding and unique experience.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Troop 1220 has a list of amazing community service projects, and one of them was installing a Buddy Bench at a local elementary school, which earned the girls their Bronze Award. They also created a video to instruct the students on how to use the bench and why it’s important to have one. After more girls joined our troop, we offered them an opportunity to earn their Bronze and worked with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at their annual walk. In addition, they held “Think Pink” lemonade stands to raise funds and purchase patient comfort items to donate to a breast cancer treatment facility. After this, the girls earned their Silver Awards by serving the homeless population. They made masks, donated a refrigerator, and prepared meals. Some girls within our troop worked with two local churches to revamp their child education centers, and another group made sensory blankets and boards, which were donated along with a year’s supply of completed greeting cards to a nursing home. Even though these are some of our biggest projects, we’ve also worked with pet adoption centers, Kyrene Resource Center, Feed My Starving Children, and more.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
For the past three years, our troop has been planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, and I admit that I was initially nervous about taking the girls, but with a deep breath, we headed to California. This was the best thing I have ever done as a Girl Scout! The girls were told to pack their good attitudes and willingness to work together, and they didn’t disappoint. I feel so proud of these girls and their ability to cheer each other on as they hiked farther than they expected. They planned, cooked, and cleaned up every meal. And on our last night, they worked together to try to hatch a plan to extract a mouse from the cabin – all with a smile on their faces. I first became a Girl Scout volunteer to support my daughter and make her experience special, but being a troop leader has given me such a rewarding feeling. I am blessed to work with these girls, their families, our fabulous Service Unit, and the council (Shout out to Rebecca Smith and our Awesome Cookie team).
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise other troop leaders to embrace the girls and let them lead you. Usually, I set the schedule for when we will meet, but the girls do the rest. They decide on what badges and what volunteer work we need to do. Even though they lead the badges, I am there to provide materials and support when needed. I also encourage everyone to reach for those high awards. For example, I have several girls who plan to work towards their Gold Award, which is a wonderful opportunity for our Girl Scouts to find a project they’re passionate about.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that there are different ways you can volunteer. I am a troop leader, an assistant troop leader, the Event Manager for the Service Team, and a Cookie Cupboard, but there are so many other things you can do. We always need certified instructors to run things like the rock wall and canoeing at encampments. Plus, the neighborhoods would love for more people to plan events for the girls in your area. If you’re wanting to get involved at a council level, they need volunteers too!
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our Troop does sell cookies, and I believe that we need to sell to keep our council and camps in good condition. The cookie program provides funding for an array of things, and also gives girls the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their time as Girl Scouts and beyond. Cookie sales are one of the only programs for troops to earn money, so we sell to support our troop as well.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My eldest daughter is an Ambassador in Troop 1553, and in the 10 years that I have been a leader, no other girl in our Service Unit has earned her Gold Award until she did. Watching her earn her Gold Award was inspiring, and I want to continue encouraging at least half of the girls in my troop to go for Gold. I want to support them so they can earn the highest award in Girl Scouting.
Those words rolled around my mind this week as I wandered the busy streets of Ubud, Bali- an interesting thing to think about as you’re traveling halfway around the world.
But Girl Scouts knows no borders.
As I watched people going about their days, laying out offerings in front of temples, inviting passing tourists into their shops, and navigating crazy traffic, I asked, “what does it really mean to be a sister to every Girl Scout? Is it the same here in Bali as it is in America? Does culture play a role in how we show up for each other as women or what we need from a “sister”?
As if the universe was listening to my thoughts, I met a woman who answered my questions.
Her name is Rai. She’s a petite Balinese woman in her 40s with a bright smile and bubbly personality. She is the owner of a small shop where she sells clothing she designed herself. As I browsed the rack of dresses, we talked about her designs, things to see in Ubud, and how grateful we both were that Bali was open to tourists again. As we spoke, her voice trailed off for a moment and I could see that even though she was smiling she was holding back tears.
I paused and gave her my full attention and a gentle smile as if to say “it’s ok”. Then her whole body melted as she let herself cry and shared what’s been weighing on her.
Her landlord had just informed her that she would need to move at the end of the month. Financially exhausted from trying to survive the last two years, she didn’t know what she was going to do. She had poured everything into her dream of owning a business and could lose it within a week. She worried about her family and employees. On top of this, just a year ago, she lost her mom – the person who always knew what to do and say.
The relief on her face after sharing a piece of her heart with me was immense. She was lighter, brighter, like a weight had been lifted. Though her problems were still there, she felt they were not as heavy.
Rai is a lot like me – and maybe like you too – carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and holding it together for everyone else despite feeling a painful ache inside. When someone asks how she’s doing, she smiles and says “fine” but really, she’s not.
As I listened in that moment, I realized what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout: It’s about presence. Sometimes that presence is listening deeply and holding space for the tears to flow, while other times are full of fun, silliness, and deep belly laughs.
