Volunteer Spotlight: Angela Bridges

When she was first approached by her daughter’s Girl Scout troop leader about helping lead the troop, she initially demurred and turned it down.

She was busy volunteering with a different organization for mothers of preschoolers and wasn’t sure she would have enough time to devote to both.

“The leaders approached me to see if I would be willing to help them,” she said. “They said they saw something special about me and could really use some assistance.”

After reconsideration, Angela decided to “age on” with her daughter and volunteer for Grand Blanc Troop 77492.

“Just a couple months into co-leading, I became the primary leader for organizing and arranging all activities,” she said. “I was nervous about leading young girls, but to my surprise, I excelled. I have now been volunteering with Girl Scouts for five years.”

Angela is proud of how the troop has worked together to accomplish goals while having an exciting time, like when they went to Tree Runner.

A couple of girls in the troop were quite experienced with the rope course, but some were very nervous and unsure, she recalls. She remembers that the experienced climbers didn’t speed through the courses, trying to get through as many obstacles as possible.

“Instead, I got to witness the compassion, encouragement and support from half of our girls as they helped the other half try to work through their fears,” she said. “I was so proud of all our girls. Proud of the experienced climbers for supporting and encouraging the inexperienced climbers, and proud of our inexperienced climbers for going out of their comfort zone and conquering their fears.”

In addition to making a return trip to Tree Runner, the troop is working towards their goals of a troop trips to Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, as well as a sperate trip to Chicago.

While she loves what she does with her troop, Angela also appreciates what her volunteer experience has done for herself.

“As a leader, I have become better at controlling my tongue, become more organized, better at communication and most important for me, better at remaining calm and handling unexpected situations,” she said.

“I would tell any person considering volunteering to be ready for the level of personal growth they experience through helping others.”

– Angela Bridges