Hooksett Girl Scout leader honored for inspiring girls
EPSOM, NH – Whether she is leading a Girl Scout troop, helping manage cookie sales, or sharing sisterhood with alums, Jean Salmon is sure to be helping others, inspiring girls, and making sure that girls in several towns have the chance to grow, learn and make the world a better place. Salmon, 57, of Epsom, has been named Volunteer of the Month for July by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, the council serving girls across New Hampshire and Vermont.
As with many things, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to “press pause” on Girl Scouts, but Salmon not only did her best to keep her Girl Scouts active, she is stepping up to lead a new Daisy troop this fall for girls entering kindergarten and first grade. She also leads a troop of older girls, which also welcomes new members, meeting at Holy Rosary Church in Hooksett. During the pandemic, her Girl Scouts met outside in the fall, and met at her co-leader’s house while socially distanced.
“We went on a hike in Nottingcook Forest in Bow,” said Salmon. They talked and did crafts, like making lilac-scented soaps for Mother’s Day. “We’re going to go to Canobie Lake, and are saving for a big trip to Florida next year.”
She said the girls really look forward to seeing each other, as they go to different schools in area towns, including Bow and Hooksett.
“This isn't the first time Jean has helped lead more than one troop at a time,” said Kari Fontaine, who has known Salmon for years as a troop leader, and is also the volunteer support coordinator for her service unit. “She’s a pro!”
A lifetime member of Girl Scouts, Salmon began as a Girl Scout Junior in Maine, and later earned two of Girl Scouting’s highest honors – the Silver and Gold Awards. As an adult, she’s worn many hats, including being cookie manager for her community, trainer of new leaders, and fall product coordinator – that’s a less well known but crucial part of the fundraising for Girl Scouts. She and her Girl Scouts found ways to work around pandemic restrictions and put away some funds for future goals.
“Last season we had a drive-up cookie booth at the Brick House in Hooksett,” she said, “a very successful one at that.”
As a member of the council’s Alumnae Association, she has traveled to Europe, visiting places like London and a Girl Scout World Center in Switzerland.
“I loved that!” she said. “It’s a unique group of women. They’re all from different walks of life. It’s cool to hear what they do.”
Now she’s planning to go with the group to Ireland in two years.
But it’s really all about the girls. She loves seeing them mature into young adults. “They’re like my own children,” she said.
“Jean is kind, enthusiastic, and hard working,” said Fontaine. “She is an inspiration to leaders around her, and I look forward to many more years of Girl Scout adventures together.”
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is grateful for all Jean Salmon has given to Girl Scouts over the years, and is proud to call her Volunteer of the Month.
After hitting pause for the past year, girls are ready to “press play” and take on the world with Girl Scouts! Both girls and adults are invited to join Girl Scouting and see the big impact it can make. As a volunteer, you can show girls what it means to be resilient and learn to lead on their own terms. Leading Girl Scouts is nothing short of amazing. Learn more at www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that helps girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving more than 10,000 girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
