In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania is honoring the people who keep our community thriving, this month and every month.
For Mary Ann McSwigan, a commitment to Girl Scouts is something that lasts a lifetime. With both volunteer experience and her own time as a Girl Scout combined, Mary Ann has been involved with Girl Scouts for 50 years.
Like most people, Mary Ann got into Girl Scouts as an adult when her daughter signed up to be a Brownie. The troop needed volunteers to lead, and she took the opportunity. Starting off as a troop leader, Mary Ann has been the service unit manager for the Brentwood Service Unit for 37 years. She also serves on the Adult Award Committee and as a Council Delegate.
“Always remember that Girl Scouting should be fun, not a test or a competition.”
Mary Ann McSwigan
Over her time volunteering, she has seen generations of girls become Girl Scouts and go on to do great things. To her, something that started out as time to spend with her daughter has grown into friends who feel like family and the ability to make a positive change in the lives of the young women around her. As someone who has been involved in the organization for so long, there is a lot of change, which can be challenging. However, Mary Ann’s dedication and spirit have kept her flexible and ready for anything—something that has made her all the more successful.
If there’s one piece of advice Mary Ann has for new leaders or people getting involved in Girl Scouts, it’s the lesson of patience and pride in what you do.
“Always remember that Girl Scouting should be fun, not a test or a competition. It’s not school.” She says, “It’s a chance for girls to make friends and just be themselves while learning how to make the world a better place for themselves and others.”
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