Alumnae Story
A Born Leader

By Kelly Criswell
Maumee Valley Girl Scouts
Cross Troop #429

I am a Girl Scout leader for my daughter's Junior troop and have been since they were second grade Brownies. I only filled the position because there was a need for a leader. At first, I was very nervous about "crafts" and the all the "paperwork," but it wasn't long before I fell in love with my troop and everything that comes with Scouting! Slowly but surely, Girl Scouting has taken over my life! I was so surprised at how much fun I was having as a leader, since my own Girl Scout memories were not that great!

One afternoon while talking to my 85-year-old maternal grandmother she shared this story with me: While my mama was in labor with me, my grandmother sat beside the bed, and as my mama cried in labor, my grandma was reading her the Girl Scout handbook!

I have been told by family members this is the reason that I have come to love being a Girl Scout leader. I have a stepdaughter and an adopted daughter, both are fifth grade Juniors. We all enjoy sharing our Girl Scouting experiences with Grandma.