GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Becky Robert

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Becky  was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for going above any beyond for the girls and her Service Unit during the 2018 Cookie Program.

Becky Robert
Bethel Park | Troop 51234

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
Currently in my 14th year of volunteering.

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
Watching the friendships grow and being able to help other people.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
When my first group graduated high school and they all had their college blankets at the fly up ceremony to Adult Girl Scout. Most of the kids were with us since first grade. It was humbling and I will never forget the words of thanks that came our way and how proud of each of them we were and still are to this day!

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
Honesty, integrity, and service to others will keep you grounded. Respect is earned, and there is a time to work hard and a time to relax by the fire. When people are deliberately mean, steer clear of them. Keep learning and keep teaching—and keep those forever friends. I hope they know how proud we are of them and how much they enhanced MY life as well as my co-leaders.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

Shout out for volunteers with H.E.A.R.T.

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

The following GSWPA volunteers were nominated to be highlighted for having H.E.A.R.T. as part of our National Volunteer Month celebrations.

Melissa Ealum

Glassport

"Melissa is an incredible Service Team member. She is always willing to help out when asked and always answers in a prompt manner. Her dedication to Girl Scouting truly shines through her work in the community. She wears many hats and wears them well!"

Megan Foradori

Pittsburgh

"Megan has stepped up as the Service Unit Manager for the Fox Chapel Service Unit. Megan has worked closely to find out what the leaders feel is important to be discussed and planned at their meetings. She has also done a great job embracing the new leaders who have recently come on board. Thank you Megan!"

Dawn Reams
Philipsburg

"Dawn is an enthusiastic and energetic volunteer who has worked hard all year to grow her Service Unit. She is a go-getter and is always willing to step up and help out!"

Nancy Carolan

North Huntingdon

"For many years, Nancy has led a team of volunteers that plan a fantastic day of activities as the Westmoreland Mall Girl Scout Day. This event draws girls and volunteers from multiple service areas and shows members of the community how much fun and learning comes from being a part of Girl Scouts."

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 

Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Christan Baker

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Christan is a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T., and she passes that on to the girls in her troop.

Christan Baker
Saxonburg | Troop 26070

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
3 years

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
I love the relationships the girls have and the relationships within the organization that I have built! I also love seeing the girls learn about life and grow into beautiful young ladies. They each have these amazingly wonderful, unique personalities that make our group so fantastic! I also enjoy working with my co-leader. We compliment each other so well. Just like the girls, we have our own strengths and weaknesses, but together we all accomplish more!

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
We were volunteering at a community event, and one of the girls had this “aha moment.” She said, “All people want is to know they are important to someone, and we can help that happen!” I was so proud and tearful!

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
I want them to remember how they feel when they are helping others. They can never go wrong in life if they are working toward helping someone else or building someone up!!!

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Guest Blog with Angela Cochran

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Angela was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for stepping up to support her troop during the 2018 Cookie Program.

Angela Cochran
Somerset | Troop 52905

I've been a volunteer with Girl Scouts since October 2017.

My daughter, who is five years old, is very shy and afraid to talk to strangers. The first time she had to work a cookie booth on her own, I was concerned she wouldn't talk to any of the potential customers passing by. I told her if she wanted to sell a lot of cookies to reach her initial goal (750 boxes), she needed to ask people if they would like to buy.

I told her I was not asking, and that it was her responsibility. She stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. I could not believe how much selling cookies and being goal driven brought her out of her shell. She asked everyone. And each person that showed even the littlest bit of interest, she talked their ear off about the cookies, especially her favorite, the Girl Scout S'more Cookie. I was so glad I was able to witness this with her. If I wasn't a volunteer as a leader, I wouldn't have been there with her to watch her blossom.

I want the girls to look back at Girl Scouts and remember all of the fun experiences they had and the friendships they had with their fellow Girl Scouts. I was a Girl Scout throughout elementary school, and I still think back on all of the fun we used to have at meetings and especially at camp.

As I move forward as a leader, I would like to think of activities and experiences that will impact their future positively. Perhaps, I can instill a love of nature, a love of traveling, or a love of crafting.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Pamela Siergiej

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

As a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T., Pamela is an amazing champion for Girl Scouts. for stepping up to support her troop during the 2018 Cookie Program.

