Alumnae Story
When You're a Leader, You're Not on Your Own

By Miriam Smith-Burks
Stockton, Calif.

My fondest memory of being a Girl Scout was when I was in sixth grade and our troop was invited to stay at a farm for a week. Since all of us had lived in the (concrete jungle) housing project in New Orleans from birth, it was the most exciting trip we could have ever taken.

The fun part began with packing for a camping trip. We had never gone camping before. When we got to the country, we couldn't believe the amount of open space and the fruit trees, with fruits on them. The owner of the farm invited us to pick fruits for ourselves.

When my daughter was in third grade, she wanted to be a Brownie. All of the troops were full, so I decided to become a leader. After my daughter grew up, I took care of my grandniece for a few years. She also wanted to be a Brownie. All of the troops in our neighborhood were full. I decided to become a leader again.

Adults need to know that anyone can become a Girl Scout leader. You are not on your own. You get help from the beginning and along the way.