Wild animals all over the United States have a friend and caregiver in Dr. Margaret Wild, who leads the wildlife health program for the National Parks Service. As a wildlife veterinarian, Margaret researches 500-pound elk in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. She also works to conserve places and species for future generations, so we can all appreciate what nature has to offer. If you're interested in becoming a veterinarian, Margaret suggests that you take math and science classes, do well in school, and volunteer at a local animal clinic or park. She adds, "Be passionate about what you do, always work your hardest, and get out and enjoy nature!"

Wonder what it’s like to have 48 wolves as "co-workers"? With an "office" in the middle of Lake Superior, Michigan native Erin Schlager uses her wildlife degree in natural resource management to be a caretaker for the natural world. As a biological science technician working as a park ranger on Michigan's Isle Royale National Park, Erin says, "The work I do matters because it's a part of our natural world, and these days we're having to work harder to preserve what we have and bring back what we've lost." Whether trapping the American marten of Michigan's North Woods to outfit them with radio collars, or tracking deer and wolves in Minnesota, Erin says, "You can do anything you put your mind to. If you have a degree in wildlife, it can take you to Isle Royale, it can take you to the Rocky Mountains; it can take you anywhere in the world."

For Dr. Healy Hamilton, a typical workday might involve snorkeling in mangrove forests, scuba diving on coral reefs and in sponge gardens, and even murky muck-diving. There she could find a fish that has a head like a horse, a tail like a monkey, eyes that move independently, and bony plated armor: the seahorse! As a marine biologist, Healy's fieldwork takes her to some of the world’s most amazing aquatic environments, where she has to explore carefully to find amazingly well-camouflaged seahorses hiding in their natural habitats. Healy studies these fascinating fish in her lab at the Marine Conservation Institute, working to save the natural world beneath our seas. “Studying seahorses is a way that I can be outside, be appreciating and admiring all of the diversity of life through the eyes of this one little creature,” says Healy, who grew up in a family that loved and valued nature. “Whatever it is that you love, that’s what you want to pursue. The most important thing is to not be indifferent.”

Cuando utilizas los 3 Procesos,  encontrarás que ser voluntaria de Girl Scouts es simple y divertido. Las niñas obtienen mayores beneficios cuando es Dirigido por las Niñas (significa que las niñas dan forma a sus experiencias al realizar preguntas, dar ideas y usar su imaginación). Cuando las niñas trabajan juntas para llegar a un objetivo en común, ellas están trabajando en un Aprendizaje Cooperativo. Lo más importante es el Aprendizaje Práctico, el cual consiste en  llevar a las niñas reflexionar sobre lo que realizan. Así, cuando piensan y discuten sobre sus experiencias, ellas pueden aplicar lo que han aprendido a otras áreas de sus vidas.  Cuando ves lo bien que la niñas pueden dirigir, tu puedes relajarte y disfrutar del proceso. Recuerda lo que más beneficia a las niñas es el trayecto del viaje y no el destino final.

Los adultos ayudan a nuestras Girl Scouts a vender galletas, ¡cuando no ayudan demasiado! Cuando nuestras Girl Scouts venden galletas por su cuenta, aprenden 5  Destrezas valiosas para toda la vida: Establecimiento de Metas, Manejo del Dinero, Toma de Decisiones, Destrezas Sociales y Ética en los Negocios. Aprende qué hacer y qué no hacer, para ayudar a las niñas a "aprender mientras ganan". Así ellas pueden disfrutar al máximo del Programa de Galletas Girl Scouts y ¡realmente tener éxito en la vida!

There was a time when people thought that girls couldn’t surf. So Izzy and Coco Tihanyi decided to challenge that soggy idea. They combined forces—and fierceness!—to co-found the first all-girl surf school. Sixteen years later, their Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla, California, is the No. 1 surf school in the world! These surf divas have a motto: “The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun.” That’s why their classes are loud and wild, and all the students cheer for one another. For the Tihanyi twins, having fun hanging 10 also means hanging together. “Working with my twin is awesome,” Coco says, “because we both knew long ago that we love the surf industry.” The sisters add that even though they have very different personalities, they have learned to complement each other to create a business that is both fluid and strong. Izzy is the “Surf,” so she’s in charge of the hard goods, like surfboards, and runs the school. As the “Diva,” Coco oversees the boutique and fashion aspects of their company. Breaking waves help girls make a wave, and Izzy and Coco strongly believe in encouraging that power. Says Izzy, “I think we have the best jobs on the planet.”

