Although I never had the chance to be a Girl Scout myself, I wanted to provide my children with a meaningful experience. I signed up my daughter for Girl Scouts, and that’s when my involvement began.
Seeing the unity and diversity within her troop, I was inspired. I started as a parent helper and eventually became a troop leader. It was an opportunity for me to live my Girl Scout life vicariously through them.
I earned badges and pins alongside the girls and found immense fulfillment in the role. I encouraged the girls to explore various activities, and we accomplished their bronze award together.
Being a cookie mom was another memorable experience. It involved managing the troop’s cookie inventory, setting up booths, and handling everything cookie-related. It was a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The joy and growth I witnessed in the girls during cookie season were priceless.
I continued my involvement in Girl Scouts by volunteering as a registrar on the service unit team and assisting with recruitment efforts in local schools. My dedication and passion for Girl Scouts eventually led me to a position as a program instructor. It was an incredible experience working in the schools and introducing girls to the opportunities Girl Scouts provides.
When COVID-19 hit and my program instructor role was impacted, I didn’t let it discourage me. Instead, it provided me with an opportunity to develop new skills. That’s when I came across a position as a community engagement specialist at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. It was a leap out of my comfort zone, but I decided to give it a try.
As a community engagement specialist, my primary goal is to recruit girls from all backgrounds who are looking to get engaged with Girls Scouts. I manage the service units that oversee all the Girl Scout troops in southern Chester County. This area is my territory, and it’s my responsibility to ensure that the girls have a fulfilling Girl Scout experience.
While we have many traditional troops in Chester County, I also focus on reaching underserved communities such as Parkersburg, Coatesville, and parts of Downingtown and Westchester. I meet these girls where they are and provide them with the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts.
Sometimes, the girls’ schedules are so packed that the only time we can engage with them is during school hours. So, I visit schools and conduct Girl Scout series programs, introducing them to the incredible opportunities available. I also work on cultivating adult volunteers and leaders because they play a vital role in guiding the girls on their Girl Scout journey. Additionally, I organize recruitment events where girls can come and experience what Girl Scouts is all about. For example, recently, I held a recruitment event at the Free Parksburg Library, where I conducted a mock meeting and taught the girls about first aid. We made little first-aid kits and had a great time.
Girl Scouts offers a wide range of experiences and skills to develop. We focus on pillars like entrepreneurship, outdoor skills, life skills, and more. These pillars help us foster confidence, courage, and character in the girls. The age range for Girl Scouts is typically from five years old or kindergarten to their 18th birthday. After that, we encourage them to return as adult Girl Scouts and volunteers.
Joining Girl Scouts is an exciting journey for girls, and the recruitment process is designed to make it accessible and inclusive. Whether a girl is actively seeking to join or her parents are interested in Girl Scouts, we strive to provide the necessary information and support to make the enrollment process seamless. Our goal is to meet girls where they are, both physically and mentally, by reaching out to schools and communities.
To spark girls’ interest, we have various methods in place. One way is through our school series program, where we conduct activities and sessions to introduce girls to Girl Scouting. Additionally, we create community troops that offer a traditional Girl Scout experience outside of the regular troop setup. These community troops can be found in community centers, schools, or any place where girls gather. The idea is to ensure that every girl, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts.
Once a girl becomes a Girl Scout, her experience largely depends on her fellow troop members and her troop leader, who can be either a council member or a dedicated volunteer. Girls in Girl Scouts often have different interests, and that’s where the beauty of the organization shines through. We teach girls the importance of compromise and working together as a team. For example, if some girls enjoy camping while others prefer a more comfortable experience, like “glamping,” we find a happy medium that accommodates everyone’s preferences. Similarly, if girls have different passions, such as art and science, we encourage them to explore and find common ground. Troop leaders play a vital role in fostering this collaborative environment and helping girls discover their unique strengths and talents.
Moreover, adults who may not directly engage with the girls still have a place in Girl Scouts. There are adult-focused groups and activities where former and current Girl Scouts come together to share experiences and participate in various pursuits. One such group is the alumni association, which connects adults who have been involved with Girl Scouts throughout their lives. We also have the fashion patrol, organized by volunteers, where you can join and teach girls how to put Girl Scout colors together or how to sew and make things.
Girl Scouts typically operates during the school year, starting in October and continuing until around June. However, the flexibility of Girl Scouts allows girls to continue their involvement even during the summer break. While most troops take a break, some may choose to continue activities or participate in summer camps offered by Girl Scouts. These camps provide week-long or two-week-long programs where girls can engage in a variety of fun and educational activities. Girls return home with cherished memories and new friendships, while parents get a well-deserved break.
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Harini Balachandar
I believe that each of us has a unique story – a narrative that defines who we are and why we do what we do. Through my experiences, I’ve come to realize the incredible power stories hold – they inspire, connect, and drive change. My journey goes beyond the realm of personal achievement. It’s driven by an unshakable passion for inclusion, development through introspection, connection, and collaboration. I aim to create an empowering space that amplifies the voices of leaders making sure it reaches the community citizens through one of their own. Humanizing the leaders’ accomplishments and struggles sheds light on the incredible resilience, purpose, and innovation that define their journeys. In our interconnected world, I’m on a mission to empower successful leaders to connect with youth and aspiring leaders of our community. I firmly believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of success. From my experiences in various professional roles within the corporate education industry, I’ve honed my skills in management, communication, content creation, and relationship building, all of which I leverage to bring you impactful stories. Nexus Diaries was purpose-built so inspiration, connections, and personal /professional growth are just a click away.
