Volunteer Perspective
Dear Orange County Girl Scout Council,
As a Girl Scout volunteer and the parent of two teenage Girl Scouts, I wanted to share my family’s experience. I can say truthfully that it is the best thing that ever happened to our family. When the girls were younger, our family had to move a lot, but Girl Scouts was always there for them. No matter what town or city we landed in, the first thing I did was find Girl Scouts, and our daughters immediately felt at home again.
Since moving to Orange County, we’ve finally been able to stay put. I became a co-leader for both girls’ troops, sharing the fun and responsibility with four other wonderful volunteers who have become close friends. The girls really just wanted to have fun and hang out with their friends, but it turns out that all those Girl Scout program activities they were enjoying through the years were transforming them in other, more important, ways.
Last summer, my youngest daughter’s troop helped plan and direct the activities for a week-long Girl Scout day camp. My daughter is very shy, and she was really nervous, but once she saw that she had the ability to lead younger campers, she really blossomed. Now she is busy preparing for an extreme backpacking trip with Girl Scouts, and her dad and I are really amazed that she’s not even worried whether she can do it.
Our oldest daughter is working on her Gold Award project, which is a huge undertaking and full of challenges. I am in awe of the confidence and skills she possesses, thanks to all the Girl Scout community service projects she and her troop members carried out through the years.
The travel opportunities in Girl Scouting have also been a wonderful gift for both of us. Several years ago, I became an Advisor for older Girl Scouts, and last year I accompanied my daughter and five other Girl Scouts to Europe. We visited the Girl Scout and Girl Guide World Center in London, and shared so many unforgettable experiences. It was a life-changing event for all of us! The girls have a better sense of the world and their place in it, and every one of them has the skills and determination to try to make it a better place.
When I first became a Girl Scout volunteer, I thought I was just doing it for my daughters, but as I look back I realize that I am part of something much bigger. Girl Scouts is changing girls’ lives every day, and preparing them to help change the world. I am proud to be a part of something so wonderful.
Yours truly,
Linda B., a proud mother and Girl Scout volunteer