Volunteer of the Month: Kayla Paradise
April is Volunteer Appreciation month, but EVERY month is an opportunity to celebrate and show gratitude to our amazing Girl Scout volunteers! Join us each month as we highlight the oustanding volunteers who help guide, mentor, and inspire local Girl Scouts to unleash their limitless potential, shatter expecations, and be the change-makers our world needs.
October 2024 Volunteer of the Month: Kayla Paradise
Kayla Paradise became a Girl Scout volunteer with Service Unit 328, Troop 40174 in 2023. In just more than one year volunteering with our council, Kayla has made a BIG impact—taking on a multitude of roles and responsibilities within her troop and service unit, volunteering at Girl Scout programs and events across Western Washington, and earning certifications in a number of areas to support Girl Scouting activities for her troop. As a Girl Scout alum herself, Kayla understands the life-changing impact Girl Scouting provides, and we're so grateful for all Kayla brings to our council and the local Girl Scouts she serves. Read on to learn more about Kayla and what she loves about volunteering with Girl Scouts!
How long have you been a Girl Scout volunteer?
About 1 year.
Are you a Girl Scout alum?
Yes, I was a Daisy and continued for several years, until a Junior I believe.
What types of volunteer roles have you filled as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Troop leader, troop cookie manager (2023), troop fall product manager (2024), service unit communications coordinator, and welcome chat advisor. I also volunteered with the South Kitsap Day Camp (2024), the PRIDE Reign game (2024), Glamp (2024), Adobe AI (2024), Microsoft Redmond 5k (2024). I have also attended conferences to become [certified in] CPR/First Aid, archery, outdoor overnight, and small craft safety class.
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer?
I love contributing to the inclusive and inspiring programming of Girl Scouts. It's an honor to watch this great work grow.
Is there anything surprising or less known about being a Girl Scout volunteer that you want to share with others?
The variety of volunteer opportunities. There's something for everyone! From supporting new troops to helping with special science and technology events.
What makes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience such an important program for Girl Scouts to participate in today?
Being in an inclusive and welcoming environment while they learn about STEM, business, friendship, community and accountability. The Girl Scouts are learning much needed skills while also serving the community, showing [when] we all grow together, we shine together.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you and why?
Community: We can learn, make mistakes, grow, and have support. We can learn new skills, grow our skills, and teach our skills.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Girl Scout volunteer?
I would ask how I can help! Girl Scouts has been an incredible positive in my life. It has had some struggles, and it has also been very fulfilling. Girl Scouts offers something for everyone: episodic events, troop events, service unit events, community events—and there's even space for traveling and helping with national events.
What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer?
So hard to pick one. I have had the honor of helping at a lot of events. I think Glamp is probably my most memorable. I saw many people I have connected with the past year, made new friends, and got to enjoy camp. Seeing everyone come together to fundraise and connect was really inspiring and helped fill my cup.
If you had to describe what it means to be a Girl Scout volunteer in one word, what word would you choose and why?
Growth. Personal growth as well as growth for the youth and volunteers. Growth of values, and connection for people of multiple generations.
Is there anything else about being a Girl Scout volunteer or Girl Scouting in general that you'd like to share?
Girl Scouts is so dynamic! People might think of their own childhood experience as a Girl Scout, but it's all that and more. It's really cool to see how today's Girl Scouts are unlimited in their endeavors.
Do you know an amazing Girl Scout volunteer who deserves to be recognized as a Volunteer of the Month? We want to hear about them! You can nominate a volunteer by sending an email to stories@girlscoutsww.org with the volunteer's name and a few details about why they should be highlighted. Please include "Volunteer of the Month" in the subject line of your email.