Pamela Siergiej
Monaca | Troop 16061

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
29 years

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
I value the friendships I've made over years and the opportunity to grow personally and in many new skills.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
I was totally overwhelmed when my troop nominated me for an award and surprised me at a joint bridging. It was truly great to receive the recognition from the girls I served!

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
I hope that the girls grow to appreciate that they can be whatever they want and to be open to learning something new every day.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Diane Kurtz

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Diane was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for raising her hand to volunteer as Service Unit Manager and for the unity she's created while in the role.

Diane Kurtz

Bethel Park | Troop 51234

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
10 years as a leader and two years as a Service Unit Manager.

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
I liked teaching and giving the girls new experiences.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
When we went rock climbing. Everyone was encouraging everyone else.

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
I want them to remember the experiences and the friendships that they gained by being in Girl Scouts.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

Shout Out for Volunteers with H.E.A.R.T.

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

The following GSWPA volunteers were nominated to be highlighted for having H.E.A.R.T. as part of our National Volunteer Month celebrations.

Romanee Yandura
Perryopolis

"Romanee has stepped up as the Service Unit Manager this year after mostly all of the Service Unit had resigned. She has scheduled meetings and started to organize the Service Unit to continuing them on a positive journey within the Service Unit. I want to thank her for this and continuing the work within Girl Scouting to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place!"

Tina Magri
Bethel Park

"Tina has been Finance Manager—it seems forever! She keeps on top of new troops and gets them checking accounts. She pushes troops for finance reports and helps with budgets, if needed. She is at every neighborhood meeting, and she was very good at helping troops switch banks last year. Tina is an asset that is very underrated."

Cheryl Carr
St Marys

"Cheryl has done a great job in her new role as Service Unit Finance Manager. She is helpful, organized, and a wonderful new member to her team."

Colleen Peary
Connellsville

"Colleen is a great Service Unit Manager and Troop Leader! Colleen works so hard to provide an amazing program within her troop and within the Service Unit. She is a great mentor and is extremely dedicated to her girls and Girl Scouting in general."

Mary Kay Matlos
McKeesport

"Mary Kay is an awesome Service Unit Manager. Her planning and organization is impeccable. The Service Unit leaders, volunteers, and girls benefit from this. They have monthly events or activities for the girls, which keep them active in their community. Mary Kay has a true passion for Girl Scouting, and it definitely shows in her position as Service Unit manager!"

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 

Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

Honoring awesome volunteers at the 2018 Annual Meeting

Thanks Badge I, a national award from Girl Scouts of the USA, is an honor given to a registered Girl Scout volunteer whose service continues to impact the entire council of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania or the Girl Scout movement in extraordinary ways and is separate from service that has been previously recognized.

GSWPA is proud to have three Thanks Badge I recipients in our council.

Mae Lynn Edwards,
Thanks Badge I Recipient

Mae Lynn Edwards, a Girl Scout volunteer in Butler, has been Girl Scout volunteer for 21 years. Edwards is a troop leader, service unit manager, product sales manager, delegate, and member of the Gold Award committee.

Malinda Young, who nominated Edwards for the award said, "Mae Lynn serves as a mentor to other troop leaders in her Service Unit, providing guidance on troop leadership and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience."

She provides training to girls and volunteers on the Silver and Gold awards, and assists in the planning and implementation of the Gold Award Ceremonies. Her creativity and insight have strengthened programs and helped to retain membership. Those who know her see her as an exemplary Girl Scout, understanding and loving, and a sister to every Girl Scout. She truly lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Amy Miehl,
Thanks Badge I Recipient

Amy Miehl has been a Girl Scout volunteer for six years. She serves GSWPA as a service unit manager, delegate, trainer, day camp coordinator, and as a member of several GSWPA committees.

Her nominators were Malinda Young and Janet Kovacs. Her nominations detailed her contributions to the entire council through her skills and expertise.

She serves as a member of the Gold Award Committee and as a GSWPA Trainer. In these roles, she is a mentor to girls throughout council and brings her legendary knowledge of outdoor skills and songs and games to all volunteers that want to learn.

She is a dedicated volunteer whose efforts have increased membership, demonstrated inclusive behavior, helped retain volunteers, and developed innovative program opportunities.

