Being a great troop leader doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. In fact, some of the best Girl Scout experiences can come from tapping into the people, organizations, and expertise already around you.

Think about the connections within your troop and community. Maybe a parent has a unique career or hobby they’d love to share. A local business might be willing to offer a behind-the-scenes tour. A community organization could help girls explore a new skill or learn more about an issue they care about. And don’t forget about your fellow troop leaders! They can be a great source of ideas, advice, resources, and lessons learned.

Sometimes, creating a memorable experience for your Girl Scouts starts with one simple question: “Would you be willing to share your expertise with our girls?”

You may be surprised by how many people are excited to say yes. Inviting others to share their knowledge not only takes some of the pressure off you as a troop leader, but also introduces girls to new experiences, interests, careers, and role models they may not otherwise encounter.

So, before spending hours trying to plan something entirely from scratch, take a look around. Your community is full of potential Girl Scout experiences just waiting to happen. You just have to ask!