What is Expected of a Girl Scout Leader?

I read an article called Confessions Of A Former Girl Scout recently and it was entertaining, intelligent, funny and alarming. As a Girl Scout Leader the one thought that kept coming to mind while reading that article was how the author must have had terrible Leaders.

It is the job of the Leader to, well, Lead the girls and make sure they get the most out of their Girl Scout career. Clearly her leaders did not accomplish this, so I thought I would give some guidance on what a Girl Scout Leader should do.

Helping girls grow strong is a fulfilling and inspiring challenge. As a Girl Scout Leader you are responsible for inspiring the girls, leading, teaching and helping the girls expand horizons, build values, create a better future, make a difference and become happy and resourceful adults. In addition, you are expected to keep up to date with the training required by your Council, budget the troops money, plan meetings, help get the parents involved, be a good role model, and be a good listener.

There is another important thing you must do and it is a bit touchy but it is a necessary part of being a Girl Scout Leader. I realize that, in general, it is a taboo subject and a lot of people prefer to believe it doesn't exist, but it does. As a Girl Scout leader your biggest priority is the safety and well being of the girls, so you must watch out for any signs of Child Abuse and follow the proper procedure if you suspect it is happening.

Many states include Girl Scouts as "mandatory reporters", which means that by law you are required to report any abuse to the proper authorities. Keep in mind that there are various types of child abuse, so you should get yourself familiar with the types and symptoms of each. Talk to someone at your Council to find out the proper way to handle this type of situation in area.

I realize this all sound like a lot but don't worry because you are not alone. Your Council and/or Service Unit have materials and resources to help you along the way. You can also find a wealth of information and help on the Internet. In general the Girl Scout Organization has guidelines and rules for you to follow that help with the mystery of how to accomplish all of the above. Remember, there is always someone out there to help you. Girl Scouting is a team effort, you do not have to go it alone. No one person Leads a Troop, there are usually 3 or 4 adults all working together to give the girls the best Girl Scouting opportunity available.

Here are some things to keep in mind when becoming a Girl Scout Leader:

Be sure to get know and understand Safety-Wise, which is the safety guidelines book for Girl Scouts. You will be given a book when you complete the Safety-Wise training, which is required for all Leaders. Consult the book before planning activities to see what the guidelines are.

Encourage the girls to partner with you. Girl Scouts is all about the girls. As a Leader you are to lead them but allow them to participate as well. Help the girls grow by allowing them to make decisions and help plan the meetings. This helps the girls know that they are an integral part of the troop.

Don't be shy and take advantage of the training offered by the Council, which is the governing party in your particular area. There are many required training classes as well as ones that are recommended. Be sure to take as many as you can. They are helpful, entertaining, fun and a great way to meet other leaders and share ideas. You should never be afraid to ask for help either. It's a pretty sure bet that someone in your Council or Service Unit will have answers to any questions you might have. Also remember that you can find a large amount of terrific information on the Internet.

Never forget, or let the girls forget the Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scout Law and the four Girl Scout Program Goals. These are the foundation of all Girl Scout activities. Everyone, girls and adults, in your troop should memorize them. As a Girl Scout Leader, you should always try to plan activities that promote these foundations.

Most of all be sure to have fun and ensure that the girls are having fun as well. If the girls are having fun, then they won't look back on their Girl Scout career and think it was a waste of time. Be patient with the girls and let your creativity flow. Keep you eyes on the girls, keep them interested and make sure they participate.

Being a Girl Scout Leader is a continually challenging and rewarding position. You will keep learning new ways to do things as you go along. You will find that you grow and learn just as much, if not more, than the girls in your troop. You will most likely gain some new gray hairs, but each one will have a terrific memory attached to it that you couldn't get anywhere else.

Be Proud of being a Girl Scout Leader. You are doing a great service to the girls in your troop and society in general. Enjoy yourself and Good Luck!