Coming Soon: Girl Scout volunteer Appreciation Day

Girl Scout Leader Day is April 22nd

Girl Scout volunteers, we love you! That's why April (National Volunteer Month!) is the month we also take a day to celebrate the selfless efforts and contributions of all of the Leaders and volunteers of Girl Scouts, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The powerful and inspiring contributions volunteers make all year long are certainly deserving of this recognition.

Girl Scout Leader's Day, is an annual celebration held on April 22. It honors all Girl Scout volunteers who work as leaders and mentors. The party is especially big locally as the Coronado Girl Scout Service Unit boasts 98 Adult volunteers in total. Coming right off from our 100-year Anniversary of scouting in Coronado, we boast regularly that the very first girl scout troop west of the Mississippi, Troop #1, has been continuously active since 1917. Hopefully many of you were able to walk the “Girl Scout Way’ by partaking in the recent Coronado Library exhibit that was on display in February and March.

Every day, Girl Scout volunteers make it possible for girls across the country to benefit and learn from new adventures and experiences. The adult volunteers in Girl Scouting, who serve as guides and mentors, help girls develop skills and confidence, and introduce them to new experiences that show Girl Scouts what they are capable of. Volunteers make an exceptional contribution to the development of the Girl Scout movement, serving as role models.

Girl Scout volunteer leaders have been positively impacting girls lives since the beginning of Girl Scouting in 1912. These leaders are role models and provide inspiration for girls as they approach adulthood. They plant the seeds of confidence, experience, respect and courage so that it may grow and stay with young women throughout their lifetimes. Whether it is a smaller achievement such as earning a badge, or the magnificent opportunity to travel the world on global girl scout adventure, scouting teaches girls that if they work hard toward a goal, the reward will come their way. The foundation set for a strong work ethic will support every scout in reaching her potential. Without our volunteers’ commitment to unleashing the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ in every girl, girl scouts couldn’t and wouldn’t be the largest girls’ leadership organization in the world. This is in thanks to the combined efforts of all the past and current adult volunteers in girl scouts.

The effort put forward by volunteers is always appreciated, this special day has been set aside to publicly acknowledge that Girls Scout leaders play a very important role in the organization. Girl Scouts even have special awards for adult volunteers such as Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Leader, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and Thanks Badge. Here are five fun ways to show your favorite volunteer your love and gratitude during National Volunteer Appreciation Month (and beyond!):

1. Make something. Who doesn’t love a handmade gift from the heart? Show the one-of-a-kind Girl Scout volunteer in your life just how much they mean to you by breaking out those arts and crafts supplies and getting creative. They’ll love it!

2. Shout ‘em out on social media. What better way to make your favorite Girl Scout volunteer feel special than to broadcast your thanks far and wide? They’re the best, and you’ll shout it loud and clear: I love my Girl Scout volunteer!

Be sure to include a line about why this volunteer (or volunteers!) is so special to you, and include the hashtag #NVW2017 to call out National Volunteer Week, which runs April 23–29.

3. Write them a letter. Imagine their surprise when they open their mailbox and find an appreciation letter from you.

4. Send an eCard. Is your Girl Scout volunteer a digital genius? Get innovative and send them a personalized eCard!

5. Have your girl decide. Girl Scouts is girl-led, after all! The relationships between a Girl Scout and her volunteers are precious, so her ‘thank you’ can be, too! Ask your girl how she would like to give back to volunteers this month. Does she want to sing a song, cook a delicious meal, or save up to buy flowers? Get those creative juices flowing, and help her take the lead!

Girl Scout Leader's Day is a perfect opportunity for girls, their families and communities to recognize their adult volunteers and thank them for everything they've done. As volunteers, leaders do not seek any special rewards or recognition, but it doesn't mean that they don't want to be thanked. They surely deserve kind words and signs of appreciation.

PICTURE CAPTION: Local Coronado Girl Scout Leaders attend the Annual Leader’s Convention and Celebration where the different Service Units compete for the Spirit Stick.