Empowering the Next Generation of Social Workers

In Fall of 2023, we hired our first social work intern, Courtney Johnson, in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno to help provide mental health support to the girls in our Council-Led Troop Program.

Courtney, with her knowledge of social work, supports the girls in with navigating conflict, creating awareness about local resources, and helping the girls become aware of self-care strategies available to them.

This flagship program was a success and we look forward to hiring more students of social work as GSSN grows.

We asked Courtney about her experience as GSSN's first social work intern. Here's what she had to say.

What you found most impactful about the program

I really like how connected we are to the girls. When it comes to troop meetings, we are given an opportunity to really make these girls feel seen and empowered. Time is not only well spent, but it is valued. I learned very quickly that remembering small details are very impactful. The girls actually feel like the work they are doing is fun and it will help them in the future.

"We are given an opportunity to really make these girls feel seen and empowered"

Advice you would give to girls who are curious about the social work field

The best advice I can give to girls who are curious about social work is to priortize your wellbeing. There will be times where your plate will be full and you will try to make room for more. You need to understand your boudaries and put yourself first. It is ok to work hard, but it not ok to push yourself because you want to achieve this unobtainable standard of perfection. Humans are flawed and it is ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

"It is ok to work hard, but it not ok to push yourself because you want to achieve this unobtainable standard of perfection."

Your favorite event you attended and why

My favorite event that I attended at Girl Scouts of Sierra Nevada would be our Black History Month event. I was able to collaborate and integrate my favorite dishes from my culture onto the menu. I was also very pleased to use my leadership skills and earn trust from my fellow Girl Scout leaders. In preparation for this event, I was able to cook chicken, green beans, brownies and mac and cheese. This brought me immense joy because the girls loved my cooking and understood the importance of Black history.

"This brought me immense joy because the girls loved my cooking and understood the importance of Black history."

Something you learned throughout your time at GSSN

I learned that Girl Scouts are so much bigger than cookies. They taught me how to swaddle a baby and I also learned about different areas of Reno. Seeing as how I interact with a variety of different troops, I am able to adapt and learn about the area as well as the girls. Each girl has shown me who they are as a person and I have been fortunate enough to be in a position to recognize their emotional needs and care for them.

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