Kendra Newton loves writing, meeting new people, and going to events. As the founder of Hot Property Public Relations, she gets to do all three. Kendra helps her clients gain vital exposure anywhere that people take notice—in print, on TV, and in social media forums. It’s all part of generating good publicity, and Kendra’s agency works hard to provide it. If you see yourself promoting people, projects, and products with enthusiasm, this could be the career for you. Kendra believes that girls can become entrepreneurs at any age because, as she says, “Your dreams don’t have an expiration date.”

Erin Noble works with Straight Up Solar and the offshoot organization she co-founded, Renew Missouri, to increase the use of solar energy. She taps into the power of an inexhaustible resource (the sun!) to make her community a better place today, and promote a clean energy alternative for the future. By focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency, Erin helps conserve resources, protects the environment—and creates many new jobs!

With the gift of a secondhand sewing machine, she made clothes for her family, and launched her Stop Staring! line of vintage-inspired fashions. Today, Alicia Estrada is the founder, CEO, and designer of her own fashion empire—and her dresses are worn by A-list celebrities!

A guidance counselor once told her that she'd never make it to college, but today, this entrepreneur is "Chief Popsicle" at Feverish Ice Cream & Gourmet Pops and the author of two books. She's creating a cooler way for adults to enjoy ice cream and proving "anything is possible as long as you keep moving forward and believe in yourself and your dreams."

Sandi Vilacoba had a vision of how Pilates should be taught. With her grandmother’s support, she opened her own fitness studio, The Pilates Project, where her unique approach transforms how people move, look, and feel!

Kelly Lynn was worried that dyslexia would stand in her way, but instead, she founded her own photo studio, where she combines her two passions—photography and horses.

When she was in her teens, Juliette Brindak used her childhood drawings to launch Miss O and Friends, a website where middle school girls can share their ideas and connect with one another.

Built upon honesty, integrity, and hard work, Barley & Birch organic clothing line allows owner Kyle Smitley to share her success with those in need and make a difference in the world.

Opening a restaurant is risky business, especially when you work with your mother. Kristine Subido and her mom not only make it work, they thrive.

Lesley Tweedie is all about matching people and products. That’s why she launched a website that helps small businesses, like her own bike shop, by exposing them to more customers.

Her family business caters to the unique needs of female entrepreneurs by offering the tools and resources necessary to support a small company.

Need a ride? The founder of Getaround helps match up car owners with people in need of wheels through her rental service.

At an early age, she saw poverty on a Navajo reservation in rural New Mexico. Today, this engineer and head of Catapult Design creates products that improve the lives of thousands of people around the world.

In a male-dominated world of aggression-based video games, Kellee Santiago decided to try a new approach by starting a company that creates games with emotional depth and intricate game play.

Maintaining a cattle ranch requires more hard work than most people know. That’s why Debbie Lyons-Blythe created her Life on a Kansas Cattle Ranch blog and began telling stories and sharing pictures with readers around the world.

This TV producer has given kids of all cultural backgrounds characters to identify with and look up to through educational cartoons that feature diverse characters. Through media, she hopes to provide roles models and educational tools that are accessible regardless of background.

Catherine created a website for teens who wanted to connect outside the classroom through their yearbooks. The family-operated business has grown from an at-home venture into a company with more than 100 employees and a social network with over 40 million members.

Prerna founded her company, which makes smartphone apps, after her first startup failed. It’s been hard work attracting the right investors and raising funds for her latest venture, but she says that when it comes to business, you can’t let obstacles get in your way.

Eunice is not only the founder and CEO of her own cosmetics company in Florida, she’s also a biochemist and its chief scientist. From the lab to the boardroom, she’s prepared to do it all to make her company a success.

