Submitted by Bailey Stokes
Mountain Communities
Buena Vista
I have been a Girl Scout since I was in the first grade. During the past 12 years, I have been heavily involved in Girl Scouts. I have completed multiple service projects including my Bronze and Silver Awards, and I am currently working on my Gold Award. I have also been going to camp since I was in the second grade, and most recently, I volunteered as a counselor in training. However, the Older Girl Advisory Board has been one of the most formative and impactful volunteer experiences I have had.
I decided to join the Older Girl Advisory Board because I was interested in expanding my Girl Scout experience. I was also looking for a way to make a difference in my Girl Scout community. In addition, I applied during the beginning of my junior year, and during that time I was looking for a way to find something that I could put on my scholarship applications that would set me apart from other applicants. Being a member of the Older Girl Advisory Board showed scholarship committees that I am dedicated to serving my community, and that I am a strong leader. I sincerely believe that it helped me be selected for the scholarships that I have earned.
Being a member of the Older Girl Advisory Board has enhanced my confidence in myself. It taught me how to confidently express my ideas. Due to the Older Girl Advisory Board, I also gained confidence in my ability to communicate with other people. It also taught me how to be assertive. Furthermore, the Older Girl Advisory Board allowed me to expand my Girl Scout experience outside of my own community and it gave me the opportunity to meet new friends. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with other older Girl Scouts from all across the state.
Through the Older Girl Advisory Board, I was able to help make real life changes in the world and our Girl Scout community. For example, I was able to give my feedback about the cookie and Highest Awards programs. I also helped bring programs that focus on confidence building, and body image to new areas in Colorado. Through the Older Girl Advisory Board, I have also had the opportunity to inspire younger Girl Scouts. The highlight of my time on the Older Girl Advisory Board took place at one of our retreats.
We had just finished talking to the makers of Girl Scout Cookies about how we make a difference in the world, and when we walked inside the lodge at camp, we were all in our full Girl Scout uniforms. There was a group of younger Girl Scouts there, and I will never forget the look of amazement on their faces upon seeing all of us in our uniforms. I sincerely believed that I had inspired them. That moment was when I truly realized the difference that I am making on the world as an older Girl Scout.
Being a member of the Older Girl Advisory Board was an amazing experience that changed my life. I would highly encourage anyone to apply to be a member. It gives you the opportunity to make a difference, add to your resume, build confidence, expand your Girl Scout experience, and make new friends.
The Older Girl Advisory Board (OGAB) is a group of Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors from all regions of Colorado that provides feedback on projects that enrich the experience of Girl Scouts in Colorado. Make your voice heard by applying today! Applications close on September 18, 2018. https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/ogab2018