Written by Lila Greenidge, Director of Member Experience
In honor of National Volunteer Month, I have taken some time to reflect on the meetings and interactions I’ve had with many amazing troop leaders and adult volunteers. I must say, I have been blown away by the level of dedication and passion for Girl Scouting from both long-time and new volunteers. I have enjoyed hearing the stories volunteers share about camp, Movie Mania, and the tales of when they were young Girls Scouts. Even when we are on Zoom calls, the excitement and motivation to lead girls to greatness never wavers, and you can feel their enthusiasm immediately.
I have volunteered my time for many opportunities like beach clean-ups, and food bank drives, so I know the satisfaction of giving back and adding kindness to the world. However, joining the Girl Scout Movement has given me a new perspective on volunteering and what it means to mentor, teach, and build girls full of courage, confidence, and character. I have realized a newfound importance for volunteering, and why making an impact on our girls is so crucial. They are our future and helping to cultivate their growth and ability is not only rewarding but necessary for the next generations to thrive.
Our founder Juliette Gordon Low was the first to inspire and lead the Girl Scout Movement, but she is definitely not the last. We have so many wonderful and loyal troop leaders, service unit managers, cookie mentors, troop helpers, camporee volunteers, and other volunteers who never stop caring, motivating, or inspiring girls to be their best. I am thankful for them and will forever be in awe of their selflessness and generous spirits. We celebrate Girl Scout volunteers year-round, however, April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, so the gratitude is extra special. Let’s take time out to thank our amazing Girl Scout volunteers by calling them, sending a note, or baking them a treat to express your gratefulness!
Thank you for allowing me to share my reflections and expressions of gratitude, and I will leave you with a quote from Helen Dyer: “Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”
Do you have an amazing Girl Scout volunteer in your life? Learn about all the ways you can recognize them in April and throughout the year!