One adult friend

In talking about the 40 Developmental Assets that will assist girls in growing into strong, healthy young women, Girl Scout leaders have the unique opportunity to interact with our girls in situations that other adults can’t.

They are the ones that take the girls on adventures across the country to visit uniquely Girl Scout sites, that calm their fears in the middle of the night at camp, that teach them how to stack rocks that will lead others in the right direction. Leaders are the adult friend, the person that is not the parent, teacher or coach. For a very young child, leaders may be the only adult in their lives that they are not related to. For the elementary school age girls, leaders are the friend that lets them plan their own troop meetings, lets them try it and not laugh if it doesn’t turn out as expected. We don’t have a rehearsal or practice schedule they must adhere to, we let them make their own agenda and allow them to succeed or fail in a safe place. As they grow into the teen years, we can be the non-judgmental friend that lets them express their dreams and encourage them to follow them. We are the ones they come to when others “just don’t understand,” a safe place to go. We are the ones that write the recommendation letters for scholarships and college. And we are the ones that they remember and come back to see. We are their Girl Scout Leaders. We are their friends. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s only an hour a week!

We have all heard that line, “being a leader takes only an hour a week.” Well, if you want a troop that does not function well, girls that are unhappy and quit, and your own daughter not wanting to come, just give it that mythical “one hour a week.” The Girl Scouting program is so much more than the hour at troop meetings. Yes, you can do that, but you and your girls are missing out on so much if that is all you do. There are enrichment programs that the girls can attend, there are enrichment trainings that you, as a leader, can attend and gain skills that you can share with your girls. We are so fortunate to live in GSSJC, where the resources are endless. If your girls have a desire to try something, chances are that it can be found in GSSJC. If not, I’m sure someone will form a committee to make it happen! Not many Girl Scout councils have the facilities we have. Where else can you spend the night in a fishing village, go canoeing on your own lake, ride one of your own 40 horses and then end the day sitting on a purple hippo? We have so much in our Council, that if you are not taking advantages of the trainings, workshops, events, trips and camps, you are shortchanging yourself and your girls.

Parents that are reading this issue of The Golden Link, please think about becoming a volunteer in GSSJC. The girls we serve need the talents you have to offer. If regular troop meetings is not your thing due to time constraints, offer to share information about your job, your hobby, or other interests you have. Your leaders are often at a loss when planning activities, and

to have a parent come in and help with a try-it, badge, or interest project is such a nice break. The girls love having their parents come help. (Yes, even the junior high girls like their parents showing up!) Besides, if you become a GSSJC volunteer, you too can sleep in the fishing village, ride the horses, canoe in the lake and sit on the hippo!

It’s Julitte Lows birthday

Girl Scouts know that October 31 is more than trick or treating, it’s the birthday of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low. She was born on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia. Every year troops hold birthday parties for “Daisy Low” and it’s a great time to introduce Girl Scout history to your troops. There are resources at the Council office, in your training materials, girls’ handbooks, and online at www.girlscouts.org that can help you learn more about the founding of Girl Scouting. Then, let your girls throw a birthday party for Daisy! They will have fun, and so
will you.

* Correction to September 2004 issue of The Golden Link
“Service units and troops may have interest-bearing accounts. Interest-bearing accounts are appropriate for troops that are planning an extended trip or large service.”
–Operations Manual page IX-5