But in the end, it’s always about being present. Authentically, and intentionally present.
Being present is something we practice in Authentic Leadership Community (ALC). Deep presence fosters connections that are impactful, deep, and lasting. The kind of connections we all yearn for. The ones where we can feel safe to let down our guard and be our authentic selves. The kind I’ve been blessed to experience and witness at our ALC retreats and during our regular meetings.
If this resonated with you on any level, I invite you to join us at the next Authentic Leadership Community retreat in November. Come experience and embody what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.
I became a Girl Scout as soon I could, and continued all throughout high school. Because of the military, my family moved a lot, and everywhere we went, we would find a new Girl Scout troop. During my time as a Girl Scout, I earned the Gold Award, which helped fund my college education, and made friends that have remained a part of my life. I always knew I wanted a daughter so I could share my love for Girl Scouts. My grandmother and mom were Girl Scouts and it’s wonderful to share it with my daughter.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
The girls love doing a variety of activities like supporting different community organizations and coming together to learn ways they can continue to make a difference. We all still love camping even though it is challenging to get them all together as they’ve gotten older.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Over the years, our troop has consistently helped the Arizona Humane Society, where three of our girls earned their Silver Award. We also donate cookies to the military every year, as we have several military families in our troop. Additionally, the girls have helped the homeless population over the last couple of years and completed service projects for the Ronald McDonald house. Lastly, our troop enjoys supporting Circle of Peace church, where we met for several years.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
There are two volunteer moments that stand out for me. When my daughter was in second grade, we went to encampment, and I hugged her at nighttime. One of the girls in my troop that I’ve known since she was born asked if I could hug her too since I was her second mom. I then asked all the girls if they wanted a “mom hug”, and they all said yes. Even though they grew into high schoolers, the girls still want a “mom hug” at every overnight trip. My second favorite moment is being able to sit back and provide support when they need it. I love listening to them laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
Listen to the girls! Our girls have stayed with the troop over the years because we keep them involved in all decisions. Something that has helped us maintain a well-rounded troop is having three leaders, all with different talents and relationships with the girls. It’s important to also engage with your families and encourage parents to get involved and support the troop.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me that everything would continue to change. Before becoming a troop leader, I thought I’d be better prepared since I had gone through it for 12 years, but I was wrong. Girl Scouts is always changing, but don’t stress! Everything you do for your troop and community matters.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I would like others to know that volunteering with the Girl Scouts is so rewarding. I’ve watched girls do things they wouldn’t normally do, and grow into amazing young women, who accomplish big goals. I’ve enjoyed sharing this experience with my daughter and I hope she continues with future generations because being a Girl Scout is a family experience. For example, when our son turned 18, he became a registered Girl Scout and went to training and encampment to help with the zip line and rock-climbing wall.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our girls have sold cookies to help fund their service projects and support their community. Participating in the cookie program has given our girls an opportunity to travel and participate in fun activities using their earnings. We’ve done over nights at the Arizona History Museum, Arizona Science Center, Lake Pleasant Outdoor Center, and Sea World. We’ve also done escape rooms, troop dinners and visited Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios. Currently, our eleventh graders are saving up to go on a cruise after they graduate high school.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
To sell cookie packages, we recommend lots of color at the booths. When the girls were younger, they used to decorate cute signs and wear costumes, but now that they’ve grown up it’s a bit harder. If you have a troop with older girls, asking them to wear their vests especially during cookie season will let customers know that they’re Girl Scouts.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
Most of the girls in our troop have joined our troop because they were friends with a girl in the troop, while some girls left, and then returned. What inspires me the most is their consistency and seeing them stay in the troop this long. We have girls that are playing sports, preparing for college, and doing other extracurricular activities, yet they want to stay in Girl Scouts, and that to me is inspiring.
September marks the end of the Girl Scout membership year. As girls and volunteers come together to decide how they would like to spend the next 12 months, this is a good time for reflection.
I invite you to grab a journal and something to write with, take a full stop moment, and spend a little time in your favorite place (perhaps with your favorite beverage!). This is an opportunity to reflect on any or all of the following questions and prompts:
• Describe a memorable time when you practiced honesty or fairness, even when it was challenging.
• Describe a time you went out of your way to be friendly or helpful to someone, even when it was inconvenient.
• Give yourself credit by describing a time when you went out of your way to be considerate or caring.
• What was it like when you dared to be courageous or strong, especially when it would have been easier not to?
• Consider a time when you practiced accountability for what you said or did. What kinds of feelings came up?
• Reflect on a time when you practiced self-respect and respect towards others.
• To whom or to what do you grant authority in your life?
• What resources did you treasure this year?
Review the answers you’ve written so far, then take a moment to recognize that you have—in these ways and so many more—made the world a better place.
