Category Archives: Troops

Troop Leader Spotlight: Sara Ditwiler

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.

True North

By Bobbie Legg

Times change. People change. Places change. But deep inside, your heart’s inner compass knows the way. Years of Girl Scouting taught me to be true to my own values and ambitions. As a Girl Scout Cadette, my involvement in the organization helped me gain the courage to pursue my own interests outside of what was popular in the world around me. This strength followed me into higher Girl Scout levels and other areas of my life. I learned to follow my true North.

The pandemic that struck in 2020 has changed all our lives. Repeated surveys have reported that at least 55% of Americans are seeking a new job. People are looking at their lives through a new lens and are considering changes that may help them feel more congruent to their values. Given this time to look back and evaluate our lives, we ask, “Are you happy with the life you are living?”

Do you know your true North? What does your authentic self, crave? Listen to that voice. As we emerge out of this stormy time, know that you have a true purpose. Let your self-awareness guide you in path that leads you to excel at what is most important to YOU.

Looking for your true North? Take time to journal and reflect on these thirty questions written by Bill George, author of Discover Your True North.

  1. What do you want your legacy to be? 10, 20, 50 years from now, what will your name mean?
  2. What one word do you want people to use to describe you? What do you think they’d currently use?
  3. If money was no object, how would you spend your time? What would your day look like?
  4. Fill in the blank: My life is a quest for _______. What motivates you? Money? Love? Acceptance?
  5. If you were to donate everything you have to a cause or charity, which would it be?
  6. What is your biggest regret? If you could go back and have a ‘redo,’ what would you change?
  7. When was the last time you told a lie? Why? What would have happened if you had told the truth?
  8. If you accomplish one thing by the end of the year, what would make the biggest impact on your happiness?
  9. What do you think is the meaning of life? Do you live your life accordingly?
  10. What would others say is your biggest asset? What would they say is your biggest flaw? Be honest.
  11. What did you like to do when you were 10 years old? When was the last time you did that activity?
  12. What do you love most about your current job? What do you wish you could do more of?
  13. What do you think you were put on this earth to learn? What were you put here to teach?
  14. What keeps you awake at night when you should be sleeping? What gets you out of bed in the mornings?
  15. List your core values. Use your company’s mission statement to list its core values. Do they match up?
  16. What skills do people frequently compliment you on? These may not be what you think you’re best at.
  17. If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would you say?
  18. What do you not want others to know about you? Use your answer to find and conquer insecurities.
  19. List the five people you interact with most frequently (not necessarily friends). How is each helping you to reach your goals (or not)?
  20. If yourself from ten years ago met you today, would he/she be impressed with where you’ve gotten? Why or why not?
  21. What bugs you? If it makes you mad, you’re passionate about it! Can you make your anger productive?
  22. Fast-forward ten or twenty years. What is the one thing that, if you never pursued, you’d always regret?
  23. When was the last time you embarrassed yourself? You have to be vulnerable to find your purpose.
  24. Who or what energizes you? What makes you feel depleted? Do you thrive on chaos, or prefer order?
  25. Who do you look up to? Who are your mentors, both those you know personally and those who inspire you from afar?
  26. Think about your talents, passions, and values. How can you use them to serve and contribute to society?
  27. Why do you want to find your purpose? Write the answer down and put it somewhere you can see it. The journey isn’t always easy.
  28. What in your life is ‘on hold’? Until you lose weight, until you retire, etc. What are you waiting for?
  29. What price would you take to give up on your dreams? What price would you be willing to pay to achieve them?
  30. Now that you’ve answered these questions, what is your action plan? What steps will you take today?

In Girl Scouting, we support and encourage one another in our journeys. Join us in the Authentic Leadership Community as we all look to improve our own lives and the lives of the girls we serve.

Want to learn more about the Authentic Leadership Community? Check us out here. Want to get more involved or have questions? Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org

Troop Leader Spotlight: Christy Petrosky

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.

Troop Leader Spotlight: Darlene Blink

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.

