Join us to learn about how you can volunteer with Girl Scouts of Colorado. See how empowering it is to be a role model and learn about Girl Scout volunteer opportunities near you. Whether you’re looking for short-term opportunities or to start a troop, come connect with us and start making an impact.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Heidi Mazur in the Northern & Northeastern CO region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Heidi 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?
The original reason was because I moved from Wisconsin to North Carolina and I didn’t know very many people. So, I decided to be a co-leader to a troop that was in need and then, I became the leader for the next 12 years and have met a lot of wonderful people along the way!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I became a Lifetime Member soon after I received my Gold Award, became a summer camp counselor, and volunteered here and there during college in Wisconsin as well. A few years after college, I became a leader for 12 years (without kids) in North Carolina. I helped my Girl Scouts lead events for younger girls many times. All of the girls earned their Silver Award and one girl earned her Gold Award. We went on many trips including a trip to Savannah, a cruise to the Bahamas, and I planned a Girl Scout trip to Europe with 42 people. Then, when my daughter was in Kindergarten, I started a new troop. This past year, when the previous SUM/SUCM stepped down, I stepped up.
I have learned to delegate so that I am not overwhelmed and ask people to help directly. I am finding new ways to streamline a large troop during cookie season. And, technology is my friend!
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
To be a sister to every Girl Scout by being kind, respectful, and inclusive. I also hope that the girls will have opportunities to learn and experience new things that they would not have done otherwise. And, last but not least, perseverance and hard work will help you reach your end goal.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Email media@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jessica Ramsour 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 Jessica 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 because I was a Girl Scout from Brownies through the end of high school and I wanted my daughter to be able to have the same wonderful experiences that I had as a Girl Scout. When I went to enroll her in a troop when she started Kindergarten, there wasn’t an open troop near us, so I decided to be her troop leader (as my mom was for me) and start a troop for her and her friends.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned to be more patient and that it is really fun to see the girls learn, grow, and gain the confidence to open up and take on new responsibilities.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope that the girls have learned that they can try anything and that it is okay to not succeed. It doesn’t mean that they can’t do it, they just need to try again and maybe in a different way than they first planned to accomplish the task.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Bonnet Riddles in the Western Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Bonnet 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 because I saw the tremendous value in the program. My troop leader status happened rather by accident. Our current leader was stepping down and without new leadership our troop wouldn’t be able to continue. Despite my many fears over taking on such an endeavor, I knew I had to try for my daughter’s sake, but also for the other girls. They had already built such an amazing sisterhood!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Gena Baker in the Western Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Gena 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 because the leaders of our troop were moving on with their older girls. I’d seen such growth in my daughter that I didn’t want to risk the troop dissolving and her losing the opportunity to continue participating. Also, because I knew that another mom was ready and willing to step up so neither of us would be alone in this journey! I was in Girl Scouts for a few years as a child and I have fond memories of meetings, outings, and camping (all things I want my daughter to have a chance to make friends while doing!).
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
As a Girl Scout volunteer, I wear many hats! Not only is it my role to help organize and maintain records for the troop, but also to interact with the girls, set a positive example, serve as a mentor and teacher, demonstrate positive relationships with other adults in the troop, put on meetings, plan for events, and be a facilitator to help make the girls’ wishes and hopes a reality. In addition to being a member of the TLT, this year I also was a product program manager for fall product program and that was a new layer of responsibility to learn through. It’s been a great experience this year, even through some challenges we’ve faced, and I’m excited to do it again!
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned as a Girl Scout volunteer is how to be a little more resilient and able to appreciate the differences between individuals. My daughter faced a challenge this year that had me ready to quit. It was actually her perspective on it after the fact that helped me to shift my view, open my mind, and be able to process and move forward. I am so proud of her for sharing her thoughts with me and showing me (and others) her forgiveness and huge heart!
