My daughter who is now a 15-year-old freshman in high school wanted to join Girl Scouts when she was in first grade, and to accompany her, I also took my youngest daughter (now an 11-year-old fifth grader) to meetings with us! Troop leaders allowed her to “help” in activities and if there were extra patches they’d give them to her, so before she became a Daisy, she already had patches on her vest. Unfortunately, when the time came for her to be a Daisy, the troop did not have a troop leader for that level. Instead of transferring them to another troop, I volunteered to lead until a new troop leader was found. I’ve been her leader since then and now she is bridging to Cadettes!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
We try to concentrate on badge work, but want to volunteer more this year and get back to earning high awards. The girls love celebrating holidays with parties or creative activities that tie into their Girl Scouting experience. Like other troops, they enjoy taking trips as a troop, whether it’s to Disney World or Northern Arizona for a relaxing weekend in a cabin. Most of our girls have been together since they were Daisies and Brownies so many friendships have formed that extend outside of Girl Scout activities or meetings.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
As a way to give back to the community, the girls have volunteered with the United Way Day of Service event and have participated in Goodwill donation events. During fall, some of the girls traveled with Service Unit members to one of the camps to clean and spruce it up. Recently, a few girls volunteered their time on a Saturday morning before Easter to pick up trash at Cesar Chavez Park.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I would advise troop leaders to communicate and talk to one another because there will always be times where they feel overwhelmed or lost but when they reach out, they realize there’s always someone else who’s been in a similar situation or is currently going through a similar experience. It’s also important to celebrate and recognize each other’s efforts.
When I started with my job for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Girl Scouts was assigned to me. I began as a co-leader and soon became a leader for our Daisy troop. Through the training I’ve completed, the badges I’ve helped the girls earn and the community service projects I’ve been a part of have helped develop my leadership.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
One of the volunteer moments that stands out to me the most is taking two of our Girl Scouts to a photoshoot at Parsons Leadership Center. The girls were really excited to participate and meet other Girl Scouts from surrounding tribes.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
Our troop does sell cookies! Selling Girl Scout Cookies is a hands-on program that teaches girls public speaking, financial and marketing skills and at the same time, helps them save money to fund trips, go to camp, etc.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
The most inspiring moment I’ve experienced as a troop leader is seeing multiple generations cycle throughout the past 25 years. I’ve seen Girl Scout alumni return and enroll their daughters back in the programs and experiences they once enjoyed so much!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has worked with several organizations that provide hygiene products and clothing to unhoused populations and has also put together backpacks for children in underserved communities. Other service projects include building a bench for Camp Willow Springs and planting trees, just to name a few. Our Juniors and Cadettes have earned their Bronze and Silver Awards through some of these projects!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During the pandemic, we were pushing through with virtual meetings, and we had a group of Juniors going to bridge who wanted to earn their Bronze Award. We knew it would be difficult, but we brainstormed and used our donated cookie packages to deliver care packages to all the departments at Banner University Medical Center. This hospital took a majority of the COVID patients in the state, and we wanted to recognize them for their efforts. We planned the entire project virtually and created 37 boxes of cookies and treats for every department. Girls came to my house to pack the boxes individually while social distancing, and we delivered them in the ER parking lot to the CEO and nursing staff.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
We sell a lot of cookies! With almost 70 girls, we have been in the top 3 sellers for the past two years. While it’s important because it funds programming for our girls, it also builds confidence and interpersonal skills as girls promote their products. This is often when girls come out of their shells and work together to meet or exceed a goal!
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
One of the most inspiring moments I’ve experienced as a troop leader is our bridging ceremonies! I love seeing how excited the girls get to advance to the next Girl Scout Level and feel inspired by their dedication and commitment to this troop and their Girl Scout Sisters.
What inspired me to become a troop leader was knowing my daughter was part of a troop that needed adult volunteers. The co-leader was unable to continue, and the troop was going to disband, so I offered to step in as a co-leader. Although that troop eventually disbanded, we started our own troop with other parents that were looking for a place for their girls to feel included.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Every year, we donate presents to Toys for Tots or Christmas Angel Tree and previously have donated items to the Navajo Nation during COVID-19. We also donated items for local dog rescues and, last year, made “care bags” for our local pediatric hospital ward. We made approximately 120 bags for younger kids and teens, including stress balls, sketchbooks, coloring books, crayons, pencils, and small stuffed animals for comfort. Now, the girls are planning to make care packages for the homeless community in our area.
