Name: Michelle Kramer
Service Unit: SU5107-Bethel South
County: Allegheny
Total Girl Scout Years: 14
Volunteer Years: 13
Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, service unit manager, camp coordinator, and troop coach
Age-Level Experience: Cadette, Senior, Ambassador
Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors, Entrepreneurship
Specialties: event planning, GSUSA Destinations
Certifications: archery, First Aid/CPR/AED, PA Certified Teacher (7-12 English, Communications, Business/Information/Technology, and K-12 Library)
What do you want volunteers to know about you?
When my daughter’s Daisy troop grew into needing a third approved adult, I volunteered. From there, I took on some roles within our service unit and have been inspired and moved by the impact that Girl Scouting has in creating [Girl] Scouts of character, confidence, and courage.
What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
When my older daughter expressed an interest in Girl Scouting as a kindergartener, I took her to the recruitment meeting. Seeing the older girls representing the Girl Scout movement with such grace and poise, I hoped that my daughter would develop some of that composure and maturity. Now, twelve years later, I lead two troops in which my two daughters have developed skills and areas of interest, experienced adventure, and built meaningful friendships. And, each fall at the recruitment meeting, at our service unit’s day camp, and at our Camporee events, it’s now my daughters who are leading and guiding the little [Girl] Scouts on the same path.
What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
Everybody is welcome. Bring what you can. Take what you need.
I frequently say “Girl Scouting runs on volunteers.” So, finding and protecting those volunteers who are willing to offer their skills to forward the Girl Scout movement is my primary philosophy.
What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Get a team. The whole idea of “many hands making light work” is true in two ways. With more people to pitch in, there is less for each person to do. But also, for me, the work is more joyful and fun when you’re in it with others.
So, get a team. As you’re building your troop, encourage parents to register and submit their clearances so that they can run a meeting, drive to events, come camping (remember men can be Girl Scouts, too!), offer a fun patch activity during a regular meeting, or present a step in a badge or maybe a whole badge in a Journey.
If you see yourself as the supporter of the adults of the team and focus on communicating clearly the goals and schedule, you’ll win friends for life.
GSWPA 