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
My one hope for the girls is that they learned that they are important, their thoughts matter, and they have worth! We learned about becoming citizen scientists this year and I’d love to end the year knowing that the girls left with a better understanding of the impact they’re capable of in this world and that every little piece, every detail, is important to the bigger picture. That’s a big ask, I’m aware, so I’ll be happy knowing that the girls just felt like their time was well spent and they learned something. lol I’d like them to feel affirmed by us, their friends, their troop family that they are important to us.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Shannon Cordova in the Western Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Shannon 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 because my daughter was interested in joining. I wanted to be a part of it and take an interest in the things and activities that interested her.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I started out as a simple volunteer. I helped where and when needed. I was an extra set of eyes, I helped at cookie booths, and with activities such as World Thinking Day. Last year, our troop leader left the area and our girls found themselves without a leader, so I became the leader of the troop.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
The most important thing I learned is that the girls do not need a hero. They just need someone that cares and is invested in them. They have the most amazing ideas and with a little bit of guidance can come up with some pretty cool ideas for badges and activities.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope they learn to be free thinkers. I hope they learn to share their thoughts and ideas loud and proud. I hope they learn that they can do anything they want to do. Most importantly, I hope they learn to support each other.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Kristina Gonzalez is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Kristina 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?
My daughter is a Girl Scout, and this is something we enjoy doing together.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
As a troop leader, I enjoy planning meetings and watching the girls learn and grow. It is an amazing experience to see the girls develop strength and independence, and build relationships with the other girls. I feel like it is a privilege to be part of their journeys, and to be able to support these girls as they grow and learn.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
So many things! I have learned how to be supportive and kind, while taking a step back and letting the girls run the show. I have learned that these girls are so resilient and strong! The last year has been so tough for everyone, but these girls still show up to meetings with a smile on their face and a genuine excitement to learn and be with their Girl Scout sisters.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I really hope that the girls learn that they are smart, funny, brave, and resilient! The strength and spirit that these girls have is so amazing, and I hope that they have learned that they are truly AMAZING!
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Victoria Gigoux of Grand Junction in the Western Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Victoria 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 originally became a leader so I could spend time with my kids. I work fulltime, but I was able to leave a little early to take 90-minutes each week with my (at the time) Kindergarten and first grade daughters. A year later, I had another little girl, so here I am 12 years later as a volunteer with three girls who are still active Girl Scouts. Those two little girls are in 11th and 12th grade this year, but with a fifth grader, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
How much time do you have? Kidding…
Truthfully, I’ve learned that I love doing this way more than I ever imagined I would. What started out as about two hours a week of spending quality time with my own kids has become such a huge part of who I am. I love volunteering with this organization at every level. I have formed my very best female friendships as a result of working with my truly amazing co-leaders. I have grown networks in my community as a result of my time on the service unit, on statewide committees, and working closely with GSCO staff. I have gained 120-ish (I lost count) new “daughters” over 12 years of being a leader, each I care for as much as my own children. I have learned I would be where I am in life or who I am as a person without each of these relationships. I feel, quite by accident, I am a mentor. I have learned my passion in life is relationship building and fostering girls and women as leaders.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
When I talk about my Girl Scouts, I like to say, “if any one of *my* (because, of course, they are ALL mine!) girls come to a crossroads in life and hears my voice in their head, then I’ve done my job.” To me, this means I hope they’ve learned whatever is most valuable to them in life, whether it be self-confidence, making good choices, trying new things, being kind to others, never giving up….whatever! If there is a choice and they don’t know where to go or what to do, I hope they always know they have someone in their life who always had their back, was always cheering for them and wishing for the very best life had to offer. I hope they know there is always time to do what you love, to spend with those you value, and give back. I also hope they realize I mean it when I call them “mine” because I am invested, long term, in each of them. If they ever need someone to turn to, I am always just a message away!
