Girl Scout Volunteers Make A Difference
By Loretta Golden, Communications Associate at Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
April 28, 2023
GSUSA announced Girl Scouts Leader’s Day on April 22, 1982, to recognize the volunteers who serve as role models to millions of youth each year. That day in 1982, a flag honoring Girl Scout leaders was flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Girl Scout Leader’s Day is the time for girls to show appreciation to their leaders, service unit volunteers, troop cookie managers, chaperones, parent helpers, and the many others who choose to make a difference with Girl Scouts.
As a Girl Scout, I had many people helping me along the way, beginning with my mother, who was my leader. She encouraged me throughout my time as a Girl Scout, and I felt proud watching her inspire the other girls in my troop. Her support continued when I became a Juliette in my last year after my troop disbanded. My mother has always been my cheerleader, encouraging me and making me believe that I can do anything. And we will always share a special bond because of Girl Scouts and the experiences we were able to do together.
My mother’s support also helped when I
pursued my Gold Award, along with support from my Gold Award Mentors.
My Gold Award project was centered on Disability Awareness, and my
mentors were professionals in the field. The Gold Award is the highest
award in Girl Scouting and, at minimum, requires 80 hours of service
dedicated to an impactful and sustainable project. As such, there are
times when many Girl Scouts who pursue the Gold Award feel anxious or
unsure.
When I needed them, my mentors were there by my side. Whether answering questions while I researched my project or standing with me and instilling the confidence I needed for my presentation, they made me believe I could accomplish my goal. So with a deep breath and the strength of my mentors behind me, I presented my project to thirty religion teachers at St. Patrick’s Religious Formation and earned my Gold Award in 2015.
The support I received from my Gold Award mentors extended beyond their advice while I earned my award. They also helped me in life. They encouraged me at every job and activity I started. Sometimes it was as simple as liking and following the social media page of the company I worked for or telling me how proud they were of me. We all have times when we feel down, and when I needed them, my Gold Award mentors were there even after I graduated.
Today, I’m working at the Girl Scouts of
Suffolk County as the Communications Associate. I couldn’t have made
it here without their support throughout the years. I want to thank my
mentors, Teri Huge and Michelle Silverberg, for building my confidence
and inspiring me to the success I have today. They gave me the courage
I needed to grow from the anxiety-riddled girl I was in my teens.
Thank you for helping me face my fears so that I can inspire a new
group of Girl Scouts.
When people say once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout, they talk about the legacy that is part of a 110-year tradition of sisterhood. The lessons learned in Girl Scouts impact your life even after you hang up your vest. The relationships formed help set you on a path with courage, confidence, and character. And it’s all possible because of the volunteers who give their time to help you succeed and grow. There are thousands of Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Alums with a story about a volunteer who made a difference in their life, just like mine. So to all the volunteers cheering on their Girl Scouts and those who helped me get where I am today, especially my mom, I thank you. We couldn’t do it without you.
Happy Volunteer Month!
