From managing a service unit to recruiting and sharing her “can do” philosophy with others, Kristina Bowes of Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, has been involved in Girl Scouts for more than 30 years.
During this time – as a young Girl Scout, herself, to a veteran leader helping to train the next generation of leaders – Bowes said community and cooperation are among the foundations of effective service and leadership.
Whether planning activities or supporting other troops, Bowes draws from her personal Girl Scouts experience to inform a collaborative and flexible approach.
“I use a lot of what I did as a Girl Scout, and what my former leaders did with us, to craft what we do in our troop,” she said.
Bowes credits others and said without good volunteer support and co-leaders, she could not be as effective as she is able to be.
“Kristina Bowes is a huge support to other troop leaders, and she is involved with everything and everybody,” said Sheri Kline, GSHPA Volunteer and Alumnae Engagement Manager.
Bowes credits her co-leaders’ ability, and said sharing the load and yielding skills takes full advantage of everyone’s skill set.
“I may not have a skill but one of my co-leaders will, or they know someone that does. We come up with what we think are unrealistic goals and we make them happen. We’re a unique troop,” she said.
Bowes role as head leader oversees a “level leader” for each age group. This additional leadership allows the troop to function more efficiently to the benefit of the girls.
When it comes to finding a good fit, Bowes will go the extra mile to help new Girl Scout recruits find their best troop fit.
“I don’t just recruit for my troop; I make sure I know when each troop in my service unit meets, where, what time, and the day. If it doesn’t work for [a new recruit], I’ll help them find a troop that will work for them,” she explained.
Bowes has been a Service Unit Lead, Service Unit Cookie Chair, Fall Product Chair and Cookie and Fall Product Lead for the troop, in addition to leading recruiting.
“I may not have a skill but one of my co-leaders will, or they know someone that does. We come up with what we think are unrealistic goals and we make them happen. We’re a unique troop,”
Kristina Bowes of Jim Thorpe
She is excited for her troop’s future, as there are new people interested in stepping into some of these roles.
“I feel like I’m helping adults now, so there is continuity,” she said.
This collaborative mindset extends to girls, which range from Kindergarten through incoming 9th graders.
Involving the girls in decisions that affect them is another hallmark of Bowes approach to Girl Scout leadership.
For one recent weekend activity, Bowes said the troop’s older girls had their sights set on a visit to Ocean City, Maryland. The troop’s younger members’ hearts were set on spending time at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Columbia County – two very different destinations.
Rather than force one destination over the other, Bowes said the “divide and conquer” approach meant everyone got to enjoy their preferred trip, because the troop was split up to enjoy both locations.
“It’s really about being girl-led,” she said.
Nominations are open for Volunteer Recognition for the 2023/2024 membership year and it’s easier than ever to vote! Just click here and vote! Voting is open until February 11, 2024, and parents, girls, and volunteers can vote as many times as they want. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Sheri Kline, Volunteer & Alumnae Engagement Manager at skline@gshpa.org.