This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Jennifer Kopf as our Volunteer Spotlight! A Girl Scout alum, Jennifer has been a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer for seven years, making an incredible impact across our movement. From serving as an Assistant Troop Leader and Service Unit Manager to supporting Girl Scouts as a WINGGSS advisor, learning facilitator, trip chaperone, committee member, and all-around community connector, Jennifer’s reach is wide and meaningful.
Jennifer’s commitment shines through every role they’ve taken on—creating safe, joyful spaces where Girl Scouts can show up fully as themselves, pursue their dreams, and build confidence along the way.
What is your favorite part about being a Girl Scout volunteer?
I get to help make Girl Scout dreams possible in a variety of ways and provide safe spaces for them to show up as their authentic selves.
Is there anything surprising or less known about volunteering that you want others to know?
There is a way to help the Girl Scout mission in any capacity that you have to provide. Whether that be monetary or time donations, to helping people get connected to needed resources. If you have the will and desire to make Girl Scouts' lives better, we will help you find a way.
What makes the Girl Scout Leadership Experience so important today?
We help Girl Scouts discover what sparks joy and passion for them. We then help them learn to connect those things to resources and people in the world around them, empowering them to take action and make changes where needed.
It's so important to keep things Girl Scout-led so their excitement and desire to learn stays strong. Helping them find activities and projects lets them learn by doing, locking in why something is meaningful. Doing it as a troop, service unit, or group builds a foundation of cooperative learning that they take with them into their adult life.
Most memorable moment?
Driving a van full of Cadettes from all over the country, and suddenly they all started singing along to the radio—belting it out at the top of their lungs. Looking in the rearview mirror and just seeing joy, happiness, and smiles. Girl Scouts who had formed a group and friendships, having fun—that's what we are all about.
One word to describe being a Girl Scout volunteer?
Dedicated. I don't know a single volunteer who only does one thing or doesn’t plan to take on more. Even episodic volunteers often drive far to help out. That's true dedication—being there directly for the youth or for the adults who support them.
Anything else you'd like to share?
There is no one way to be a Girl Scout volunteer. The diversity we have is amazing and so important. It reflects the youth and our communities. I truly am grateful to have such amazing people in my life.
We are so grateful for Jennifer’s leadership, care, and unwavering dedication to empowering Girl Scouts and fellow volunteers. Thank you, Jennifer! You make our movement stronger. 💚
Do you know an amazing Girl Scout volunteer who deserves to be recognized in a Volunteer Spotlight? 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 Spotlight" in the subject line of your email..