What advice would you give other troop leaders?
I advise other troop leaders to listen to their girls and try to have a well-rounded program. We were very badge oriented for a couple of years until the girls spoke up about wanting to do more artistic things and have troop meetings outside of our usual spot. To honor their perspective, we’ve met at local parks, done short hikes, and dedicated time to work on badges and art projects.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
My biggest inspiration is seeing how my daughter and niece have grown out of their insecurities as they take on more leadership roles, especially when they’re showing the younger girls what Girl Scouts is all about. It’s inspiring watching them ensure other girls have the same quality experience they did when they were younger.
By Nadia Kharoufeh, Girl Scout Senior and Media Ambassador
As you pack your bags to go to Camp Willow Springs, you start to get excited, but nervous. Though you’ve been there before, it feels like you’re going for the first time again, then suddenly a spark of fear burns within you with feelings of homesickness. You start to feel the pre-camp jitters and ask yourself scary questions like “Will I meet new people?” But as you are on your way to camp, both feelings start to increase. Your excitement is wondering “Are we there yet?” while your fear asks, “Can I go home?”
Over the past couple of years, you’ve noticed a change in your mental health. The truth is that a lot has changed over time. There was COVID-19, going to a new school, starting a new grade level, and much more. You become anxious of everything that could go wrong, but you remember something important: everyone goes through at least a couple rough situations in their life, and nobody is spared from experiences that can take a toll on your mental health. And though it sounds frightening at first, there are always ways to get out. You assume the rest of the Girl Scouts with you are stressed about this trip too, but everyone seems to be there for each other, making you feel at ease.
The thing about Girl Scouts is that nobody gets left behind. You think back to your past trips and realize that this special element of going to camp has positively impacted your self-esteem/mental health. You discover that no matter how alone you feel at first, you are never going to be lonely.
You arrive at camp and connect with other campers instantly. As you and the rest of your cabin unit start walking to the campfire, you take in your surroundings. You see the wildlife, the trees, and the mountains. It is good to take in the nature around you. After all, before anyone went to camp, technology was one of the highlights of everyone’s lives. You start to come to the conclusion that disconnecting can be good because life slows down. There’s no need to rush here nor the pressure from social media. When you breathe in, you feel the beautiful chill of the air rush into your lungs. When you exhale, your heart fills with joy because of the relief of being away from a quick-paced life.
Does this experience sound familiar? Before you went to camp, how were you feeling mentally? What happened when you returned? I believe Girl Scouts holds a special place in all our hearts, not just because of the s’mores, but because of the opportunities we have to strengthen and take care of our mental health. Summer camp has a special way of building confidence and character, and like other Girl Scout programs, encourages us to be the best version of ourselves.
By Bobbie Legg of the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community (ALC)
Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It is a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), which you—as a Girl Scout—are part of, has celebrated World Thinking Day since 1926. – GSUSA
“The good life is built with good relationships.” – R. Waldinger
Every year, I received a big “think” envelope in the postal mail filled with letters from my Girl Scout friends from around the globe. We had all worked together at Our Chalet, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Center in Switzerland and promised to stay in touch every World Thinking Day -and we did. We met as 20-year-olds full of adventure with a thirst for living life. Decades later, I still find joy in their connection—we’ve attended each other’s weddings, met on different continents, and cheered each other on during the toughest times.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest study on happiness and life satisfaction– shows that meaningful human connection is primary key to happiness, physical health and a longer life! One of those connections are friendships that act as stress regulators, allowing our bodies to heal and re-balance amidst the challenges of life. And if there’s something I’ve learned from Girl Scouting, is that Girl Scouts are experts at creating, nurturing, and keeping close friendships.
The truth is, I worry that many Girl Scout volunteers may struggle with feeling disconnected as they scroll through pictures online or gaze at others hiking or brunching together.