Now, list the names of the Girl Scouts who have impacted your life. Next to their names, write a word or phrase that describes them (e.g., empowered, happiness, encouraging). Consider sharing your words and phrases with the people on your list. If you haven’t already, add your name to the list, and on a separate piece of paper, write the word or phrase you give yourself, and decorate it.
I remember seeing how much fun my now co-leader and best friend were having in the organization, but also how much my daughter loved being a Girl Scout. Those moments inspired me to become a troop leader. I love being able to share new ideas with the girls and watch them grow and accomplish their goals.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop likes to experience new things and learn from other community members. One of the many activities we planned , was a field trip to the FBI where the girls had an opportunity to talk to an agent that works in their armory. We also attended Circus School where the girls tried trapeze, tightrope and more. As a troop, we enjoy neighborhood encampments and any activities that involve art or give us the chance to be creative. This summer, we’re preparing to travel to Camp Surf in San Diego!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop loves giving back to the community, and we try to organize different service projects, some of which include:
• Making dog toys and reading to animals at the Maricopa Animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit
• Preparing care packages for cancer patients
• Sending thank you cards to military personnel overseas
• Collecting donations for Ronald McDonald House
• Creating collection boxes for the City of Peoria to support National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
This is a tough one because there are many! What stands out to me is watching the girls try something new and problem-solve. Being able to see the girls grow and make big changes in the world has been an amazing privilege.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
Meetings don’t have to be perfect. Being flexible and finding the best time to have a productive and fun meeting is important. As a troop leader, if you’re ever in need of ideas or you’re unsure about an activity, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
As a new leader, I wish I had a better understanding of all the training and support that’s available. I really encourage new leaders to get to know their Service Unit Team because they have a wealth of knowledge and resources to assist your troop and take on new challenges.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding experience! There are so many ways to support girls regardless of the grade level you serve. You can help with recruitment, our cookie season, and Girl Scout events and activities.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Yes, and even though cookie season does provide troop funds, the amount of confidence and skills learned during cookie season is invaluable. There’s no better feeling than seeing our cookie bosses setting and accomplishing goals every year. I love seeing the creativity shine through as the girls prepare to market and sell cookies.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
We believe keeping our booths simple is key to attracting customers. Simple, tasteful displays seem to work best for sales, especially if you have a few ideas/suggestions for each flavor. For example, “s’mores are amazing if you pop them in the microwave for a few seconds” or “lemon-ups are delicious with hot tea or adding a little vanilla ice cream”, etc. Lastly, make sure your girls know each of the cookies to be able to describe their flavor profile or answer questions about them.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
I was inspired when I saw our older girls earn their Bronze Award and go on to work on their Silver Award. Our girls have such kind hearts and amazing ideas and seeing how they engage with their communities and implement projects to solve a local or global issue is truly amazing.
As I move through different social settings, I have noticed a few constants around listening. Often people struggle to project their voices loud enough to be heard, while others don’t hear what others have to say for a variety of reasons. At Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, we believe in nurturing a culture of listening. We call this: witnessing in circle.
Witnessing in circle is an experience where people come together to simply be heard. The point is to be present in the moment and “witness” the person who is speaking step into their power with what they share. Some troops practice this by using a talking stick that gives everyone a chance to speak without interruption, crosstalk, fixing, or contradiction from others.
When I first practiced “witnessing in circle”, my go-getter spirit found it a little unnerving. I thought, “Am I supposed to do something with what I just heard?”, “Am I supposed to offer comfort, remedy, or insight to this person?” The answer to my questions was “no.” I was to remain silent unless someone asked for a response. While there are circumstances in which hearing what another person has to say, does require further action there are instances where a solution or an opinion is not required. If someone shares they’ve been struggling to establish a good habit, and I offer unsolicited advice, I am placing myself in their experience instead of witnessing it.
The choice to witness (be fully present) while someone is being vulnerable in their thoughts and words is a profound way of honoring their humanity. It’s like saying, “what you have to say is valuable without limit.” Instead of approaching conversations with an intention to change their mind, or prioritize our voice over theirs, it’s important to take a step back and create space for others to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. It’s a powerful tool that I hope more Girl Scouts and volunteers can embrace.
A multi-level troop is a diverse group of Girl Scouts ranging in ages and grade levels, like a troop of Brownies and Juniors. In these troops, girls learn how to collaborate and build meaningful friendships with one another while modeling the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Multi-level troops may also encourage older girls to mentor the younger ones, which could earn them badges and Journey elements that represent their ability to guide younger Girl Scouts. Even though leading a diverse group of girls can be challenging, creating an inclusive learning environment for all is rewarding.
Here’s how you can prepare for your multi-level troop:
Review our Girl Scout guidelines for leadership and programs to make sure you are using the adult-to-girl ratio chart to supervise the girls in your troop.
Organize girl-led activities that include all grade levels in your troop. Please note that some activities for older girls might not be possible for younger girls to participate in, so activities might need to be adapted or facilitated separately.
