April 22 is Girl Scouts Leader Appreciation Day – a day when we take time to recognize all of the extraordinary individuals who serve as leaders and advisors to Girl Scout troops worldwide.

Volunteers with Girl Scouts of Maine support the mission of Girl Scouting and are devoted to making sure that girls have fun, develop friendships and reach their full leadership potential.

Girl Scout volunteers are a part of an organization that began in 1912 with a group of 18 girls, and today numbers more than 3.6 million members worldwide. Girl Scout leaders, those who volunteer in our towns, are carrying on a rich tradition of building girls with courage, confidence and character.

This fall, Girl Scouts is launching a new, girl-led Leadership Experience Initiative that will help girls to understand themselves, discover their values and then use that knowledge and skill to explore the world. Girl Scout volunteers are the ones who will lead girls to connect with others locally and globally; who will teach them to care about others and inspire them to make the world a better place.

Does this sound like a lot? Well it is! That’s why I more than appreciate the amazing group of women and men who are Girl Scout volunteers.

On Leader Appreciation Day, please take the time to recognize these special leaders.

Amber Duguay, Mexico

Telstar Girl Scout Neighborhood

Linda Shostak, Minot

River Valley Girl Scout Neighborhood