A Real Leader
When you ask Girl Scout troop leader Jacquline Jeffery what keeps her motivated after 16 years, she says, “it‘s all about seeing girls grow, take on responsibility and rise to the challenge of being good leaders and good role models.” As a leader and manager of other volunteers, she has developed innovative ways to keep older girls involved in Girl Scouting beyond middle school.
Jackie is proud to impact the lives of girls positively by giving them a safe place and someone to talk with and reach out to. “Even when we’re hauling a tote or moving a truckload of cookies, we’re making a difference in the lives of girls,” she says.
A highlight of Jackie’s experience is advising girls who work to earn their Silver and Gold Awards, the highest honors Girl Scouts can achieve. “It is an honor to stand next to them on stage at an award ceremony and know they’ve made a difference in their community and that this little step will impact the rest of their lives,” she says. She recalls the thrill of hearing one of her troop members begin her high school valedictory speech with the words, “The most important thing I ever learned was from my troop leader who taught me a song – make new friends and keep the old.”
Currently Jackie leads both a Cadette troop and a troop of Girl Scout Daisies who are kindergartners. She finds immense satisfaction in just doing a craft with a Daisy and watching how proud a girl is of her achievement. Jackie leaves those meetings “with a huge smile.”
For anyone who wants to contribute to the community, Jackie highly recommends volunteer service, “It gives you energy. It helps you see where you can apply your energy where there’s the most need. It returns energy to you and adds value to your life.”
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. Girl Scouting offers girls the tools they need to be successful leaders, now and throughout their lives. In partnership with committed adults, Girl Scouts develop strong values and improve society. Today’s Girl Scouts are defining new ways to lead at home and around the globe. For information on becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, call 1-800-49-SCOUT or visit www.gshom.org