Tip: Allow the older girls to teach or assist the younger ones. If the activity is a craft, consider pairing an older girl with a younger one and have them work together. If safety is a concern or there is no way to adapt the activity in an appropriate manner, ask the volunteers to separate the troop into smaller groups for that portion of the meeting.
Use GSUSA’s Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) as an online resource to plan activities, and learn all about badges, awards, Journeys, patch programs, and service projects.
Tip: Ask troop volunteers to become program experts for a specific grade level to make sure everyone is following their corresponding program. Having two volunteers for each grade level can be of great help!
Host separate meetings with volunteers to discuss the troop’s goals. Volunteers can use this as an opportunity to plan activities for their grade level and complete trainings to ensure the safety and well-being of the girls.
Incorporate activities that bring everyone together, such as opening and closing ceremonies, songs, games, and age-appropriate field trips.
Being part of a multi-level troop is an exciting and challenging experience for the volunteers and the girls. Since the National Program Portfolio changes for every group, keeping track of the materials and activities for each grade level can be difficult. Sometimes, meeting spaces might not accommodate everyone in the troop, or there might not be enough volunteers to assist with activities; however, the keys to leading a multi-level troop lies in building community and adapting to changes. As you prepare to lead your troop, remind the girls that although they may be in different grade levels, they are all part of the unique sisterhood of Girl Scouts.
For more helpful hints and information, please read these two articles from GSUSA:
(PHOENIX – August 16, 2022) – Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is pleased to announce it will offer the new Raspberry Rally cookie, a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a delicious chocolaty coating, during its 2023 Cookie Season, which will take place Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2023. Raspberry Rally will not take the place of any other Girl Scout Cookie favorites across Central and Northern Arizona. It will serve as an enhancement to the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. This new, limited-edition cookie will be the first in the Girl Scout Cookie lineup to be exclusively offered for online direct shipment only, enhancing girls’ e-commerce sales and entrepreneurial skills.
“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is all about teaching entrepreneurship. When searching for new opportunities for girls, Girl Scouts of the United States considered simplicity, new skills, and building overall excitement for everyone. Having an online-exclusive cookie enables Girl Scouts to learn entrepreneurship through their own online businesses by building relevant omni-channel selling skills, pitching to customers online, and providing convenience to purchasers,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC.
Through the Digital Cookie platform, which GSACPC has utilized since 2016 in addition to traditional booths, girls build a custom website so they can invite friends and family to purchase cookies, with the option of having cookies delivered in-person or shipped directly to their home. Girls can also use the Digital Cookie Mobile App to accept credit card payments on the go from customers. Digital Cookie also introduces lessons about online marketing, application use, and eCommerce to Girl Scouts, through building their own cookie website and managing their virtual sales.
All proceeds raised from both in-person and online cookie orders will directly benefit GSACPC and its troops.
“The Girl Scout Cookie is successful because through it Girl Scouts learn leadership, problem-solving, and community building, resulting in an invaluable experience that cultivates an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Through Digital Cookie, we are helping girls’ develop their entrepreneurial skills in a way that makes sense in today’s world. It is a valuable addition to the skillset they are learning through in-person sales and boothing.”
The Girl Scout Cookie Program encourages girls to be risk takers, to think outside of the box, and to be confident in their own abilities. Whether they’re working toward earning their Cookie Goal Setter badge as a Daisy or their My Cookie Business Resume badge as an Ambassador, Girl Scouts are learning qualities crucial for all forms of leadership and life-skills. The program embraces the understanding of the world of business, money management, and entrepreneurship. Cookie Business badges range anywhere from goal setting to learning effective in-person and online sales pitches, using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns.
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,500 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
Megan is a Girl Scout Senior from Troop 1204. She is a 2022 Gold Awardee whose project with Hushabye Nursery focused on the impact of the opioid crisis. Megan hopes that her experience can inspire others to create change. Hear Megan in her own words.
A few years ago, I lost my cousin to addiction. His death left a gaping hole in my family, and it shaped the way I viewed drugs. Back then, I did not know about the opioid crisis, its complex addiction process, universalism, and possible solutions. Through that experience, I became passionate about starting the conversation on this complicated issue. Although the opioid crisis is apparent in most neighborhoods and communities, speaking about it is highly stigmatized. The opioid crisis is a rising issue that needs to be talked about. In 2020, there were nearly 69,000 opioid-related deaths. My goal in this blog is to explain the opioid crisis so you can spread this knowledge to your own community. Then, together, we can truly combat this national epidemic.
The addiction process of drug abuse is like a whirlpool. If trapped in a whirlpool, a swimmer can withstand the pressure and resistance of the water in the beginning. However, as one continues to swirl deeper, the speed increases, the resistance strengthens, and the swimmer begins to fall in; becoming nearly impossible to escape. The swimmer’s lack of physical control is analogous to drug misusers’ lack of mental control. Often, when people become addicted, they are “written off” as lacking the moral principles or the willpower to stop taking drugs. However, drug addiction is a complex disease that corrupts the brain, making it unimaginably hard to get clean and escape the whirlpool.
