GSA Spring Recap
Granite State Ambassadors have had a successful first half of 2023, with a variety of events and educational opportunities. Learn more about where our Granite State Ambassadors (GSAs) are volunteering and what topics they are learning more about to better refer our guests around the state!
April 2023
Volunteer Hours Summary:
164 Volunteers served 1,927.25 hours at 11 welcome centers, 3 events, 2 meetings, 2 tours, and 1 GSA Certification training (assisting 4391 guests) for a total value of $57,721.04 *(*independent sector).
63 volunteers assisted with the Made in NH Expo, for a total of 295 hours.
10 volunteers represented the Division of Travel & Tourism at the NH Camping and RV Show, for a total of 35 hours.
9 volunteers helped out with Strawbery Banke’s Baby Animals Heritage Breeds event, for a total of 32 hours.
Educational:
The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport hosted new GSAs for a tour of both the public and secure sides. 7 volunteers participated in this learning experience.
Owl’s Nest Resort and Campton Village hosted a group of GSAs for a tour of the area. GSAs toured lodging options at Owl’s Nest Resort and enjoyed lunch at Panoramic Six82. After lunch, the group learned about beer at Dam Brewhouse, perused the shop and arcade at Dole Mill Arcade, and tasted coffee while learning about the roasting process at Mad River Coffee. Learn more about the tour here.
Meetings:
21 volunteers participated in the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Volunteer Roundtable, and 23 volunteers participated in the MHT Quarterly Management Update.
GSA Certification:
We graduated our second certification class of 2023: Owl’s Nest Resort Class of 2023. 26 volunteers were certified in this class. They are already actively volunteering!
Social Committee:
The Social Committee planned a trip to Parker’s Maple Barn, where they enjoyed a tour of the sugar house and a pancake breakfast! Read more about their wonderful experience here.
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May 2023
Volunteer Hours Summary:
178 Volunteers served 2,456.25 hours at 15 welcome centers, 1 event, 1 meeting, 2 tours, 1 virtual program, and 1 GSA Certification training (assisting 6523 guests) for a total value of $73,540.13 *(*independent sector).
59 volunteers assisted with the NH Farm, Forest & Garden Expo, for a total of 370 hours.
Educational:
Canterbury Shaker Village hosted a group of GSAs for a tour of their property. GSAs enjoyed learning about the history and exploring the different buildings. Learn more about the tour here.
We hosted a Virtual Program about the April 2024 Solar Eclipse and the UNH Observatory. The presenter, John Gianforte, Director of the UNH Observatory, gave a wonderful presentation to 35 GSAs.
The Statehouse hosted 2 Roundtables and tours for new GSAs. 16 volunteers participated and learned more about volunteering at the center.
The Museum of the White Mountains, a new GSA center, hosted a Roundtable for any interested GSAs. 10 volunteers attended the meeting.
GSA Certification:
We graduated our third certification class of 2023: NH Seacoast Class of 2023. 30 volunteers were certified in this class. They are already actively volunteering!
Social Committee:
A group of GSAs visited the Flying Goose Brew Pub in New London with the Social Committee. They participated in a tour of the brewery and a delicious meal. Read more about their experience here.
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June 2023
Volunteer Hours Summary:
146 Volunteers served 2,116.75 hours at 16 welcome centers, 3 events, 3 tours, and 1 training, (assisting 5348 guests) for a total value of $63,396.60 *(*independent sector).
17 volunteers assisted with the Bacon & Beer Festival, for a total of 77.5 hours
6 volunteers helped out at the Hampton Beach and Brew event, for a total of 26 hours.
2 volunteers helped with the Hampton Beach Senior Day, for a total of 5 hours.
Educational:
The NH Boat Museum hosted 16 GSAs for a boat ride on their new boat, the Miss Lauren. Learn more about this wonderful boat ride here.
The Museum of the White Mountains, a new GSA center, hosted a training for any interested GSAs. 12 volunteers attended the meeting.
The Upper Valley Business Alliance hosted a group of 8 GSAs to learn more about the arts scene in Lebanon. Stops included the new welcome center in Colburn Park, the Lebanon Opera House, Upper Valley Music Center, the AVA Gallery, and a stop at the Farmer’s Market. Read more here.
A group of 18 GSAs attended the annual White Mountains Attractions Fam tour this year – thanks to the White Mountains Attractions Association for including GSAs on this fun tour.
Social Committee and Activities:
Our annual Founder’s Day is June 1st, and this year a group of almost 100 GSAs participated in a ride on the M/S Mt Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee.
GSAs enjoyed a Diz’s Day at Diz’s Cafe in Manchester, where many GSAs visited the restaurant throughout the day for delicious food.
The Social Committee hosted another gathering this month, located at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. GSAs explored the science center and also participated in a cruise on the Squam Lake. Read more here.
