Her blood runs green

Rachel never lost her love of Girl Scouts since she was involved as a young girl. Often wearing a Girl Scout green coat to events, the Leonard resident has been sharing her passion for Girl Scouting as a GSSEM volunteer with Troop 76082 for 13 years.

“I’ve always loved helping other people and igniting love for scouting in girls,” she said. “I’m extremely passionate about Girl Scouts … volunteering was just the natural progression.”

Troop knowledge

Rachel has been involved in multiple aspects of troop function including stints on the product program committee, as product and service unit manager, and as co-leader and leader.

A most recent volunteering role is on the Cookie Committee.

“Rachel is not only a hard worker but very knowledgeable about Girl Scouting and always brings a positive attitude. We are grateful to have her as a committee volunteer,” said Heather Dantuma, when nominating Rachel for this Volunteer Spotlight.

(Do you know a volunteer who deserves to be in the spotlight? Nominate them at www.gssem.org/spotlight.)

Impactful memories

No matter what roles she has volunteered for over her decade plus with her troop, Rachel enjoys every opportunity to bond with the Girl Scouts.

“My favorite part of volunteering is watching the girls grow up,” she said. She began her Girl Scout leadership when her daughter started. “Watching them continue their journey and become amazing young women is my proudest moment.”

Trying to narrow down a favorite memory or event is hard because, because, as she said, she’s been a part of so many “tremendous opportunities.”

“Everything from cookie pickups in bread trucks, visiting Washington D.C. with my troop, or ice fishing in the winter has been a learning experience I cherish.”

Doing more

Even though her Girl Scout Zoe graduated this year, Rachel isn’t ready to stop volunteering with GSSEM.

“I’m striving to unite our council and members, so they never feel alone and they know people are here to help,” she said.

Thank you for all your support over the years, Rachel!

I want you to know you’ll make mistakes and that’s ok. Sometimes we don’t know what the ‘right’ thing is. People will come in and out of your scouting journey, always treat them with kindness and don’t be afraid to admit that you are learning.

-Rachel S. Troop 76082