Submitted by Jennifer Hartsfield, Girl Scout Troop Leader

My best friend’s daughter wanted to join a troop; however, no troops in the area had openings. So, as many leaders have done, she started one. One day she was telling me about how she started a troop and needed a co-leader. Knowing absolutely nothing about Girl Scouts, I reluctantly said, ‘sure!’ even though I do not have a daughter and I would be doing a lot of traveling back and forth to New Bern. That was three years ago. Now, I am a troop leader of two troops – one in Hubert and one in New Bern.

I am so glad that I said yes. Little did I know that with Girl Scouts I would be a mother figure, a counselor, a nurse, a teacher, a friend, a sister, a motivator, and most of all, a leader.

There is nothing more exciting than seeing these girls make friends, challenge themselves with things they never thought they’d do in a million years, succeed at a new endeavor, and just become such admirable leaders.

When I’m teaching archery and the shy girl who doesn’t believe in herself pulls back on the bow string and lets her arrow fly and makes a bull’s-eye, that’s why I’m a Girl Scout Leader.

When we go kayaking and a girl who is terrified of the water climbs shakily into her kayak with her friend and starts rowing away smiling, that’s why I’m a Girl Scout Leader.

When we are having a campfire at Camp Mary Atkinson and a group of girls shine their flashlights on a frog in awe. Then it jumps and the girls run away screaming, that’s why I’m a Girl Scout Leader.

I absolutely love being a Girl Scout Leader. I have found my purpose in life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Want to become a troop leader like Jennifer and help girls achieve their dreams? Please visit our volunteer page for more information.