Summer can be a bittersweet time for troop leaders of graduating Ambassadors. You’ve been with your troop through thick and thin and worked with them to develop the skills they need to flourish and become the leaders of tomorrow. Wasn’t it yesterday that they were learning how to set up a tent for their first overnight camping trip as Brownies? Thankfully, as you see your girls off to embark on their next adventures—college, gap years, first careers—know that the bridge doesn’t have to end here! They may not be raring to lead a Daisy troop of their own just yet, but there are plenty of ways your girls can stay involved in Girl Scouts after graduation.
Polish Their Resume
Ask your girls about a definitive moment they had as a Girl Scout—chances are, they’ll come up with a whole list of them. “Remember that time we had our hearts set on going to Denali National Park, so we signed up for cookie booths every weekend and sold enough to fund that trip?” “Remember when I was really terrified of public speaking but presented my Gold Award project to the city council?” Guess what? Many of these incredible memories also translate into tangible skills girls can list on their résumé. As they move into the workforce, their Girl Scout experience will set them apart from the pack—here are a few pointers on how to showcase them.
If your girls are on LinkedIn, they can include their Girl Scout experience on their digital profile. While there, they can follow the Girl Scout Network, where they’ll be able to connect with other alums, stay up to date on Girl Scout news, and access resources for career development.
Become a Lifetime Member
The lessons that your troop learned as Girl Scouts will last them a lifetime. They join the ranks of more than 50 million Girl Scout alums who’ve made an impact in their communities—and in the world. As alums, your girls also have the opportunity to sign up as a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and invest in the world’s largest leadership development organization for girls. Plus, as young alums (any former Girl Scout ages 18–29), a lifetime membership is offered at just $200 (the standard rate is $400). Lifetime memberships also make wonderful and meaningful graduation gifts!
Engage as an Alum
If your girls are seeking ways to stay involved with other Girl Scout alums in the area, they can join the Alumnae Association. It’s free to join and once they sign up, girls will be added to an email list to keep them informed about council-related news and alum opportunities. They can also become part of an existing special interest group (Or start one of their own!), which are made up of phenomenal women just like them who meet to cultivate the future generation of Girl Scout leaders. Head over to Girl Scouts of the USA’s alums section to read and learn about how other alums leveraged their experience beyond Girl Scouts.
Volunteer
Finally, when they are ready, willing, and able, your girls can give the gift of their time and register as volunteers. It’s a testament to the incredible mission of the organization that many of our volunteers—like you!—were once Girl Scouts themselves as young girls.
Though their last year as Ambassadors will be their final ones as girl members (Break out the tissues!), this doesn’t have to mean goodbye forever. Encourage your girls to stay connected with you and with us here at the council. Congratulations to all graduating high school seniors—we can’t wait to see what you do next.
Lily Yu –Lily is a Program Resource Specialist at River Valleys. She earned her BA in comparative literature and Japanese from Hamilton College and has a background in publishing and advertising. Though she wasn’t a Girl Scout growing up, Lily is making up for lost time as a volunteer and troop cookie manager for her daughter’s Daisy troop. In her free time, she enjoys going for long walks, reading, and spending time with her family (and rescue dog, Neil!).