Girl Scouts of Colorado is celebrating extraordinary volunteers throughout the state in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Tracy Taullie of La Junta in the Southeastern CO region is a shining example of the wonderful role Girl Scout volunteers play in the lives of girls and our community.
GSCO asked Tracy 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 when my two daughters became old enough to be Daisies. Girl Scouts was something I did as a girl and loved it. I wanted my girls to experience everything I had and I truly believe Girl Scouts teaches girls to be true leaders.
Tell us about your different volunteer roles as a Girl Scout.
I first became a parent helper in my daughter’s troop when they started at the level of Daisy. After two years, I started my own troop, Troop 31747. This troop is still active today. I was troop leader and cookie manager for seven years. The last two years, I have not been an active leader in the troop except for helping the older girls with earning Highest Awards.
What have you learned as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Being a Girl Scout volunteer has taught me so much. Everything from how to organize and lead, to dealing with parents and girls of all ages and hormone levels. It also taught me that girls are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to. I have seen these girls earn Bronze, Silver, and even Gold Awards. They have planned outings and longer trips, volunteered, and managed their Girl Scout Cookie business- every step of the way becoming independent, capable women.
What do you hope girls have learned from you?
I hope that they have learned to have faith in themselves, to always be kind and give to others, and to know they can accomplish anything by setting one goal at a time.
Want to nominate a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Colorado to spotlight? Please email Public Relations Director AnneMarie Harper at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.