How Girl Scouts Changed My Life

Being a part of the Girl Scouts helped to mold me into the woman that I am today. It was not until my daughters began working on their silver and gold awards that I took time to reflect on my scouting experiences. I did not realize what a significant impact that Girl Scouts has had in my life.

Girl Scout cookie time was always eventful. My mother was the troop cookie leader and later the cookie mom for the entire county. We had mounds and mounds of cookies in our home. Watching and helping my mother set up appointments for cookie pick up and keeping tally sheets of inventory helped me develop business and organizational skills. The collection of troop money was important. After all the other tasks were completed, the record sheet had to be balanced.

It was through the Girl Scouts that I earned merit badges. Until I became a parent, I never realized how even what appears to be a simple badge is a learning and teaching experience. The badges are designed to challenge, build self-esteem and develop a sense of pride. I remember my mother handing me back my sash after sewing on the hard earned patches. I was so proud of all the work that I had done. I was proud to know that other people were going to see my ever-filling sash.

I was fortunate to get to attend Girl Scout camp each summer. I learned how to make fires and do other outdoor activities through camp. Each summer I made new friends and learned new things. I love the outdoors and to camp. Before those summers at Girl Scout camp, I would normally be inside reading a book. Camping taught me to not only respect the outdoors but to enjoy the many little treasures that Mother Nature offers to us on a daily basis.

Making friends through Girls Scouts helped me to get over being so shy. I would be so interested in doing a badge or participating at meetings that I lost my shyness. Eventually, the social skills that I learned in Girls Scouts bled over to other parts of my life.