Man Enough To Be A Girl Scout?

In honor of Father’s Day, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) are commending the fathers who make being a Girl Scout possible and invite other dads to step up to the challenge. The organization creates openings for fathers to be a part of their daughter’s lives and strengthen their relationships with one another through participation in numerous activities.
The Girl Scouts of Nassau County considers itself lucky to know numerous fathers interested in volunteering their time to contribute to their daughter’s, and other Girl Scout’s, experiences. These include Angelo Angelico and Jon Wang of Bellmore; Jeff Strauber of East Meadow; Wayne Goldenberg of Jericho; and Clyde Riggins Jr. of Baldwin; who are committed to further carrying the spirit of the Girl Scouts. When a group of hopeful Girl Scouts were in risk of being put on a waiting list to find a Troop leader, Angelico and Wang stepped up to the plate as co-leaders.
“My involvement started when my wife asked if I wanted to enroll Ella in Daisy’s, and I said sure, what is a Daisy?” said Angelico. “When I attended the recruitment meeting I was told that due to an extensive waiting list in the area, Ella wouldn’t be placed in a Troop for about a year. Once I realized the opportunity in front of me I became a Troop leader and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The ways in which dads can contribute to the success of the Girl Scouts is not limited to becoming Troop leaders. The seamless execution of the numerous events and activities would not be possible without the support of hundreds of men who volunteer throughout the year. Retired New York City Police Office Jeff Strauber utilizes his expertise to play a crucial role in event logistics, such as directing traffic at the recent GSNC Go the Distance Walkathon.
“I enjoy working with the Girl Scouts and witnessing it help young girls build their self-esteem and develop problem solving skills,” said Strauber. “I always jump at the opportunity to be involved with anything that my girls are a part of; it is a rewarding experience to see how much Girl Scouts has positively influenced them, and it is great to see that they are all still involved in one way or another.”
GSNC dads are also raising the world’s next greatest entrepreneurs by assisting with annual Girl Scout Cookies sales. Jericho’s Goldberg was more than willing to help his daughter, Alexia, succeed in selling more than 650 cookies for a cause. Along with her troop, Alexia used cookie funds collected from the sales to donate three “Buddy Benches,” which serve as common meeting places for kids to make friends on the playground.
“It was very inspiring to watch Alexia work towards her goal of selling enough cookies to purchase and donate ‘Buddy Benches’ to the three Jericho School District elementary schools, “ said Goldberg. “She was highly motivated. I enjoyed supporting my daughter and offering her guidance. Then after someone on the ‘Massapequa Moms’ group on Facebook challenged me to wear a Thin Mint Cookie costume, I did not hesitate. Alexia was able to boost sales by an additional 150 boxes and we personally delivered the cookies together, me in full costume.”
The GSNC has the opportunity to watch Girl Scouts grow and develop from a Daisy to an Ambassador alongside their parents. Riggins of Baldwin reflects on the memories he has shared with his daughter, now 18-years-old, over the last 13 years she has been involved in the GSNC.
“I have always been willing to offer any type of support, whether it has been helping prepare for meetings, transporting girls to activities or helping with cookie sales,” said Riggins. “I have enjoyed watching my daughter grow and exhibit the confidence she has gained from her journey as a Girl Scout. I’ve witnessed her take risks and lead events and discussions with younger girls. Girl Scout’s has encouraged her to find her voice and speak up for herself and those are skills she will carry into adulthood.”
To get involved with Girl Scouts or to learn more about volunteering, visit www.gsnc.org.