Angie Beach, the new south area director for Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA), understands well the joys and struggles of being a Girl Scout volunteer. Before accepting a job in the Customer Service department at GSCSA seven years ago, Beach served as a volunteer for seven years while her daughters were Girl Scouts.

Like most volunteers, Beach wore many hats. Not only did she volunteer with more than one troop during those years, she also served as a service unit manager and product manager.

Beach loved volunteering with Girl Scouts because she was able to witness the girls taking on new challenges and succeeding.

“I think it was watching them learn and grow that was my favorite part,” said Beach.

The Girl Scout Cookie season provided Beach with many fond memories that illustrated how Girl Scouts helps prepare girls with opportunities to try new things, learn financial literacy, and expand themselves.

“Watching them come out of their shell—they would start so timid and not want to ask people,” said Beach. “Then after they did it a time or two they were all over the place [asking] ‘would you like to buy Girl Scout Cookies?!’”

When the south area director position became available, Beach, who was the director of operational support at the time, didn’t think about applying. It wasn’t until she took a work trip to Macy’s in New York City for a Girl Scout volunteer support training that the thought popped into her mind.

At first, she didn’t take it seriously. But the more she thought about it the more she realized that she did want to work more closely with the volunteer side of Girl Scouts.

“I am a volunteer proponent,” said Beach. “I get the volunteer piece and how hard it is, and I know how much time they invest in it. We could not do this without our volunteers.”

In her previous position, Beach’s interaction with volunteers was limited to emails and phone calls, with most of her work taking place behind a desk and computer screen.

After going through the application process, Beach started her new position in the middle of August. In this new role, Beach is able to partner more closely with volunteers, providing help with training opportunities, mentorship, and on-the-ground support.

“We’re a team,” said Beach. “Volunteers and staff and parents are a team, and it takes all of us to give the girls the best experience.”

If you’d like more information on how to become a Girl Scout volunteer, visit our volunteers page.