Whether you realize it or not, these may be some
of the most formative and best years of your daughter’s
life. She’s making new friends weekly and building lasting
friendships that will carry her through the challenges of adolescence
and into adulthood. She is discovering new skills and interests,
possibly some that will assist her in the career path she chooses
for her future. She’s growing strong–strong in self-esteem,
strong in her beliefs, and strong in spirit. And where are you,
her parents?
Many parents of Girl Scouts are actively involved in Girl Scouting
because they don’t want to miss out on their daughter’s
“growing up” experiences. Initially, this may be
true. But as time goes on, many more parents actually stay involved
in Girl Scouting because they have realized they get as much
out of Girl Scouting as their daughter’s do. Many parents
are still involved in Girl Scouting long after their daughters
have graduated and moved on.
Many mothers attend the initial recruitment rally at a school,
church, or community center, and before they know it |
they are recruited to be troop leaders. Unexpectedly,
the fathers are now also part of the troop enjoying the camaraderie
of other troop Do-Dads. Other parents attend the first parent
meeting where they socialize with parents of other troop members
and join the extended Girl Scout Family.
Like so many other families, the Pickett family is an example
of how an entire family can get involved in Girl Scouting. Youngest
daughter and a Senior Girl Scout said at a recent regional meeting,
“It helps if parents are involved in Girl Scouting, especially
with transportation and funds. Most of all, they are also my
biggest supporters. We’re all having fun together as a
family.”
The Scharar family has been involved in Girl Scouting since
their daughter was in first grade. Today she is a Senior Girl
Scout in Troop #12131 working on her Gold Award project.
“Joining Girl Scouting was an easy decision for us since
our two older sons had been in Boy Scouts,” said mother
Daphne, troop leader for the past nine years. “Scouting
worked well with my husband |
Rob’s hectic work schedule. His free time was on weekends
for activities. He took standard outdoor camping training so
he could accompany the troop on camping trips–something
he enjoyed. Through the years he has received a lot of experience
in tents and campfires.”
The Scharer family has done a little bit of everything in Girl
Scouting: sailing, horseback riding, canoeing, backpacking,
Carousel, trips, and Cookie Sales. Their favorite family Girl
Scout memory is building a bridge at Camp Aranna on a campout
as Junior Girl Scouts.
“Girl Scouting is good for
daughters. It teaches them character, values, and acceptance
of others,” said father Rob. “Girls learn things
they can do the rest of their lives and it provides career opportunities.”
“Because of Girl Scouting, we know our daughter can accomplish
whatever she puts her mind to,” said Daphne and Rob. Their
daughter added, “And I’ll have fun in the process.”
Isn’t it worth it to see your daughter happy? And admit
it, aren’t you as a parent having fun, too? |
Parents
have a role in Girl Scouting
Troop leaders invest time to attend
training and prepare for the safe and efficient
management of a Girl Scout troop. Parental support
is important for your daughter to realize the
greatest benefits from her participation in Girl
Scouting. There are so many ways that busy parents
can help make exciting opportunities available
to girls.
Parents can offer
to:
- serve as a leader or co-leader;
- coordinate the troop’s product
sales;
- conduct the troop’s Family Partnership
Giving Campaign;
- drive to an event or field trip;
- help with troop program activities;
- keep troop records; or
- provide phone-calling assistance.
Support your daughter and her troop
leader by:
- signing/returning permission slips;
- helping your daughter attend meetings
regularly and on time;
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- participating in parent meetings;
- showing appreciation to troop
- eaders on Leader’s Day (April
22) each year;
- becoming a Family Partnership Giving
Campaign contributor;
- providing the opportunity for girls
to work on new skills;
- encouraging your daughter to talk about
what she is doing and learning; and
- attending parents’ meetings,
family activities, and other troop functions
when invited.
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| ANNOUNCEMENT |
Annual
Spring
Council Meeting
April 3, 9 a.m. at
Girl Scout Center
Delegates will vote on board of
directors candidates.
Adults and Girl Scout members ages
14 and up are invited to attend. |
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