Getting her daughters involved in Girl Scouting wasn’t enough for JoAnn Johnson.
“I wanted to be more than a parent dropping them off,” she said. “I wanted to help create experiences for them and for other girls.”
JoAnn’s volunteering with Troop 71169 in Detroit includes being a part of the Product Program Committee and as a Troop Product Program Manager. She became involved in the Religious Relationships Committee, was a Welcome Champion, and served as a National Delegate at a recent GSUSA convention.
“Volunteering allowed me to watch girls discover their strengths, build confidence and develop leadership skills,” said the troop leader. “What began as supporting my daughters became a lifelong passion for helping young girls realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”
Unexpected Benefits
Along with spending extra time with her daughters, JoAnn developed friendships with fellow Girl Scout volunteers.
“I’ve formed lasting relationships with incredible women who share the same passion for developing tomorrow’s leaders,” she said.
She also discovered Girl Scouting impact isn’t just for those wearing vests and sashes.
“Girl Scouts doesn’t just create memories for the girls, it creates lasting memories for families as well,” JoAnn said.
Like when her mother took an end-of-the-year Girl Scout trip with a niece. “She would talk about how much she enjoyed those trips, and knowing Girl Scouts gave her that opportunity mean so much to me.”
Future Troop Plans
Along with pushing her troop to experience all they can at home, JoAnn wants to take them abroad.
“One dream I have is to help my troop visit one or more of the Girl Scout World Centers so they can experience the global sisterhood of Girl Scouting firsthand,” she said. “I want every girl to know that the world is full of possibilities and that with determination, preparation, and support, no dream is beyond her reach.”
You don’t have to be perfect to be an amazing troop leader. The girls don’t need perfection, they need someone who cares, listens, encourages, and believes in them.
Thank you for all you do, JoAnn, for GSSEM and our Girl Scouts!
