When it comes to recognizing the ongoing commitments of GSWPA’s volunteers, we asked our staff who know best—the Volunteer Support Specialists at our council. These staff are in the front row watching our volunteers plan events, offering help whenever it’s needed, and cheering them on. During National Volunteer Month, we will feature highlights from our Volunteer Support Specialists that celebrate volunteers throughout GSWPA.
Service Unit 3655 Jamestown
Mercer County
Service Unit 3655 Jamestown hosted a live Zoom Cookie Rally, inviting GSWPA staff to conduct an activity: Flower Crowns. Troop leader Jessica Brocklehurst facilitated a horse and stable activity to match the theme of the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program. The rally wrapped up with service unit manager Heather Balas instructing girls to craft a paper owl puppet. All the girls showed off their projects and had a really good time virtually! What an awesome way to stay connected and kickoff cookie season with excitement!
Service Unit 2606 Norwin
Westmoreland County
Service Unit 2606 had creative ideas to make the best of the virtual platform for their girls, including playing Pictionary using the Zoom Whiteboard feature, doing scavenger hunts around their homes for badge programs, and taking virtual field trips to the zoo and other places. The leaders took turns hosting virtual meetings and planning activities. One of the girls’ favorites was working on a badge about senses. The girls had to describe the different items in their bags, which combined two Girl Scout program pillars—the life skill of public speaking and the STEM aspect of our senses!
Troop 38021 – Service Unit 3610 Shenango Valley
Butler County
Troop 38021 volunteered at the Greenville Salvation Army during the annual toy/food drive in December 2020. Girl Scouts provided community service and the project was girl-led. The girls were happy to volunteer and help during the day.
Troops 26831 & 27038 – Service Unit 2664 Central Westmoreland
Westmoreland County
Girl Scouts from Troops 26831 and 27038 bundled up and took action to bring some cheer to residents at Westmoreland Manor and in the process, brought a smile (and tears) to more than just the residents. The girls got together to build snowmen outside the windows of the Manor for all the residents and staff to enjoy. (One of the snowmen was even sporting a mask!) While they were building the snowmen, a nurse on staff came out on her break and was in tears. She told the girls that the Manor has been in lockdown for nearly one year–no visitors (including family). She knew that seeing the snowmen was going to be such a treat for the residents.
The girls had so much fun that they’ve already planned a trip back to the manor in the warmer weather to chalk the sidewalks!
Troop 16337 – Service Unit 4674 Forest Hills Portage
Cambria County
Troop 16337 has taken the lead to continue to provide story time at their library to local families. Prior to the pandemic, the Girl Scouts presented story time in-person at the library, and now they are presenting story time via Facebook while restrictions are in place. The girls choose a story, learn it, then decide if it will just be read or, in the most recent case, acted out on camera as the story is read by another Girl Scout. Thanks to their troop leaders, the Girl Scouts have the opportunity to practice reading and public speaking while providing a service to the families in their community.
Happy National Volunteer Month!
Check out this video message from the staff at GSWPA.
Looking for more ways to celebrate our volunteers?
👉 Volunteer Appreciation Resources
GSWPA 