Information for this article was provided by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, proud supporters of Radio Milwaukee. All content was reviewed and edited by Radio Milwaukee staff to ensure its resonance with our audience and mission.
More than a century ago, Juliette Gordon Low gathered a group of 18 girls who shared a sense of curiosity and belief that they could do anything. From that first troop in Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouts has grown to help millions of girls around the world discover their strengths, explore new interests and build skills that prepare them for life.
Closer to home, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast has taken up that mantle of creating chances for girls to try new things, take healthy risks and learn who they are through STEM activities, entrepreneurship and the outdoors.
None of it would be possible, however, without the volunteers who play a vital role in bringing those experiences to life and helping girls find the power within.
Countless community members have discovered that becoming a trusted guide and mentor is as easy as just being yourself. Setting that example makes a real impact at every troop meeting, conversation and activity as girls of all ages see their own strengths, learn to trust themselves and build their confidence.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as helping a girl speak up for the first time, encouraging them to try something new or organizing an experience that helps them discover a talent they didn’t know they had. Other times, it’s as easy as showing up consistently with care and encouragement. Those moments matter.
Volunteers make sure Girl Scouts never feel alone. But volunteers themselves have their own support system. Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast provides training, resources and staff assistance to help volunteers feel prepared and confident.
Whether you lead a troop, help with a badge activity, support the Cookie Program or lend a hand behind the scenes, there are flexible ways to get involved based on your schedule, interests and comfort level. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence, partnership and a shared commitment to helping girls thrive.
That feeling of success goes both ways. By giving their time, volunteers get so much back in return, starting with a strong connection to a caring community of people who share values like kindness, courage, respect and service.
Volunteers also build meaningful relationships with girls, families and fellow volunteers. They grow as leaders, mentors and community members. They strengthen their communication, collaboration, time management and budgeting skills. Most of all, volunteers feel the joy of watching girls laugh, learn and become more sure of who they are while taking pride in knowing they helped create the space for that to happen.
Girl Scouts creates found families, but there’s plenty of involvement from the families themselves. By volunteering, family members become part of a girl’s journey by being present for milestones big and small, from first campouts to community-service projects to leadership breakthroughs.
What all volunteers discover is that Girls Scouts is a meaningful, rewarding place to invest time and heart. You don’t just fill a role; you help girls discover the confidence, curiosity and courage they need to shape their futures.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast serves girls in grades K–12 across Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. Volunteers are an essential part of creating a fun, supportive environment in which girls can build friendships, develop practical skills, give back to their communities and grow into leaders.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in a young person’s life, you can learn more about volunteer opportunities on the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast website.