Volunteer Spotlight: Rose Wovna

Our volunteers are incredible people who put in a lot of time to help mold young Girl Scouts into future leaders! Their support is what keeps our organization on its feet and we love learning more about why our volunteers got started and what they love about Girl Scouts! Our Community Engagement Specialist, Mara, got the opportunity to learn more about one of our long-time leaders, Rose. Keep reading to hear more about Rose and her experience in Girl Scouting!


As a Community Engagement Specialist, I am super interested in people. I like to know who they are, why they do the great things they do, and how we can help enrich their Girl Scout experience. As one of the newer staff members at GSHNJ, I have not met a lot of our members, yet. This month, I had to the opportunity to get to know Rose Wovna from SU93 in the Stewartsville area of Warren County. Her big heart and genuine nature is evident in the words that follow. Since it is Goal Getters and Booth Sale season, I also wanted to hear Rose’s advice for cookie sales. Keep reading to hear more about Rose and her experience in Girl Scouting!

What is your volunteer position?
I have served as a Troop Leader for 7 years, a Daisy Consultant for 5 years, and a Service Unit Cookie Manager for 5 years. I was also the SU Cookie Booth Manager for 2 years!

What drew you into volunteering for GS?
It's funny how my blog post will be going out to you around Easter, because I was first drawn to Girl Scouts due to my faith in God. I was only a Girl Scout myself in my childhood for 2 years, but I knew as soon as I became a mom, I wanted to be my daughter's Girl Scout Leader. I wanted to be actively and predominantly involved in the shaping of my children's minds and belief system, and not leave it up to their teachers, coaches in sports, or friends. It took my husband and me a very long time to have a family of our own. We now have twin girls who are currently in 6th grade who were adopted from China. It was very important to me to be able to raise my girls with a strong sense of worth, confidence that they can do anything, and with an understanding that community service is important. Especially because they are girls, I wanted them to do everything with a heart for service and use the gifts that God gave us for His good.  I didn't know any other extracurricular "club" out there except Girl Scouts that would fit that bill.

What has kept you volunteering?
I love being a Girl Scout Leader because I get to spend time with my kids doing fun things while teaching them to care for others and our world. Especially as children get older, I have found they are more willing to try new things and spend time helping others, versus focusing only on their own individual needs, when they are with their friends or group settings. There are so many demands on our lives today that pull us away from spending quality time with our children. I don't want to be just the chauffeur all the time and watch my children engage with others. I want to be right there in the middle of it, listening to their voices, listening to the ideas of their friends, and helping them discover, connect and take action to make good decisions that will shape their world.

While I am sure you have seen many, what is the most special moment you have experienced in your time with GS?
Every year, my troop has an End of the Year Picnic, sometimes with a Bridging Ceremony included, with all their family invited. We prepare several songs or skits to perform, often with parent participation. I hand out final badges earned or awards and a troop gift to each girl. But the best part of the day, for me, is when each of the girls stand up to tell us their "Favorite Memory from this past Girl Scout year".  I love hearing what they remember and got out of the work we did together. I love seeing them grow up and mature from year to year and know that I had a part in that.  

What is the number one reason you would encourage others to volunteer?
BE INVOLVED with your daughter(s). Don't rely only on others do it for you. Even if you volunteer for other things, there are many ways to volunteer with Girl Scouts. Be that role model for your daughter.

In what way has this volunteerism caused you to stretch your skill set, or caused you to do something you did not think you could do?
I have definitely tried things being a Girl Scout volunteer that I would not have on my own.  
I would not choose to sleep in a tent on the ground, but I do - every year (vs. a plush bed in a hotel!). I have gone zip lining, rock wall climbing, ran a woodworking workshop, touched bugs as if I wasn't bothered by it, public speaking (and singing!), went on a crazy roller coaster to give some of the more timid girls in my troop courage. and more. I have definitely tried to do all the things I challenge my girls to do.

We all leave some type of impression behind, what would you want your legacy with GS to say about you?
I would want people to remember me as a Girl Scout who was friendly, always willing to help, and most importantly, as a positive influence that encouraged young girls to try new things and have the confidence that they can do anything they set their minds to. 

What is your number one tip for new volunteers?
Ask for help! Girl Scouts has been around for over 100 years. They have a lot of resources at your disposal. New volunteers do not need to "reinvent the wheel." There are many guides to meetings, other volunteers to ask for suggestions or help, and loads of ideas of the internet. Do what you can and then personally ask others to help you. Once they agree, confirm it in writing in an email or text. Once they see it in writing, it acts as a visual reminder that they have committed to something, and they are less likely to back out on you. 

What are your top 3 cookie sales tips?
1) Ask everyone. People are more likely to buy if you ask, versus just putting out the order form in a break room or hanging a sign to advertise cookies. 
2) Smile, make eye contact, and be friendly - even if they don't buy anything. 
3) Set a high goal, but make sure it's still reasonable. Every year, even when my girls were just Daisies, I set our Troop Goal at 100 boxes per girl. Not everyone reached it, and that's okay. But probably at least half did. Some even stopped at exactly 100, proving they sold only to the goal. If I only set it at 50, they may have stopped at 50.

Not only are Rose’s own daughters fortunate to have her as a leader, all of the girls she has mentored through Girl Scouts are fortunate to have her as a role model.

Are you interested in volunteering? Get started today!