It Takes a Village

They say two heads are better than one, and when it comes to Girl Scout Troop #58035, this truth is evident. Meet Jarrod and Shameka: both south metro parents who last year teamed up to co-lead their daughters’ BIPOC Mentored Girl Scout troop made up of ten (mostly) girls of color.

“We didn’t want to exceed that number because we wanted this to be a very meaningful experience for them,” said co-leader Shameka Gherau. A new experience for both, the duo has been intentional about providing their troop with opportunities to see themselves represented—whether that takes the form of a learning activity about renowned scientist Mae Jemison, meeting a woman of color doctor or lawyer, or simply having the experience of your troop being led by two BIPOC troop leaders.

Troop #58035 has been going for about three years, and in that time the girls have completed service projects, sold cookies, and even gone snow tubing—all under the guidance of four different troop leaders. “It’s good to have new perspectives and new energy to come in,” shared co-leader Jarrod Yamanaka. “It really helps make the experience the best it can be.”

But more than getting to have experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise, Girl Scouts has given them opportunities to develop a strong sense of self and to take pride in their differences—something that is crucial for all girls, and especially those who live in one or more marginalized identities. Both Jarrod and Shameka are parents to girls of color, and thus recognize the importance of building up their confidence and resilience early in life. “We are setting an example for them, of being unapologetic and being your true authentic self,” said Shameka. “Cultivating a space where they are able to do that and figure those things out at this young age is so important.”

Not only important, but also impactful—as plenty of research has demonstrated. Girl Scout alums are reported to be more ambitious, less afraid to take risks, more confident in their abilities, and more likely to stand up for their beliefs than their non-Girl Scout peers.

Additionally, recent research by Girl Scouts of the USA has shown that friendship provides a powerful antidote to the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many girls are experiencing. The study found that girls as young as five report feelings of loneliness which, over time, can erode their sense of self-confidence. Conversely, more than half of those surveyed reported that having a friend by their side encourages them to try new things and step out of their comfort zones.

The bottom line: Girl Scouts aren’t just more likely to be successful in their personal endeavors. They’re also more likely to become well-rounded individuals who embody courage, confidence, and character—virtues that stick with them and help provide a solid foundation for a life well-lived.

There’s an old African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child—and the parents of Troop #58035 understand this. From adopting a co-led model to rotating troop leaders each year to enlisting support parents to help run troop meetings and keep kids engaged, theirs is a truly a community-based model of Girl Scouting—and it’s working.

Consider a co-led or community-based leadership model for the Girl Scout in your life. Whether they want to explore the great outdoors or just better understand themselves, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds can benefit from the village that is their Girl Scout community. Learn more and get involved at gsrv.gs/friends.