"I don't have kids and I don't even like kids..."
In 1993 the Connectional AME Church recommended that all local
churches incorporate Girl Scouts as a part of their outreach
ministries, because their missions and values were in line with the
church's. The committee at my church, St. Luke’s AME, asked me about
volunteering, and I adamantly declined, saying "I don't
have kids, and I don't even like kids."
After about two years observing the troops at church, I thought we
could do better instilling the promise and law to the girls. Through
my efforts, we are the only church in our conference (Tampa, St. Pete
& Lakeland) that has had Girl Scouts since 1993.
Fast-forward over 20 years. I'm a Troop Leader and have held just
about all the Service Unit positions, from Service Unit Manager to
Encampment Director to Cookie Manager, and everything in between. I
love seeing the girls grow and mature as they progress through the
program, and I am most proud of exposing the girls to new adventures
that they probably never would have without Scouts. Many girls in our
troops come via financial assistance, so camping, sleepovers,
gardening, yoga and dance classes, field trips (both locally and out
of state) and countless other activities would not be available to
them without Scouts. Daisy’s Circle helps ensure these opportunities
continue to be available for every girl in our community.