Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Jen Rotar in the Northern Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Jen 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 wanted to camp and have exciting outdoor adventures. I quickly learned that the best way to introduce girls to these experiences was to volunteer to lead. I love the Girl-Led philosophy. I enjoy listening to what my troop wants to do, then giving them the guidance they need to make it happen. I’ve always been proud to represent Girl Scouts in our community and show the people of our town the amazing things that girls can do. My Troop has taken me on amazing adventures and spending time with them brings me so much joy – that’s what keeps me going as a leader.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I started as a co-leader for two years, then formed a new troop, #70700. My Troop has been active for 7 years and we’ve never gone a month without a meeting or activity. I was the secretary of our very active Berthoud Service Unit for several years, organized many of our SU activities over the years, and now participate in SU meetings as often as I am able. My Troop has partnered with a team of adult volunteers to organize Core Camp at Meadow Mountain Ranch, and I am excited to be working with that team in marketing the camp, planning the activity stations with my Troop, and helping prepare the PA crew for camp.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Volunteering with Girl Scouts has taught me so much! I love working with diverse families, and especially teens, because they give me so many new perspectives to look at life. Each troop member, and each of their family members who have stepped up to help, have brought a unique personality and set of talents to our Troop. As my Troop has aged from 4th grade to High School, they have grown so much in their leadership skills, that I have had the privilege of stepping back and just going along for the ride on their Girl Scout journey. As a Troop, we have evolved in our planning skills, problem solving skills, and conflict management skills. And as a leader I have evolved in my ability to trust in their strengths and encourage their ideas. I love the emphasis in Girl Scouts on setting and achieving goals. I’ve watched my Troop work and save for three years for an international trip (Belize in 2021) and share that experience with me. Being their leader has been inspiring in that I’ve seen what these incredible young people can accomplish when their minds are set on a goal.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
What I hope my Troop has learned from me, is that it takes dedication to achieve big things. I hope that my commitment as a leader has given them an example of how personal dedication to a cause or a group or a goal can lead to incredibly satisfying life experiences. I know that our time in Girl Scouts has taught them a huge range of skills, from how to build campfires and set up tents, plan a meeting agenda, speak to a group, to marketing a product or fundraising event. I hope that I personally have set an example of kindness and inclusivity, and have taught them to embrace new experiences, and to welcome new people to the team.
Nominate an exceptional volunteer for a Volunteer Award! Nominations are open April 1-June 30, 2022