You know those job interview questions where they ask about your best qualities? I always feel so awkward in these situations, but there are a few things I like to brag about: I’m good at organizing, finding solutions, and working as part of a team. It all goes back to one thing: I was a Girl Scout.
I was in Brownies and Juniors back in 1980 something. Scouting is strong in my family. My mom was a Scout, my brother was an Eagle Scout, and I was an assistant when my mom led my sister’s troop. Last year, I got back into Girl Scouts as a leader for my niece’s Daisy troop and it has been a really fun adventure.
Working with the girls has brought back a lot of memories for me, and I’m reminded how much I owe to my Girl Scout leaders! Here are some things I learned as Scout, then and now.
Sewing
I think sewing is one of the most practical skills I learned back in Brownies. We made a felt sewing kit and a bean bag, which I still have somewhere. I am no seamstress, but I can fix a hole or a hem if I need to.
Resourcefulness
“Be Prepared” might be the Boy Scout motto, but it’s something I learned in Girl Scouts. We’d be responsible for things like bringing dues and cleaning up. We’d make crafts from old materials (like pilgrims made from old TV Guides). We’d go camping without all the frills and accessories that we take with us now. As an adult, I always seem to have everything I could need in my purse.
Girl Scout campfire songs
I can still remember so many of the silly songs we learned in Girl Scouts. We’d sing them around the campfire or on the bus. Some of my favorites were “Girl Scout Camp,” “The Bear Went Over the Mountain” – Girl Scouts version, and “Mrs. O’Leary.” There was a priest affiliated with our council who’d come to camp and teach us cheeky songs like “There Were Three Jolly Fishermen.”
Even thought I recall the words, I don’t know how appropriate they are anymore. Like this line: “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me. I guess I’ll go eat worms.” But I do want to teach the girls in my troop “Waddle-Ee-Ocha!” If you were a Scout, share your favorite song in the comments.
A love of history
We got to camp out at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and explore the historical sites of the city, like Betsy Ross’s house, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Since my mom was one of the leaders, we got to bring home lots of books as souvenirs. Those trips to Philly inspired my love of history. I even majored in history in college.
Giving back
Service is a big part of Girl Scouts. I can remember we volunteered to serve water during a marathon. We held up little cups that runners grabbed along the route and got splashed a lot.
My troop adopted two families last Christmas and donated gifts for the children. The girls helped decide what the families would need and prepared cards and packages. It was so heart warming!
I love being able to give back to my community now as a troop leader. It’s been so wonderful to watch the girls learn over the last two years. They show so much kindness and caring. We’ve done so many fun things like selling cookies, making crafts, camping in a museum and at an actual camp, caroling on super cold night and marching in a parade on one of the hottest days of the year.
I seriously get teary when I see them working together and trying new things. At camp, they tried climbing and archery, and I was so impressed! These girls rock and I learn so much from them. I found all kinds of new confidence having to get up and lead them.
Girl Scout Printables
Do you have a Girl Scout in your family or are you a troop leader? I have some printables up in my Etsy shop for all your cookie booth sales needs!
You can click here to grab this FREE printable sign from my Resources Library!
Get involved in Girl Scouts!
Girl Scouts has changed so much since I was a kid. There’s a huge focus on leadership, STEM and entrepreneurial skills. Find out more about Girl Scouting and how to get involved or support your local scouts at the Girl Scouts website.
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Robin Cabana loves to nerd out about Star Wars, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Disney and so much more. She has a pug named Penny and lives in New Jersey. 