Service Units: SU5808-Baldwin Whitehall and SU5100-Greater Pittsburgh
County: Allegheny
Total Girl Scout Years: 10
Volunteer Years: 10
Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader (multiple troops), Greater Pittsburgh service unit manager, troop mentor, Greater Pittsburgh service unit finance manager, Greater Pittsburgh service unit cookie manager, service unit MagNut manager (both service units)
Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette
Specialties: cookie program, additional money earning/fundraising, badges
Awards: Volunteer of Excellence
What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was never a Girl Scout as a child and always was envious of my best friend who was. She was very passionate about it and taught me the songs, games, lessons, and even cookie-selling tips. I always was excited to hear of her camp adventures. As an adult, I got to spark the same passion in my kids and [Girl] Scouts. It is just as much fun for me as it is for my girls. I love making these memories with my own girls and I have made some of MY best friends through Girl Scouts. I have given my daughters so many firsts throughout the years and have gotten my own firsts along the way.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouting doesn’t end when we leave a meeting. I am always looking for great opportunities to partner with other members of the community to bring amazing experiences to the kids.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
If the girls leave the meeting having fun and want to come back the next week, you were successful. It’s not always about following the steps listed on a piece of paper, sometimes you have to let loose and let the girls guide the meeting.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Have fun with the girls. Get on the floor with them when you tell a story. Have those dance parties. Be silly.
Lead by example.
Also, ask for help. Ask parents for help. Ask your co-leaders for help. Ask the community for help. The Girl Scout community is huge and there are people who are eager to lend a hand.
Other Organizations: I am on the Board for the Baldwin Library.
GSWPA 