What is a Junior Girl Scout by Elissa, age 10

A Junior Girl Scout is a girl in the 4^th or 5^th grade who works with her troop and who learns to respect all people no matter religion or race. As Girl Scouts, we have monthly meetings to discuss our plans for upcoming activities so we are prepared, and also work on badge steps and have fun! We participate in National-level activities, such as cookies and fall product sales, and we also do local activities like camping and Thinking Day where we learn to respect different cultures. All and all, Girl Scouts are trying to make the world a better place one step at a time.

Traditions by Isla, Age 10

The Girl Scout promise and law is very important to the troop, in fact we say both at the beginning of every meeting and ceremony. The promise says, “On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.” The Girl Scout Law is something we aim to follow every day.

Each year we do a my promise, my faith interview with someone from our faith to revisit aspects of the promise/law and a lot of our badgework circles back to these important guidelines.

As Juniors, we wear a green vest, skort and a white polo. The vests have the United States flag near our shoulder and below the flag is our troop crest and troop numbers 2059. We wear our hair however we want, and I like the uniforms. We love earning and adding new badges and pins to our vests. The pins usually go in the front as well as the small circle badges, and our fun badges go on the back.

Troop Co-Leaders

Jaclyn Rhoads began her Girl Scout experience as a Brownie in the 1980s, and continued through Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts into 10th grade. She earned her Silver Award and Cadette torch pin in high school. She has volunteered as Troop Leader for 5 years when the troop was founded in 2018.

Jaclyn also is Recognitions and Event Coordinator for the DrWin Community Team. She has earned the Newcomer Award from Citrus Council.

She is passionate about the Girl Scout experience as it opened many doors for her from scholarships to job opportunities. Her daughter is a member of the troop and is also part of the only Girl Scout performance chorus in the nation, the Citrus Singers. Jaclyn loves to plan events and is totally Type A. She is a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations as well as other destinations worldwide. She has a masters in advertising from the University of Florida and is a former adjunct professor for UF as well as a former marketing communications manager for various industries. She is a mom of 3 and has been married to her college sweetheart for almost 20 years.

I love planning educational and fun activities for our troop — to not only reiterate the Girl Scout Law, but to create lasting memories for these girls through unique experiences.

Jaclyn Rhoads

Belinda is thrilled to offer her time and commitment to Troop 2059 as co-leader. Although Belinda did not grow up as a Girl Scout, she recognizes and values the unique opportunities that Girl Scouts provides for young people. She loves watching all the Girl Scouts grow and stretch themselves by trying new activities, engaging in community service, and leading other young Girl Scouts by example.

Belinda is also the spouse of Cormac, mom of Junior Girl Scout Sophia, and dog-mom of Max (our family mini golden doodle). Lastly, but certainly not least, Belinda’s favorite part of Girl Scout camping has got to be the s’mores! So yummy!