Volunteer Spotlight: Kim Watson

Service Unit: SU2658-Coudersport Austin

County: Potter

Total Girl Scout Years: 24

Volunteer Years: 19

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, finance manager, MagNut/cookie manager, troop leader

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, All-Ages Multi-Level

Specialties: MagNut program, cookie program, event planning, songs and games

Certifications: Outdoor Skills/Let’s Go Camping, YMHFA, First Aid/CPR/AED

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was a Girl Scout from first to third grade. After moving to Pennsylvania from Delaware in 1977, I didn’t return to Girl Scouts until I was a Cadette (grades 7-8), and after that, our troop disbanded. It wasn’t until I was teaching in Tioga County that a friend got me involved as a co-leader for her Junior troop for two years. After that, I was a leader for the Brownie troop at the school in which I taught. When my youngest daughter wanted to start Girl Scouts in 2008 as a Daisy, they were without leaders. That is when I again became a volunteer. I was the leader of her troop and service unit manager until she graduated in 2021 and continued on after that as a troop leader and in other service unit roles as well, including finance and MagNut and cookies when needed. I plan on continuing in the same roles next year and continue to encourage/recruit volunteers.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
To me, Girl Scouts is a way for young girls to learn how to become leaders and make a difference in our ever-changing world. For some girls, it is the only positive outlet they have. For some, it may be the only other activity that they do outside of school. The Girl Scout Promise and Law is important and relates to everything else we do. Girl Scouts provides opportunities for girls to do things they might not get to do otherwise.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy is to have the girls lead by doing. My motto is you won’t know until you try. I like for my girls to try everything. Also, by the time girls are Juniors, most activities/discussions should be girl-led.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
There is a lot to learn as a new troop leader, and it can seem overwhelming. Remember there are many people out there to use as resources. You cannot do it alone! The more people you can recruit to be leaders/co-leaders, the more you can delegate to others. It’s okay to say no.

Other Organizations: church member and pianist

Anything else?
I have a degree in music education and I graduated from IUP in Indiana, PA in 1990. I taught music until I was furloughed in 2005. Since then, I have adopted/raised three children and worked in two local daycare facilities. Currently, I am employed as a full-time music teacher and choral director in Coudersport School District.

PPG Science of Color Program

Ever wonder where the bright, brilliant colors in a rainbow or your favorite crayons come from? Do you think about what colors your pets see and how the world looks different through their eyes? Or even stain your favorite T-shirt with a permanent marker and ask yourself if there was a way to make it look cool?

In 2013, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania partnered with a team of PPG professionals to create the PPG Science of Color Patch Series for Girl Scouts to explore the world of color. Thanks to a generous grant from PPG, the program was redesigned in 2023 to make it easier for troop leaders to understand and implement.

The redesign included shipped program kits with facilitator guides and lesson outlines which were made available in August 2023 for troops and individual Girl Scouts. A total of 180 boxes were ordered and distributed, impacting over 1,560 girls throughout western Pennsylvania.

The activities in the PPG Science of Color Activity program kit assist Girl Scouts on their journey of color as they learn chemistry, physics, and general science pertaining to the world of color we all live in—all while working their way toward earning the PPG Science of Color patch. To earn the patch, girls must complete all of the activities included in the box.

One activity included in the program is making color wheel coffee filter flowers! Here’s how you can make these:

MATERIALS:
– 4 coffee filters
– water-based markers in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet (purple)
– 1 small paper plate
– spray bottle filled with water
– glue
– scissors

DIRECTIONS:
Cut 3 of the coffee filters in half so that you have 6 halves. Color each half with two of the water-based marker colors in the following combinations:
RED and ORANGE
RED and PURPLE
BLUE and PURPLE
GREEN and BLUE
YELLOW and GREEN
ORANGE and YELLOW

Using the last coffee filter, color the center using all six colors: RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, and PURPLE.

Cover a surface (with something like newspaper, paper towels, etc.). Set all the colored coffee filters on the covered surface. Lightly spray them with water until the colors start to spread, then set them aside to dry.

Scrunch the dried coffee filter halves and glue them to the paper plate so that the coffee filters cover the edges of the plate, but not the center. Group together your colors just like the color wheel.

Scrunch the whole coffee filter and glue it to the center of your paper plate. You have created a coffee filter flower!

Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Thaw

Service Unit: SU5602-GlenOaks

County: Allegheny

Total Girl Scout Years: 30

Volunteer Years: 29

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, finance manager, day camp director, community MagNut manager, troop leader

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador

Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM, life skills

Specialties: flag ceremonies, badges, event planning, songs and games, ceremonies/traditions

Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I became a Girl Scout leader when my daughter was in kindergarten. (Today, she is 35.) From there, I was tasked with service unit leadership positions (of which I hold several) which brought me into contact with other engaging and inspirational volunteers.

