The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is in need of a few good women and men. The Girl Scouts are seeking volunteers — women and men of all ages and racial and ethnic backgrounds — to work with girls waiting to become Girl Scouts who need an adult leader.
The demand for Girl Scout leaders in Monmouth and Ocean counties is dire and growing, said Bahiyyah Abdullah, senior director of membership and marketing.
“I need leaders for the girls. There are short-term and long-term opportunities available,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah said she has many girls waiting to become members of Girl Scouts, but she is struggling to find adults willing to serve as Girl Scout leaders.
“You can co-lead with another person and share the responsibility,” Abdullah explained. “It’s not that difficult, and you can tailor the meetings to fit your needs and schedule.”
Volunteers are often surprised about how rewarding the experience can be, she said.
Troop leaders inspire and motivate young girls. They are instrumental in helping girls build self-esteem and foster the leaders of tomorrow.
“I was a Girl Scout from Brownies. I got my Gold Award when I was a senior in high school. I absolutely loved it,” said Stefanie Suska, leader of Brownie Troop 604 in Neptune. “Girls Scouts has affected me so much that I have become a leader to a troop of Brownies. … The excitement I see in the faces of my Brownies makes it worth it, even though I don’t have children.”
Short-term or one-time volunteers can facilitate a program or welcome girls into their business for a real-world learning experience.
For more information about the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, call 800-785- 2090 or send an email to Bahiyyah Abdullah at [email protected]