Galia’s company helps women learn to plan, save, and use money wisely, and advises women who run their own businesses. She says the most important words for anyone running a business are: Budget. Revenue. Expenses. Profit. Whether it’s making sure your personal finances are in order or knowing the basics of keeping your books, understanding money is a necessity for all entrepreneurs.

Our Girl Scouts Speak Out! “Dear Mr. President…” PSA contest had two winners: Hareem is 14, and from Sterling, Virginia; her co-winner, Amanda, is 15, and from Normal, Illinois. Both Hareem and Amanda were inspired by the ToGetHerThere campaign and its goal to create balanced leadership in one generation. Here, watch them co-star in their professionally produced PSA video, filmed on location in our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C., and see their world vision: A world of tolerance and diversity. A world of unlimited opportunities for everyone. A world where a future president will be a Girl Scout who’s growing up today! Hareem and Amanda believe that all these things are not only possible, but likely, as they step forward and tell the world: Girls matter! What kind of world do you see? Start brainstorming ideas and make your own PSA for Girl Scouts Speak Out!

When girls speak out, success follows! Meet Hareem and Amanda, who entered—and won!—our “Dear Mr. President…” Girl Scouts Speak Out! PSA contest. The girls recently met in Washington, D.C., to spend a great day shooting their video. In it, they share their dreams for the future and talk about how girls can become leaders today. “Changing the world isn’t just a man’s job,” Amanda says. “It’s anybody’s job.” And these Girl Scouts are living proof that you can be heard and declare yourself an advocate for everything you value. Watch the video to meet our winners, hear about what Hareem believes is the “moral challenge of the century,” and start thinking about all the ways you can shape your own success story. And don’t forget to check out the other fantastic finalists in the contest here.

Be the Director is an interactive tool that places girls in the director's chair on a professional film set. Check it out and help Be the Director win a Webby Award. Read about the Webbys and then vote for Girl Scouts!: http://pv.webbyawards.com/ballot/57

Wild animals all over the United States have a friend and caregiver in Dr. Margaret Wild, who leads the wildlife health program for the National Parks Service. As a wildlife veterinarian, Margaret researches 500-pound elk in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. She also works to conserve places and species for future generations, so we can all appreciate what nature has to offer. If you're interested in becoming a veterinarian, Margaret suggests that you take math and science classes, do well in school, and volunteer at a local animal clinic or park. She adds, "Be passionate about what you do, always work your hardest, and get out and enjoy nature!"

Wonder what it’s like to have 48 wolves as "co-workers"? With an "office" in the middle of Lake Superior, Michigan native Erin Schlager uses her wildlife degree in natural resource management to be a caretaker for the natural world. As a biological science technician working as a park ranger on Michigan's Isle Royale National Park, Erin says, "The work I do matters because it's a part of our natural world, and these days we're having to work harder to preserve what we have and bring back what we've lost." Whether trapping the American marten of Michigan's North Woods to outfit them with radio collars, or tracking deer and wolves in Minnesota, Erin says, "You can do anything you put your mind to. If you have a degree in wildlife, it can take you to Isle Royale, it can take you to the Rocky Mountains; it can take you anywhere in the world."

For Dr. Healy Hamilton, a typical workday might involve snorkeling in mangrove forests, scuba diving on coral reefs and in sponge gardens, and even murky muck-diving. There she could find a fish that has a head like a horse, a tail like a monkey, eyes that move independently, and bony plated armor: the seahorse! As a marine biologist, Healy's fieldwork takes her to some of the world’s most amazing aquatic environments, where she has to explore carefully to find amazingly well-camouflaged seahorses hiding in their natural habitats. Healy studies these fascinating fish in her lab at the Marine Conservation Institute, working to save the natural world beneath our seas. “Studying seahorses is a way that I can be outside, be appreciating and admiring all of the diversity of life through the eyes of this one little creature,” says Healy, who grew up in a family that loved and valued nature. “Whatever it is that you love, that’s what you want to pursue. The most important thing is to not be indifferent.”