Being a leader and working with the [Girl] Scouts allows me to explore and expand MY horizons. Being a service unit manager and day camp director, I have met and befriended numerous adults whose friendships continue to grow strong. As a troop leader (twice I have taken girls from Daisies to Ambassadors), I have strong bonds with so many young women.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
I have two children who were involved in numerous activities. As an active parent, I chaperoned band camp, was a soccer booster, and sold flowers at high school musicals. The difference between all of these other activities and Girl Scouting is the ability to LEAD. In all other areas, I (and the kids) had to follow the direction given by the teacher/coach/director. With [Girl] Scouting, we are able to explore what interests us. We are not bound by others but are able to “govern” ourselves. This freedom allows the [Girl] Scouts to form their own ideas and inspires them to try something that might have been out of reach elsewhere. Watching AND participating in this process is magical.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
When the [Girl] Scouts are small, their demands and ideas are small. It allows the adult volunteers and the [Girl] Scouts to grow together. Adults get comfortable with badge work, they become experienced in organizing field trips, and biting off small chunks of camping/outdoor activities is manageable, even for the most timid. As the [Girl] Scouts age and the leadership becomes less intimidated by being a LEADER, there are so many options available to you/the troop that you can access. My philosophy is taking things step-by-step and relying on fellow leaders (or council) for advice and guidance. This will allow anyone to have a successful program.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
All leaders have one main task: keep the kids safe! From there, you move forward. Yes, there is paperwork and training commitments, but it is an opportunity to spend time with your daughter and her friends. Do not try and reinvent programming, ceremonies, or field trips, but utilize the resources that are available to you. Not every meeting will be a blockbuster and there will be rain when you need to build a fire. It is all okay . . . just have fun.

Other Organizations: I am the secretary for the Union Aid Society Board of Directors and a board member for Sweetwater Center for the Arts. I have been a weekly volunteer at the Children’s Institute since 1977. I am the committee chair for the Relay for Life of Sewickley Valley. I am chair of two “major” committees at my church.

Anything else?
Life is wonderful! My husband and I travel to see our daughter in Manhattan and my son and his fiancé in Washington, D.C. as often as possible. We host most holidays and throw numerous parties all year long at our house. I garden, sew, take classes, plan events, and craft. I am NEVER bored.

Volunteer Spotlight: Roxanne Tuinstra

Service Unit: SU4651-Westmont Johnstown

County: Cambria

Total Girl Scout Years: 9

Volunteer Years: 9

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, service unit manager 

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM

Specialties: camping, Silver Award, Gold Award, outdoor skills, community service/Take Action projects, Journeys, badges

Awards: Appreciation Pin

Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED, Outdoor Skills, knife skills

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I came to Girl Scouts from Pittsburgh after my daughter was in a pilot program during school. When we moved to Johnstown and tried finding a troop, there was no leader for a troop already waiting. So, I was it . . . three months in a new town, in an organization I knew next to nothing about, as their new leader—it was . . . interesting. But I pressed on, and nine years later, I’ve managed to make it work still!

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My Girl Scout philosophy is: Why be good when you dream of being great? My sister liked saying it often to me. I’m amazed to learn positive stats at what the Girl Scout organization does for young girls at a critical time when they often fight self-esteem battles, mental health issues, struggles with school and home life, and friendships. Having a positive influence on young girls during this time is impactful and leads to bright futures.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
There is no Girl Scout jail. The badge guides are there to help leaders who need a starting place, but if you have a great idea for a badge, by all means, go for it!

Other Organizations: Johnstown NAACP member, Tribune-Democrat Readers Committee, Santa Fund Committee, President, UCC Penn West Justice & Witness Committee (2023 National Delegate), Writer, Johnstown Magazine Contributor, Tribune-Democrat Grant Writer, The Learning Lamp

Volunteer Spotlight: Rebeccah Hoffman

Service Unit: SU5406-Pine Richland

County: Allegheny

Total Girl Scout Years: 11

Volunteer Years: 9

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, new leader coach, troop MagNut & cookie coordinator, service unit all-camp coordinator

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette

Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors

Specialties: camping, MagNut program, cookie program, Bronze Award, outdoor skills, badges, ceremonies/traditions, First Aid/CPR/AED

Awards: Appreciation Pin, Service Unit President’s Award

Certifications: Outdoor Training

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I really enjoy Girl Scouts! Not only have my daughters made great friends, but I have also made wonderful adult connections through my time volunteering. I love the experiences and adventures we share as Girl Scouts and can’t say enough about the fun things and important life skills we gain.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouting to me is a network of women (and some stellar dads!) who freely give their time to help girls grow into well-rounded adults with hearts filled with memories.