Building a Container for Resolutions

By Kate Allen

The new year is upon us and with it comes the excitement of setting new year’s resolutions! Around this time also our cookie season begins and girls set goals and make thoughtful, strategic decisions about how they want to achieve them. We’ll show you an activity you can introduce to your troop that will show them the strength of outline steps to big goals.

My daughters have often aimed high when it comes to goal setting during cookie season. They’ll be the first to tell you that the recognitions for high achievers are enticing. When it comes to showing up for the work required to meet those lofty goals, though, the enthusiasm that comes with goal setting can dwindle. Established habits and desires to do other things may end up taking precedence, and if they do, disappointment about the failure to meet goals can surface.

Making a resolution for the new year is like setting a goal for cookie season. How does one strike a balance between setting resolutions and developing habits that support the actions required for them? 

Below is an exercise you can do in a hands-on way to explore this balance and reach your goals.

Supplies

  • 6 strips of colorful cardstock or paper (1″ wide, 8.5″ long)
  • A colorful marker/pen
  • Clear tape
  • One marble 

Instructions

  • Step 1: On the first strip of cardstock, write down your resolution. On three additional strips, write down three steps that will support your success in meeting that resolution. These steps may include actions you know you’ll need to take as well as subsequent actions you’ll take if/when your initial interest begins to fade. 
  • Step 2: Hold up your marble. This is your resolution. Now use the strips of paper to pick up your marble. How well do the strips hold your resolution? 
  • Step 3: Arrange two of the strips next to one another vertically on a flat surface. Then weave two strips horizontally through the vertical strips, alternating between going over and under. Once this is done, you’ll have a plus sign with a woven square at the center. This square is the floor of your container. From here, fold the ends of the strips so that they stand straight up above the floor of the container. These will be the walls of the container. 
  • Step 4: Take another strip and fold it every two inches along its length to form a square shape. Tape the ends of this strip together to secure the square shape.
  • Step 5: Position your square from Step 4 so it is parallel with the floor of your container. Weave the square from Step 4 onto the upstanding ends of your container from Step 3. The ends of the container from Step 3 should alternate over and under the square from Step 4 on all four sides. Once this is done, repeat steps 3 and 4 with a second strip of paper.
  • Step 6: Fold the ends of the vertical strips from Step 3 over the second square from Step 5 (fold it toward the inside of the container if the strip is on the outside of the square, and fold it toward the outside of the container if the strip is on the inside of the square). Tape the folded ends to the walls of the container.
  • Step 7: Put your marble in the container you’ve woven and pick up the container. How does the container support your marble compared to the individual strips of paper? Describe what was it like to weave a container for your resolution. What do you imagine it would be like to try weaving a container again for a new resolution? Journal for 5-10 minutes about the process and share your insights with someone you know.

Try this activity with your troop and have a discussion on goal setting. Share your troop’s experience with creative goal setting at stories@girlscoutsaz.org

This article is hosted by the Authentic Leadership Community. The Authentic Leadership Community is currently running a new workshop for Service Units – Introduction to Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. We would love to visit your SU! To learn more and sign up, please complete our interest form.

Questions? Email volunteerlearning@girlscoutsaz.org.

My Girl Scout Leadership Journey

By: Oona Mada


“Mom, I want to join Girl Scouts.”  That’s how it all started. 

Thank you to my daughters Malissa and Jessica, who begged me to join Girl Scouts in grade school. While I wasn’t sure exactly what our journey would be like, I did see the program as a way for my girls to learn how to become effective, confident leaders in their own right while giving back to our community. Little did I know that I too, would be a Girl Scout (leader). I would have the opportunity to forge a path towards enhancing my leadership skills, collaborating, and working with incredible people to create a great girl and leader/volunteer experience.  

As a Girl Scout leader, new or experienced, we are given many resources to help us live out the Girl Scout Law and traditions and get started. When I began my Girl Scout journey, I did what all leaders are guided to do; complete trainings, review Council rules, apply safety rules when traveling with our troops, and observe and practice traditions. This helped me become a confident troop leader and I quickly dov ein. 

