25 years ago, when we moved to Guangzhou, China, our school had an
Overseas USA Girl Scouts, but there was no Daisy troop. My oldest
daughter, Tiffany, joined the Junior troop, but there was no Daisy
troop for Christina.
So what to do... I knew nothing about Girl Scouts, as I was never
one as a child, not to mention I was extremely shy. Nether the less, I
wanted Christina to be in a troop, so I said I would do it.
This is a picture of my very first troop. We had our uniforms made
at the local market. Only 2 of the girls were from America. The others
were from France, Spain, Australia and S. Korea.
The next year, the leaders who led the other levels, moved back to
the USA. So I moved up to Brownie Leader. Christina loved it so much
that she recruited most of her class and then some. I led the younger
brownies and Mrs. Potts led the older brownies.
We met after school on Mondays in a couple of classrooms and
afterward, the school bus would take us home. There was no one to lead
the Juniors, so I led them at my house on Thursdays. After our
meeting, I would ride with them into town on the bus to take them
home, as I didn’t have a car.
The next year, our family moved to Shanghai. Once again, there was
not a Girl Scout leader. So I began a multi-level troop, as at this
point Rebecca, my youngest, was also a Girl Scout. We lived further
from the school, so doing 2 separate days a week was too difficult, it
was easier just to lead all the levels together.
When we moved back to Arkansas, I told myself that I would not lead
anymore. My youngest daughter graduated 8 years ago, and I continue to
lead. Why? Well, yes, there are never enough volunteers, but the real
reason is, I just can’t say no to these girls.
I have watched a very shy young lady get up in front of the entire
camp and sing a song by herself. I was amazed. I watch these girls
grow in confidence year after year. Just this year, one of my
quietest girls got up in front of a bunch of troops and did a
presentation. My heart was jumping for joy! I watch them giggle and
just be girls in a safe environment. I have taken a girl to a water
park that had never swum in a swimming pool. I walked with her around
the lazy river, side by side, she did it! I was so proud of her.
I have taken girls camping that had never experienced it before,
horse back riding, amusement parks, spent the night at the zoo, rock
climbing, scuba diving, more camping and on and on…
Some girls, yes, they get to do these things with their families,
but some other girls may not have this experience without the troop or
without the cookie profits we get. My troop no longer has to pay dues
or come up with money for an event. Our cookie profit pays for all of
it, and I am so thankful for our cookie customers.
I believe Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and
character. I see it every time we meet.