Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Nancy Ashburn of Durango in the Southwestern Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Nancy 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 grew up in the Girl Scout program, so when my daughter was old enough to be a Girl Scout, I became her leader for ten years. Now with granddaughters in Girl Scouts, it seemed natural to become their leader along with my daughter. It’s a family thing!!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I have served as a troop leader, day camp director, on the Board of Directors, neighbor (service unit) chair, trainer, and council delegate to the National Convention.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
That girls want to have fun; learn new thing; earn badges, Journeys, and awards; and be respected. Give them opportunities and watch them grow!!
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
That there is fun and learning opportunities in everything we do. I hope they learn to respect each other, love their country, and know that being a Girl Scout will live with them always.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
Being an older leader, I feel that I am stretching myself to find new adventures for the girls and pushing myself to do things with the girls that I probably wouldn’t have done.
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
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.