However, it wasn’t until I attended an Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) retreat called “Hit the Pause” in 2020 that Girl Scouts genuinely changed my life. Girl Scouts created a program that encouraged me to be my authentic self and develop into a better leader and person through discussions that involved the adoption of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership Methods in everyday situations.

As a member of the ALC, I am honored to be a part of a team that aims to help our leaders learn and experience the essential elements of Girl Scouting. Several of these elements may be familiar to you, and for those that may not be as familiar, you can learn all about it as well. Here is what ALC aims to provide: 

  • Circles – Safe spaces where everyone is equal, heard, respected, and valued. There is no hierarchy. Examples include Friendship circles and Circle Agreements. 
  • Reflection – Pausing to take time for self-discovery and awareness; helping girls and adults connect with their inner compass related to their life’s purpose.  The ALC offers a variety of programming for adult leader development to identify personal core values, enhance interpersonal communication skills, and navigate /appreciate personality differences. 
  • Ceremony – Recognizing, celebrating, and marking an accomplishment or beginning of a new program. Examples include bridging, investiture/rededication and candle lighting.
  • Co-Generational Community – All levels of girls and adults working together.  No one outgrows their potential, and the profound effects it has on the whole community.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – The unique differences of individuals that make up our Girl Scout Community –  the intentional inclusion of every girl, family, and adult no matter their background, while also making sure every member belongs, and their inputs are valued.  ALC offers a variety of programming for adult leader development to incorporate DEI thinking in your Troop / Service Unit activities. 

ALC is currently offering an Introduction to Authentic Girl Scout Leadership for Service Units. If you would like to schedule this workshop please connect with your Service Unit Manager and complete this form.

Visit the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) webpage to learn more. 

Check the Activities Calendar for upcoming ALC events and retreats in 2022. 

  

Troop Leader Spotlight: Jannis Mossman

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. 

Troop Leader Spotlight: Tiffany Schuttler

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!

Troop Leader Spotlight: Sarah O’Connell

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. 

Welcome the Fall Season by Giving Back!

By: Janey Kurtz

With the fall weather approaching, now is a great time to start talking to the girls in your troop about community service and Take Action Projects. Giving back is work of the heart; it brings smiles to our faces and is a core component of the Girl Scout experience. Giving girls an opportunity to choose how they would like to give back shows them that their voice matters and focuses on issues they are passionate about. It helps girls eliminate the word “can’t” from their vocabulary, learn leadership skills, and deal with failure through critical thinking and accepting responsibility. 

Here are a few ideas you can share with your troop when discussing how they’d like to give back and make an impact:

Spruce up a neighborhood park – Work with your town/city and see if a local park could use some TLC.  Working with your girls, show them how cleaning up a neighborhood park can bring joy to the community.

Bring treats to First Responders – Have your girls earn their cooking badges by making snacks or a meal for First Responders. Or think of another way to show gratitude for everything they do for our community. Seeing how much they are appreciated will brighten their day.  

Random act of kindness – Have the girls do a brainstorming session and then use the app Goosechase to create a “Random Act of Kindness Scavenger Hunt race!” Tape popcorn to a Redbox, drop off quarters at a laundromat, pay for someone’s ice cream, or help shoppers carry groceries to their car. The sky is the limit! 

Participate in Make a Difference Day – Girl Scouts are always making a difference in the world. Explore different activities that will help your troop make an impact on Make a Difference Day on Oct. 23. 

Re-stock a free library – Have girls ask their friends and families to donate their gently used books and locate little free libraries around the community to re-stock. (Make sure to get permission from the library owner). 

There are so many great ideas for the girls to choose from! Whatever you do, tell our Council Staff and the world – don’t forget to submit all of your photos and reflections using our stories form!

Troop Leader Spotlight: Pamela Meade

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. 

Back to Troop!

School is back in session, and Girl Scouts across Arizona are getting ready to begin the new member year! Whether you’re a new or seasoned troop, here are a few tips to ensure a great start to your year.

