Volunteering Builds Family Life

November 25, 2003

By Marion F. Swan, staff writer

	Girl Scout volunteer leads beach clean-up.

Robert is one of San Antonio's most impressive and active Girl Scout volunteers. He is a second generation Mexican-American with Japanese ancestry from his maternal grandfather. Employed as an electronics engineer at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he is married to Rosa, a first generation Mexican-American, and they have three daughters.

And a Child Leads the Way

When Rosa was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Robert and his daughter, Christina became her primary caregiver. Though she was helping to raise her two younger sisters, Christina managed to join the local Girl Scout troop. Under the loving care of her troop leader, she came out of her shell, learned how to work with others, and enjoyed all types of Girl Scouting activities. Seeing how happy Christina was, Robert decided to volunteer.

From Troop Co-Leader to Poster Dad

Throughout the years, Robert has simultaneously served as co-leader of three different Girl Scout troops due to the ages of his daughters. For the past four years, he has been coordinator for the local Girl Scout fundraising campaign called SHARE. In 2000-2001, the entire family served as the campaign's Poster Family. During that time, under the banner "Mr. Robert's Challenge," his group achieved 100% participation and the campaign raised just under $54,000. Aptly described as "the most supportive parent and co-leader one could have," Robert received the Honor Pin in 2000 and the Daisy Pin in 2002.

Boundless Energy and Enthusiasm

This remarkable father has attended all the leadership training workshops offered. He is certified in first aid and CPR and has served as Co-Director for the Summer Twilight Camps. For Robert, the people he has met through Girl Scouting have become his extended family. And when a family member needs help, Robert is there. Over the years he has frequently helped Girl Scout families with needs such as moving, home repairs, and transportation assistance.

And What about Christina?

For her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, Christina chaired a committee that created the first ever Disabilities Awareness Unit at a Girl Scout event with over 5,000 girls and parents participating. Today she applies the skills she learned in Girl Scouting as a student at the University of Texas in San Antonio, where she is an officer for both the University Volunteer Organization and the University Honors Student Association.

National Family Volunteer Week

Kicked off annually with National Family Volunteer Day on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, National Family Volunteer Week showcases the benefits of families working together, introduces community service, and encourages those who haven't yet made the commitment to volunteer as a family.

For more information about being a Girl Scout volunteer, please call (800) GSUSA 4 U or contact your local Girl Scout council.