As we spring into summer in Membership,
I’d like to take a moment to reflect on my first
seven months here at GSSNE. We all know that this
is about the girls, and that it’s so inspiring to be a
part of a movement, a cause, and one so close to
all of our hearts. BUT there are moments when I’m
out in the community and am truly taken aback by
how confident, professional, and truly inspiring these girls can be.
One such instance, was at a recent event for the Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School which was being held at the Bristol Community College in Fall River in January. The event was created to bring in homeschooled children and their parents to learn about organizations within their communities; organizations that could prove beneficial to their families. Enter the Girl Scouts. The event was happening on a regular school day in the morning and closing at lunch with pizza for all. One of our new leaders in Fall River pulled her daughter out of school (at her daughter’s plea to help out on behalf of the Girl Scouts) so they could represent Girl Scouts in their own community. I showed up a half an hour early for the event to set up. Kaeliegh had already set up her own table and had it covered in a beautiful tablecloth with a poster specially designed to sell cookies hanging from the front. She even created her own trifold poster board which featured photos of various community oriented activities with her troop. She stood tall behind that table with the biggest grin on her face, poised and at the ready. She was ready to talk Girl Scouts, and cookies, and be actively engaged with curious faces from the crowd.
I had asked her if she had gone to Camp Hoffman, and mentioned how “totally awesome” it was. She said, “No, I haven’t. But I don’t think we can sell enough cookies to be able to go.” Her mom quietly led me out of earshot and explained that they couldn’t afford to send her alone. She has a sister she explained, and sending one over the other just wasn’t an option. I told her how to apply for a campership for both of her girls. I assured her I’d give her the information on how to apply upon my return to the office. My main take away from that day was that, that hard working little
Girl Scout didn’t, not for once, even hesitate at the fact that she couldn’t do something she would so love to experience. Not in the slightest. She just had this gumption about her, to do her best at selling cookies so that she and her troop could hold an event together at the end of the year. I was proud and honored to stand alongside her, to say the very least. She exudes the DNA of a G.I.R.L. in the fullest and the world should keep an eye on what she does next!
A Musing from Lead Membership &
Community Development Specialist,
Hayley Rocco