Written by: Victoria M., Guest Blogger

I joined Girl Scouts as a Cadette while in 7th grade. I went to a recruiting event and the one thing that stood out to me the most was a line from our Girl Scout Law, “Make the world a better place.” I wanted to join Girl Scouts to help improve my community while having fun and making new friends. I was excited yet nervous when my mother told me I would be attending my first Girl Scout meeting. It took me a while to open up but I was very happy when it happened. 

As a Girl Scout I’ve had some amazing opportunities to do things that otherwise I might not have been able to do. I went on an urban backpacking trip to Baltimore where we did service projects to help the community. We did things like plant trees, help rebuild a park, serve food at a soup kitchen, meet the mayor of Baltimore, and even tour Washington D.C., which included visits to the Holocaust Museum, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument.

 As a Media Marvel, I learned how media affects our everyday lives and the ins and outs of the media world. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some of our women veterans; take part in various media opportunities, like making a video and being a photographer; and attend special events like Little Black Dress and Women in Business’s SMARTgirl.

I am a Counselor in Training (CIT). Through CIT weekend, I’ve acquired leadership skills to help mentor younger Girls Scouts and run programs while at camp. All of the CITs, myself included, are First Aid, CPR, and AED-certified. I am also a certified lifeguard thanks to Girl Scouts. I love not only attending camp, but also helping as a CIT whenever possible.

I am also part of the Junior Sales Specialist team. We help run the shop in Sarasota and traveling shops. We open and close the store, put out merchandise, restock, recover, set up and break down the traveling shops, assist customers and work the register, all while having fun and learning at the same time.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has taught me, and others like me, how to be more confident, hone my people skills, practice business ethics, manage money, and set goals. In addition to helping me have more confidence and treat the world with kindness, Girl Scouting has given me many other invaluable skills and experiences that I will take with me into adulthood.

I have made great friendships that will last a lifetime but most importantly, I have gained a second family.

I have loved every minute of being a Girl Scout. I want to thank all of my troop leaders, council members, and the Girl Scout Movement for helping me become who I am today. I look forward to what the future holds.