Parents can set a good example for their daughters by getting involved

Is your family involved in Girl Scouting? I certainly hope so. Our Council has been working hard to find ways for families to participate in Girl Scouting, and I hope you are getting the chance to experience the impact of those efforts.

It is so easy for you contribute to the success of the Girl Scout experience.
The types of try-its and badges that girls earn today certainly require a wide variety of experiences. Each of you have skills and knowledge which can help the troop earn a recognition. Have you volunteered to help? Your daughter’s troop leader needs help in so many ways, and the more help she/he receives, the stronger the troop will be. How can you help?

First, attend parent meetings when they are called. If your troop doesn’t have parent meetings at least once a year, volunteer to host one in your home. This is the time to offer input.
Next, be willing to both lead and support–it is important for your daughter to see you in both roles. As girls progress in Girl Scouting, they increasingly take on leadership roles. In one setting your daughter will get to lead. In another she will need to support one of her sister Girl Scouts. Set a good example for her in your interaction with the adults in her troop.

Finally, support the decisions of the troop when the democratic process is being exercised. For example, girls will vote on their field trips, community service projects, badge work, and on and on. The democratic process in Girl Scouting starts at the troop level. This is an important life lesson for your daughter. Support the process, and help her understand how it will help her as she becomes a member of teams at school, the workplace and ultimately as a fully participating citizen in a democratic society.

I mentioned in the opening paragraph that we have worked hard to involve families in Girl Scouting, and we are excited to say that we have a wonderful way to involve entire families in the fun of Girl Scouting. Have you heard that Camp Whispering Pines on the north side of our Council is now open for family camping? Many families have already taken advantage of this opportunity. If you want more information, you can find it in The Golden Link or contact the Council registrar at 713-292-0300.

In many ways a Girl Scout troop is like a family, with each member making a contribution for the good of the group. When you take on a leadership role in the troop or simply agree to chaperone a trip, teach a craft at a troop meeting or help with a cookie shop, you are agreeing to extend the love and compassion you have for your own daughter to an entire group of girls. What an awesome responsibility and privilege as a parent!