Start with the GSLE (Girl Scout Leadership Experience) in mind! Hold an age-appropriate planning meeting to capture what kinds of activities and programming your troop would like to accomplish and participate in:

  • Badges and Journeys
    • Don’t forget GSUSA just announced 28 New Program Badges focused on entrepreneurship, math in nature, and digital leadership that emboldens girls to navigate a changing society and build the futures they want for themselves and the world.
    • Council’s Own Badges and Patches include badges/patches like South Mountain Trails and the Wild Wonders Outdoor Experience patch program.
    • Journeys  
  • Service projects and Take-Action projects
  • Field trips
  • High Awards
    • Additional Awards – In addition to the High Awards, Girl Scouts can earn other awards like Community Service Bars, Counselor in Training, faith-based, and teen mentor awards.  
  • Product Programs
    • Fall Product Program – gives girls the chance to step up and shine and earn rewards along the way. Build entrepreneurial skills, teamwork, and raise troop proceeds for the year. Sign up soon!
      • Girl Scout Cookie Program – get ready for the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program and be the first to sell the newest cookie, the Girl Scout Adventurefuls! 

Once the girls have done their planning, hold a parent meeting to set the expectations and have everyone begin the year on the same page.

Hold a parent meeting. Use this meeting to build your Troop Committee for the year. This parent committee identifies support roles for parents and their responsibilities for the troop year. Ask parents to share talents and skills that can be helpful for the year and provide support by signing up for specific tasks. 

Re-commit to the Promise and Law. Plan an investiture and rededication ceremony at the beginning of the new troop year to welcome any new Girl Scouts and have returning Girl Scouts re-commit themselves to the Promise and Law. 

Reconnect with each other by planning some team-building activities and games. For example, have the girls create a troop mural that captures their troop’s personality. Use the mural as a background for the troop to create their kaper chart. 

Take a moment to read the Authentic Girl Scout Leadership booklet and use the information to discover how to lead from the inside out. Discover the magic of circles, the wisdom of reflection, the rites of passage ceremonies can provide, the value of co-generational communities, and DEI principles in Girl Scouts.

Troop Leader Spotlight: Natasha Neal

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.

Troop Leader Spotlight: Melanie Callahan

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.

Labyrinths 101

Labyrinth at Camp Maripai, Prescott

 What is a labyrinth?

Many cultures have used labyrinths as meditation and prayer tools for over 4,000 years. They are recognized as ancient symbols that relate to self-discovery and wholeness. The design of a labyrinth combines both the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our center and back again into the world. 

Did you know?

Each one of our Girl Scout Camps has at least one labyrinth on the property! Girl Scouts can even contact camp directors to do a service project involving the labyrinths, or they can create one of their own! In addition, several troops from our council, including Troop 151 from Holbrook, AZ, have taken action to design and construct community labyrinths while earning a badge or completing a High Award.  

Labyrinths that are open to the public can be found all over the state as well. Here are some links to help you find one (or several) near you:

Why should I use a labyrinth? 

Having time and space for reflection has many benefits! Whether you walk solo or in a small group, you can use a labyrinth experience to reduce stress, establish a sense of living in the present, and embrace your personal journey. Group labyrinth walks can build a stronger sense of community and deeper relationships because walking together requires a foundation of trust and respect. If you are seeking new ways to emphasize self-awareness, practice decision-making skills, and develop an enhanced connection to our earth and others, you may enjoy visiting a labyrinth.

A Leader’s Labyrinth Story: JoDee Turner

Sometimes I think a labyrinth walk is just what is needed to ground us.

My first time experiencing a labyrinth was very moving for me. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and took to the journey of the labyrinth. I was told that I should walk in with the thoughts weighing heavy on my mind and soul, go to the center, leave them there, and then walk the path out with lighter energy. I felt tears roll down my face as I approached the center. I took a moment at the center, left all my worries there, and started back the way I had entered but not as the same person that had entered. I was stunned that something so small as walking the labyrinth could change my life forever. I learned that if I embraced the calm and looked into myself, I would find my path within Girl Scouts and life.