Drug abuse is universal. No matter one’s race or identity, drug abuse can corrupt their mind and spread in their neighborhood. Addiction also impacts everyone in the community, not just the abuser. Families can be torn apart by drug abuse; the smallest victims in this situation are babies. Babies who are exposed to opioids in the womb are born into non-encouraging environments and forced to detox in loud and cold NICUs. In Arizona, two babies are born every day withdrawing from opioid dependency. From my research, I found that the root cause of many broken families is not having the environment to succeed. To help break this cycle, I believe mothers should be given the chance to deal with their addiction and try to parent their newborns.
Through my Gold Award project, I was able to help combat Arizona’s own drug crisis. I worked alongside Hushabye Nursery, the first and only recovery center for infants who were exposed to opioids in the womb. Hushabye Nursery provides a safe and inclusive environment where mothers, family members, and babies can receive the care and therapeutic support they need to ensure the best future for their family. In pursuit of my Gold Award, I held a donation drive around my community and then built and organized a donation closet. The closet included clothing and goods such as diapers, wipes, and other infant needs. This addition to the organization helped motivate the moms to attend more of the provided parenting classes which then gained them access to “shop” from the closet. Additionally, Hushabye Nursery become one of the National Charity League’s official philanthropies to hold yearly donation drives.
During the process of completing my Gold Award, I also made an effort to inform my community about the impact of the opioid crisis. By sharing information about drug abuse with your community, change will begin to be made against this issue. Together, we can ignite that change.
Interested in participating in our Pass the Mic series? Contact our marketing team at stories@girlscoutsaz.org. This opportunity is open to all Girl Scout Cadettes – Ambassadors.
Girl Scouts has many opportunities to learn and do new things while having fun in a safe, comfortable environment. I love to see children learning and having fun. So, knowing that I could make a difference, I signed on to be a troop leader which has been incredibly rewarding.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
As a troop, we have completed many programs and projects. A few of them include:
• Gardening
• A field trip to Peter Piper Pizza for a pizza-making workshop
• Christmas caroling at nursing homes alongside other troops
• The Goodwill Shoe Drive
• Participating in a flag activity for Veterans Day
We also love learning about ourselves and participating in exercises and activities that will help us build our self-esteem.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
My troop loves giving back to the community! In addition to some of the projects I’ve already shared, we partnered with West Phoenix High School to help in their holiday gift donation program. The girls learned how to wrap gifts that would be delivered to kindergarten students. We have also cleaned up a school’s campus by picking up trash.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A volunteer moment that stands out for me was when the girls sang Christmas carols at the community nursing home. The girls confidently sang their songs and even recited some original poetry. They had worked so hard to memorize the song lyrics and poems; it was a moment where I realized how much they had grown as individuals and as a troop.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
The advice I would share with troop leaders is to lead with compassion, focus on building relationships, and always show love. The girls are doing their best to learn and gain the most out of this program – showing consistent love and understanding will make a huge difference when they are faced with adversity. Building relationships with parents will prove to be essential whenever help is needed. You’re not in this alone.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
I wish someone had told me how much work goes into being a troop leader. At times it can feel like I have a second job, but it is all worth it when I see the girls creating change in our community and growing into strong, confident women.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our girls. It feels great to share knowledge with them and offer guidance when learning new skills, all while having fun! Know that they will value this experience for the rest of their lives.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Yes, my troops sell cookies. It is important to participate in the cookie program because it develops the girls’ self-esteem and confidence. They feel proud of their accomplishments, help one another in reaching their goals, and work as a team to fundraise. From the program they learn social skills, going from being shy and anxious to being confident and self-assured.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Look at your environment and respond accordingly. If a potential customer comes out of a restaurant, say “how about some cookies for dessert?”. When speaking with the elderly, ask if they would like to purchase cookies for grandchildren. Cookies can be used for Valentine’s Day and birthday gifts – cookies can be used as any kind of gift!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moments arise when I see the girls learning and then when they apply what they have learned to other areas of their lives. Girl Scouts really does go beyond their time in the program; I cannot wait to see what my girls accomplish in the future.
