By Kim French, Director of Resource Centers
Congratulations to Kim Ramge who has been awarded GSNI’s Volunteer Spotlight for March 2023!
Kim has been volunteering with Girl Scouts for two years, and her memories of participating as a Brownie Girl Scout run strong! Kim shared, “I can still remember the art project I made for my dad as a Brownie. He passed away 13 years ago, but he always had it on display for all to see!” Kim is currently a troop leader and Cookie Chair for Fox Valley Service Unit’s Troops 407 and 2407.
Member Support Specialist Kim Agnello nominated Kim for this award noting, “She runs two troops, comes to every service unit meeting, and took on even more girls when their own troops disbanded. At the service unit level, she stepped up to help with cookies, recruitment events, collected donations, and led a Journey. Service Unit Manager Emily Varsho shared with me that Kim has gone over and above in everything this year. Kim has just stepped in anywhere there has been a need—as both a leader and a Service Unit Team Member. She is a great role model for both the girls and adults she helps.”
“Favorite memories? There are so many!” Kim continued. “Honestly, seeing my troop set a goal last year during cookie sales and crush that goal was so exciting! As a first-time leader, I wasn’t sure what to expect and was probably doubting myself a lot. But we had a wonderful year, and we have all grown really close. They are the force that drives me into getting more involved in service unit activities and community projects.”
Regarding the Three Processes, Kim mentioned, “I try to lead the girls by ensuring that they are having fun with a purpose. The girls have a say in what activities we participate in and why (girl-led). When we all work together towards a common goal, we see that each girl possesses unique traits and talents that can be applied to the task at hand.”
When asked how volunteering has brought meaning to her, Kim replied, “I am so glad I took the leap to become a troop leader. I have met some wonderful leaders and volunteers, and I absolutely love my time with our two troops. I love making a difference by being a role model to these amazing girls. It is so rewarding watching them explore their interests, work as a team, and make a difference in our community.”
Kim added, “Girl Scouts has such a rich history of empowering girls. I really wanted my daughters to participate in community service projects and to gain the confidence and problem-solving skills that will last for a lifetime. My oldest daughter joined Girl Scouts shortly after we moved to Illinois from Texas during the pandemic. It was a difficult transition for her. My husband and I were so grateful that she was welcomed by a group of Girl Scouts who were so kind and inclusive. My once shy daughter is now out running a successful cookie business and really improving her public speaking and decision-making skills. It has been absolutely wonderful and so rewarding to watch her blossom since joining Girl Scouts.”
“My advice to other Girl Scout volunteers and parents would be to attend your service unit meetings whenever possible! Not only are they a lot of fun, but there is a wealth of information you can gain at these meetings,” Kim commented. “I volunteer for Girl Scouts, because I want to set a positive example for my own two daughters and the girls in my troops. We have ALL had so much personal growth in the past two years. I think it is so important for all girls to have the experiences that only Girl Scouts can provide in this day and age. Learning from all our different backgrounds and perspectives is so important!”
Thank you, Kim, 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.
