I once heard about recruitment night for Girl Scouts at a local school. At the close of the evening, the list ended with about 20 little kindergarten girls ready to experience Daisy Girl Scouting. However, not one parent signed up to be a leader. One grandmother said she was willing to lead, but she could not be a leader alone, she needed help. Out of all 20 girls, not one parent would agree to co-lead. Among their many excuses, “This is my time away from my daughter" was one that stuck out.
I found this so hard to believe. Did they not know what joy they would be missing? I grew up in a home where volunteering was just a part of life. My dad started as my brother’s Cub Scout Leader, and became Assistant Pack Leader. My mom not only volunteered at the children’s summer park programs, and at our grade school, but also as a Girl Scout Leader. Both of my parents volunteered at our church, and as I got older, I joined my parents in the volunteer work they continued to do.
It was only natural that when I married and had children of my own, I became a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout co-leader, Youth Bowling League Secretary, volunteered at our church nursery, Sunday School, and VBS. As my children grew, they began to volunteer with me as well. My daughter (now 26 years old) continues to volunteer with me at Girl Scout Camp, cooking for events so leaders can spend time at camp with their girls.
Our children not only need to see us volunteer our time, but also need to grow into volunteering alongside us. This way, they will learn first-hand the feeling of joy and satisfaction that comes from good, hard work in a volunteer position. Then in turn, hopefully pass it on to the next generation.
There are so many volunteer opportunities, becoming a great Daisy Leader is only one possibility. Find your happy volunteer spot, and pass it on!
