I have just returned from my first Girl Scout meeting of the new scout year.  Tonight was the perfect example of why I love being a Girl Scout Leader and why I keep volunteering long hours for each of these girls.  Our meeting was a little different.  My team of leaders and I decided to mix things up.  We brought together all of our girls for one night of extreme journey fun.  The new little Daisies all wide eyed and smiles.  My experienced Brownies wanting to share their knowledge of Girl Scouting with the younger girls.  And my amazing Juniors stepping up to the plate and leading the way.  It was the best night a leader could have and I was able to share this amazing night with five other leaders/co-leaders.  With the help of everyone involved, including the girls, this was the easiest meeting I have ever been apart of.  I saw teamwork at its best, by leaders and girls.  I saw first hand girls that I have known for three years now, have the confidence to lead an opening ceremony.  I saw one of my precious bashful shy Brownies step up with courage and talk with the younger girls about what she loves most about being a Girl Scout.  My Juniors are dynamic.  They will change the lives of others and the world for the good.  I cannot wait to see what they are going to do for their Bronze Award, and I know whatever it is it will be inspiring.

As a leader, I have been trying my hardest to instill in each of the girls the Courage, Confidence and Character needed to be they type of leader they were born to be.  I wondered at times if they were getting anything I was trying to teaching.  I am watching these girls grow before my eyes, and I am proud of each individual girl.  They enjoy their Journey Books and the journey they are on because of the books.  

One girl discovered tonight she has a gift of respect.  I could have told her that, but it was inspiring to see her figure that out on her own. 

Another girl discovered her family does activities that are changing the world.  She just thought her family did this type of volunteer work because that is what families do.  She never realized how different her family is from the other families around her.

One of the Dynamic Juniors discovered the power to deal with change well.  She isn't letting change bother her or stand in her way.  It was enlightening to talk with her after our meeting.  She is growing up do fast and into a beautiful young lady.

My newest Dynamic Junior taught me that I touch her tonight with words of praise.  She needed to hear that.  I hope by the end of this year, she sees herself the way I do.  Dynamic!

Daisies are always so much fun!  Their desire to discover things and learn, the perfect little sponges.  They really loved Daisy's Flower Garden.  It was fun to crack out the old book and start it up again.  I think all my girls would enjoy a refresher course in Daisy's Flower Garden. 

I know at times being a leader can be discouraging.  Please remember to take the time to look hard at each of the girls.  You might just be amazed at what you find in them but also in yourself.