I became a troop leader to a newly forming Daisy troop because I wanted to fully experience the joys of Girl Scouts with my [then] kindergarten-aged daughter. I was a Girl Scout from the age of seven to 17 and had an absolutely amazing troop leader and overall, Girl Scouting experience! I knew that if I could replicate the wonderful experiences she provided to my troop, I could positively impact so many girls through this program. I knew that my participation as a leader could encourage confidence, leadership, friendship, and provide experiences to girls that they often won’t have elsewhere!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop just wants to be outside and help animals! They want to build, make, and play in nature any time they can, so our entire troop family works diligently to plan meetings and outings that give the girls outdoor experiences as often as possible. We have gone on numerous hikes and have learned how to navigate maps, how to read compasses, and how to use clues to find letterboxes in the desert. Each year we have safety meetings where our girls learn how to pack needs versus wants for outdoor excursions, and how to help a friend in need with their first aid skills. Last year we spent several meetings and field trips learning about desert animals and bugs, and each girl created an entire presentation on outdoor safety with desert plants and animals that they presented to the troop. Shortly after this was when our girls were able to get up close and personal with snakes and tarantulas with the Arizona Bug Guy! I believe that experience has been a troop favorite thus far!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop dedicated an entire afternoon to volunteering at a local bunny rescue. The girls prepared for the service project by learning about how non-profits work and what it costs to provide supplies for an animal rescue. Then, they put all of this into action by getting their hands dirty at the bunny rescue! They spent hours cleaning bunny cages, food bowls, water bowls, and litter pans (and petting bunnies too, of course).
After the bunny rescue, our troop created a plan for how we could raise money to purchase needed supplies and donate them to the rescue. We figured out that each girl needed to sell a certain amount of cookie packages to raise money for these products and our girls put these numbers on their Cookie Sales Goals sheets so they could show their customers what reaching their goal would mean to them, and the rescue. It was an all-encompassing service project that required our girls to think outside of personal sales goals for cookie season and to see how their efforts could help those in our community!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the greatest moments as a volunteer was hosting a Journey in A Day for our troop! Our entire troop came together – volunteers, parents, siblings, and friends united to help make this day a success for our troop. For me, it was amazing to have so many hands make the work light that could have been stressful. Instead, it was an incredible experience for everyone!
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect! Girls just want to make new friends and have fun. If you can teach them while they’re making new friends and having fun, even better. Use the resources available to you, and network, network, network! Experienced leaders can be a world of knowledge and can help you so much. So, attend your neighborhood meetings and introduce yourself to others. You’re not in this alone, ever!
What do you wish someone had told you as a new troop leader?
Ask your parents to become volunteers and to help right from the jump! Parents want to help; they just don’t know how to. Have parents fill out the troop forms and then use those forms to figure out parents’ strengths and where they can be of assistance to the troop. Parents have so many hidden talents and they can teach girls so many things that you might not have the skill or know how to do. Oh, and delegate when you need to! You don’t have to do it all.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
There are so many ways that you can volunteer with Girl Scouts, not just being a troop leader! Each neighborhood has a Service Team of volunteers that is always looking for a helping hand with finances, event planning, budgeting, communications, and so much more. Many hands make light work!
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the cookie program?
Believe that the cookie program is the basis of entrepreneurship for Girl Scouts. It’s the simplest way to show our girls how to manage inventory and money, and how to talk about their goals and products to customers. Each year of selling cookies builds on another entrepreneurial skill and girls become more confident in themselves as they repeat the process year over year. It is important for [my] girls to participate in this program to gain confidence in making sales, ownership, and responsibility for the goals they set, as well as acquire leadership skills within their community.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
My top selling tip for cookie season is to have your girls start selling the very same-day cookie sales open. They will be the first to approach customers and they’re more likely to have the most sales right at the beginning. Don’t wait until the end when customers have already purchased from booths in the neighborhood! Also, always order more specialty cookies than you think you’ll need.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moment for me as a troop leader was when our girls gained the confidence to climb to the top of the rock walls! Many of our girls had never been up so high and were experiencing a lot of nerves that were keeping them from attempting a new adventure. A few of our girls who were ready to jump in and climb grabbed ahold of the hands of girls who were nervous and helped them get harnessed and feel secure. By the end of the meeting, all the girls were racing to the top of the climbing walls!
Social media is an inherent part of today’s social culture. It allows people to form communities, hosts discussions, supports efforts in advocating for issues one believes in, serves as entertainment, and several others. With that in mind, we must ensure that the digital environment in which users are engaging with each other is safe and inclusive. Although social media has its assets and liabilities, it has several downsides, one of the prominent ones being cyberbullying.
I use social media for socializing with my friends and interacting with others who may have similar interests as me. Therefore, I wanted to do my part to create an inclusive and safe environment promoting positive interactions. The Girl Scout Silver Award provided me with the motivation and guidance needed to put my ideas to action. As I did my research, I came `to realize that cyberbullying would not be an issue if the people who witnessed the bullying stood up for the victim instead of choosing to remain silent. I knew I had to raise awareness and educate the public about the bystander effect and how it can be harmful.
To accomplish this goal I conducted webinars, wrote articles (one was published in Girl Scout Connections and the other in the AZ India Times), and interviewed two Prevention Specialists from notMYkid, an organization that provides prevention, early intervention, behavioral health support, and wellness programs to youths and their families. In all these outlets, I made sure to stress the importance of advocating for victims of cyberbullying and the need for the establishment of clear guidelines by the government and/or the online platforms to ensure that such behavior is punished. Hopefully, with time, we can get closer to ensuring that cyberbullying is controlled, and users can feel safe in all digital spaces.