Camp is not only fun, but it’s a place to meet new friends and learn new skills, too. Swimming, fishing, hiking, cooking, and exercise are just a few of the great things girls do at this camp. They also learn how to work through personal problems and look forward to their bright futures, too. What would you like to learn if you went to Lake Rickabear?

Adults help Girl Scouts sell cookies—when they don't help too much! When Girl Scouts sell cookies on their own, they learn valuable people skills, gain from teamwork, practice good business ethics, and teach themselves how to set goals and manage money. Learn what to do, and what not to do, to help girls "learn while earning." Then they can get the most from the Girl Scout Cookie Program—and truly succeed in life!

Starting with a topic that you feel passionate about, you can change the world one PSA at a time. Watch this quick video to get the best tips and guidelines on how to begin!

Inspired by her mother, author Alicia Thompson carries on a family tradition of storytelling. Here, she talks about her lifelong love of gymnastics, writing with 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Moceanu, and creating characters she cares about. “Your book could be somebody’s favorite book,” Alicia says. “Even if you only touch one person with your story, that’s somebody who connected with something that you wrote.” Watch the video, and learn more about Alicia Thompson on The Studio.

Author and illustrator Grace Lin says that writing stories helps you connect with who you are. Growing up, Grace didn’t feel connected to her roots, and she would sometimes even try to forget that she was Asian! Today, Grace realizes that being Asian is wonderful, and many of her stories are about Asian culture and traditions. Grace’s books are inspired by things that are important to her, just as your interests and experiences should shape the stories that you tell. “It’s really important to write and create your own stories,” Grace says, “because those are the ways that you’ll remember your life.” Watch the video, and learn more about Grace Lin on The Studio.

Author Mitali Perkins draws on her own life experiences to write about girls who are growing up between two cultures. Her books tell two kinds of stories—ones to make you laugh and ones to make you think. Here, she talks about the power of telling your own unique story, and how that can change people’s hearts. Watch the video, then learn more about Mitali on The Studio.

Author Sue Macy hopes to empower girls to take charge and test their strength by telling the stories of female athletes and historical figures that you won’t read about in any textbook.

Karen Pillsworth is so good at passing down the stories important to her small town in upstate New York that the mayor made her their official storyteller.

Author Shirin Yim Bridges loves to tell stories and got started early in life. Here, she talks to you about how stories have the power to change our lives. Watch the video and then check out more from Shirin in The Studio.

Almost all modern stories are in some way inspired by ones in the Bible. Bible scholar Sister Carol Perry takes the ancient tales, and their characters, and gives them a place in modern life. She also focuses on Biblical stories about women.

Animals collaborate with natural elements—like fire and earth—to tell Native American tales. Watch as Geri Keams shares the storytelling from her culture. She also talks about how important it is for all young girls to tell their own stories, too.

To Sue Monk Kidd, telling stories is a way of life. She got her start listening to the tales her father spun as a child. Today her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor, does the same. Watch as Kidd shares anecdotes from her past and encourages young women to use the power of their voice and share stories of their own.

Former Girl Scout and U.S. Army helicopter pilot Tammy Duckworth shares the story of how the Iraq War changed her life. Watch as she tells how she overcame a disability to become the woman she is today and hear what she thinks about how much power one voice can have!

How do Jersey Girl Scouts Get Moving? They get energy from the It’s Your Planet—Love It! Journey! Here, they bring energy to their everyday lives with a kickoff event featuring Zumba, healthy snacks, cool science experiments—and sisterhood galore! “To save energy, it takes more than one person to do it,” says one Girl Scout who participated. “One reaction makes a whole chain reaction, and then it will spread and spread and spread, and turn into something big that can change the world.” These girls are so full of energy, it’s hard to believe that they were actually learning how to conserve energy! Watch the video and start thinking about how you’ll use your energy to make the world a better place!

