Despite their age or where they attend school, members of Girl Scouts Troop 20986 are finding friends outside the classroom. The Troop includes Daisies (grades K-1), Brownies (grades 2-3), Juniors (grades 4-5) and Cadettes (grades 6-8) who attend Ritta Elementary School and Holston Middle School and are homeschooled. Troop leader Sherri Fawver says the involvement in Girl Scouts provides a sense of community and belonging after school ends.
“When we come together, the girls pick up where they left off at the last meeting or activity, even if they don’t see each other during the school day,” Fawver said. “The bond that they have is so special – it’s a friendship that many do not experience outside of Girl Scouts.”
Girl Scouts Kalynn Fawver, Maddie Singleton and Abby Corbin of Troop 20986 smile while selling cookies at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center.
Most of the Girl Scouts have “bridged,” or moved from one level to another, together through the years. The troop is tight-knit, but Fawver emphasizes that the girls always are eager to welcome someone new.
“Once a new girl gets familiar with the troop, there’s an immediate bond,” Fawver said. “They’re excited to see each other, learn together and work with one another for a badge or award. There’s nothing else like the friendship Girl Scouts forges.”
Girl Scouts Abby Jo Sexton, Olivia Sexton and Abby Corbin of Troop 20986 stand outside a local Kroger to sell cookies to shoppers.
At the beginning of every monthly meeting, the troop members gather for general announcements and to review the Girl Scout Law, which encourages them to “be a sister to every Girl Scout.” Then, they are divided by grade level to earn badges and bond with Girl Scouts their age. Occasionally, an opportunity arises for them to work with others across levels.
“Sometimes badge activities overlap between multiple levels, which is an excellent opportunity for all our Girl Scouts to interact with someone younger or older than them,” Fawver said. “The Daisies and Brownies might be unsure at first, but with some kindness and patience from our Juniors and Cadettes, the troop completes a project together. It’s a teaching moment for those who are older, an opportunity to learn for the younger Girl Scouts and fun for the whole group.”
The troop’s goal is to attain 10 badges that are chosen by the Girl Scouts each year. The members also complete community service such as creating holiday cards for nearby nursing homes and participate in exclusive Girl Scout experiences like Camp Tanasi. With each activity, the girls get closer with one another and Girl Scouts in the region.
If you know of a girl who could benefit from meeting others in Girl Scouts, learn more at girlscoutcsa.org and find a troop near you by texting the word “JOIN” to 59618 or sending an email to info@girlscoutcsa.org. Troops always are accepting new Girl Scouts!
Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians contributed to this report.