April 16, 2024
Volunteer Impact Stories - Week 2
Every day, Girl Scout volunteers make a positive impact in the lives of Girl Scouts, families and fellow volunteers. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re sharing stories from our members about the difference our volunteers make with Volunteer Impact Stories.
Meet Joann Bower, Jennifer Griffin, Lisa McGlynn, and GSWCF’s Adult Trainers. They support their troop through the Cookie Program, are role models for kindness and inclusivity, and donate their time to train fellow volunteers!
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Joann Bower, Troop 50148 – 626 West Wind
Joann Bower is very outgoing and one of the Product Managers along with myself. She denitely keeps things running smooth during both Candy/Nut and Cookie Season. Should any issues arise from the troops, she is always there to assist and help get things corrected. In my opinion, Joann is a valuable asset to West Wind and me.
- Jeanette Beital, GSWCF Volunteer
Jennifer Griffin, Troop 50419 – 631 Angel Echo
Jennifer is my troop co-leader. Though we are both weak when it comes to using technology, she is the stronger of the two of us and has a teenage son that can help her win there's a problem. She has managed both of the product sales for this year, scheduled and paid for camping at Wai Lani, horseback riding and encampment. All of this she has done while working full-time with overtime, caring for her family and caring for her mother who has ill health. Jennifer is careful to work closely with the Scouts and myself to organize the activities that the girls plan. Thanks to Jennifer's hard work we have had a fantastic year of Girl Scouts!
- Jane Deel, GSWCF Volunteer
Lisa McGlynn, Troop 33133 – 611 Caloosa
Lisa McGlynn stands as an exemplary guide in the realm of Girl Scout leadership, embodying the essence of dedication, compassion, and inclusivity. Her remarkable contributions to our troop have left an indelible mark on each girl's journey, fostering a nurturing environment where they thrive.
One of Lisa's most admirable traits is her unwavering generosity, both with her time and spirit. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every program and activity is meticulously planned, aiming to provide the girls with unforgettable experiences that broaden their horizons and nurture their growth.
What sets Lisa apart is her openness to collaboration. She welcomes input and suggestions from parent volunteers, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in enriching the troop's outings. This collaborative approach ensures that the girls receive a well-rounded and inclusive experience that caters to their diverse interests and needs.
During the hustle and bustle of cookie season, Lisa's leadership shines brightly. With her guidance, the girls navigate the challenges of setting realistic goals with ease, instilling in them a sense of confidence and empowerment. Under her mentorship, cookie season becomes a time of growth, learning, and accomplishment, rather than stress and anxiety.
However, perhaps the most profound impact Lisa has is through her role modeling of kindness and thoughtfulness. Her genuine warmth and compassion set the tone for the entire troop, inspiring the girls to emulate her example in their interactions with one another and the community at large. The result is a troop led with girls who embody the values of empathy, generosity, and inclusivity—a testament to Lisa's character and leadership.
In conclusion, Lisa McGlynn's dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of the girls in our troop make her an exceptional Girl Scout troop leader. Her selfless contributions have not only enriched the lives of the girls but have also left an enduring legacy of kindness and empowerment that will continue to inspire future generations. We are truly fortunate to have her at the helm, guiding and shaping the leaders of tomorrow with love and compassion.
- Faith Burriss, Girl Scout Parent
Girl Scout Adult Trainers – 608 Toppercrest, 621 Rising Daisies, 628 Cypress Belles, 635 Spring Mermaids, 601 Coacoochee, 626 West Wind, 609 Rainbow, 653 Hoxie, 642 Gulf Sands, 639 Land of the Silver Moon, 617 Sunburst, 623 Brooksville Ridge, and 610 Go-Fer
My volunteer impact story is not focused on one Girl Scout volunteer but on many volunteers. They are Girl Scouts of West Central Florida's volunteer Council Trainers. If you have taken BOLT, ACT, Archery, Wilderness Camp training, Advanced Outdoor Cooking, Open Water training, Paddling 101, Project Wild, Youth Mental Health First Aid, or Ceramics training, your training was led by a volunteer!
Our trainers are volunteers who, more often than not, are also Troop Leaders and/or a Service Unit Team member. That means on top of all the other things on their Girl Scout calendar, they still choose to dedicate two to four weekend days a year to deliver training. I recently learned not all Councils have volunteers who will fill this kind of position, which makes me all the more thankful that these women choose to support the development and training of our volunteers.
Due to their dedication, Girl Scouts get to participate in cabin camping, tent camping, outdoor cooking, paddling and so much more. Their impact spans all eight counties of our Council footprint and the GSWCF Girl Scout experience would not be the same without them. If you are ever at one of the trainings mentioned above, be sure to thank them for their time and dedication to volunteer development!
-Nicole Jacquot, GSWCF Volunteer Development Manager
