A Special Challenge

This story came across my desk. For obvious reasons I can’t tell you the names of the people involved. When I read it I immediately wanted to share the account with you. It is an example of the kind of challenge we all might meet one day. The editor

One of my most challenging situations as a leader was when I was approached by the mother of a girl who was clinically depressed.

The daughter had tried to kill herself over Christmas, and while she was in the hospital her doctor has told her parents to get her involved in an activity. I wasn't sure what I could do, and very concerned that I was in over my head. I was also overwhelmed by the implications that this would have on my Unit's dynamics and how this would affect my time spent with the other girls. After conferring with a few other leaders I decided that while this would be a trying challenge our Unit, if any, was up to the task.

It was very slow progress at first. She didn't mingle with the other girls and shied away when asked to join in. I tried to have special tasks that she could do without being bothered by the other boisterous Pathfinders.

It wasn't until our first camp that I stumbled upon her talent. She could cook. And when I say this I don't mean just boil water; she could really cook. Now whenever we go to camps she is in charge of the kitchen, and is even teaching the other girls (the ones who can't boil water) her tips and talents.

While she is still shy and doesn't always join in when the girls are goofing around, she did come back for another year and is planning on getting her Canada Cord next year. I recently received a letter of thanks from her mother who attributes her Pathfinders, among other things, to what has helped her daughter most.

This experience was one of my most frightening and rewarding experiences in Guiding. I am glad that everything turned out so well, and like to massage my ego by thinking that my Unit had something to do with it. In a case like this I don't think we could see a failure, and I need to credit my Pathfinder for the real success.

This girl taught me about strength. She was in a very bad place when I met her and she was able to crawl out. I learned about speaking softly and that hugs are more effective words. The patience that I lacked before this experience has come in handy time and time again, but what I really learned is that everyone does at least one thing well: Good leaders find those things.

Back to Resources main page

In order to view portable document format (PDF) documents on this page please use Adobe Acrobat Reader which is a free program. To download click here :

Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada Vision, Mission, Values, Promise and Law