Area Girl Scout troops are looking for leaders

Date: 4/7/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



Kathy Kreminec of Chicopee and Patricia O'Connor of Westfield are among the dozens of women across the Pioneer Valley who inspire courage, confidence and character to the next generation of leaders -- the girls of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM).

During recent evening stops at their respective team meetings, it is apparent that Girl Scouts are alive and thriving in cities across the region.

Chartered by the Girl Scouts of the USA, the regional organization serves more than 15,000 girls in five counties -- Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester.

Currently, there are more girls interested in joining the Girl Scouts than there are leaders, according to Dana Carnegie, communications manager, GSCWM.

A Girl Scout leader must be 18 years or older, however, she/he does not have to be a parent of a Girl Scout.

"Leaders want to make a difference in the life of a girl," Carnegie said.

Kreminec and O Connor enthusiastically opened up their meetings to provide a firsthand look at all the fun girls can have on a weekly basis. In Westfield, O Connor and co-leader Lisa Stawasz lead two troops, Girl Scout Brownies and Girl Scout Juniors.

"Scouting has changed so much since I was a scout," O Connor said. "But most of all, the ideals are the same."

O'Connor noted that the rewards of being a leader are numerous and singled out the "best reward" as spending time with the girls and seeing them grow.

"Despite having 28 girls in the two troops, I often refer to them as my girls," O'Connor added. "I love them all and am very proud of their accomplishments. Also, in a day and age when everyone is so busy running from one thing to another, being in the Girl Scouts gives me a chance to do things with my own daughters that otherwise I may have not made the time for."

Kreminec echoed those sentiments.

"I've received accolades from Girl Scouting for doing what I do, but I really enjoy giving back to the next generation," Kreminec said. "I had the opportunity to enjoy traditions and adventures when I was a Girl Scout and I want them to have them too. I have watched shy little girls come out of their shells and speak up. They laugh; they think; they make a difference. They learn and try new things in a safe and nurturing, nonjudgmental environment -- that's what it's about."

When the girls in each troop were asked why they joined Girl Scouts, two recurring themes emerged -- sharing adventures with others and making new friends.

For Sarah Palmer, a student at Bellamy Middle School, Chicopee, her enjoyment comes from making new friends, participating in "exciting trips," and making a difference in the community with service projects.

Kelsey Kreminec, a student at St. Joan of Arc School in Chicopee, enjoys being able to help others through service projects, as well as being tested on leadership skills.

In Westfield, both Jordan Bower, and Paige Stawasz, concurred with their counterparts just miles away. Bower and Stawasz attend Paper Mill Elementary School.

"I enjoy going places, being with the girls, and earning badges," Bower said.

"We do a lot," Stawasz said. "I enjoy getting to know the girls and having fun."

"Many women feel they don't have what it takes to be a leader, but most of all what they need is simply the desire to help the girls to be the best they can," O Connor said.

For Kreminec, she said her enjoyment is derived from "giving the girls a chance to discover new things, connect with other girls and adults, and help them to take action to have fun, provide service to those around them and make a difference."

The GSCWM provides training to assist individuals in learning about the Girl Scout program, and each area of the council has its own unique local support system to help volunteers every step of the way. All troops must have at least two adults running the troop; no one runs a troop alone.

For more information on GSCWM, call the East Longmeadow office on Harkness Avenue at 525-4124 or visit www.gscwm.org.

"It's your opportunity to leave an imprint on the world," Kreminec said. "There are so many distractions in the world today, good and bad. But this, it's all good. If you love kids, this is for you."

Both Kreminec and O'Connor stressed that the returns from being a troop leader are endless, and especially seeing the smiles on the girls from a sense of pride in their endeavors is worth all the effort.