Dottie Neal, Thanks Badge I Recipient

Dottie Neal has been a Girl Scout volunteer for 26 years as a service unit manager, trainer, troop leader, delegate, day camp volunteer, and
several other roles.

"As Service Unit Manager, Dottie has impacted the Movement in her community through program and camping events, as well as participation in community events," said Melinda Shoenfelt, Dottie's nominator.

She proactively includes girls and leaders from other service areas in these programs, many of whom attend time after time because of the quality and value they receive. She provides invaluable service as a trainer for GSWPA in the areas of New Leader and Outdoor Skills, and has served as a mentor for new volunteers in the role of Service Unit Manager.

The President's Award recognizes the efforts of a service-delivery team or committee whose exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience surpassed team goals and resulted in significant, measurable impact toward reaching the council’s overall goals.

Two groups have been honored with the award this year.

Laurel Service Unit Team recognized that their market share was low. They set membership goals and achieved them by increasing visibility in the community and supporting each other's efforts in recruitment. They have increased their programming for girls, to include hosting a Journey Weekend, a Thinking Day event, a Cookie Rally, and Court of Awards.

Cranberry Service Unit Team acknowledged the difficulties experienced by several girls at camp, and chose to make a positive change in that experience by raising funds to purchase a golf cart for a GSWPA camp. The girls organized and hosted a lip sync battle event to raise the money, learning valuable event planning and business skills. Additionally, the service unit proactively recruits in the community through events, school functions, parades and maintaining a public Facebook page. They support girls within their service unit through dynamic programming and a junior counselor program.

Honor Pin

This award recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service, allowing the council to reach and surpass its mission-delivery goals.

In order to receive this award, volunteers have to go outside their own service unit, and support others. Sometimes this is accomplished by mentoring Gold Award candidates. Other times, it’s by offering much needed training to volunteers.

Karen Schmidt
14 years as a Girl Scout Volunteer
Troop Leader of Girl Scout Troop 54476
Karen is an active member of the Gold Award committee, mentoring girls throughout the council. She conducts training on both the Silver and Gold Award and assists with the Gold Award Court of Awards.

Sharon Enslen
23 years as a Girl Scout Volunteer
Troop Leader of Girl Scout Troop 52619
Sharon is an active member of the Gold Award Committee, mentoring up to 35 girls at a time. She conducts Silver and Gold workshops and has served on the Travel Committee, giving girls the opportunity to travel the world!

From GSWPA, congratulations to all of our phenomenal volunteers!

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Kimberly Gnarra

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Kimberly is recognized as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for her commitment to the Movement and her passion for leading and teaching her girls.

Kimberly Gnarra
Lake City | Troop 36458


How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
Four years.

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
I love being a part of each one of my girls' lives and watching all their life long friendships form. It is a great feeling when you see them have a sense of self accomplishment when they learn something new and the confidence they gain from that.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
Teaching my troop the National Anthem and watching them sing it at our court of awards ceremony.

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
I want them all to know how much I care about each one of them as they were my own. I want them to always have the self confidence and hunger to learn and try new adventures. And may they always remember what it means to give back.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Guest Blog with Nancy Lampert

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Nancy was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for her expertise of keeping volunteers within her Service Unit registered, cleared and trained. 

Nancy Lampert
Tarentum | Troop 59027 & Service Unit 5905

This is my seventh year as a leader, second as a Service Unit Manager.

I love seeing my girls shine, I love seeing them step out of the comfort zone and try something for the first time and I love talking to them about current events and hearing where they stand.

This year's World Thinking Day will be one of the memories that stays forever. Of my troop, all but three participated. The day of the event, the girls showed up with wonderful displays, knowledge of their country, and smiles. They hosted their countries so well and made me so proud! They stepped out of their comfort zones with the whole thing, and they were shining examples of what a Girl Scout can do!

I hope my Girl Scouts learn that anything is possible through hard work, friends make life easier,
and that they are all important.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Guest Blog with Joan Emanuel

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

With an enormous passion for Girl Scouting, Joan was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. because of her dedication to the Service Unit and her guidance and support of other volunteers.

Troop 53037

Joan Emanuel 
Connellsville | Troop 53037

I've been been in Girl Scouts 37 years as an adult and three as a girl.