In Villanova, Pennsylvania, the Juniors of Troop 7239 hold their meetings in a historic building known as the Clothier Mansion. Today, thanks to these environmentally conscious girls, this stately Victorian home is very "2013"—because it's going green! Powered up by their Get Moving! Leadership Journey, these Girl Scouts decided to help their meeting place save energy. So they did an audit of the building, studied the utility bills, and even experimented with insulation and conserving electricity. They designed posters and put them up to inspire people to save water, and to really get thinking about what it means to be energy smart. Along the way, these girls decided that an important part of being a good leader is being aware. But the most important aha moment comes from one of the Juniors, who declares: "I decided to be a leader and make my own decisions." Today, from riding their bikes to turning off lights—and even petitioning to change their uniforms—these girls are empowered to lead themselves, and make the world a better place. Katera, their troop leader, sees the difference. "I've seen a vast change in all of the girls," she says, "in terms of their voice and their willingness to take action." Watch the video to see these Juniors Get Moving! Hear why Katera says, "We can do Girl Scouts with this kind of ready-made curriculum." And meet a Junior who says of doing the Journeys: "You're helping the world. You're saving yourself and other people."

Girl Scouts dancing in Rosie-the-Riveter-style kerchiefs? It’s something you might see in Henderson, Nevada! Using the tip sheet and guidelines featured on Girl Scouts Speak Out!, Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors of Troop 138 made a public-service announcement that envisions what they believe the next 100 years can be like for all girls. Their theme? “The Future Is So Bright, It Makes Us Want to Dance!” These Girl Scouts say that there isn’t anything that girls can’t do and be in the coming century: “a jockey, editor-in-chief, director, rock star, CEO, Nobel Prize winner, President of the United States.” Together, they came up with this girl-led video, scripted it, filmed it, and danced out their message to the world! Two days later it was posted online and started getting hits. Their really big moment came when troop leader Tonya Buchan got a call from the GS central office in New York saying that they’d won. The prize? A professional film crew shot their PSA! Volunteer Adonna Miller sees the enduring value of the experience. “I think it’s important that everything in Girl Scouts is girl led,” she says, “because it gives them empowerment at an early age. Girl Scouts Speak Out! was a great activity for my Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, because it allowed them the ability to show what they could do on their level.” Watch the video to see these girls on set, and think about the difference you can make with your message.

These Brownies on the go spotted a strip of missing sidewalk in their community that prevented people from riding their bikes, pushing strollers, or using wheelchairs. As one Brownie tells it: “We decided that we were going to put some concrete there because we didn’t want anyone going in the streets, because that’s not safe.” Inspired by their Brownie Quest Journey, these civic-minded Girl Scouts wrote a letter and lobbied city hall for change to promote their community as a healthy place to live. The outcome? Today, there’s a new strip of sidewalk where grass once was, and everyone can get around without having to risk danger in the street. The Brownies of Troop 1419 were even special guests on-site on the big day when the cement for the new sidewalk was poured. “Leadership can be defined in a lot of ways,” Colleyville, Texas, City Manager Jennifer Fadden says, “but one thing that they displayed here is initiative.” The life-changing impact of the Leadership Journeys is evident as another Brownie adds, “I learned that Girl Scouts can go much farther than some people think.”

Who can get a whole school to stop using throwaway plastic water bottles and start drinking from reusable bottles? Brownies can! Inspired by the WOW! Wonders of Water Journey, some second-graders from West Chester, Pennsylvania, started the first green, eco-friendly movement in their school. After learning an interesting fact—a throwaway bottle takes three times as much water as it can hold just to make the plastic—they spread the message of saving water. They also created a Take Action project that had a ripple effect out to the whole district! Watch the video to see how they did it, and hear why their volunteer supporters say the Journey books really helped the process. "It's such an accomplishment for a group of second-grade girls to start with something so small, but yet so important," teacher Amanda Galajda says. As Girl Scout Brownie Lauren tells it: "We can make a big change all together, and change the whole Earth."

