Volunteer Spotlight: Georgie Raymond
Getting outdoors has many benefits. Did you know that spending time in nature supports an active and healthy lifestyle and can help relieve stress and anxiety? And for kids today who face a world of growing challenges, that’s a really important benefit. Girl Scouts provides access to the outdoors through a variety of ways and encourages girls — and adults — to explore beyond their normal comfort zone. With well-trained Girl Scout volunteers like Georgie Raymond who step up to be outdoor facilitators, GSCCC Girl Scouts have plenty of choices.
Georgie became involved in Girl Scouts when her daughter, Elgin, joined as a Girl Scout Daisy. Like a lot of parents, her first volunteer role was in the Cookie Program, helping to chaperone booths to fundraise for the troop. She recalls that first year where the proceeds went to help the troop have an overnight program at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Soon after, she and Elgin attended a camp skills overnight event at Camp Darden. The outdoors became her new first love in Girl Scouting!
“We learned Girl Scout traditions like skits, Girl Scout’s Own activities, made SWAPs and sang around the campfire,” she said. “It was magical for both of us. Girl Scouting has without a doubt strengthened our relationship. She and I have had incredible Girl Scout adventures and I have watched her confidently navigate her Girl Scout journey. Her work on badges and awards has given us different types of opportunities to work side by side where we could build our trust and respect for each other.”
Some of Georgie’s favorite recent memories include climbing the engine ladder while volunteering at Camp Fury, attending GSCCC’s Legislative Day event where she met legislators and other public officials, and canoeing with GSCCC’s Blazing Blue Herons. She also has enjoyed special travel events where she was able to go whitewater rafting in Alaska and visit Windsor Castle in London!
“I think girls benefit from Girl Scouting by learning new life skills when earning badges and practicing solid character principles by following the Girl Scout Promise and Law, which reinforces good communication skills, self-representation, accountability, empathy, and community mindedness.”
Georgie is looking forward to becoming more active with GSCCC’s Wild Things and facilitating new outdoor experiences for girls. Elgin, who has earned her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, has now set her sights on earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. Both Georgie and Elgin plan on continuing having Girl Scout adventures that will stay with them for a lifetime and memories they can share forever.
