Pineapples, Queens, & Me
Two weeks ago, I hosted the first Joy & Moxie Empowerment Experience, and it was AMAZING 🎉🎉🎉 The session was for Ann Arbor’s Junior Girl Scouts Troop #40066 and was entitled:
PINEAPPLES, QUEENS, AND ME:
RULING OUR CIRCLES WITH INTENTION
Allison (the Co-Leader of this local troop) reached out to me in January, inquiring whether I’d be interested in being a guest speaker for one of their upcoming troop meetings. She mentioned that they were starting a Girl Scout Journey called "Agent of Change" and would be talking about power of one, power of team, power of community as they earn the three (+) badges associated with this Girl Scout Journey. Without hesitation, I ecstatically agreed to attend as a guest speaker!
I contemplated what it was that girls, ages 10 and 11, could most benefit hearing about. What would set up these soon-to-be-transistioning-to-middle-school girls best for success? That’s when a few of my content pieces around "Circles of Influence" came to mind. It’s important for kids of these ages to surround themselves with positive influences - people that will push them, see the good in them, support and empower them to be and do better - while also being accepting of them when they fail.
As I thought about how I would deliver this session, I knew I couldn’t just talk at these girls for an hour or so - that’s not engaging for any age! And that’s when I realized I could use the theme of “circles” from the beginning to end of the event. From the coring of a pineapple, to the crown of a Queen, to the circles of influence, and the finale of creating a charm bracelet, circles would prominently show literally and figuratively the never-ending strength and power they hold. I cannot think of a better activity to share with Queens in Training than one that involves helping them to see how their circles can intentionally design a future of wholeness. 💕
Well, the session was a hit! Both the girls and the mother’s who observed the session found it to be fun and informative. Developing, designing, and delivering this session filled me with such confidence and being able to share my time with these girls left me absolutely giddy! It is proof for me that there is an application for my passion, there is an engaging way to leave an impact on my community and the next generation, and most importantly - Joy & Moxie is needed and has a future.
Thank you again to Allison for inviting me to speak and to Troop #40066 for the warm welcome and fun we shared! 🙏🎉🍍👑👧
"Serena was a captivating speaker. She personalized the program to our group of Junior Girl Scouts (ages 10-11), and really inspired the girls to focus most on their circle of control, which is all about mindset, attitude, wellness, and personal actions. Serena used visual aids of circles to symbolize continuity; an unending path of support; and strength of self, team, and community. Her presentation enhanced the Girl Scouts badge work as the girls are learning about their power as individuals; using individual powers to form a strong team; and working as a team to help strengthen community.
Another highlight Serena provided was the chance for each girl to make a piece of jewelry on which she encouraged the girls to stamp a word that would remind each of them of the circles, and to not stress too much about the things they cannot change (ie: the actions and opinions of others).
I am grateful that Serena helped inspire the girls to stay aware of their moxie, apptitude, resilience, creativity, honesty, and potential. This is especially important as they each face the often-challenging transition to middle school in the next few months, and are learning to navigate different social situations. I know they will face any challenge and transition wtih so much more confidence now!
Thank you, Serena/Joy & Moxie!"- Allison Jeter Schneider, Co-Leader, Junior Girl Scouts Troop #40066
Additionally, I received feedback from two of the participants. It absolutely warms my heart that these girls took the time to share their thoughts on the session 💕
"It was really really fun making the bracelets... and I loved the pineapple quote ('Be a pineapple, stand out, stand tall, and wear your crown like the Queen you are.')" - Amelia, Junior Girl Scouts Troop #40066
"Thank you for coming! I had a great time and love wearing the bracelet. The presentation was very nice because I never knew that there's a part of a pineapple called a 'crown,' and how that relates to a queen." - Marlena, Junior Girl Scouts Troop #40066
It was absolutely a blast spending time with these girls and I look forward to similar opportunities in the future.
If you are interested in an Empowerment Experience, I would be happy to design one for your needs! Reach out and let me know your thoughts and ideas.