As a volunteer, you might wonder: How do I get comfortable with the Journeys? The answer: You start doing them, and discover that you’re providing real leadership opportunities for girls! In this video, you’ll meet Purvis, Mississippi, Brownies having a blast—with benefits!—doing their A World of Girls Journey. As young leaders, they identified a need in their community, and worked together to purchase and dedicate a handicapped-accessible swing in a local park. Now that’s what we call a Take Action project! Funded by their cookie sales and community support from no less than the mayor, these girls and volunteers came up with a plan and made it happen. As one Brownie tells us, “We wanted to help change our town and make it better.” The mayor’s review? “It’s outstanding for them to step up and be young leaders of the community.” This project was completely girl led, with direction from supportive volunteers “who allowed the girls to have a voice.” That’s what the Journeys are all about. They’re the perfect way for you to help your Girl Scouts build courage, confidence, character, and independence—and make the world a better place!

Join these Indianapolis Brownies and Juniors as they discover the best part of Girl Scouts—sisterhood! They’re learning that they’re leaders, and that volunteers are there to support them every step of the way. Here, they have fun earning their My Promise, My Faith pins and using their Spanish-language Family Starter books. As one bright Junior says, “It doesn’t matter if we’re little girls. We can still do anything. We can still climb a mountain. We’re unstoppable—that’s how we are.”

When girls speak out, success follows! Meet Hareem and Amanda, who entered—and won!—our “Dear Mr. President…” Girl Scouts Speak Out! PSA contest. The girls recently met in Washington, D.C., to spend a great day shooting their video. In it, they share their dreams for the future and talk about how girls can become leaders today. “Changing the world isn’t just a man’s job,” Amanda says. “It’s anybody’s job.” And these Girl Scouts are living proof that you can be heard and declare yourself an advocate for everything you value. Watch the video to meet our winners, hear about what Hareem believes is the “moral challenge of the century,” and start thinking about all the ways you can shape your own success story. And don’t forget to check out the other fantastic finalists in the contest here.

How do Jersey Girl Scouts Get Moving? They get energy from the It’s Your Planet—Love It! Journey! Here, they bring energy to their everyday lives with a kickoff event featuring Zumba, healthy snacks, cool science experiments—and sisterhood galore! “To save energy, it takes more than one person to do it,” says one Girl Scout who participated. “One reaction makes a whole chain reaction, and then it will spread and spread and spread, and turn into something big that can change the world.” These girls are so full of energy, it’s hard to believe that they were actually learning how to conserve energy! Watch the video and start thinking about how you’ll use your energy to make the world a better place!

In Villanova, Pennsylvania, the Juniors of Troop 7239 hold their meetings in a historic building known as the Clothier Mansion. Today, thanks to these environmentally conscious girls, this stately Victorian home is very "2013"—because it's going green! Powered up by their Get Moving! Leadership Journey, these Girl Scouts decided to help their meeting place save energy. So they did an audit of the building, studied the utility bills, and even experimented with insulation and conserving electricity. They designed posters and put them up to inspire people to save water, and to really get thinking about what it means to be energy smart. Along the way, these girls decided that an important part of being a good leader is being aware. But the most important aha moment comes from one of the Juniors, who declares: "I decided to be a leader and make my own decisions." Today, from riding their bikes to turning off lights—and even petitioning to change their uniforms—these girls are empowered to lead themselves, and make the world a better place. Katera, their troop leader, sees the difference. "I've seen a vast change in all of the girls," she says, "in terms of their voice and their willingness to take action." Watch the video to see these Juniors Get Moving! Hear why Katera says, "We can do Girl Scouts with this kind of ready-made curriculum." And meet a Junior who says of doing the Journeys: "You're helping the world. You're saving yourself and other people."

Girl Scouts dancing in Rosie-the-Riveter-style kerchiefs? It’s something you might see in Henderson, Nevada! Using the tip sheet and guidelines featured on Girl Scouts Speak Out!, Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors of Troop 138 made a public-service announcement that envisions what they believe the next 100 years can be like for all girls. Their theme? “The Future Is So Bright, It Makes Us Want to Dance!” These Girl Scouts say that there isn’t anything that girls can’t do and be in the coming century: “a jockey, editor-in-chief, director, rock star, CEO, Nobel Prize winner, President of the United States.” Together, they came up with this girl-led video, scripted it, filmed it, and danced out their message to the world! Two days later it was posted online and started getting hits. Their really big moment came when troop leader Tonya Buchan got a call from the GS central office in New York saying that they’d won. The prize? A professional film crew shot their PSA! Volunteer Adonna Miller sees the enduring value of the experience. “I think it’s important that everything in Girl Scouts is girl led,” she says, “because it gives them empowerment at an early age. Girl Scouts Speak Out! was a great activity for my Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, because it allowed them the ability to show what they could do on their level.” Watch the video to see these girls on set, and think about the difference you can make with your message.

