Merrimack Woman Honored as Girl Scout Volunteer of the Month

MERRIMACK, NH - A lifelong Girl Scout who has dedicated much of her life to serving others has been honored as Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains December Volunteer of the Month.

Pat Murphy, a longtime Merrimack resident and lifelong Girl Scout, has served the Merrimack community for more than 15 years. Over that time span, Murphy has taken on many roles, serving as a leader for Troop 10704; serving on the community team- first as a service unit manager and now as community learning coordinator; and chairing the camporee committee, among other things. She balances family and volunteer responsibilities along with her full-time career as welfare administrator for the Town of Merrimack.

Growing up in Lowell, MA, Murphy joined Girl Scouts as a Brownie and remained active in her local troops for the next decade. When her own two daughters came of age, Murphy stepped in as a troop leader and over the years, there were times when she led multiple troops.

“For me, it was always about motivating my daughters and my troops to become confident, independent adults,” she explained. “Ultimately, I chose to be a leader because I, myself, got so much out of Girl Scouts. As an adult, you realize how important those qualities are: confidence, self-worth, and leadership.”

While Murphy’s daughters are now grown - Shannon is now 22 and her younger sister, Megan, is a senior at Merrimack High School and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient who is now planning for college - she has no plans to slow down anytime soon. She continues to find inspiration in the girls she serves and the dedication of her fellow volunteers.

“Our volunteers are such positive people. They keep me young,” Murphy said with a grin. “It’s humbling to work with so many extraordinary girls and women.”

She further noted some of her fondest Girl Scouting moments- though there are truly “too many to count” – are times spent at the annual Merrimack camporee. “Everyone comes out to celebrate the end of the year,” Murphy said. “Everyone works together. I see older girls running sessions for younger girls. They’re becoming leaders and in doing so, they’re inspiring the next generation to do the same. To be part of that journey is truly awe-inspiring.”