Child Racing

This year marks a full circle of fun as a scout leader. I have now led every year of every level of Girl Scout troops.

If you were to ask me what is my favorite level … I wouldn’t divulge.

I can tell you that my perspective has changed over the years and I’m grateful for my memories. It’s those memories that remind me why I’m a leader. And it’s the repeat patterns that remind me that I think I’m doing it right – at least for the most part. (No one’s perfect.)

I remember leading my teen troop when they were first-year juniors. We met in the building of a local school. I honestly do not recollect any of the meetings that year. However, I have a vivid, vivid memory of the little sister of a member of that troop.

 Every night after our meeting was finished, little Samantha would come up to me with her big eyes and orange hair and offer a challenge.

“Miss Jenny, do you want to race?” She’d ask, those big eyes sparkling.

I’d be in the middle of greeting or updating parents and without hesitation, I’d say, “You’re on!”

At the time, Sam was probably the age my second daughter is today; six or seven.

We’d scamper to the end of the field. Sam’s dad would stand at the other end beside her mom who smiled with a bemused look on her face. “On your mark. Get set. GO!” Mike would yell. And we were off! Her little legs working as hard as they could. Her face etched with determination.

You may wonder if I let the seven-year-old win.

I did not.

In my defense – she WAS really fast!

I raced her for years. And, until she was about 10 or 11, I always won. Each year she’d get faster and faster. Each year, she’d work harder and harder. And, finally one day she beat me.

That’s when I stopped racing her. Losing once is plenty. ;)

In seriousness, the racing was fun. But what I always thought was cooler:  The little sister of a troop member had forged a relationship with me.

To be honest, it touched my heart.

At that point I realized how important it was to find the thing that connects me with each of my troop members. One may like running. The other, music. Whatever it was that we could relate about; that’s where I sought to connect.

As the years progressed, I acquired the little sisters of my (then) “tweens” and they became troop members also. Sam was now a member of my troop. To this day, she certainly is one of my three current favorite teen members. (wink , wink I have only three teen members. I don’t play favorites. I love them all!)

But it always seemed cool that I had a special little bond with Sam, even before she was in our troop.

Fast forward to present. This week at Audrey’s gymnastics class, the younger sister of one of my Brownies gave me a present she had made; a sweet little tulip ornament.

Again, I was touched. I’ve known this little bean for nearly four years and until about a month ago, I could never get her to even talk to me. And, Tuesday she gave me a prize. Again, I was honored.

There is nothing but gratification when you know a sibling who has been watching you with his or her sister for a while, begins to trust you, too. It’s an indication that you’ve been invited (even at the smallest capacity) into their worlds. And that’s an invitation I take with great care.

Being a Girl Scout leader has afforded me the opportunity to become involved not only with the Scouts, but with their families. My involvement with these families makes me a better parent … both now and in the future.

Siblings, parents and girls … all unique and wonderful people who have expanded my world.

I’ve had the enlightenment of knowing people of different faiths, different economic backgrounds, and different viewpoints that I may not have encountered otherwise. Serving as a Girl Scout leader has broadened my life experience.

And … if you think being a leader is just about the girls – you’re wrong. It’s about them and their families. It’s an all-encompassing responsibility … an all-enveloping joy.