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Writer's pictureChristina Ettestad

Meet the leaders and the benefits of volunteering

Updated: Mar 29, 2023

Did you know that the Girl Scouts of America have a special group of dedicated volunteers that help keep the organization running? They are called the “Troop Leaders” and they are an integral part of the success of Girl Scouts. From helping to plan activities and trips, to teaching skills and values, these leaders serve as role models for young girls. As a troop leader, we introduce Girl Scouts to new experiences and help them reach their full potential to take the lead and change the world.


What Do Troop Leaders Do? The main job of a Girl Scout troop leader is to provide guidance, support, and mentorship for their troop members. They work closely with each girl in their troop, helping her develop her leadership skills and grow into an independent young woman. In addition to leading meetings, planning activities, and teaching important life skills, troop leaders serve as role models for girls by demonstrating positive behavior in all aspects of their lives. How Do You Become a Troop Leader? Becoming a Girl Scout troop leader is no small feat! It requires dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm for working with youth.We as a team look to be their cheerleader, guide, and mentor, helping them develop crucial skills and confidence to launch them into a lifetime of leadership.


Meet Christina:


I am a mom of three with a busy life that keeps rewarding me in so many ways. Taking on the role of leader has been nothing short of inspiring. Becoming a "role model" is courageous...and it's what a Girl Scout troop leader is ready to embrace! There's nothing like seeing your girls' eyes light up when they try something new, or their smiles and friendships that they build. When they realize they're not afraid of a challenge and accomplish positive change I know I have made an impact.


A part of being a great troop leader is having the ability to think outside-the-box when it comes to problem solving or planning activities for the troop; understanding that not every situation can be handled in the same way. Often times I find myself digging into my creativity to come up with solutions tailored specifically for each girl in our group. Another important quality I find myself using is empathy. When I am empathetic towards the girls it allows me to better connect with each Girl Scout in order understand her needs better. Finally, patience is essential when it comes to working with girls, since there are always going to be hiccups along the way; having patience helps them stay calm during tough situations so that they can help everyone find solutions together!


There are so many reasons to step up and support girls as they grow into the strong leaders they were meant to be. What I love most about it is the connections not only they are making but ones I am making as their leader. I have 10 little girls in our troop with very different personalities and strengths. Seeing them reach their potential and knowing I get to celebrate that with them is monumental. My family has grown and extended to these 10 girls and their families. Each accomplishment they make and new experiences they try become a personal celebration I get to share with them.


When asked what I am learning from this experience my answers are endless. But a few things I can mention is I am learning that it is OK to make mistakes. Things won't always work as we intend. As long as we’ve tried our hardest and had fun in the process, that's the real reward. I've also learned that creating an impact starts with an idea and that if we can think it and dream it we can put action to achieve it. We have the power to make a difference and these girls have taught me that it is so rewarding to give and be apart of a greater purpose even if it's something small.


" Often times it is the countless unseen details that are the only difference between mediocre and magnificent."


Everyday I am learning from the experiences these girls are sharing with me. New ones, old ones, and making memories that I am apart of. The greater impact they are making and leaving their mark in this world is something i get to witness and cheer them on. I for one cannot wait to watch them grow and achieve all their wildest dreams and celebrate the differences they make along the way.



Meet Kylee:


Over the last few years I have been an active Volunteer for my daughters in their Girl Scout troops. I have always enjoyed participating in their experience as needed and following along and being apart of their experience. This past year I had the opportunity to make a decision to not only follow along but to become a part of the leader aspect of Girl Scouts. What's so great about supporting in this new way is that I get to challenge not only girls within the troop but myself as well. From planning engaging meetings to supporting Girl Scouts independence it is a rewarding journey.


What Qualities Make a Great Troop Leader? Being a successful Girl Scout troop leader requires more than just enthusiasm - it requires certain qualities like creativity, empathy, patience and organization. A part of taking on this role has allowed me to visit creative ways to engage young girls, be passionate about their interests, and organize how they can achieve the dreams they look forward to. Something that may not seem achievable becomes a possibility and that is the magic of leading Girl Scouts.



When asked what I find most challenging about Girl Scouts? Dealing with limited resources to managing diverse personalities and interests, there is always a challenge to tackle. Sometimes there is a world of experiences every girl wants to experience and that is only possible when funding or resources are available. On top of that, with time limitations of a meeting it can be difficult to find the time necessary to invest in every scout. But taking on these challenges can be incredibly rewarding as I find myself helping shape the lives of the young girls in our troop through mentorship and guidance.


The job of being a Girl Scout troop leader isn’t easy but it certainly has its rewards! By becoming a volunteer leader I have gotten the opportunity to be apart of valuable life lessons for both the girls and myself. While also gaining valuable leadership experience I know i am making an impact and exploring the excitment of all the adventures Girl Scouts has to offer.






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