What I enjoy about Girl Scouts the most is working with the girls, taking them camping and going on trips.

There are so many great moments I had in Girl Scouts. The moment I will never forget is my first rappelling trip with Ed Cole and my troop in Dunbar mountains. I never dreamed I would go rappelling.

I want the girls to learn from me to be kind and that you can do anything you put your heart into. I hope they use their Girl Scout experiences that I gave them to become a leader or work with a troop to share their experience with new girls and keep the Girl Scout s
pirit going.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

Volunteer Spotlight | The H.E.A.R.T. of Gail

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Gail was nominated by 10 people to be highlighted for having H.E.A.R.T. as part of our National Volunteer Month celebrations.

Gail Schell
Springboro

"Gail is a outstanding role model to all young girls. She goes above and beyond to help everyone. Even on her worst days, when she does not feel well or has troubles of her own, she still pulls through for the girls."

"I’m nominating, Gail Schell for this award because she goes above and beyond for her community. She takes all the girls in her troop under her wing, as if they were her own family. She takes care of these girls outside of all the Girl Scout meetings. Any one of the girls could call her up for anything, and she’d drop what she’s doing in that very moment to go help them. As her granddaughter, I’ve seen this first hand. Although I’m no longer in her troops, I still think she’s the best nominee for this award."

"Gail is always going above and beyond to help out the girls and the community. She makes sure the girls have what they need when they can't afford it, and she organizes food drives and clothing drives for our community. Because we have a very poor community, any help counts and is very appreciated. She has taught the girls to do for others without expecting anything in return. She has been teaching them how to work well with others and teaches them simple home chores like cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc. And, some of the girls don't have anyone else in their lives to teach them. I have seen shy and quiet girls come out of their shells—just by being in her troop. I have watched sad girls become happy with themselves and gain confidence."

"My girls have been in Girl Scouts for the past two years with Gail. She is wonderful with my girls, and she goes out of her way to do things with them and for them. She is very good with all the girls in the troop. We couldn't ask for a better leader."

"She is my nieces leader, and she does a great job."

"Gail is mine and my sister's Girl Scout leader. She volunteers her time to be our troop leader, and we think she is the best." 

"I have known Gail for over 30 years. We both had Girl Scout troops in the 80's, and Gail is still doing Girl Scouts all these years later. She does a great job."

"Gail takes the time to pick up her Girls Scout from school and does community service, like have them help at fire hall dinners and decorate the window at the local library. She's really great with them."

"She is always going beyond her duties to do things for the girls."

"She cares about the girls, and she is good with them."

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 

Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Lori Fitzgibbon

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

As a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T., Lori was nominated for going above and beyond on behalf of the girls to ensure that every Service Unit event is well planned and executed, as well as her qualities as a role model and mentor for other volunteers.

Lori Fitzgibbon
Ligonier | Troop 52764 & Service Unit 4612

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
15 years in PA and 3 years in North Carolina

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
There are so many things, but my absolute favorite is the girls. I love watching them grow and learn things they never would have tried without someone putting it in front of them. Girls in our small community are limited to the experiences they get to have. Girl Scouting offers and provides opportunities for girls of all ages and backgrounds to have these opportunities and experiences.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
One year at Service Unit camp our adventures were based on exploring and reading a map, something this group of girls didn't know how to do. I laid out the course and had two Brownies come to me with worried and sad faces. When I looked at them and asked what was wrong, they said they didn't understand how to read a map and were lost.

When I showed them how to use landmarks and assured them they wouldn't get lost, they went on their way, slowly, but they went. I notified two older girls and asked them to keep an eye on them

At lunchtime, those same girls came up to me and said, "We did it Ms. Lori. We figured it out!"

And, after lunch those same girls had to overcome more obstacles in the events, but they did it. I was so proud of them. The older girls who watched over them told me at lunch they only took one wrong turn and had to ask for help. They learned that it's okay to ask for help, and trying something new can lead to great adventure.

