Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state. Heidi Mazur in the Northern & Northeastern CO region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Heidi 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?
The original reason was because I moved from Wisconsin to North Carolina and I didn’t know very many people. So, I decided to be a co-leader to a troop that was in need and then, I became the leader for the next 12 years and have met a lot of wonderful people along the way!
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I became a Lifetime Member soon after I received my Gold Award, became a summer camp counselor, and volunteered here and there during college in Wisconsin as well. A few years after college, I became a leader for 12 years (without kids) in North Carolina. I helped my Girl Scouts lead events for younger girls many times. All of the girls earned their Silver Award and one girl earned her Gold Award. We went on many trips including a trip to Savannah, a cruise to the Bahamas, and I planned a Girl Scout trip to Europe with 42 people. Then, when my daughter was in Kindergarten, I started a new troop. This past year, when the previous SUM/SUCM stepped down, I stepped up.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned to delegate so that I am not overwhelmed and ask people to help directly. I am finding new ways to streamline a large troop during cookie season. And, technology is my friend!
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
To be a sister to every Girl Scout by being kind, respectful, and inclusive. I also hope that the girls will have opportunities to learn and experience new things that they would not have done otherwise. And, last but not least, perseverance and hard work will help you reach your end goal.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Email media@gscolorado.org.