Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Shana Barbera of Colorado Springs in the Pikes Peak region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Shana 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 when I signed my daughter up when she was entering Kindergarten. There was a table set up at her ice cream social at her school with a volunteer talking about all the opportunities in Girl Scouts. My daughter is now in sixth grade and about to finish up her seventh year in Girl Scouts.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I started out as a assistant leader. Then, I quickly took over the group of Daisy girls as the other leader moved away. At year three, I housed Girl Scout Cookies for our troop cookie mom and learned about the process of being the TCM. The following year I took over as our troop TCM and I just completed my fourth year being the TCM for our troop. Then, two years ago I took over as the fall product manager for my troop. I recently took on another role this past year as service unit fall product manager and service unit cookie manager for two different service units in the Pikes Peak region, as well as continuing in all my other roles. I think I’m going to do it again next year.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned so much by being a Girl Scout volunteer. I was only a Girl Scout for one year when I was in fifth grade. So, I have learned about all the badges, songs, and traditions. Now, that my daughter is competing in Reach for the Peak, I have been learning all the same skills we are teaching them for the competition, such as fire building, nature identification, proper ways to set up camp, etc.– thanks to some wonderful knowledgeable volunteers in my troop. I am now CPR and First Aid certified. I have always loved giving back. But, I have a newfound hobby. I love mentoring these young ladies and providing them with once in a lifetime opportunities, liking sleeping under the shark tank at the Denver Aquarium, and so much more! I will probably continue to volunteer even after my daughter graduates high school.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope that the girls I lead are learning some value life skills. I hope they have fun and make life long friends. Hopefully they will continue Girl Scouts through high school and one day become a volunteer or find other ways to give back to their community.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
Thank you to Girl Scouts of Colorado, all your volunteers, and all the wonderful leaders I have worked with over the years. You have shaped me into the volunteer I am today. I have gained more confidence in myself and I have the courage to try things I wouldn’t normally do.
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.