News Staffer Sasha Barkan stands with other Girl Scouts Brownies at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located at 2450 S. Milledge Ave., on June 9, 2019. Barkan, who has been a Girl Scout since she was in third grade, has developed many skills, friendships and memories in the program that she feels are vital to her identity and skillset. “Each fake splint I bound or origami bird I folded cemented my friendship with the dozen other girls in my troop and my place in the organization that had become my safe space,” Barkan wrote. Photo courtesy of Beth Pifer-Mills
News Staffer Sasha Barkan reflects on how her experiences in Girl Scouts have shaped her life.
When I first joined Girl Scouts in third grade, I was mainly looking for a way to spend time outdoors and have unlimited access to Girl Scout cookies.
However, my experience in the organization has amounted to so much more than that. The program has become a benchmark of my identity and the foundation for the skills that I value.
When my troopmates and I were in elementary school, Girl Scout activities we re pure fun, consisting of parent-led meetings, overnight camping trips and selling cookies. Each fake splint I bound or origami bird I folded cemented my friendship with the dozen other girls in my troop and my place in the organization that became my safe space.
News Staffer Sasha Barkan makes breakfast with other troop members on a camping trip on Oct. 12, 2019 at Camp Tanglewood, Girl Scouts Of Historic Georgia, a campsite located in Martinez, Ga. While Barkan’s experience in Girl Scouts differed from her expectations of cookie-eating, her time in the program has proven to be incredibly valuable. “The duty and responsibility (of leading Girl Scout meetings) was the first time I felt empowered to be in charge of an initiative that was not just important, but fun,” Barkan wrote. “As each of us took on these new duties, our troop intentionally created a supportive environment, listening attentively and praising each other’s contributions.” Photo courtesy of Patricia Richards
However, when I began attending Clarke Middle School, the expectations around our participation changed. Instead of merely anticipating what fun activity would be planned for us, my Girl Scout “sisters” and I were tasked with designing and executing meetings of our own, teaching each other valuable skills like woodworking and bookbinding with the hope of earning a badge.
The duty and responsibility that these meetings gave me was the first time I felt empowered to be in charge of an initiative that was not just important, but fun. As each of us took on these new duties, our troop intentionally created a supportive environment, listening attentively to each other and praising one anothers’ contributions.
“The duty and responsibility that these meetings gave me was the first time I felt empowered to be in charge of an initiative that was not just important, but fun.”
— Sasha Barkan,
ODYSSEY Media Group, News Staffer
Guiding my troop through badges became the foundation for my leadership skills, pushing me to be more assertive and confident in my public speaking abilities. Acquiring these skills allowed me to pursue opportunities at Clarke Central High School that I would have previously been too shy to do, such as interviewing as a part of ODYSSEY Media Group.
Through all of these endeavors, I became more sure of myself and felt more connected to the other girls in my troop.
I know that the responsibilities I carry as a high school sophomore may not always feel easy. But I also know that I will forever be supported by these Girl Scout “sisters” and all of the skills we built together.
