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 outstanding volunteers who help guide, mentor, and inspire local Girl Scouts to unleash their limitless potential, shatter expectations, and be the change-makers our world needs.
As a first-year volunteer and troop leader, Sayari has jumped in with enthusiasm, helping the Daisies in her troop explore, grow, and try new things within their focus on STEAM, outdoor experiences, and exploring different cultures and perspectives. Sayari believes Girl Scouts provides a space where girls* can discover their strengths, build confidence, and form lifelong connections. And along the way, she’s learned just as much from them as they have from her!
How long have you been a Girl Scout volunteer?
Since fall 2024.
Are you a Girl Scout alum?
No.
What types of volunteer roles have you filled as a Girl Scout volunteer?
Troop Leader!
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer?
My favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer is witnessing the Girl Scout Daisies eagerly try and learn new things. It’s truly rewarding to watch them explore a variety of activities, step out of their comfort zones, and see their horizons expand. Their curiosity and growth inspire me every day.
Is there anything surprising or less known about being a Girl Scout volunteer that you want to share with others?
One thing that has surprised me about being a Girl Scout volunteer is how much I learn alongside the Girl Scouts. Each meeting is led by different moms, each bringing their unique expertise. I’ve found myself learning about local biology, money management, and so much more from them. It’s such a collaborative and enriching experience—not just for the girls*, but for all of us as volunteers too!
What makes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience such an important program for Girl Scouts to participate in today?
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is incredibly important today because it empowers girls* to develop skills that are crucial in an ever-changing world. In our troop, we focus on STEAM, the outdoors, and diversity, providing opportunities for the girls* to explore science and technology, connect with nature, and appreciate different perspectives and cultures. These experiences foster confidence, leadership, and resilience while encouraging creativity and collaboration. Through hands-on activities, they learn practical life skills, problem-solving, and how to advocate for themselves and others. In a time where girls* face so many societal pressures, this program provides a safe space for them to explore their potential, take risks, and grow into compassionate, capable world leaders who can make a difference in their communities and in the wider world.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you and why?
Girl Scouting, to me, is about empowering young girls* to discover their strengths, embrace their curiosity, and build lasting connections. It’s a journey of growth, not just for the Girl Scouts but also for us as leaders and volunteers. I love seeing the girls* light up as they try new things, solve challenges, and support one another. Girl Scouting creates a foundation of confidence, compassion, and leadership that stays with them for life, and being a part of that process is deeply meaningful to me.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Girl Scout volunteer?
By all means, give it a try! Volunteering as a Girl Scout leader is an incredibly rewarding experience. You’ll not only make a positive impact on the lives of young girls* but also learn and grow alongside them. It’s a chance to share your passions, discover new skills, and be part of a supportive community. You might find it’s as fulfilling for you as it is for the girls*!
What has been one of your most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer?
One of my most memorable moments as a Girl Scout volunteer was experiencing the joy of seeing the entire world come together, right here in America. It was during a hike when all the girls*, each from different cultures and backgrounds, came together in their bright blue Daisy vests. Before we set off, they gathered for a group picture, making silly faces and laughing together. In that moment, I was struck by how different yet so similar they all were—and the incredible potential they hold for the future. It was a beautiful reminder of the unity and strength in diversity.
If you had to describe what it means to be a Girl Scout volunteer in one word, what word would you choose and why?
Transformative. Being a Girl Scout volunteer is transformative because it not only shapes the lives of the girls* we mentor but also profoundly changes us as leaders. It’s about fostering growth, building confidence, and creating meaningful connections. Each experience—whether it’s guiding a girl* through a new challenge, learning from others in the troop, or witnessing moments of shared joy—leaves a lasting impact. It transforms our perspectives, strengthens our sense of community, and inspires us to continue making a difference.
Is there anything else about being a Girl Scout volunteer or Girl Scouting in general that you'd like to share with us?
As someone from India, I often think of Rabindranath Tagore’s beautiful vision expressed in the motto he gave to his University Visva-Bharati: 'Yatra vishvam bhavati ekanidam,' or 'Where the world becomes a single nest.' To me, Girl Scouting reflects that spirit. It brings together girls* from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds into one community, where they support one another, learn together, and celebrate their differences. As a Girl Scout volunteer, it’s incredibly meaningful to help nurture this unity and foster a sense of belonging that reminds us we are all part of one global family.
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.
*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girls inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.