What does it take to make connections as an adult? Vulnerability and courage. It takes courage to put yourself out there and meet new people. It takes prioritizing relationships and engaging in fun recreation with friends and loved ones instead of being consumed by a never-ending to-do list. At the Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), we believe in nurturing friendships and caring relationships to experience full, healthy connection and community. Our passion is using Girl Scouting to support girls and adults in being true to themselves, so we can all build happier and healthier lives.
As we reflect on another World Thinking Day that has past, The Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) wants you to know that we are here, we care about supporting you and would love for you to join us.
I will leave you with this excerpt from John O’Donohue’s poem, A Friendship Blessing:
May you be blessed with good friends.
May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling and forgiveness.
When my oldest daughter was a Daisy running her cookie business for the first time, I helped her write her very first handwritten thank-you cards to cookie customers – a tradition that has continued with both of my daughters every year during cookie season and fall product program. The only thing better than buying a package of Girl Scout Cookies is receiving a handwritten letter of gratitude. I’ve heard many customers comment on their delight after receiving thank-you cards, and I’m convinced that these are a factor in cookie customers returning.
There’s something intimate and delightful about receiving a hand-written card, especially one that arrives in the mail. On one level, it’s just scribbles on processed tree pulp; on another, it is magic. A handwritten note takes effort, time, and intention. It says that the person writing it stopped everything for a few moments of their day to think of you and offer their appreciation.
What better way to engage in self-care during cookie season than to write yourself a handwritten card?
This form of self-care has seven steps that can be done with others or in solitude, depending on your preference.
1. Take yourself on a trip, in-person or virtually, to a store that sells stationery. I like to visit local bookstores like Changing Hands in Tempe/Phoenix, but any bookstore, drugstore, dollar store, or online seller will do. Find some stationary or thank-you cards, something that delights you, even if (perhaps especially if) someone else would find it silly.
2. Find yourself a fancy pen, a marker, a colored pencil, or a crayon. The brighter and more unusual and more fun the color is, the better.
3. Scavenge for stickers. Splurge on a pack if you don’t already have some.
4. Write yourself a thank-you letter. Consider writing in your non-dominant hand if you’d like to invoke the spirit of your younger self or write with your dominant hand if you love how your handwriting looks on the page. Be specific as you’re writing: what are you thankful for? Why is this person that you’re writing to so amazing? Consider making a list of five things that you’re thankful for. Then consider expanding it to ten. The quicker you write, the better (and the easier the gratitude will flow). Add stickers for emphasis.
5. Put the letter in an envelope, address it to yourself, stick a stamp on it, add another sticker (or three) to the envelope, and walk it out to the mailbox or take it to the post office. Take a selfie with the envelope before you drop it in the mailbox and post it on social media.
6. Check the mail like you’re waiting for a reply to fan letter you just sent to your favorite band. When it arrives, let your inside feelings come right out. Squeal, do a happy dance, do a cartwheel–whatever suits your mood. Then make yourself a yummy beverage, grab your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, and open that envelope. What’s it like reading those words? Journal about it or share it with your best friends, or both.
7. Put your letter somewhere close so you can read it as often as you wish. You’re worth it.
The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”) is centered around the idea of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. 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.
The new year is upon us, and as we brave into 2023, what better time to look to the future and set goals than now? The holidays are particularly tough for me, but I try to take time and reflect on the true treasures of life, like the people in my circle – the ones that see the authentic me.
Reflection is defined as a “serious thought or consideration,” though sitting in deep thought can be trying for me at times, I’ve learned to let my thoughts guide and lead me into the future. One of the people that changed my perspective on reflections was my father.
My dad and I used to get into passionate conversations, and I would tell him not to dwell so much on the past because we need to keep moving forward. Now, I wish I could have those conversations again with him because I now realize that it wasn’t about “dwelling in the past”; it was a time of reflection that led us to deep conversations about life, love, and so much more. This realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I wish I could share my journey with the Authentic Leadership Community with him – he would have loved all the heartfelt conversations I get to share and be a part of within the Girl Scout community.
Something else I have been reflecting on is my time as a leader, which is ending after 16 years. Looking at the mistakes and victories of being a leader/volunteer (you all know what I am talking about), the girls make it all worth it. It’s been incredible watching Girl Scouts legacies form within my troop over the years. For example, one of my new Daisies is the daughter of one of my former Girl Scouts, this brings me pure joy!
