BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Bow Girl Scouts don’t just sell boxes of cookies, they also learn valuable lessons in volunteerism and other life skills.

Ceci Vachon, a parent volunteer for the group, has been involved since she wanted to get her daughter Jordan interested about four years ago. Vachon was a Brownie as a kid and likes the variety of activities the Girl Scouts can take part in.

“People tend to think that Girl Scouts are camping, crafts and cookies, but it really depends on the leader and what the leader enjoys doing. We’ve done everything from camping to a trip to a dude ranch,” she said.

“There are so many things; it’s hard for me to list them all.”

The group doesn’t only do activities for entertainment, but also helps people in the Bow area. Trips to visit those who need a smile such as senior citizens benefit everyone involved, said Vachon.
“It’s almost overwhelming, because you get it on both sides. The girls are really excited to be there, but the older people are very excited to have them, so it’s a very neat thing to see,” she said.
Jordan said the visits are always beneficial.
“It’s really nice to see the people smile when we come in to visit them,” said Jordan, who likes every aspect of Girl Scouts.
“I really like it because you get to do a lot of things and go on a lot of trips and donate lots of money and blankets and stuff.”
Vachon said she has seen her daughter develop over the past four years.
“I’ve definitely seen changes in the girls. People think it’s just one thing, but it’s way more than that. We teach them leadership skills and life skills, and conflict resolution. A lot of the things they teach them in school we expand upon,” she said. “In Girl Scouts, they really get a better sense of community and a better sense of self.”
Currently, Bow has 126 girls registered for Girl Scouts and 40 adults volunteering time to help. Vachon said the numbers of adults, however, is deceiving.
“Even though we have 40 adults registered, it’s really more than that,” she said. “When we ask members of the town to come in and talk to the girls about something, they always are so happy to do it. So the number of adults we have in the program is so much higher than it seems.”
For Jordan, the time in the Girl Scouts has already taught her valuable lessons.
“You have to treat the other Girl Scouts like sisters and not treat anyone bad,” she said. “You should share everything you have.”