By Tabitha Bone, Member Services Specialist

In today’s busy world it can be difficult to find time for yourself, let alone time to volunteer, yet it’s always something most people think they “should do.” Between work, family, errands, and all of the social activities that compete for your attention, being a Girl Scout volunteer may not be at the top of your priority list, however maybe it could be. We asked our volunteers for their favorite reasons for volunteering with the Badgerland Girl Scouts. Check out their top 7 reasons below and decide for yourself.

1. You can expand your own skills and talents by volunteering. Being a Girl Scout volunteer is a great way to explore your talents and build your resume. Maybe you want to become more organized and try some event planning, or maybe you’d like to try your hand at bookkeeping. Girl Scouts is the perfect place to spread your wings and try something new. And the best part is that with Girl Scouts, you can choose the role that best fits you and your available time. From Troop Leaders, to Cookie Coordinators, to Program Volunteers, there is an important job for everyone.

2. You’ll make new friends and build lasting relationships. Girl Scouts has always been the place to make lifelong friends. Volunteering with a Girl Scout troop will not only give you an opportunity to get to know the families of your troop, but also an opportunity to meet other like-minded volunteers throughout the council. These men and women will be there to support you, encourage you, and share in your accomplishments along the way.

3. You’ll make new friends and build lasting relationships. Girl Scouts has always been the place to make lifelong friends. Volunteering with a Girl Scout troop will not only give you an opportunity to get to know the families of your troop, but also an opportunity to meet other like-minded volunteers throughout the council. These men and women will be there to support you, encourage you, and share in your accomplishments along the way.3. You’ll have the opportunity to share fun times with your daughter and create lasting memories. Not only do you get to spend quality time with your daughter, but you’ll get a chance to meet her friends as well. You can help them to develop positive self-worth and become well-rounded individuals. The girls will always remember camping with their troop and standing in the cold to sell those cookies. By volunteering with the troop you’ll have an opportunity to share those memories with them.

4. You’ll get to offer the girls a haven away from the stress and demands of everyday life. As you may know, not all kids have the great life that we hope for them. Maybe they are being bullied, but are too afraid to say anything. Maybe they are struggling with their schoolwork. Maybe they don’t have a stable home life. For many, Girl Scouts is their safe place. Their Girl Scout troop is a place where they can meet with their friends and try new things without the fear of failure or rejection. As a volunteer, you can help guide the girls into adulthood in a positive manner, ensuring that they know that their sister scouts will always be there for them.

5. You’ll enjoy the adventure of seeing your girls try new things. Girl Scouts gives the girls the opportunity to practice healthy risk-taking in a safe environment. You’ll be there with her as she sets her cookie goal and then surpasses it, even though she was sure she wouldn’t make it. You’ll help her to navigate the world of STEM as she earns a badge coding her first app. You’ll cheer her on as she climbs to new heights and takes on a zip line. And you’ll be there to guide her as she plans her first camping trip, teaching her how to set up a tent again, and again until she gets it just right.

6. You’ll grow by trying new things. Maybe you don’t have time to be a Troop Co-Leader, but you still want to help. You can become a volunteer and chaperone your daughter’s troop trip to the horse ranch, or maybe you’d like to help out at CampHERO, where girls learn all about being a firefighter or EMT. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to experience these exciting adventures right alongside the girls.

7. You’ll inspire the girls to find their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader). As a volunteer, you’ll introduce the girls to new experiences and show them that they are capable of anything. You’ll be having so much planning your Take Action projects, and working the cookie booths that you’ll forget who is really inspiring who. While you are busy empowering the girls to become the best version of themselves, they’ll be inspiring you with their courage, confidence and character.

Become A Volunteer Today!