I have experienced labyrinths at three of our camps, plus a retreat. I think out of all my walks, two stand out to me for bringing peace and making my heart warm. Both were night walks and included music.  One was at Willow Springs. It was candlelit, with wooden flutes playing while everyone took on their journey. The only lighting was stars in the sky and the tealights throughout the labyrinth. The music echoed through the trees and wrapped me in a warm blanket. One of my other favorite night walks was at a retreat with my fellow Girl Scouts. We had spent a couple of days deep-diving into Leadership from the Inside Out. We ended one of our sessions with a night walk. All of us bonded together through our experience and shared an even deeper connection. We sang in unison, walked in sync, and wound our way in and out of the labyrinth.  

I have taken these deep connections and tried to share them with my Girl Scouts to experience it too. I am honored that I have the opportunity to help guide our young girls and teach them about the wonders of the labyrinth. I am also excited these young girls are learning and experiencing the outdoors at an early age in this introspective way.

Getting Your Girls Involved – Badge Connections

We invite leaders and families to explore Arizona and find a labyrinth near you. Girl Scouts offers many outdoor badges where you can incorporate a labyrinth into the experience. Girls can use their surroundings to create a labyrinth by including rocks from the region to set the center and to line the borders of their pathways. They can set the mood by listening to their surroundings and embrace nature in their walk, and create miniature ones on the go.

Here are some of the badges you can incorporate labyrinths into:

  • Daisies Use Resources Wisely Petal – Practice being resourceful and design a labyrinth using the materials that girls have available.  While most labyrinths are constructed from local stones, girls can also create a labyrinth utilizing pillows, blankets, and even stuffed animals! This is a great way to encourage creativity with untraditional resources. 
  • Brownie Letterboxing & Hiker Badges – Have fun hiking and hiding a family letterbox near a labyrinth site to encourage more girls to visit the labyrinths located in your area. Find more details on Letterboxing on our council website, including instructions for logging your letterbox location and clues.
  • Junior Gardener Badge – Labyrinths are a traditional feature in garden sites and are a creative way to incorporate hardscape design within a green space.  Explore a local labyrinth in a garden near you and enjoy the opportunity to walk and smell the roses! 
  • Cadette aMAZE Journey – Life is a maze of relationships, and this Journey has girls maneuvering through all its twists and turns to find true friendships, plenty of confidence, and maybe even peace.  Visiting a labyrinth can represent the challenges girls have encountered and provide a safe space for reflection as girls begin, or a symbolic way to celebrate completing the Journey.
  • Senior Outdoor Art Expert Badge – Explore a labyrinth to gather creative inspiration and use the opportunity to also observe and tune into nature all around you. Girls can capture their experience through music, visual arts, or digitally and may also decide to design their labyrinth outdoors. 
  • Ambassador Outdoor Art Master Badge – Teens can bring art and the outdoors together by experiencing a labyrinth.  Together, get inspired by the beauty in nature and the connections made when walking the paths as a group. 

How to Draw a Labyrinth

You can create labyrinths in many ways. For example, you can draw them with chalk outside, on a paper plate (using your finger to “walk” the path), you could mow one (if you have grass), or use molding clay.

Use this guide to help you draw your own!

This blog is written by JoDee Turner and Jenny Sharbaugh. ALC is centered around the principles of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership, formerly known as Leadership from the Inside Out. “We are committed to helping you discover, unlock and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.” 

Things To-Do with Your Troop This Summer

Hey, GSACPC! Summer is a time to make memories with new friends and your current Girl Scout Sisters! As you get ready for the new school year, we encourage you to try some new activities, learn something, and get together with your troop/group at least once a month!

Here are some ideas to try (that also offer a cool reprieve from summer temps):

  1. Get Ahead with Summer Badge Work
    For those troops who choose not to pause their Girl Scout experience until fall, approach every potential activity with a Girl Scout mindset, and you are bound to find a way to earn a badge! You can use Badge Explorer to find badge ideas for all levels.
     
