20 Jun 2023
Congratulations to Amber Combs who has been awarded GSNI’s Volunteer Spotlight for June 2023!
Growing up, Amber participated in Girl Scouts for several years when she was younger. Unfortunately, her troop disbanded due to her school being small and there not being enough kids. As an adult, Amber has volunteered with GSNI for three years and served as a leader for Troop 387 within Chippewa Service Unit. She and volunteer Maggie Griswold have worked together to organize and produce service unit events and help where they can. This year Amber was honored as a recipient of GSUSA’s Volunteer of Excellence Award and received the Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Amber was nominated by several GSNI staff members. Tara Campbell, one of GSNI’s Member Support Specialists, said, “What amazing volunteers Amber and Maggie are! When their area Service Unit Manager said some of their Service Unit Team members needed to take a step back from events, Amber and Maggie hesitated but said they would absolutely help and do their best. They thought of great event ideas, planned, and produced successful events including Cookie Kick-Off events, Feed My Starving Children service projects, and more. Amber is leading their Twilight Camp this year for the first time. If she had not stepped up with others, then the Twilight Camp would have been canceled.”
Another GSNI staff member shared, “Above and beyond their troop roles, Amber and Maggie led outstanding Cookie Kick-Off events. The older girls were treated to a mystery-themed event, and Daisies and Brownies (many of whom have only experienced Girl Scouts through a pandemic lens) experienced a fun and active Cookie Kick-Off with various hands-on stations, S.W.A.P.S. and even a cookie catapult! Their excitement for the cookie program leads to teaching valuable skills to Girl Scouts across the Chippewa Service Unit.”
Many volunteers cherish special Girl Scout memories. When asked about Amber’s favorite Girl Scout moments, she replied, “When I was a Brownie, we had an overnight camp with our moms at the Wild West Town. It was one of the few times my mom ever camped with me. I remember feeling so awesome showing off my Girl Scout sisters and all the things I was learning and doing with them to her. Now that she is gone, it really makes me appreciate that.”
In reference to The Three Processes in Girl Scouts (girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning) Amber explained, “My troop is only at the first-year Brownie level, so they still need some guidance. But I give the girls options and choices for badges and activities, which they help to plan. They’re always actively involved in the things we plan, from giving ideas, voting, helping, cleaning, cooking, and more!”
When asked why she volunteers, Amber responded “I volunteer for Girl Scouts for my daughter. Our prior troop leaders quit without much notice, and it was either step up or disband the troop. My biggest dream for my daughter is that she never be scared to have adventures or try new things. I didn’t want the troop to disband, because I knew that Girl Scouts helped her to build confidence she will need when she is older, as well as being a part of a community of support. Now I have amazing people from the service unit and council that have become part of my support—I couldn’t see ever leaving.”
“Seeing these kids find strength and confidence in themselves makes me feel like I’m helping to grow a group of kids to be able to speak for themselves, be leaders, find their passions, and learn to support each other,” Amber said. She continued, “Volunteers and parents being involved help make the experience easier and more enjoyable. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Thank you, Amber! It’s so rewarding to have wonderful volunteers like you supporting GSNI!