Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Danielle Malott of Fruita 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 Danielle 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 leader because there was not space in a troop for my daughter to join. I have fond memories of Girl Scouts from my youth and I wanted my daughter to have those as well
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I have been a troop leader and volunteered on the service unit leadership team. As a troop leader, I have worked with Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. Having a multi-level troop is amazing. You get to see the older girls help the younger girls. When this happens, the girls gain confidence and leadership skills by leaps and bounds. My favorite troop event has been all of the camping trips! On the service unit leadership team, I focused on events. Living on the Western Slope, we don’t get many council events. My goal was to bring similar events to the Western Slope, but on a smaller scale. My favorite event was an art day with a local pottery shop. I am most looking forward to a astronomy lock in once COVID-19 is over.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
The biggest skill I have learned is how to teach things I have no clue about. My girls always pick a few badges that are way out of my wheelhouse. Figuring out how to teach those has been an adventure.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
How to be inclusive and determined. We have a wide range of abilities and challenges in my troop. I hope that the girls have learned how to accept others and over come the challenge that come along while having FUN!!
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
My girls pick new and exciting activities that constantly push me and them. By helping them grow, I get to grow with them.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
The nomination deadline for 2020 Volunteer Recognition Awards is April 30. GSCO invites members statewide to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award. Nominators are responsible for ensuring enough endorsements are submitted to support their nomination of a volunteer for an award. Your volunteer support specialist can check nomination and endorsement submissions for you. Learn more.
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