I worked on the girl experience/program team. This team has amazing leadership and great management. I loved my coworkers -- lots of other millennial aged women who were smart, motivated, and genuinely cared about the work we did.
What I wish was different
You will find issues at this nonprofit that you would find at any other -- everyone, besides senior staff, are underpaid and overworked, especially entry level employees. Racial/linguistic diversity exists in entry level positions only. At the time I am writing this, there are no people of color on the chief/executive team at GSHCC, which is especially disappointing given the demographic of girls GSHCC caters to.
Chief staff has struggled to implement a successful marketing/recruitment strategy for years, which impacts our market/girls served. This adds a lot of stress to the job even if this isn't your department.
Lastly, (this is a comment on the overall GSUSA brand) Girl Scouts USA prides themselves as 'non-partisan' while I would argue that prioritizing girls and their well-being is inherently a political act, and Girl Scouts has been a historically progressive and political organization. While GSUSA encourages Girl Scouts to be civically engaged, GSUSA lacks the gumption to actually embody progressive action that would match its historical values. I don't want GSUSA to become a pseudo-democrat organization. I would, in fact, think Girl Scouts would benefit sincerely from engaging in politically diverse environments. This can be really frustrating when designing curriculum and workshops for Girl Scouts -- feels like you're constantly having to 'dance around' ideas, as opposed to guiding meaningful conversations for girls to form their own ideas and opinions.
Advice
Ask for the salary range budgeted in the interview. All nonprofits do this -- they will give you the lowest possible offer. Always, always, always ask. Even if it makes you uncomfortable.
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Maintenance Assistant
May - August 2019 • Arnold, CA
What I liked
Fun
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Nothing
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Camp Counselor
May - August 2019 • Camp Connell, CA
What I liked
Girl led experiences
The positivity and encouragement from staff and management
What I wish was different
Advice
Try a job outside of your comfort zone and try new things as much as possible to stretch yourself as a person
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Nature and Science Specialist
May - August 2018 • Arnold, CA
What I liked
I was able to create and execute my own lesson plans to teach young children about science and nature. I was out doing something I loved in a placed I loved. Working out in the woods in a residential camp setting was a great time to reflect on why I am pursing science.
What I wish was different
While being the sole nature and science specialist gave me a lot of room to create the programs I wanted to see operating solo was difficult at times. Have a co-facilitor whould have had a positive impact.
Advice
Apply for a non-traditional way to spend your summer. You'll make a lot of great connects and the push to do something unconventionally related to your disciple will open your eyes to new viewpoints.
