By Ivonne Ibarra-Guajardo, Recruitment Director Cumberland County

Juliette Gordon Low had a grand vision for girls when she gathered the first group of Girl Scouts together in 1912. At that time, world was a different place for girls. Many extracurricular activities for girls were simply not offered. Low wanted more for girls – she believed that building strong girls would build a stronger world. And she was right about that!

Since that first meeting, opportunities for girls have grown both around the world and in here Girl Scouts. Girls are meeting every day with their Girl Scout troops all over the country and all over the world. Following the same values Juliette Gordon Low established over 100 years ago, the Girl Scout program offers opportunities for all girls ages 5-17 (grades K-12). In addition to the traditional troop model, Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines also offer two addition troop experiences – multi-level and co-op troops.

Our multi-level troops host a combination of Girl Scouts of varying grade-levels. This particular troop model often has many valuable benefits for its members and meets the needs of many volunteers and girls. A multi-troop environment allows girls to make new friends and interact with girls of different ages. Older girls in the troop have the opportunity to put their leadership skills into action as they mentor the younger troop members.

Sherry Weeks, who has been a multi-level troop leader the last four years, states it best: “Convenience. I have 2 daughters, one Brownie and one Junior. It became increasingly difficult getting them both to meetings and events because they met at different times. It made sense for me to switch to a multi-level troop.”

In Girl Scouts, we value a volunteer experience is easy, flexible, and most of all – fun! Our co-operative model distributes troop leadership equally. Each parent/caregiver of a girl in the troop agrees to coordinate one meeting during the year. Cooperatively, this team of adult volunteers leads the troop through the Journey and badge work, product sales, and other Girl Scout adventures. Co-op troops truly embody the spirit of teamwork to get the job done!

And what job could be better than helping girls discover friendship, follow the fun, and grow stronger together. With a variety of troop models, it’s easier than ever to lead. Start the fun and become a Girl Scout today! Use event code 367F22 when registering online to be entered to win an iPad!*

*Must be first time, new member and registered by 9/30/14 to be eligible to win.