Alumnae Story
My First Girl Scout Leader

By Dr. Beverly Drottar
Currently of Portland, Ore.
Formerly of Oradell, N.J., Brownie troop 1962-1964

We were new in town. I am the fifth daughter in my family, and my mother had a younger son in diapers at home as well. We arrived part-way through my first grade in school. I discovered that the kids were more advanced in their reading here than at my old school, so I struggled through that agonizing year. The next year, I joined a newly forming Brownie troop. It began a life-long love of the outdoors and of Scouting for me. I don't know if it was because that troop was anything special, or if it was due to the fact that my mother was one of the leaders.

Today I marvel that a woman in her situation, with all her obligations, could have stepped forwarded in a new town and helped formed this troop. She usually spent her free time volunteering for her church, not with civic organizations. Perhaps she knew how much I needed her time and the social support that this connection gave me.

I can remember her helping me to memorize the Girl Scout promise. Indeed, it took me many years to relearn the new changes that have been made to that promise over time! I can remember drilling with her for our ceremony for my investiture, and learning my lines, "Twist me and turn me and show me the elf. I looked in the water and saw—myself!" I have photos of myself and my troop proudly posed in front of a Brownie elf cake.

Since that time I have gone on to achieve a great deal. I completed medical school and residency, became board certified, and practiced in my chosen medical profession. I was the Girl Scout leader for my own daughter's troop. When I became disabled and could not continue with an active medical practice, I began volunteering with my local Girl Scout groups. I have since been a leader in many Brownie troops (and a couple Junior ones) and held many adult positions in our area. One of the stories I always remember to tell all the girls in my troops about is "The most special leader I ever had." I show them the funny old troop photos and the pictures of my mom and our big family when I was little. This usually makes a real impression on them. It also goes a long way for the other leader's daughter, who is always struggling with her difficult feelings about sharing her Mom with this whole group!