Laura Flanagan never planned on becoming a Girl Scout Troop Leader, but when the opportunity presented itself, she rose to the occasion. That was 15 years ago. Now a seasoned Troop Leader, Laura shares what her experience has been like thus far.

She began her journey as a Troop Leader in 2005, when her oldest daughter came home from Kindergarten with a Girl Scout form. She agreed to let her join and marked on the form that she could be a possible “helper.” After receiving a phone call saying she was the only one that put anything down, she agreed to lead the troop because “without a leader, no troop.”

Since that moment, Laura has created countless memories with her troop. One of her favorites was when the troops in her community, and other leaders surprised her with a National Recognition Award. She remembers everyone being so excited since they knew she loved surprises! Some other favorites include watching the girls put on a huge “Me and My Guy Dance,” and taking her troop to Mall Frenzy over the years. She says the girls take pride in their events and always felt so grown up being up so late and shopping in the mall.

With the world in the middle of a pandemic, Laura says that her current goal for her troop is to help the girls earn their Silver and Gold Awards.

New Troop Leaders and/or Leaders in need of some advice, listen up! This is what Laura has to say:

“There are bad days, good meetings, and great events… not always do the adjectives match the nouns for everyone. You might think it was a good meeting, when a girl might think it was the best day ever. You just never know who will feel which way, so keep going. She believed she could so she did!“

Thank you, Laura!