Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Jean Beucler 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 Jean 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?
Maggie Hayes, the founder of the GECCCO (Girls Experiencing Camping Canoeing and Cycling Outdoors) outdoor adventure troop inspired me to become a volunteer. As a family, we love everything outdoors! When my daughter joined Maggie’s troop, the parents were expected to lead activities that included outdoor activities from hiking to international trips. That group of leaders/volunteers mentored and supported me. The girls were eager and enthusiastic. When Maggie retired as leader (she is still involved with the group after 26+ years!), I was ready to assume the leadership position.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
Except for a brief stint as a Girl Scout Brownie, my Girl Scout career began as a volunteer. I started as a parent volunteer supporting meetings and activities. During GECCCOs, I added leadership to my resume. I supported the girls’ planning processes for activities, trips (local and international), Reach for the Peak Outdoor Skills competition (we earned the Peak award four times!), rendezvous, service, and money earning endeavors. I was even troop cookie manager a time or two. Following my youngest daughter’s graduation from high school, I reevaluated what my continued contribution to Girl Scouts could be. That led me to becoming a Girl Scout trainer, joining the Global Action Committee, volunteering at resident camp, and helping to facilitate a GSUSA destination that showcased Colorado and involved riding horses every day! But, there was something I still wanted to do. As much as I love everything I have experienced with girls outdoors, the missing piece for me was horses. I was deeply disappointed that GSCO had no progressive, comprehensive equine program. So, in the midst of a pandemic, I started an equine specialty troop, WHOA (Women Horses and Outdoor Adventure). This group has enabled girls to explore their love for horses in a safe, instructive manner. COVID-19 restrictions have limited our activities outside of lessons and trail rides, but we hope to explore the many facets of horse activities, disciplines, and professions in the next 26+ years. Oh yeah, and we are working on another GSUSA Destination with our troop partners, Sylvan Dale Ranch and Heart-J Center, for 2023!
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
I love being a volunteer for Girl Scouts because each troop is such an autonomous organization. If you can dream it, you can do it. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the best money earning opportunity a Girl Scout will ever have. When girls believe their troop is “girl-led” (even when it seems to you like you are doing a disproportionate amount of the work), it still achieves the goal of developing girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
You are never too old for adventure! You don’t have to excel at an activity to enjoy it. Embrace the unique perspective each individual brings to the group. There are no disabilities, simply different abilities.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.