Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. PJ Chenoweth in the Pueblo & Southeastern CO region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked PJ 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 after my daughter had been a Girl Scout for about three years. I loved what the program had done for her self-confidence, her ability to speak in front of others, and how it had expanded her circle of friends to include Girl Scouts in other towns. I completely believe this program does amazing things for the girls who participate, and I want to continue to keep this program available in my town.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
As a Girl Scout volunteer, I have worked with girls to earn badges and complete Journeys, guided them through small community service projects, and for the past two years, I have served as the troop’s cookie manager.
I was also fortunate to have assisted with day camp for a couple of years.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned several valuable skills including inventory management, meeting planning including planning on the fly, great camping skills, and more. But, the best thing I’ve learned being a Girl Scout volunteer is that there is a vast group of women and girls that does their best to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and it’s a great feeling to know there are so many who are ready to take action in times of need.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope that the girls I have interacted with have learned skills that they can use later in life, I hope they have learned not to limit themselves in setting goals, and I hope they have learned to always do their best to live by the Law and Promise, but to know that everyone slips up sometimes.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
My experience as a volunteer helped me become a G.I.R.L. by getting me out of my comfort zone. I had to become a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader by jumping in as the troop’s leader and cookie manager shortly after beginning a new Girl Scout year. Suddenly, it was all on me to keep the troop going. I quickly recruited another parent to become my co-leader, and we were off on adventure!
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.