Candice Thomas is fairly new to the Girl Scout Co-Leader role, but she’s already made a huge impact within the organization. She’s been an active volunteer since 2019, and as she heads into the upcoming school year, she’s even more excited to explore, support, and empower the girls of Troop 77092.

Candice’s troop was formed during the 2019-20 school year and at the time, she supported as a Girl Scout volunteer, offering her assistance whenever needed. By the end of that school year the split troop of Daisies and Brownies was looking to expand. Perfect for the role, it was then that Candice accepted the Co-Leader position.

Like many other leaders, Candice’s favorite part of being a Co-Leader is watching her girls explore and learn about themselves and others. The girls in her troop are so young and impressionable, so it’s exciting for Candice to witness how the lessons and activities broaden the girls’ exposure and enrich their learning on topics ranging from STEM and cultural and political awareness, to the practical application of financial principles and literacy. The fact that they see the efforts of their labor by earning badges and patches is super rewarding as a Co-Leader.

The girls support one another, which shifts the focus from individual empowerment to learning how to serve, build friendships, and create a sisterhood. Candice says the current goals for her troop is to continue to empower them to lead and be leaders. She envisions her girls having an understanding the world, learning how to make decisions, collaborating with others, being a part of a team, and seeing how their decisions can create change.

She would like to share with aspiring troop leaders and remind current leaders of the following:

YOU can make a difference. Your time, effort, and dedication nourishes and cultivates the next generation – both in word and deed. “We have a responsibility to live up to the legacy of those who came before us by doing all that we can to help those who come after us.” –Michelle Obama