Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Sullivan |
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As Sue sips her coffee reflecting on the year, she sees the smiles, hears the laughter and knows she has provided the experiences the girls will remember.
When Mackenzie fell out of the canoe, but was able to get back in by herself, when one by one, the girls decided to sleep under the stars rather than in the tent…and stayed ALL NIGHT, when Ashley was afraid to do the ropes course, but through encouragement from the other girls and the adult volunteers, she did it…she did it, these are the things they will remember. These are the activities that give girls their courage, their confidence and build their character. For over 13 years, Sue has been helping girls get their hands dirty, smell like campfire, hear the sound of snow crunch under foot in a winter wonderland and so much more. She’s there when they fail and she’s there when they thrive with her trademark smile and infectious laugh letting them know it is all part of the process. Her passion for the outdoors and being a role model drives her to find new opportunities for Girl Scouts to share, and is why she founded Western Slope Outdoor Explorers (WSOE), a group of volunteers committed to providing additional outdoor programming for local Girl Scouts for which they received the President’s Award in 2018. Sue continues to demonstrate what it means to be a lifetime Girl Scout and leave a legacy of leadership. In 2019, over 40 girls benefitted from WSOE’s Camping Bootcamp, where girls worked towards the camping badge for their age level. There were fun stations designed to prepare them for their next great campout. Every year, Sue plans a Winterfest that includes an outdoor activity like snowshoeing or sledding. And then there is troop camp….three activity-packed days, 50 girls, water sports, great food, campfire stories and bonding activities that has girls (and their leaders) begging to come back. “It started as wanting to be a role model for my granddaughter. But now, watching all the girls overcome obstacles and grow, it’s what keeps me doing this.” Sue retired from her job as a healthcare professional this year, allowing her more time for her two favorite activities, camping and Girl Scouts. |
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2018-19
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2018-19 Volunteer RecognitionsGSCO President’s Award
Thanks Badge
Honor Pin
Volunteer of Excellence
Appreciation Pin
Rising Star
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