By Tiffany H., New Daisy Troop Leader
Be sure to read other helpful blog posts as part of our New Troop Leader Blog series.
I Can’t Wait To…START!
When I last blogged I was getting ready to meet the girls and parents of my troop – this time as their new leader instead of just a parent. The initial meet-and-greet went great and as I said goodbye to all the parents I realized that the next week was the first real meeting with the girls.
Each of the leaders in our troop is assigned to teaching a specific grade level. I’m assigned to our veteran girls – our second year Daisies (1st graders). As I left the meeting I was looking forward to our first troop gathering. I had experienced that initial adrenaline rush when you start something new and exciting – I couldn’t wait to host my first meeting!
That’s When It Hit Me…
I’m teaching on my own? Suddenly my adrenaline left and was replaced by nerves and anxiety. How would I handle this? The girls only know me as my daughters’ mom and that volunteer parent. Somehow I had to reintroduce myself and make the transition from parent to leader. My oldest daughter is also in my Daisy group . How do I handle that?
Getting To Know Them…
I thought on everything and decided on something that would help me bond with the girls. The first night we met the parents and girls, I wore a hot pink Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines t-shirt with a pair of “Chuck Taylors”. The girls had noticed both my fun shoes and bright shirt and loved them, so I figured I would make this my ‘trademark’. I have stocked up on hot pink T-shirts and my favorite Chucks are always present.
It worked! As soon as the girls arrived for our first meeting we started talking with an icebreaker. I told them how happy I was to be their Leader now and that when we were in a meeting or troop activity, my daughter was a Daisy just like them.
It Was That Easy…
Children are naturally willing to be your friend if they can feel that you are willing to be the same. So, just like that my fears and anxiety disappeared. We were off to a great start and I knew these were my girls, my daisies, my troop. I am so proud of each one of them already and I Can’t Wait To… see how far they will go this year.
How would you introduce yourself to a Troop? Do you have any ice breaker games or ways to get to know your Girls better?
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You are going to be an amazing leader mama. You and the girls are going to have so much fun!