Girl Scouts understands that in a world of clubs for boys, girls should have a space of their own. Inspired by that same idea, Jennifer Roder, leader of Troop 20535 in Gibbs/Corryton, started a group for her daughter and other local girls when their original troop disbanded instead of joining a Boy Scouts group.
“I felt like she shouldn’t have to sacrifice the girl-led and empowerment part of Girl Scouts to join an active troop,” Roder said. “So, I decided to start a troop, designed to be active and offer a variety of badge workshops with the girls at the forefront. It’s foundational to the Girl Scout organization.”
Roder is now in her third year as a troop leader, and her daughter, Sara Cate, has been in Girl Scouts for five years. The troop includes girls in second to eighth grade – known as Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes in the organization. The group has grown to nearly double its original size with 18 troop members and accepts girls within the Gibbs and Corryton communities.
At the start of each year, the troop meets with its leaders to discuss interests, desired accomplishments and how to combine the two to serve the community.
“We have girls who are into sports, science, creative writing and more,” Roder said. “They have a really diverse set of hobbies and skills that we pair with our projects throughout the year.”
Recently, Troop 20535 explored a shared interest in animals and learned about Eastern Screech-Owls, which are native to the area, and heard from a local guinea pig rescuer to promote pet care. The Girl Scouts came together for a common cause and hosted a supply drive for the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley.
In Gibbs and Corryton, the Girl Scouts clean up the troop’s meeting place each spring and practice money management when selling cookies to classmates and neighbors. It’s these experiences that motivate troop members and make their communities better.
“I do believe that these girls have the potential to change the world,” Roder said. “Even if parents think their daughter isn’t outgoing enough or into the traditionally girly activities, Girl Scouts has something to offer everyone. We believe building up girls helps them reach their full potential so that they can be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Troop 20535 and others across East Tennessee always are accepting new members. Learn more about Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians at girlscoutcsa.org and find a troop by texting the word “JOIN” to 59618 or sending an email to info@girlscoutcsa.org.
Lucy Branam is creative manager for Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians.