Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jaime Ayala of Arvada in the Metro Denver region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Jaime 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 was a Girl Scout when I was young and had the best experience because my leader was amazing. I wanted the same thing for my younger daughter and decided to start a troop because there were none in our area for her to join.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
We started when my daughter was in second grade, so I was just hoping to get enough girls to form a troop. The first year we ended up with 18 Brownies. When half of the troop bridged at the end of that year, I decided that if we were going to have two levels, we might as well open to any Daisies that were interested as well. Our troop has continued to grow and this year, we are currently at 67 registered girls in K-8th. I have supported the troop as the main leader. I have also taken on a couple levels and this year, I am lucky enough to have a dedicated leader at each level, so I get to support all of the girls as needed. I have served as our TCM for all five years as well.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I have learned to use the project management skills that I use at work every day to help manage our large troop. I have also learned that I love helping girls find their inner strength and grow into amazing young ladies.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope they have learned that they are strong and can do anything they put their minds to. I hope they have learned leadership skills and have gained the confidence to know that their opinions matter and that they should never be afraid to voice their opinions. I hope they have learned that they can make ANY impact on the world around them, no matter how big or small, through their actions. I hope each girl looks back on her time with Girl Scouts with fondness and has great memories, like I did, and maybe decides to be a part of this organization and be a leader to future girls.
How has your experience as a volunteer helped you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?
Being a leader has given me the opportunity to develop relationships with girls and parents that I would have never have had the opportunity to meet. Being a part of this amazing troop has allowed me to do so many fun activities such as hiking and camping, but I really appreciate that we have focused on supporting our community. We’ve done a stuffed animal drive, multiple warm clothing drives, etc.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.
The nomination deadline for 2020 Volunteer Recognition Awards is April 30. GSCO invites members statewide to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award. Nominators are responsible for ensuring enough endorsements are submitted to support their nomination of a volunteer for an award. Your volunteer support specialist can check nomination and endorsement submissions for you. Learn more.