Building Bridges: How One Girl Scout Troop Sparked a Council-Wide Animal Shelter Program
Written by: Susann Robbins of RightSide LeftSide Consulting LLC
It all started with a simple desire to make a difference. In 2023, Girl Scout Troop 1372 from the Montana and Wyoming Council took their first steps through the doors of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, eager to learn about animal welfare and how they could help their community's furry friends. Little did they know that this initial visit would spark a partnership that would grow into something much bigger.
The Seeds of Partnership
The troop's first engagement with the shelter opened their eyes to the complex world of animal welfare. They learned about the shelter's various programs, from their free pet food pantry to their low-cost vaccination services and the critical role these services play in keeping pets with their families. The girls were particularly moved by learning about the shelter's partnership with SafeHouse and COMEA programs, which provide temporary boarding for pets whose owners are facing housing challenges.
Their enthusiasm was contagious. What began as a volunteer activity evolved into a deeper partnership when the troop decided to set up a cookie booth at the shelter during the 2023 cookie season. This creative collaboration brought together two beloved community organizations and helped increase visibility for both the Cheyenne Animal Shelter’s mission and Girl Scout programming.
From Maine to Wyoming: Adapting and Growing
When the troop returned to the shelter in early 2024, they came armed with a new tool: the Animal Welfare Awareness Patch Program from Girl Scouts of Maine. This structured program provided a framework for learning about animal behavior, care requirements, and shelter operations. However, it also highlighted a gap in their own council's programming – Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming didn't have a similar patch program focused on animal welfare.
The troop saw an opportunity. Working closely with shelter staff, they began discussing how to create a patch program specifically tailored to their council's needs while incorporating the unique expertise of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. The goal was ambitious but clear: develop a program that could be implemented not just in Cheyenne, but at shelters across Montana and Wyoming.
Looking to the Future
The partnership continues to grow stronger. Troop 1372 is scheduled to return to the shelter in 2025 to pilot the newly adjusted program, building on their experiences from the past two years. They'll also continue their successful cookie booth partnership, which has become a beloved tradition for both organizations.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this initiative is its potential for growth. The program being developed isn't just for one troop or one shelter – it's designed to be adaptable for implementation across the entire council. This means Girl Scouts from Billings to Jackson Hole could soon have the opportunity to earn their Animal Shelter Patch while building meaningful connections with their local shelters.
Building Lasting Relationships
What makes this program truly special is its focus on creating sustainable partnerships. When Girl Scouts work with their local shelters, they're not just earning a patch – they're building relationships that can last for years. These partnerships can lead to:
Regular volunteer opportunities for troops
Community service projects that directly benefit local animals
Educational programs that help girls understand animal welfare issues
Opportunities for older girls to develop leadership skills through shelter initiatives
Increased community awareness of both organizations' missions
The Ripple Effect
What started as one troop's interest in helping animals has evolved into a council-wide opportunity for education, service, and community building. This program demonstrates how Girl Scouts can be catalysts for positive change in their communities, creating lasting impacts that extend far beyond their initial goals.
As we look to the future, we're excited to see how this partnership between Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming and the Cheyenne Animal Shelter will continue to evolve and inspire similar collaborations across the region. It's a powerful reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to lead and serve, amazing things can happen.
*This program is currently in development, with plans for council-wide implementation. Troops interested in participating can contact their local service unit or council office for more information.*
