Since joining her first Girl Scout troop at age 6, Alexa has always had a friend to turn to. Along the way, she also developed confidence, leadership skills and an interest in helping others.

Now 14, Alexa enjoys inspiring the next generation of Girl Scouts. She spent the past several weeks as a program aide specialist at Camp Kettleford, a day camp in Bedford. There, she mentored and assisted younger Girl Scouts with a variety of daily activities, including arts and crafts – her favorite part of the day.

"I learned so many new things and it was a really cool experience," she said. "I met so many great girls."

A former Girl Scout camper herself, Alexa is known to campers as "Dibbles," an homage to her pet gecko of the same name. She said her years as a Girl Scout and experiences at Girl Scout camp have helped her develop the skills and confidence needed to lead and help others.

"There’s a lot of responsibility to being a program aide," she said. "The younger girls really look up to you."

Alexa, who hopes to become a doctor one day, said she enjoyed her volunteer leadership experience so much she wants to return as a program aide next summer. She’s also encouraging her friends to apply for positions. She said she likes the many facets of camp, especially the opportunities it provides girls to continue to learn and grow as leaders.

"I definitely plan on applying for a counselor position once I turn 16," she said.

Girls in grades 8 through 12 who are interested in volunteering as day camp program aide specialists in 2017 should seek out application information next February. An application, references and interview are required. All program aides attend a weekend training program.

For further information, including details on troops forming in your area, contact Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains at 888-474-9686 or customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org.

– Submitted by the
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains