Loving the energy of February’s Volunteer Spotlight—Shanna Potter, Troop Leader 78246 and 78232, Troy.
When Shanna went to a school informational meeting about beginning a Girl Scout troop, she really didn’t plan on becoming her older daughter’s troop leader.
“I had hopes that a troop would open so that my daughter would have the Girl Scout experience like I had growing up,” Shanna says.
“I felt all eyes on me when it came time for a volunteer to step forward to help form the troop,” she recalls. “I hadn’t even considered the possibility of leading a troop until that moment.”
After receiving a pep talk from another troop leader, Shanna decided to go for it.
Family trait
It wasn’t a surprise she decided to become a troop leader. Shanna’s mother was her Brownie and Junior troop leader.
“I got excited about experiencing that level of bonding with my daughter,” she says.
For Shanna, it was “beyond rewarding” to watch everybody—girls, parents, herself—journey through that first year.
Shanna remembers how, when the first troop cabin camping trip was almost cancelled due to storm damage, all the parents helped come up with an alternative plan.
“It was beautiful and moving the way everyone worked together to ensure the girls would get the camping trip they had looked forward to all year,” she remembers.
Now, after experiencing the thrill learning of being “girl-led” through her oldest daughter’s troop, Shanna agreed to begin a Daisy troop so she and her youngest daughter could have the same connection.
Rewarding goals
For Shanna, watching these girls grow in confidence, courage, and character, forming friendships and having fun experiences makes all the effort worthwhile.
“This is what it’s all about!” she says.
Shanna is looking forward to providing more outdoor experiences for her Brownie troop. “I’m sensing a love for water,” she says.
Her plans to introduce the Daisy troop to the Girl Scout way will continue, and there will definitely be some camping!
You CAN do this!
Shanna P, Troop Leader 78246 and 78232, Troy
Thank you
GSSEM appreciates you, Shanna, for everything you are doing for Girl Scouts!
Do you know a GSSEM volunteer who deserves to be highlighted? Nominate them here, today! www.gssem.org/spotlight.
