Yep, the end of August is fast approaching...some schools have already started back up: football practices and back-to-school shopping are all the rage!
It also means that Girl Scout troops who may have taken a hiatus for the summer are revving back up, and readying for their parent meeting. What a great opportunity to have old and new parents meet each other, offer to help, and take a piece of the work during the year. Write checks for the Family Giving Campaign. Give a big thank you to the leader for all her work in helping give the girls a great Scouting experience. And in general, be supportive and caring.
Okay, so you're all laughing or snickering right now, wondering in what parallel universe I come from!
But I can hope! I can hope that the parents have seen the benefits of Scouting for their daughters. And I can hope that the girls/the troop has been really great about communicating the successes they've had in the troop. Did you have a scribe per month? And did she write about what the troop did/learned? Did you email it to the parents? That's one way to get the word out. Did you invite the parents to your end of the year bridging/awards ceremonies to see the great work ALL the girls did? Was it a girl planned event, so that the girls used their leadership to put together something meaningful?
Are your girls planning a re-dedication ceremony to kick off the fall? It's a great way to come back together and re-commit to the values and sisterhood of Girl Scouting. Your girls can plan it! Maybe a Mom can help advise them. Maybe your girls are planning it for all the Cadettes in your association? Maybe there's some entertainment to help draw the crowd. The more success stories and girl-led program we adults see, the more we see how GREAT Girl Scouting is for our girls. Shameless promotion with a great end: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place!
Have fun!