Girl Scouts does more than help young women find their potential through sisterhood and mentorship—it can also serve as a strong support system for our dedicated adult volunteers.
Volunteers Ryan Kelley and Nicole Buttlar are co-leaders of Baldwin-Whitehall Troop 36884.
Both Ryan and Nicole feel that their time as Girl Scout volunteers has given them the opportunity to form strong bonds with other adults. Ryan says that the connections he has made are more than just friends—they’re family. There is someone to call when he is in need, not only for something volunteer-related, but just in life in general. Whether it’s a friend to talk to or someone to provide leadership advice, there’s something more than just professional connection provided through Girl Scout volunteering.
Nicole says that she feels like she’s made some of her closest friends through Girl Scouts. It serves as both an opportunity to create experiences for girls and the community and a support network in day-to-day life.
Another thing that has helped in the troop leadership process for these volunteers is utilizing Girl Scout Experience Boxes. They used the Roller Coaster Experience Box and said both the parents and the girls in their troop had a blast! Ryan recommends the boxes—he said that everything you need, you get right from the beginning. That doesn’t just mean the fun extras—you get the scissors, the tape, the pencils, and everything you’ll need for the future.
Watching the girls try new things and create their own experience with the boxes was really easy for this troop—they had all the materials for a fun troop meeting and a rich learning experience!
For dedicated troop leaders like Ryan and Nicole, the ability to give girls something hands-on is crucial. And, as far as advice goes, they each have a little wisdom to share with new volunteers:
“Take a deep breath. You’ve got this!” said Ryan.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to other people in the Girl Scout community, because they are there to help and they will want to help you!” said Nicole.
Without volunteers like Ryan and Nicole, girls would miss out on the daily growth, experiences, and excitement that come with being a Girl Scout. Thank you, volunteers, for all you do!
“I feel like I’ve made some of my closest friends in Girl Scouts now, and I feel like I have a community of people that I can actually call when I need help!”
Nicole Buttlar
If you’re a troop leader interested in Experience Boxes, check them out here!
