On Sunday, Girl Scouts in Albert Lea/Freeborn County will honor their volunteers on Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day during National Volunteer Month this April. Our dedicated leaders give of their time on a weekly basis to plan and lead fun, educational Girl Scout troop meetings and field trips. Whether it’s teaching them about health and wellness, taking them on a expedition or out to the stables to learn to ride a horse, going to an event to experience different cultures, or creating a space rocket out of paper, a film canister and Alka-Seltzer, Girl Scout leaders have creative minds and caring hearts to share with the girls. They dedicate themselves year-round to helping girls grow into confident, resourceful young women.

As a Girl Scout volunteer, I have seen first-hand the positive effect of volunteerism in Albert Lea/Freeborn County and how Girl Scouts and their leaders make a difference in our community every day. For those of you who have a daughter in Girl Scouts, take a moment to think about her leader. Think about how at every meeting the leader is there to help your daughter experience new challenges and gain new skills for the future. Think about the amount of time the leader devotes to preparing for the meetings while balancing family, work and other time constraints. Remember your Girl Scout leader with a note of thanks or a personal phone call or greeting.

In our Girl Scout Freeborn Service Unit 420, I would like to honor the following leaders, who consistently assist in every aspect of our unit: Faye Learn, Diane Hanson, Dawn Warren, Angie Nelson, Elaina Steele, Emily Griggs, Liz Quintana, Breyan Richardson and Belinda Krysan.

Also, to all the other leaders and parents who work with our wonderful Girl Scouts on a regular basis, thank you!

You truly make a difference in the lives of girls!

MaChar Kingstrom

service unit manager

Girl Scout Freeborn Service Unit 420