Hello Lafayette Leaders:
 
As we approach Spring Registration and the end of the troop's program year, we offer thoughts to finish up this year and transition to next Fall.
 
An essential ingredient of leadership success is the capacity to assess your own strengths and areas that need development --and make changes to your course when called for.  If you've figured out a way to get three kids to three different events and still picked up the laundry, gone grocery shopping, and made dinner for the in-laws, or accomplished some other similar outstanding household feat (sic), you've already been a strategic leader.  A strategic leader has vision and a plan. - - See Jane Lead, Lois P. Frankel, PhD.
 
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do. --Eleanor Roosevelt.  
Girl Scout leadership gives adults a chance to grow in many ways.  It has been an exciting opportunity to work with so many vibrant and intelligent women.  Thank you everyone for your constructive feedback, encouragement and ongoing support.   
 
Girl Scout leaders inspire and help girls to develop self-potential, to relate to others, to contribute to society, and to develop values.  The Girl Scout leader, in partnership with the co-leader(s) and troop committee members, ensure a safe, quality program for girls.  The Girl Scout leader has responsibility for the management and well-being of the troop. 
 
Being a troop leader is definitely a balancing act.  A Girl Scout Troop Leader should be willing to accept girls from the Service Unit waiting list.  Troop ratio sizes are important, Program Standard #20 states that "Girls should be able to participate in groupings large enough to provide experience in self-government and in groupings small enough for development of the individual girl."  The recommended ratios are:  Daisy's 5-15 girls, Brownies 10-25 girls, Juniors 10-30 girls, Cadettes 5-30 girls, Seniors and Ambassadors 5 - 30 girls.  Please keep this in mind when asked by your School Organizer to add another girl to your ranks. 
 
Another popular option to the traditional Leader led troop is the Co-op Troop.  It is a shared leadership troop.  Parents divide up responsibilities for planning and organizing activities.  A co-op troop lessens individual commitment.  It also has a special reward - each adult gets to share in the excitement of their daughter's Girl Scout experience.  Typically, there is a coordinator that supports the troop for the entire year.  It is important to note that the Coordinator may try to include all parents, but sees that no girl is denied membership for lack of parent involvement.  Talk with your School Organizer if this is a route that you are interested in pursuing. 
 
At the end of the school year, there typically are some troop changes.  School Organizers are your Go-To Gals for any changes to your troop structure.  School Organizers are in the best position to determine how a membership request can be accomplished and the status of the troops at each school.  Our School Organizers have done an amazing job this year.  Please thank them personally when you see them around school or town. 
 
The Oakland Girl Scout Board of Directors has approved the following National Awards for these Lafayette Girl Scout Volunteers.  Drum roll please . . . . . . .  .
 
Alison Wash, Appreciation Pin
Anne Mitchell, Maud Whalen Continued Exceptional Service Award
 
Outstanding Leaders:  Jenny Burford, Cathy Hopper, Susan Byrnes Olson, Catherine Vandenberghe
 
These awards are a small token of Lafayette Service Unit's appreciation for service and program delivery that furthers its goals.  Their commitment goes above and beyond, and we thank you.  Please join us at the next Leader's Meeting to honor these talented women, appreciate 5 year honorees, retiring Ambassaor Leaders and LCT board members.


Linda Bailey, Membership