These Brownies on the go spotted a strip of missing sidewalk in their community that prevented people from riding their bikes, pushing strollers, or using wheelchairs. As one Brownie tells it: “We decided that we were going to put some concrete there because we didn’t want anyone going in the streets, because that’s not safe.” Inspired by their Brownie Quest Journey, these civic-minded Girl Scouts wrote a letter and lobbied city hall for change to promote their community as a healthy place to live. The outcome? Today, there’s a new strip of sidewalk where grass once was, and everyone can get around without having to risk danger in the street. The Brownies of Troop 1419 were even special guests on-site on the big day when the cement for the new sidewalk was poured. “Leadership can be defined in a lot of ways,” Colleyville, Texas, City Manager Jennifer Fadden says, “but one thing that they displayed here is initiative.” The life-changing impact of the Leadership Journeys is evident as another Brownie adds, “I learned that Girl Scouts can go much farther than some people think.”

Who can get a whole school to stop using throwaway plastic water bottles and start drinking from reusable bottles? Brownies can! Inspired by the WOW! Wonders of Water Journey, some second-graders from West Chester, Pennsylvania, started the first green, eco-friendly movement in their school. After learning an interesting fact—a throwaway bottle takes three times as much water as it can hold just to make the plastic—they spread the message of saving water. They also created a Take Action project that had a ripple effect out to the whole district! Watch the video to see how they did it, and hear why their volunteer supporters say the Journey books really helped the process. "It's such an accomplishment for a group of second-grade girls to start with something so small, but yet so important," teacher Amanda Galajda says. As Girl Scout Brownie Lauren tells it: "We can make a big change all together, and change the whole Earth."

As a volunteer, you might wonder: How do I get comfortable with the Journeys? The answer: You start doing them, and discover that you’re providing real leadership opportunities for girls! In this video, you’ll meet Purvis, Mississippi, Brownies having a blast—with benefits!—doing their A World of Girls Journey. As young leaders, they identified a need in their community, and worked together to purchase and dedicate a handicapped-accessible swing in a local park. Now that’s what we call a Take Action project! Funded by their cookie sales and community support from no less than the mayor, these girls and volunteers came up with a plan and made it happen. As one Brownie tells us, “We wanted to help change our town and make it better.” The mayor’s review? “It’s outstanding for them to step up and be young leaders of the community.” This project was completely girl led, with direction from supportive volunteers “who allowed the girls to have a voice.” That’s what the Journeys are all about. They’re the perfect way for you to help your Girl Scouts build courage, confidence, character, and independence—and make the world a better place!

Join these Indianapolis Brownies and Juniors as they discover the best part of Girl Scouts—sisterhood! They’re learning that they’re leaders, and that volunteers are there to support them every step of the way. Here, they have fun earning their My Promise, My Faith pins and using their Spanish-language Family Starter books. As one bright Junior says, “It doesn’t matter if we’re little girls. We can still do anything. We can still climb a mountain. We’re unstoppable—that’s how we are.”

When you use 3 Processes, you’ll find that volunteering with Girl Scouts is easier—and more fun! Girls get the most out of a project when it’s Girl Led (girls shape their experiences by asking questions, offering ideas, and using their imaginations). When girls work together to choose an idea and develop a team plan, they engage in Cooperative Learning. Most important, when you help girls think about what they’ve experienced so they can apply what they’ve learned to other areas of their lives, they’re Learning by Doing. When you see how well girls can lead, you can relax and enjoy the process. Remember: It’s the journey, not the destination, that benefits girls the most.