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
I want my girls of all age groups to know that when they see a Girl Scout—no matter her age—she is a friend and someone to trust and count on. I tell my leaders as they come into my Service Unit that they are the number one person that little girl will learn from. They need to make sure when they are at a meeting their behavior and attitude is based solely on their troop, and any other adults working with them must follow the same. In this way they know we are putting them first. They may get put aside at home with busy parents and family life, to no fault of their own. When they are with us, they are our #1. My leaders stay on a long time and are the greatest leaders around. I couldn't do what I do without them.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Erin Carter

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

As a co-leader for several troops, an archery instructor, and an advocate for girls, Erin was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T.

Erin Carter
Bethel Park | Troop 26521

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
9 + years

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
The best part of leading any group, young or old is the giggles, the smiles, the "thanks, that was the best" or the " WOW! I never tried that before!". Most important working together as a team with Girl Scouts of all ages so that everyone has fun, a new experience and makes new friends!

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
There are so many happy memories, I could never choose just one. However, the bond with my own daughter as we tried new experiences, met new people, the new places we explored and all because of Girl Scouts will forever be special to me.

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience? 
That I was willing to fail or succeed right along with them .

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Volunteer Feature with Kristen Eliason

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Kristen was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for raising her hand to become a troop leader for her nieces and for her contagious enthusiasm.

Kristen Eliason
Waterford | Service Unit 3616

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?
Four years.

What do you like best about your role with Girl Scouts?
Seeing the girls grow and learn new things and how excited they get when they try something new and really like it.

Describe a moment you've had in Girl Scouts you'll never forget.
Taking the girls in our older troop camping in covered wagons. It was quite the experience. The girls still talk about it. My co-leader and I still laugh hysterically about the whole trip.

What do you most want your Girl Scouts to learn from you or remember about you and their Girl Scout experience?
That there is not anything they can't accomplish if they set a goal and work for it. I want them to have had fun and remember
how important it is to always give someone a hand up.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

Shout Out for Volunteers with H.E.A.R.T.

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

The following GSWPA volunteers were nominated to be highlighted for having H.E.A.R.T. as part of our National Volunteer Month celebrations.

Becky Robert
Bethel Park

"Becky has been extra helpful with the Service Unit cookie cupboard. She helps troops get extra cookies,  keeps the flow going between troops if there are extras or needed cookies, and she even reaches out to neighboring Service Units to help them. It works out very well for all,  and troops really like the fact they do not have to go far for cookies."

Dorothy DeCarli
Ridgway

"Dorothy has planned some amazing events for girls in her Service Unit. She is always willing to pitch in."

Laurie Bungard
Pittsburgh

"Laurie always goes above and beyond in Service Unit needs. She involves her scouts in all activities that will enhance their leadership and knowledge as young women and young Girl Scouts. Laurie also helps many in her community with othervolunteer efforts."

Lisa Hohman
Sewickley

"Lisa took on the very large role of becoming our Service Unit Finance Manager. She had to convert over 20 bank accounts and will receive all of the Finance Reports." Thank you for stepping up, Lisa!"

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 

Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.

GSWPA volunteers have H.E.A.R.T. | Guest Blog with Emily Parana

Hand-raiser. Expert. Advocate. Resource. Teacher.

Emily was nominated as a GSWPA volunteer with H.E.A.R.T. for her commitment to her Service Unit and her passion for leading girls through wonderful meetings and events.

Troop 26521

Emily Parana
Kane | Troop 26521

This is my sixth year as a leader. I love it when my Girl Scouts learn a new skill and feel great about themselves—they want to take on the world.

There are so many moments that I'll never forget! I'll never forget how my troop came together on a survival-style camping trip. The Girl Scouts who were skilled at fire-building took charge of that so we could cook, and everyone had to prepare their own food and wash up. They were a well-oiled team without prompting, and they were so proud of themselves. It was wonderful to see.

I want my Girl Scouts to remember that there are no obstacles, only challenges. I'd like them to remember a leader who became a lifeguard at age 40 when we needed one for camp, along with becoming Archery and Canoeing certified, a leader who backpacked with them up over hills with gear, and we made up a cadence to make it easier.

I hope they remember that Girl Scouts made them stronger and that they feel proud of themselves.

Ask your Girl Scout to share what their volunteer means to them by sending us one of these: 
• A photo of the two of them together 
• A photo of a short, hand-written note of thanks 
• A short thank you video 
Send all media to socialmedia@gswpa.org.