Volunteer Spotlight-May
May 19, 2025
Congratulations to Peggy Sena who has been awarded GSNI’s Volunteer Spotlight for May 2025!
Peggy has been volunteering with Girl Scouts for almost ten years, beginning when her current 8th graders started kindergarten. Peggy is currently a leader for Troops 1933 and 1935 and has been Quapaw Service Unit’s Camp Director for the past four years, as well as participating with their Camp Committee since 2018. GSNI honored Peggy in 2021 with GSUSA’s Volunteer of Excellence Award.
Beth Metzler, GSNI’s Program Manager - Project Manager & Volunteer Led Camps, nominated Peggy for this award, noting, “Peggy was instrumental in making sure their camp took place last year. There were several challenges, including unreliable email communications between GSNI and Peggy. The variety of creative ways that Peggy continued to reach out (while I was also providing information to her in more than one mode to be sure they were received) was truly remarkable. The engaging, fun, and organized plan for their camp was tremendous to see in action. I had the chance to talk with volunteers and campers who were all enjoying the activities while learning about each other and the skills being demonstrated. In addition, this is one of just a few camps that takes place in two locations! The girls enjoy a unique and well-planned camp week!”
“Favorite memories? I have too many to count!” Peggy told us. “Each time my two troops give their time to the community or to younger Girl Scouts, it makes my heart soar! It is an honor to see younger girls come running up to hug my daughters or their sister Girl Scouts in our troops. Running our Twilight Camp, I have seen girls step out of their comfort zone and gain confidence. Girl Scouts go from being scared their first time sleeping in a yurt, to setting up their own tent without leader help. I have been blessed to lead my three daughters in Girl Scouts, and we all have a wonderful experience together!”
Regarding the Three Processes, Peggy commented, “We have really grown as a Camp Committee over the last four years, bringing in our Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts to work towards their Junior Aide and Program Aide Awards. They work to lead the younger Girl Scouts with the guidance of our adult volunteers and include them in various ways.”
When asked how volunteering has brought meaning to her, Peggy responded, “I volunteer with Girl Scouts, because it makes me feel wonderful to watch these Girl Scouts achieve things that they may not otherwise have been able to do. We have many Girl Scouts who don’t have the means to experience camping or rock climbing, and we can help by offering it to them. Volunteering has allowed me not to only mentor our future female leaders, but each girl in my troops or who has attended camp has taught me how to be a better person. I have also made many friends myself in this sisterhood. People that I will remember forever! Each person has left an indelible mark on me!”
Peggy shares, “My advice to other Girl Scout volunteers and parents would be to know that even your small gestures make a big difference in their lives! You can be their safe space to express and explore their interests. Your willingness to give time is priceless!”
Thank you, Peggy, for your dedication and wonderful contributions!
GSNI wishes to thank Patty Donahue and Image Awards Engraving and Creative Keepsakes in Geneva, Illinois, for providing the beautiful tile trivet awards for our Volunteer Spotlight Program.