  2. Beat the Heat Activity
    Consider a fun day at a roller-skating rink or indoor ice-skating rink. Have your girls been to the bowling alley or watched a movie at the drive-in theatre lately? There are a variety of venues and attractions to visit indoors! 
  3. Experience Local Museums and Art Exhibits
    Have you heard about Wonderspaces, an immersive art museum with rotating installations? Museums are a cool place to enjoy a day of fun exploration and learning. Some of our program partners, such as the i.d.e.a. Museum (Arizona Museum for Youth), Arizona Science Center, and the Musical Instrument Museum, have some great Girl Scout Badge activity opportunities as well. 
  4. Learn a New Skill
    Learning a new skill is in the “threadwork” of Girl Scouting. For example, sewing is a life skill that all Girl Scouts can learn, and then they can be responsible for sewing their badges and patches on their uniforms! Teaching skills like this can be simple, with plenty of online resources like these sewing practice sheets.
  5. Get Active
    For those who don’t want to pick up their needle, complete a service project. Idea: make environmentally friendly reusable bags and have the girls make or collect items to donate to a shelter! Girls can create DIY positivity notes or host a drive to collect personal care items – the ways to give back are endless!

    Host monthly wellness-inspired virtual or in-person get-togethers! Check the Activities Calendar for upcoming events or host your own. You can do yoga or another exercise online or in an outdoor space, or even learn some mindfulness techniques together.

    Other skills are fun to learn outdoors. Have you tried Kick-the-Can-Ice Cream or DIY chalk with your troop? Both activities guarantee instant fun during and once the activity is complete!
  6. Water Fun & Games 
    During the Phoenix summer, what could be better than exploring and playing with water? Do your girls want to spend a day having fun at Hurricane Harbor? Perhaps a field trip to Arizona Falls where girls can learn about the transformation of a historic waterfall into a hydroelectric plant would be the choice for your troop? Girls can enjoy interacting and reflecting on the three waterfalls, and all the wonders water brings. Make plans to visit or take a virtual tour.   

    If you are looking for a creative water activity idea for a troop meeting rather than a field trip, look no further! Try making this glowing rainbow water, or maybe the girls would like to make their very own waterfall wall out of recycled materials! 

    Who doesn’t love games? Add a little water to ‘em and just wait for the laughter and cheers! Check out these water game ideas, and see how you can connect them to water-themed badges and Journeys!   

We hope you have a safe and fun-filled summer! Please make sure to review the Safety Activity Checkpoints and follow COVID-19 guidelines while planning for any activity. 

Troop Leader Spotlight: Tiffany McGee

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.

Troop Leader Spotlight: Jennifer Van Zilen

Sinagua Service Unit

Troop 3182, Cadettes

Years as a Troop Leader: 6

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader? 

My daughter’s troop was disbanding, and I saw how much Girl Scouting benefited her and the other girls. I didn’t want them to miss out, so I decided to step up and become a volunteer.

I’m so glad I did because it’s been such an incredible experience. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.

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

We have done fun and educational trips around our state. Our troop has enjoyed tie-dying arts and crafts, painting kindness rocks, camping, and horseback riding. We’ve even gone to several state parks and earned our Junior Ranger badges!

Especially during this past year, our troop has realized how important it is for us to stay connected. Once we were given the okay to meet in person, any face-to-face meeting we could have has been our favorite thing to do. This past year has been hard for everyone, but it was hard not to see our Girl Scout Sisters regularly. We’re applying all the recommended guidelines so our troop stays safe and healthy and so we can continue to plan in-person meetings. 

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

Our troop enjoyed giving back to the community regularly. We’ve volunteered with a couple of different animal rescue sanctuaries to help feed, walk, bathe dogs and puppies. We’ve also volunteered at our community senior center and made blankets for babies in the hospital, which we enjoyed. 

Each year we also look forward to our neighborhood hosting a community Turkey Dinner, where all our troops help serve our community members dinner.

Our troop recently installed a Little Free Library at a local park to help our community have access to books. Our local paper, The Verde Valley Independent & Camp Verde Bugle, even wrote an article about us! 

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

My favorite thing about being a volunteer is seeing these girls grow over the years.

Some were very shy and introverted when we started, and I’ve seen them blossom into strong, confident young leaders.

What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?

Stick with it. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but it’s so rewarding in the long run. You don’t have to have elaborate meetings every time. Sometimes it’s good for the girls to get together and play a game. Sometimes that’s when the best memories are made.

