The Girl Scouts of Gulf Pines Council serves more than 15,000 girls in 21 counties from the Gulf Coast to Meridian. Each one benefiting from the core values and belief system that makes Girl Scouts unique. These are impressive numbers, but the fact is there are hundreds of girls waiting to be placed in Girl Scout troops.

Why are they waiting? The problem is a lack of adult volunteers and troop leaders. With so many activities these days, personal time is at a premium and many adults who might support Girl Scouts don’t have the time to commit to leadership. However, Girl Scouting offers volunteers many flexible options.

Whether you are single or married, have children or not, are male or female, 18 to 80 years old. There is a position that is right for you in a time frame that will fit your schedule. Volunteering is easy and requires no previous experience. “Training is provided,” said Troop leader and Service Unit Manager Sonja Gillis, “and it’s very easy. Girl Scouting has become a huge part of my life and it’s time I can spend with my daughter.”

There are many ways you can get involved. If you like planning and implementing activities and you enjoy being around children, then you might have what it takes to be a troop leader or assistant. If not, other opportunities include guest speaking, troop organizing or periodic volunteering.

Whether you have a few hours, a weekend or more, the energy you share with the girls will instill values that will last a lifetime. “It doesn’t matter whether you were a Girl Scout yourself,” said Gillis, “we welcome people of all backgrounds.”

The new Girl Scouting year is underway, please contact the council at 228.864.7215 or visit the website at www.gulfpines.org for volunteering opportunities.

The Girl Scout of Gulf Pines Council is a part of the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls – all girls – where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. Girl Scouts of Gulf Pines Council serves girls in 21 counties in South Mississippi. In partnership with nearly 3,000 committed adults, each year more than 15,000 girls develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives – strong values, a social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.