Meet Melissa Davis, Elisa DeGregorio and Valerie McFarland. These three amazing Troop Leaders were nominated by their peers for their dedication and outstanding leadership. Their advice? Don't try and go at it alone. Lean on your co-leaders and parents. Troop Leaders work hard everyday to deliver a high quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.
[From left to right: Elisa DeGregorio and Valerie McFarland]
Elisa DeGregorio, Troop 31816
Time Volunteering: 2 years
Service Unit: 601
Coacoochee
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Tagalongs®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
My three helpful tips would be to:
- Find a mentor or another troop leader to learn the ropes from;
- Take all the trainings you can, in-person or virtual...so many great tips from those who have been there and made mistakes to learn from! And;
- Make the time...it pays you back in dividends.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I was a Girl Scout from 2nd to 6th grade and my mom was our troop leader, and I wanted to do the same for my daughter. Girls Scouts is such a great opportunity to engage with other girls and enjoy so many great experiences and learning opportunities.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
I just loved watching our Daisies bridge up to Brownies - an entire row of 20 Daisy tunics turn to brown sashes at the Service Unit bridging ceremony and watching all the fun photos in the presentation after just the first couple years together. So thankful to my Co-Leader for taking over when the tears of joy start to roll down my face.
Anything else?
Thank you to the leaders I have met and Service Unit team for being so knowledgeable and helpful! Looking forward to a long Girl Scout volunteer career!
Melissa Davis, Troop 43634 & 43908
Time Volunteering: 2 years
Service Unit: 632
Joining Rivers
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Thin Mints®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- First and foremost, HAVE FUN!! The Girls aren't going to remember if it was perfect. What they will remember is that they had fun in what they were doing.
- You can't do it alone. Co-leaders and parents are your troop's backbone. Thank you all!!
- Thank your Girls for sticking with the troop! Listen to the little stories that you're told, the funny songs that are sang and what they would like to get out of their experience.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
- I signed up as a volunteer when my daughter was a Daisy. I was never a Girl Scout when I was younger but I loved the idea of camping and learning outdoor stuff with her.
- The girls and the bonds they have grown/are growing with each other.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
I have so many! This season though the one that sticks out the most is a first year Daisy who worked many booths with me. As we're all aware Girl Scouts announced Raspberry Rally to the nation and it was online only. So many people would ask us about the coveted Raspberry Rally. After a few booths, she would repeat almost verbatim what I explained and even had some of the hand movements down. It was really cute.
Valerie McFarland, Troop 60824
Time Volunteering: 3 years
Service Unit: 647 Wai
Lani
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Tagalongs®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Nothing is ever perfect just have fun.
- It's ok to ask for help.
- When in doubt sing 😆.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I loved Scouting as a child to teen and wanted to give my daughter the same or even better experience. Being a special needs parent I have to focus on my son a lot. This is special mommy daughter time.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
My favorite memory so far as a scout leader is watching our girls disect squids. Some were grossed out but most were just amazed.. I love watching them grow as individuals.
Anything else?
Scouting is more than an activity. It's building skills and friendships that will last a lifetime!
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Do you know a Troop Leader who is passionate about creating girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place? Nominate them for the Troop Leader Spotlight!