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

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and don’t try to do everything on your own. It’s okay to delegate tasks and get help from your parent volunteers! You’d be surprised that they are willing and want to help!

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

It’s so worthwhile! If you’re considering it, I can tell you firsthand that it’s worth pursuing!

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

We sell cookies every year not only to help fund our troop activities but for the girls to learn essential life skills.

They’ve learned business skills and money management, how to be confident, and strong communication skills. It’s such a well-rounded program in regards. 

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

This year we weren’t sure how things would go due to COVID-19, so we used the Digital Cookie site. And guess what? We wound up having one of our best years ever! Our customers loved our free local delivery offering and how they could press an online order through the girls’ and troop Digital Cookie websites. 

I highly recommend that all troops enroll in Digital Cookie to offer this option to customers and so girls can learn other skills like e-commerce and digital marketing.

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

I think I’ve been most inspired by my Girl Scouts when I see them work together to problem-solve and overcome challenges.

When we went to encampment with our neighborhood, one of my troop members was terrified to the point of tears by the rock climbing wall, but all our neighborhood Girl Scout Sisters built her up and encouraged her. She was able to complete the course! Girl Scouts is the ideal space for girls to support one another and thrive. 

Guide to Girl Scout Ceremonies

Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin.

Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or add something special to the beginning or end of a group’s meeting. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in words or songs. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony helps girls share in Girl Scout history and traditions—and create special memories.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, we put together this guide of Girl Scout Ceremonies to help you plan and get familiar with the traditions. 

Let’s start with a quick guide on important Girl Scout Ceremonies: 

  • Bridging Ceremonies mark a girl’s advancement from one level of Girl Scouting to another.
  • Hosting a Bridging Ceremony? Check out this guide to planning your first Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony! It covers the basics and outlines some tips and key program pieces to make it traditional and unique. This ceremony is typically hosted in May or June.
  • Flag Ceremonies can be part of any activity that honors the American flag. These are typically hosted at major Council or Girl Scouting events.
  • A Fly-Up is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings.
  • Founder’s Day or Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday, October 31, is a time to remember the vital role Juliette Low played in the founding and growth of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States.
  • Girl Scout Birthday Ceremonies can be held on or near March 12, the date Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
  • A Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award Ceremony honors Girl Scouts who have earned these special awards and is usually held at the troop/group level or combined with the annual Council event.
  • Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-planned program that lets girls explore their feelings around a topic, such as friendship or the Girl Scout Promise and Law, using spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other forms of expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
  • Investiture welcomes new members—girls and adults—into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time.
  • Journey Ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family.
  • Court of Awards is a special ceremony recognizing girls’ accomplishments. Girls are presented with their badges, year pins, and other recognitions earned during the year. Volunteers may also be recognized during the ceremony. The Court of Awards can be held anytime during the year, at any location, and as often as the troop wants.
  • Opening Ceremonies start a Girl Scout meeting.
  • Pinning Ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
  • Rededication Ceremonies are an opportunity for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

You might find yourself asking, “How do I plan this Ceremony?” As a Troop Leader, your job is to guide the girls in an age-appropriate way as THEY plan their celebration. Walk your Girl Scouts through the ceremony one step at a time. Listen to your girls’ ideas and be open to help them create the ceremony in a meaningful way. With younger Girl Scouts, you might consider giving them simple choices to make, such as choosing a theme for the event or having them pick the songs they want to sing. If your girls want to make bracelets or hold a daisy flower, for example, honor their decision-making skills and include their ideas in the ceremony.  

Offer the opportunity for girls to express how important this ceremony is to them by allowing them to create invitations, ceremony programs, and decorations. When it comes time for preparation, call on your troop parents for support to help make this celebration come to life. As your girls get older, you’ll be able to turn over additional responsibilities in the planning and execution of the ceremony – keeping in mind that their ideas will change over time. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting back and watching the girl-led, learning-by-doing process unfold, leaving you with a feeling of honor and pride.

Troop Leader Spotlight: Corinn Herell

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.