Charlotte Stetson of Hardwick named Volunteer of the Month
HARDWICK, VT – Advocating for girls as they grow up is central to the life and work of Charlotte Stetson, as both a Girl Scout troop leader and day care worker. Her dedication is recognized by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, which has named her the Volunteer of the Month for October.
Stetson, 36, of Hardwick, is now in her second year of leading a Girl Scout troop, but has jumped in with both feet to mentor both Girl Scouts and their troop leaders as she is also taken on the role of volunteer support coordinator for the council. Girls from kindergarten through eighth grade enjoy her leadership in Troop 62928, which meets at the Wolcott Fire Department.
“She’s so personable and has been wonderful to work with – prompt in her communication and excited to get more involved with Girl Scouting,” said Amanda Powell, volunteer support specialist with the council.
Stetson’s first year as a leader was one of learning and adjusting, and this year her Girl Scouts are making plans to go apple picking, go on a picnic, take on community service projects, and more.
“Last year we mailed Christmas cards for a local nursing home,” she said, “and we made cookies to give to our local food shelf for their Christmas baskets. They’ve expressed that they want to do those things again this year. I’m trying to show the girls what badges there are that they want to earn for their level.”
Having such a diverse group of ages has turned out to be a great thing for the troop.
“The girls have all been growing together and are friends with one another, and all of that. So, it’s been really great,” she said. “They definitely help each other out. A couple weeks ago I had them write one poster, the Girl Scout Promise, on the other the Girl Scout Law. They were so great! Even the younger girls were like, oh yeah, you can write this line! So everybody’s included and participated, and it was just so great to watch.”
Stetson is getting support from the parents of her Girl Scouts, which makes the experience for all better. “The parents are amazing! We actually just had a new volunteer come on board who isn’t a parent. She works with me at the day care I work at. There’s so much support from the parents, the leaders that are there, and at council if I have any questions.”
What’s most important to her is to listen to what the girls wants to do. “We’re their advocates in this, and we’re the ones that are helping them, so we need to be present in what they’re saying,” she said.
Stetson was a Girl Scout herself from Daisy level (kindergarten and first grade) to Junior (grades 4-5), where she enjoyed the sisterhood and learned life skills. She encourages everyone to consider joining Girl Scouts, whether as a girl or an adult volunteer.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity!” she said. “It is great to watch these girls grow, and how excited I am to watch them flourish and overcome their obstacles. And just have a great sisterhood of friends.”
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is proud to call Charlotte Stetson its Volunteer of the Month, and is grateful for all she does for Girl Scouts.
To find out more about Girl Scouting, see www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
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Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