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?
A few months ago, I found myself at the end of a highly challenging but overall successful cookie season. My troop and I were so proud that we were able to sell 7,240 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, raise $280 in donations, and donate 63 packages of cookies to Maggie’s Place, a local organization committed to serving mothers. It was awesome!
Even with the excitement, I was exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was questioning my ability to sustain my busy life, my business, my family, my health, my sanity, let alone my troop. How could I keep up?! Just a week after the cookie program ended, we began to reserve camp, research family camp, plan events with our funds, etc. It felt as though I didn’t even have a second to breathe!
I was questioning my “why.” Why was I volunteering my time, effort, sweat, and tears? Why was I struggling to feel appreciated when my work created positive change for girls and our community? Then, one stressful Monday, I was scrolling through our Facebook leadership page trying to plan the next thing and one word stood out to me in a post, “retreat.” It was as if it was calling out to me!
It was an invitation for a 3-day, 2-night retreat hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) called Return to Center. It was being held at Parsons Leadership Center exclusively for troop leaders and it turned out that it was taking place that upcoming weekend! All that kept playing in my mind was the word “retreat” and how desperately I needed one. So I extended the invitation to my new co-leader as it was her first-ever cookie season and she was also in need of self-care time. She said yes and we reserved our spots.
The day we arrived at the retreat we didn’t know what to expect. We thought we were going to be able to bond with each other more, make new friends, learn about camp, how to get more volunteers, parent engagement, and all the other things we didn’t know. We felt apprehensive, unsure, hopeful, and exhausted.
As the event progressed, it was clear the incredible women in the Authentic Leadership Community put together an event that was so diverse in lessons and in their approach that our anxiety disappeared. All of their hearts were golden and each member incorporated an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship, guidance, and love. We became vulnerable, learned openly about ourselves, and gained valuable insight from others.
My favorite skill we practiced during each session, that we have since implemented into our troop, is the simple concept of “the circle” – an ALC tool, used at the retreat, that creates a safe space for participants to share ideas and opinions of various topics. After our troop’s first circle, we asked the girls (Daisies and Brownies) what topics they would like to talk about in the upcoming circles, and we were blown away with their responses! They came up with this list of topics:
Friendships
Siblings
Sadness and grief
Hardships and how to overcome them
Happy things
Animals
Meeting planning
Anxiety
Knowing that they want to talk about these difficult topics that they face in their daily lives and having that safe space with people they trust to open up to has been so meaningful and has really brought our troop together.
There were so many great takeaways and meaningful moments during our retreat. As a person who is constantly on the go, my favorite practice I learned at the retreat that has helped me significantly were the mindful/full stop moments. A full stop is when a group, or individual, takes a moment to disconnect from previous tasks and thoughts. This allows all participants to take a moment to clear their minds and be present in the current conversation or task. Implementing this practice in my day-to-day has helped me organize my thoughts, destress, decompress, and breathe before tackling another obstacle. I do not feel nearly as stressed as I did before the retreat.
Return to Center was a great theme for the retreat. We all realized that we have to take care of ourselves to be the best leader we can be, and there’s no way for us to pour out of an empty cup. Unfortunately, this thought of self-care was so abstract to so many of the leaders present because we’re such givers, and it’s hard for us to receive sometimes or even pause to fill our own cups up.
The women of the Authentic Leadership Community poured their love and encouragement into us, provided us with time to reflect and gave us the skills and tools to help us recharge. We were able to take those tools away with us and now we can use them during any moment that we feel drained. If ever you have the opportunity to attend, you will be happy you did! I know we cannot wait for the next one.
Shout out to all those at the retreat who have reminded me that we are not alone and do not have to do everything alone. I want to recognize our troop’s new parent volunteers who help with our troop. I am thankful for my partner who was our Digital Cookie dad and incredibly thankful for my amazing Co-Leader! We could not do this without you all. I’m also so grateful to the troop leaders in Hayden’s Ferry, our council volunteers, and the other neighborhoods for being there for me when we had questions! Thank you for being a sister (or brother) to every Girl Scout and helping me with our learning curve so our troop can help make the world a better place!
Before this retreat, I was questioning my “why.” By the end, I remembered my “why” – it is and has always been to encourage Girl Scouts to be their best selves. To love them, guide them, encourage them, listen to them, and remind them that they are respected and appreciated. To teach them the tools and skills they need in life to help them discover the women they want to be. Our hosts and the other leaders who attended helped remind me why I am a troop leader, and I am so thankful for that.
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.
Last month I had the honor of helping facilitate an Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) retreat at the beautiful Parsons Leadership Center in South Phoenix. It was a wonderful weekend with an amazing group of eight Girl Scout Volunteers from all over the state. The common theme among all the women that weekend was how much they cared for and took care of everyone else, but rarely took that same care for themselves. They also all carried these burdens alone. Maybe you feel that way too? Always giving to others and not always having that same support for yourself.
