It wasn't my choice. My parents enrolled me in the Busnago I° group—they'd been involved with local youth organizations themselves when they were young.
Because of my age, I didn't follow the full scout progression. I joined just as middle school started, so I went straight into the section for my age group.
The Promise ceremony felt like an initiation. I was the new girl then, not quite belonging yet. But once I made my Promise, something shifted. The others accepted me as a "new sister," as if I'd suddenly grown up overnight.
Now I'm an Assistant Leader in the circle of younger girls.
I love this role. Working with the younger girls is wonderful—we play constantly, and I teach them to respect each other and nature, and to become independent and responsible.
I studied education in school, so it matters to me to put what I've learned into practice. And I've always had a way with children.
Service is what I love most about scouting. But honestly, coming here also helps me learn to open up to the group.
Good trails ahead!
Alice, Singing Owl, 2009
(Busnago I°)