Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Carolyn Decker of Longmont 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 Carolyn 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?
Girl Scouting was a huge part of my life growing up with my mom, my three sisters, and I all all being involved. I had such great experiences as a Girl Scout, camping, backpacking, sailing, traveling, going to a spectacular art camp, being a camp counselor that I wanted to make sure my daughter also had a chance to experience Girl Scouts, so I volunteered to lead a troop when she was old enough.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
While we lived in Arizona, I led a group of girls from when they Brownies through Cadettes. When we moved to Colorado, I became involved in a huge multi-level troop where I helped lead Daisies through Seniors. I am currently leading an Ambassador troop, or should I say I am guiding an Ambassador troop since the young women are the leaders now. I am also a Girl Scout trainer leading different level 101 classes and Cooking and Camping training.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
That Girl Scouting is just as fun as an adult as a girl! I am amazed by the passion and dedication that all the adult volunteers I have met have for making Girl Scouting happen for girls. I have also learned that Girl Scouting is the most fun when girls are making the decisions.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
That they are each in their own unique way powerful people that can make things happen.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
I am naturally a solitary “go-getter,” but I have learned through Girl Scouting that working as a team toward a goal is really inspiring. I also have learned that you have incredible experiences when you are a risk-taker. I would never ever have considered learning to scuba dive without my girls and now they want to go on another traveling adventure to explore the world and scuba dive again!
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
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