Sitting in a circle with these women, I could feel the shift as each woman shared their experiences, and we all came to realize that we are not alone in our struggles. We are all unique yet share some of the same feelings. As we learned together, shared meals and conversations, attempted archery, and walked the labyrinth, something remarkable happened. Connection, friendship, and the feeling of support – sisterhood.
It struck me that this is the power of Girl Scouting. When our girls go camping, rally together to sell cookies, or support their community and each other through challenges, they learn what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Connect
There is something special about sitting in a Girl Scout Circle and something that I think we have all missed over the last few years. As an ALC volunteer, I cherish and look forward to our Circles. It is a safe place where all are welcome, and all belong. It’s a place where you feel heard, seen, and affirmed. For our girls, this could be a small yet powerful element of developing their confidence. I know as an adult, it is powerful to feel seen and know you are accepted, valued, and not alone.
Take Action
For your girls: Be intentional about creating a Girl Scout Circle, a center, and taking a full-stop moment with your troops.
For you: Consider joining the ALC. Come sit in Circle with us at one of our monthly meetings held on the second Thursday of each month at Parsons Leadership Center. Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org for more information.
For your Service Unit: Invite ALC to do a deep-dive workshop on Circle setting – its history, purpose, and tools on how to incorporate it.
(PHOENIX – March 23, 2022) — Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is celebrating a successful cookie season. From Jan. 17 to Feb. 27, participating Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona sold more than 2.6 million boxes of delicious cookies, building essential entrepreneurial skills imperative to leadership and future success along the way.
“Our 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season was the most memorable one yet. Despite selling during a pandemic and experiencing inventory shortages, our girls were confident and innovative as they engaged with customers across central and northern Arizona. We celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and are grateful for the generous support from the community,” shared Christina Spicer, Interim Co-CEO of GSACPC.
The funds raised through the cookie program will allow local girls to take part in a variety of programs, community outreach projects and enrichment over the next year, including:
Fueling adventure by maintaining four camp facilities and outdoor programming year-round, including the NEW boulder wall, zip line and climbing tower at The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
Providing STEM, outdoor, life-skills, and entrepreneurial programs for Girl Scouts to participate in in central and northern Arizona, including providing access to programs for girls residing in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Lands
Volunteer training and support for over 6,000 volunteers
Financial assistance to cover membership, uniforms, and camperships for any family needing extra support.
Supporting girls’ passions, take-action project, and pursuit of the Girl Scout High Awards through service projects that make an impact on our community
The Girl Scout Cookie Program not only helps Girl Scouts earn money for these fun, educational activities and community projects, but also plays an important role in helping girls learn essential life skills like decision making, money management, people skills, business ethics and goal setting. It is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! All proceeds from the cookie program support Arizona’s Girl Scouts.
How the cookies crumbled, by the numbers:
7,063 girls in central and northern Arizona sold 2,686,833 cookies
The per girl average was 380 boxes each, up from 320 boxes each in 2021
The top cookie seller, Kaitlyn of Troop 2232 in Glendale, sold 7,788 boxes of cookies
The top troop, Troop 558 in Peoria, sold 64,886 boxes of cookies
113 girls sold over 2,000 boxes each
843,710 packages were sold online through its Digital Cookie program
The most popular cookie sold was Girl Scout Thin Mints
In its first year, 247,456 boxes of Adventurefuls found their way to local homes
Girl Scouts hosted hundreds of booths thanks to restaurant and retail supporters, and long-term partners like Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores (Bashas’, Food City, A.J.’s), and Safeway
In other sweet news, 19 restaurants participated in the 8th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. The Dessert Challenge invites chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants to support Arizona’s girls by creating a special dessert using one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout Cookies. A public voting component was introduced last year, allowing diners to vote for their favorite dessert! With 22% of the votes in the central Arizona area, Nook Kitchen and chef Amber Cumming took the title for best dessert with their Don’t Mind if I Do using Girl Scout Do-si-dos. In the northern Arizona region, Shift won with 37.5% of the votes for their Mint Chocolate Churros created by chef Dara Wong featuring Girl Scout Thin Mints. A portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold was donated to support Girl Scouting in our community.
The season also marked the first-ever Girl Scout night during a Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Arena and Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run and Walk, which took place on Feb. 26 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The family friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners and the community at large, featured music, food and even a Girl Scout business or two. In total, more than 400 girls and their families took part with the community in this special event day-of.
The overwhelming success of this year’s cookie program was possible only with the support of the community. All funds raised stay in Arizona, ensuring girls will have the resources they need to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
About Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, generating over $700 million in annual sales. Nearly 200 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies are sold each year to more than 50 million cookie customers. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council sold over two million packages of cookies last year. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, troops are hoping to meet or exceed previous sales goals.
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