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Barbara Light 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 Barbara 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 am the mother of five, with only one daughter. I have very fond memories of being a Girl Scout when I was a girl and wanted those opportunities for her. When my very shy girl became interested, I knew she was going to have a great time. We searched for a Girl Scout troop and had luck getting enrolled. At first I wanted to let her do this on her own, to explore without me, to find some independence. With having so many brothers, I wanted her to have a space where she could grow, find her voice, and have “girl time.” When one of the very nice starting troop leaders needed to move on, after only a few months of our joining, I couldn’t let that be the end. I decided to step up and fill the leader spot. It is one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. It is a huge bonding experience for my daughter and me, as well as, all the friends we have gathered on the way.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I am a troop leader and service unit fall product manager. I believe in Girl Scouts and will help where I can. I have volunteered for cookie distribution day and helped at day camp programs.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have loved watching not only my daughter, but all the girls in my troop build confidence and grit. I know I have also grown in my leadership skills and I probably learn as much as the girls. It is quite a difference to know how to do something yourself and teach someone else to do it. It also takes quite a bit of courage to step back and let them do it for themselves.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope my girls learn that they are never done learning; that they have a voice and are capable of great things; that if they have a goal and work out the steps, they can achieve their passion. I hope they keep the attitude that they don’t have to be the expert, but are still willing to try. I hope they learn they are allowed to be silly sometimes. I hope they lift others with encouragement and always remember they have a whole sisterhood that has their back.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Tricia Whitehouse 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 Tricia 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 wanted to become a Girl Scout volunteer to encourage girls to grow and become courageous, strong women who make the world a better place. I also became a Girl Scout volunteer because of the impact that Girl Scouts made in my life when I was younger. I had been a Girl Scout member for approximately seven years. I started as a Brownie and continued through to a Cadette. Unfortunately, our troop disbanded at that time and without the internet; I didn’t know that I could have gone on further independently or I would have. It has always been somewhat of a regret that I wasn’t able to continue on to get my Gold, Silver, or Bronze Awards because our troop leaders never taught us about those achievements in Girl Scouts. Now, I realize that I can still make a difference as an adult volunteer to inspire girls to become leaders in the world around them.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
My primary role I serve is as a co-leader for our Girl Scout Daisy troop of 12 first graders. I have been a co-leader since our troop was established. I have also served as our troop’s fall product program manager during those years. Last year, I began volunteering as our service unit’s fall product program manager along with another leader’s assistance, Meri Fish. We made an amazing team together. My newest role I serve in our service unit is as an outdoor coordinator.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
There are many things that I have learned as a Girl Scout volunteer. I have enjoyed watching our girls grow to discover their potential, gain confidence, develop new friends and relationships, and take action to make the world a better place through Girl Scouts. I have also learned more about myself in my leadership role that I can carry over into my professional career. It encourages me to grow and develop my own skills as a leader and in the varying roles I serve in the service unit. It has also given me more confidence in being a role model. I have learned that being a part of a leadership team that works so efficiently together, provides our troop with fun new adventures, surprises, and memories throughout their Girl Scout experience. Finally, I feel the most important thing I have learned is that Girl Scouts can truly accomplish amazing things with the help of volunteers who support them.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope they learn by my leadership example how to be kind, considerate, inclusive, and respectful of others. Secondly, I hope the girls will learn how to make a positive impact on those around them by using tools they have and will learn throughout their Girl Scout experience. I want our Girl Scouts to have the opportunity to experience everything that Girl Scouts has to offer them. I hope they learn that they can do anything they want to accomplish if they empower themselves with the skills needed to excel and values to succeed and reach their fullest potential. I hope I effectively guide and inspire them that they have the courage, confidence, and character to overcome any challenge they may face and to be their own advocate for their dreams and ideas. I want to continuously encourage them to shape their Girl Scout Leadership Experience as they grow and progress through Girl Scouts. So, in their future endeavors, they will develop into strong leaders who continue to use these skills throughout their life to make a difference in the world. I hope our Girl Scouts learn that they always will have a safe place to come with any care, concern, and ideas. Finally, I hope they learn that they are an important part of my life and they make my world a better place being in it.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.