Girl Scouts has changed me and touched my life so profoundly that all the volunteering in the world will never be enough. We have all faced many challenges in the past couple of years, and my Girl Scout Family has been consistently there. I look forward to the future and all the adventures it may bring, and am delighted to venture into it with a circle of friends of all ages, 99% of whom I met through Girl Scouts.
I ask all of you to take a moment and reflect on the past year. Look at your challenges and your successes – but don’t stop there. Look to the future, set a goal, even if it’s a small one, and write it down. It may change as the year progresses, but that is your journey and it consists of ever-changing paths. I encourage you to follow the one that speaks to you and feels authentic. I have a final request: show grace to yourself.
“Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. A circle is round it has no end. That’s how long I want to be your friend”.
This was the first song I learned when I became a Girl Scout leader in the early 2000s. As a new leader, I felt extremely overwhelmed trying to balance my home, work, and Girl Scout commitments perfectly. Little did I know the two women who invited me to join this amazing Girl Scout leader journey nearly 20 years ago would become my lifelong friends.
When I first met Tammy and Katie, they appeared to have their personal and professional lives in order. They could easily walk across any tightrope, and I wanted to do the same to alleviate the stress and anxiety that had been building up. I wanted to be the best Girl Scout leader for my girls and learned as much as I could from Tammy and Katie, Council, and other awesome leaders. Eventually, I found my way toward success and balance.
While on a recent trip with my two besties, I reflected upon how much the three of us practice Authentic Leadership in our personal lives. We are transparent, ethical, listen to one another’s thoughts, share our resources wisely and encourage each other to be better versions of ourselves.
Although they have not been involved with Girl Scouts for many years, I shared with them that I was writing this blog and asked for their thoughts on why they think our friendship has lasted so many years. Here’s what we discovered together:
1. We always live by the Girl Scout Law.
2. Over the years, we have created our own safe space, aka our circle, where we focus on what’s important inside – the care and custody of others and, most importantly ourselves.
3. We listen. We take the time to listen to one another, listen to our hearts (follow our passions) and listen to our bodies (Is this stress? should I eat? How am I feeling today?)
4. We reflect on our behaviors and actions and how it impacts ourselves and others positively or negatively. We are respectful and candid in our communication with one another.
5. We share (health, education, family, financial, and stress relief) resources and use them wisely.
6. We want better for each other and encourage one another to try new things, adventures and approaches.
As a member of The Authentic Leadership Community (ALC), I have met new and inspiring women whom I now call my friends. They, too, are committed to this journey – to support our Girl Scout Leaders and volunteers. To my silver and gold circles, I appreciate you.
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.”
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.
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.
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:
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.
It’s National Volunteer Month, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the dedicated volunteers who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for girls in their communities. Our volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization—you open the doors of possibility for girls and show them the power they have to make the world a better place.
You have enabled Girl Scouts across the country to continue their Girl Scout journeys and stay connected to their sister Girl Scouts even during the unprecedented challenges of the last few years. You serve as strong role models and are truly making a difference in their lives—championing, encouraging, and inspiring them to be the leaders and change-makers the world needs.
The power of Girl Scout volunteers is felt everyday by the girls and families of our Movement: 86% of girls say their leader makes them feel important, 80% say their leader helps them pursue their goals, and 70% say their leader helps them think about the future.
99% of parents/caregivers tell us their girl’s leader made her feel like part of a group, and 94% of them say their girl’s leader made their whole family feel like part of a community. And during a time of national crisis, this sense of community you foster—and how it empowers girls to give back—is vitally important. Over the past two years, Girl Scouts and volunteers like you have engaged in hundreds of thousands of hours of COVID relief efforts, including sending cards or letters to COVID patients and frontline healthcare workers, making and donating masks, donating and delivering meals, planning food drives, and donating cookies to bring joy to others. At a time when girls have been experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety and powerlessness in their day-to-day lives, you have shown them the difference they can make even under incredibly challenging circumstances.
