Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Melissa Deal of Aurora in the Metro Denver region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Melissa to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did.
Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer?
I became a Girl Scout volunteer originally because my daughter’s troop needed a troop cookie manager. When the girls were in third grade, their leader decided to step down and I accepted the role of troop leader. The reason why I have continued to be a Girl Scout volunteer is to spend time with my daughter.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I have several volunteer roles within Girl Scouts. I have been a troop leader for five years and currently have 12 wonderful Cadettes. I wear several hats when it comes to Product Program. I am an area cookie manager (two years), service unit cookie manager (seven years, I think), and troop cookie manager (nine years). I also participate in the Fall Product Program as a service unit fall product program manager (five years, I think) and a troop fall product program manager (five years).
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned a ton from my girls. They teach me something new all the time. I have definitely learned to fine tune my organizational skills, as well as my event planning skills. Last year, I planned a trip to South Dakota for a week with all of the girls and their families. I have learned compassion, understanding, and self confidence from being a Girl Scout volunteer.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
Through all of my years being a Girl Scout volunteer, I hope that my girls have learned that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. My girls have watched me go through breast cancer treatment and continue to persevere through it all. My hope is that they have learned that nothing can hold you back if you want to succeed. I also hope that they have learned compassion and empathy for everyone.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
My experience as a volunteer has helped me become a G.I.R.L. in several different ways. Together as a troop, the girls and I have planned several trips and outings. We have come up with ideas, and ways to make those ideas come to life while the girls worked on their various Silver Award projects. I have definitely taken many risks every cookie season! I have become a successful leader of getting 12 middle school girls to agree and work together as a team.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
