Girl Scouts is a premier voice for girls and a leading expert on their growth and development. Together with committed adult volunteers, who partner with girls to guide them through the Girl Scouts Leadership Experience, the organization builds girls of confidence, courage and character who make the world a better place.
Here we will be sharing with you examples of this leadership experience. So, sit back and take a Moment for the Mission.
A Leader’s Story
My girls are Ambassadors. I started with them when they were 6 years old. One girl in particular comes to mind. In 1st grade, we talked about what they want to do when they grow up. She said, maybe . . . she could be a maid. That was her aspiration. Over the years, I made sure to take the girls on educational field trips — before they went on that trip in school. That way, when the girls went on the trip with schoolmates, they were experienced and knowledgeable. This built up their self-esteem. The little girl who once aspired to be a maid is now a straight A student, with the goal of becoming a doctor.
We do make a difference.
Why I Went on the Disaster Recovery Trip to New Orleans
[Ed.: A team of girls from Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways spent their spring break in the Ninth Ward in New Orleans where they worked with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance organization assisting in the rebuilding effort following Hurricane Katrina. This is the fourth year girls from what is now Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways council have assisted with this work in the Mississippi/New Orleans area. It is our hope to expand this project to include girls throughout our new council area so that teams could go during April break and over the summer to other areas of the country that need help. Here is one team member's account of her experience.]
I wanted to prepare myself for the world beyond high school, to meet new friends, but most importantly, to help rebuild the houses of those affected by the hurricane. I believed that I could mainly help by putting in doors, painting, tiling, and doing whatever was needed for the house. I was wrong. The results of my labors were not just about the house, but about the owner. I now see that by showing we cared, we inspired hope in those who were affected by the disasters. I would go again, because this time I not only want to work hard rebuilding other houses, but to renew the faith and hope of others.
I have grown in wisdom, understanding, and experience from this trip. I truly will not be the same after this adventure, for it has opened my eyes to the situations of many Americans.