On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, the 700,000 incredible Movement-wide volunteers across the country and the world for your commitment to Girl Scouting and for helping girls become their best selves.
You are building the trailblazers and changemakers of today who will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
“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.
It takes an exceptional person to be a Girl Scout Volunteer. The saying goes, “our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.” Girl Scout Volunteers are essential to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place and have a tremendous impact on the girls we serve. Now more than ever, we are reminded of our volunteers’ unique qualities, and we want to express just how deeply your efforts are appreciated. Throughout the pandemic, you’ve provided spaces for girls to connect in so many ways, and continuing to do so keeps the Girl Scout Movement alive.
It is no secret that the pandemic created significant challenges for our volunteers and staff. Many troops and Service Units have had difficulties finding meeting spaces and have been navigating the presence of reentry anxiety. With the ever-changing environment, now is an excellent time to look at how you can grow your impact if you desire to do so.
Some Service Unit teams have experienced vacancies in critical positions. If you love leading your troop and would like to help make a difference on a larger scale, consider having a conversation with the Service Unit Team and your Member Support Executive to see where you can offer your skills and talents.
Another way you can grow your impact is to encourage the girls in your troop (Juniors and up) to plan and host an event for your Service Unit. You will be amazed at the ideas your girls come up with, and helping to bring their vision to life will give you a sense of pride and purpose. Reference Covid-19 protocols when planning.
Finally, consider finding out if your employer offers funds for volunteer hours or if they will donate to your charity of choice. To find out if your employer offers this opportunity, connect with your Human Resources Department. If your employer does have this possibility, consider having them donate to Girl Scouts! More on how to handle donations can be found in the Troop Money Management Guide.
This blog is written by Girl Scout Volunteer, Troop Leader, and Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) member Kate Allen. 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.”
When I first began my journey as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, I remember pouring through the GSACPC website for clues about getting started. During my search, I came across materials called Leadership from the Inside Out (LFIO) booklets. The four booklets of this volunteer leadership curriculum cover the topics of Circle, Ceremony, Reflection, and Co-generational community.
They profoundly resonated with me. I read and learned about Girl Scout Circles, the many Girl Scout Ceremonies and traditions, the role of storytelling, and the multi-generational approach to Girl Scouting.
A couple of years into my volunteering, I was invited to participate in a retreat hosted by the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community (ALC). A retreat was just what I wanted at the time, so I said yes. That retreat became a pivotal moment for me as a Girl Scout Volunteer. It genuinely helped me grow and understand my place as a leader, which eventually led me to become a core facilitator for ALC.
Together, with many generations of wisdom included in this circle, ALC updated the LFIO booklets. Our conversations were accompanied by ceremony, traditions, and authentic, vulnerable, open-hearted storytelling. We updated the booklets to reflect the work that volunteers do today and studying our work month after month, gathering information, sharing, and deepening our individual and collective stories in new ways. In addition to revising the existing LFIO material, we discerned the desire for a fifth section: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), considered through the lens of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The fruit of this collective effort to rework the LFIO material will be shared in the coming months with GSACPC Volunteers: Authentic Girl Scout Leadership (AGSL).
Working through this curriculum with the ALC team has allowed me to try out the concepts with my troop. As my multi-level troop tries things out, I notice them taking a new interest in one another and their shared time. Our circle time gives a ritual framework that they can lead themselves. Their stories about what interests and engages them became a framework for planning troop meetings and ceremonies. Learning Girl Scout traditions like song-singing and skits not only empowers girls in my troop to be brave but gives the girls a common language for their sisterhood. Learning how to witness and honor the experiences of others while having a safe space to give voice to their own experience is how my girls have learned the vital concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are the concepts that will challenge and attempt to heal our world.
The girls in my troop are becoming go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders in ways I didn’t anticipate, and that is the curriculum’s magic. As a Troop Leader with AGSL at her fingertips, I feel empowered to empower my girls to lead the way on their journeys as they discover, connect, and take action to make the world a better place.
With this empowerment, I invite Girl Scout Volunteers to consider deepening their relationship with this work. You can start by reading the new booklet or asking yourself how you translate your authenticity through Girl Scouting for your troop. Attend a workshop or offerings from the Authentic Leadership Community to experience this work.
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