Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jill Mann of Windsor 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 Jill 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?
Originally to help my daughter’s troop when my oldest girl was a Daisy and they needed someone to coordinate the troop cookie sales. I’ve since helped out with troop and service unit level leadership.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I’ve been our troop cookie manager for four years now. This is my second year in a troop leadership position. Last year, I worked with our Brownies. This year, I’ve helped our Daisy and Cadette level troops (mixed level troop) with their badge goals, and assisted our other leaders with Brownie and Junior level activities. I have also assisted our troop leadership team on our yearly troop camping trips. This year, I’ve also assisted with our service unit leadership and was the service unit cookie manager.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I’ve learned that there are so many more opportunities for our girls to learn a variety of skills, all they need is a little guidance to see the possibilities and think outside the box.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope they have seen that they really can do anything they want to with a little determination and the ability to ask for help if they need to, and that there is something to be learned from every experience.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
I have definitely had to leave my comfort zone on this adventure. I tend to be more of a quiet observer. Being a Girl Scout volunteer, I’ve had to get out, do things, and learn new skills I would not have otherwise picked up.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.Â