Toms River Girl Scout Volunteers Are Making a Difference

Toms River, NJ - The Girl Scouts have been building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place since 1912. For over 100 years adult volunteers in Girl Scouting gain just as much confidence, valuable skills and experiences as the girls do!

Girl Scout volunteers not only contribute to the overall well-being of the girls in their community, but they are also improving their resumes and exploring their own skills and talents in fields they may never have considered. Girl Scout troop leaders learn new cultures, try new things and increase their organizational and managerial skills.

Troop Leader of Cadettes Maureen Honecker of Brielle said, “As a leader of middle school girls, I have learned sign language, how to build a campfire, and how to plan and budget for trips.”

In addition, many Girl Scout volunteers stay involved with the organization long after their children have grown and left the nest. Ruth Pearson from Hazlet was a Brownie Girl Scout in the 1940’s who, as an adult, went on to lead a Brownie troop of her own. She volunteers currently as a trainer and mentor, teaching others to lead.

Ms. Pearson summarizes her lifetime of work with the Girl Scouts, “Girl Scouting was in my blood for most of my 80 years. I don’t think that anything else in my life has made me more of what I am today. My blood runs green and always will!”

Appreciation for what the Girl Scout organization does for girls is a big factor in many volunteers’ decisions to lead. Most leaders today begin their volunteering experience because Girl Scouts allows them to spend quality time with their daughters and an opportunity to get to know and trust her circle of friends.

Girl Scouts is an all-inclusive organization that encourages cooperation over competition. Hazlet volunteer Nancy Gargan loves being part of an organization that “encourages girls to explore and serve the world they live in. All are welcome! There are no try-outs!”

Nancy’s sentiment has held true throughout the entire Girl Scout history. The organization welcomes ALL girls and provides a safe, criticism-free environment to explore opportunities, try new things, take safe risks, and figure things out for themselves. Leaders get to witness this first hand.

“Girl Scouts are changing the world, and it is so much fun to be part of it all!” exclaims Point Pleasant Leader Liz Schrader.

With all of the benefits of being a troop leader, one would think that adults would be lining up to volunteer. The truth is however, that there are currently over 500 girls in Monmouth and Ocean Counties that want to be Girl Scouts, but there is no one to lead them. Some of these girls have been on waiting lists for over a year, just hoping for an adult who believes in them, and is willing to invest just a few hours a month to lead them.

A few hours a month to change the life of a girl? That’s all it takes and Girl Scouts is making it easy by holding a Volunteer Invite a Friend campaign. From November 15 through December 15th, any adult who volunteers to lead a new Kindergarten through 5th grade troop will receive a free troop startup kit valued at $50. In addition, volunteers will be matched up with a veteran Girl Scout leader from their area who will help guide them through the process of starting their troop. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved and make a world of difference!

It is easier than ever to be a troop leader as the Girl Scouts have just introduced the Volunteer Tool Kit, which is an internet application that allows volunteers to plan their troop meetings, manage their troop’s records, and communicate with families all in one easy location. It is perfect for new leaders who follow the step by step instructions to deliver a quality Girl Scout experience to their troops.

“Having never been a Girl Scout or troop leader before, the toolkit has been vital in preparing and running the meetings and keeping track of attendance. I really like it!” commented Brianna Malone, leader of a Kindergarten Daisy troop in Toms River.

Girl Scout’s all-inclusive policy extends to its volunteers as well. Anyone who is over the age of 18 and passes a criminal background check is eligible to lead a troop. Girl Scouts has the perfect volunteer opportunity for college students, professionals, parents or retirees. No prior experience as a Girl Scout or working with children is required; free training and support is given to all leaders so that they may be a positive role model that can guide girls along their path to adulthood.

For more information about volunteering with Girl Scouts, please contact Stacy Petti, Director of Recruitment for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore at 732-349-4499 extension 226 or email spetti@jerseyshoregirlscouts.org

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves more than 14,600 girls and adults in Monmouth and Ocean counties. As the pre-eminent leadership development organization for girls, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore guides and partners all-things Girl Scouts, and we can’t wait to get you started. For more information, please visit www.jerseyshoregirlscouts.org