By Betsy Wharton, Volunteer Services Director
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in someone’s life? Becoming a Girl Scout volunteer can be one of the easiest and most rewarding opportunities that you are presented with. Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways to volunteer in the Girl Scout organization other than being a leader of a troop. You can make volunteering for Girl Scouts into anything you want it to be. Whether you are donating one hour, one week, one day, or even one year of your time, it will make a difference in at least one girl’s life. You are the one who decides how much time and commitment you wish to give.
Volunteering as a troop leader is only one of the six ways in which girls and adults can participate in the Girl Scouts. The other ways are travel, camp, virtual, special events, and series programs. Here are a few examples of how you could donate your time:
- Use 3-4 days and provide a series program
- Share a special talent
- Educate girls on a certain area of expertise
- Volunteer at a day or resident camp
- Chaperone girls on a trip or outing
These are only a few ways you could volunteer, but the opportunities are endless.
Volunteering with Girl Scouts can be as much or as little as you would like. Giving your time all comes down to what you want to give back to a group of girls. They will appreciate whatever knowledge, time, and energy that you can contribute. You may think volunteering for the Girl Scouts could be overwhelming but remember there is always someone you can call on to help you, such as parents, troop leaders, or the supportive council staff.
The important thing to remember is being a Girl Scout volunteer has rewards that far exceed the time and effort put in. It is very rewarding to know that you can make a positive impact on every girl and help each one build character and grow into a confident and courageous young woman.
I think it’s important to note that you don’t have to have a girl in the Girl Scout program to be a volunteer — you can still be a troop leader or help out with a troop, or there are plenty of volunteer opportunities within Girl Scouting that support adults instead. Administrative volunteers at the Area level, for instance, deal primarily with adults yet play an invaluable role in the Girl Scout program. Adult volunteers help form troops, mentor leaders, run product sales, and conduct training — all of which is essential to Girl Scouting.
So if you believe in the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and that Girl Scouting helps build girls of courage, confidence and character, come join us. It’s a lot of fun!