Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Bonnet Riddles in the Western Colorado region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Bonnet to answer a few quick questions about her volunteer experience. We hope you find her as inspiring as we did.
Why did you become a Girl Scout volunteer?
I became a Girl Scout volunteer because I saw the tremendous value in the program. My troop leader status happened rather by accident. Our current leader was stepping down and without new leadership our troop wouldn’t be able to continue. Despite my many fears over taking on such an endeavor, I knew I had to try for my daughter’s sake, but also for the other girls. They had already built such an amazing sisterhood!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
My first volunteer role was as a support parent. I helped with cookie booths and attended most in-person meetings. If I could lend a helping hand in some way, I did. Now as the troop leader, I have many volunteer roles, but am supported by an amazing volunteer team.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
As a Girl Scout volunteer, I get to learn right alongside the girls. Whenever we are exploring new communities, ideas, or topics, it’s guaranteed that I will learn something. It’s been a lot of fun exploring new passions and learning more about myself while helping the girls explore their growing identities.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope that I can pass along to my girls that you should always be learning and growing as a person. I strive to instill a great sense of responsibility in them for what is going on in their lives and communities. I don’t want them to be bystanders in their lives.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.