It’s about meeting girls where they are and delving into their interests—and nudging them outside their comfort zone.

It’s the experience of watching girls grow up and learn to navigate interpersonal challenges and witnessing the pride they feel when they reach their goals.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
I think I’m there to help the girls learn how to reach their goals. When they are younger, it’s offering choices and having them vote and decide as a group. As they get older, I see my role as listening to them and helping implement their plans. There’s a lot to be gained from negotiation and compromise within the troop. Finally, I think part of the challenge for leaders is finding ways to keep older girls interested and engaged.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
My advice is to divide and conquer with your co-leader(s)! Lean into your interests and talents. Be willing to try new things. There is no recipe for a troop—it’s more about being excited about the activities you do than doing certain things. Things won’t always go the way you plan them—model how to be adaptable. Let people help you whether you ask or they offer.

Other Organizations: Boy Scout Committee volunteer, former Cub Scout den leader, PTO volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Yurga

Service Unit: SU2645-Allegheny Mohawk

County: Westmoreland

Total Girl Scout Years: 19

Volunteer Years: 18

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, co-leader, leader, service unit registrar

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillar Experience: STEM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: MagNut program, cookie program, community service/Take Action projects, badges, event planning, ceremonies/traditions, songs and games

Adult Awards: Appreciation Pin

Certifications: Mental Health First Aid

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I started in Girl Scouts when my youngest was a Daisy. She has special needs so I signed up as a volunteer to help at meetings. I soon remembered what I loved about Girl Scouts as a child—the friendship, community, and many experiences we shared. 18 years and another daughter later, I assist with a multi-level troop.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts can take you somewhere different at every meeting. It creates well-rounded young ladies who experience STEM, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, among many other activities. There are so many different aspects involved in Girl Scouts—there is something for everyone.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My philosophy as a leader is not every girl is going to love a particular activity. Very rarely is there a craft or event that EVERYONE loves. But if you can reach one or two girls and create a spark in them, it is worth it. 

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Reach out! Ask for help from experienced leaders.

Always plan for three or four activities, but expect to only complete two of them.

Delegate! Ask moms to take turns providing snacks. Have the girls clean up and collect supplies.

Relax and have fun!

Other Organizations: I am an Advocacy Ambassador with Autism Speaks and meet with lawmakers to ask for increased funding for research. I am a member of the New Kensington-Arnold School Board and a board member at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. I serve on the Recreation Committee in New Kensington. I am a band mom and help out with the local drama club.

Anything else?
I am a wife, mother, Shihtzu mom, iced coffee fanatic, and avid reader. I love to cross-stitch and do diamond paintings.

Volunteer Spotlight: Christy Ehrlich

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.

Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Cerili-Martz

Service Unit: SU2664-Central Westmoreland

County: Westmoreland

Total Girl Scout Years: 15

Volunteer Years: 12

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, Silver Award Review Committee & Facilitator, Gold Award Committee & Facilitator, Leader Honor Guard Unit & Facilitator

Age-Level Experience: All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillars: Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: Bronze Awards, Silver Awards, Gold Awards, flag ceremonies, community service/Take Action projects

Adult Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was only in Girl Scouts for a few years as a girl. Then my granddaughter started as a Daisy and my daughter became a co-leader of her troop, and I saw a need for a Nana in the multi-level troop. All the girls welcomed me and made me feel a part of this great organization for young women.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
It’s an opportunity for me to mentor all ages and personalities of young ladies. It’s also been a wonderful learning experience for me. I have also had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and learning from some wonderful adult leaders.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
Be willing to use any resources available. Be willing to share your knowledge with others when asked. Be willing to learn new things from others. Always conduct yourself professionally and honorably in a friendly manner.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
Just ask! If you are unsure or just don’t know . . . just ask!

Anything else?
Shortly after joining the Gold Award Committee, I was asked to arrange the opening flag ceremony for the Gold Award Court of Awards. Since then, I have assembled a unit of 10 girls ranging from Daisies to Ambassadors. We are asked to participate in many Girl Scout events as well as community events and parades. I cannot describe how honored and proud I am of this Honor Guard unit and every girl in it. It warms my heart to see the passion and respect the girls have for the privilege of being a part of this group of young ladies.

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Kisner

Service Unit: SU4605-Bedford

County: Bedford

Total Girl Scout Years: 18

Volunteer Years: 17

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: troop leader, service unit manager, cookie manager, MagNut manager

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level

Girl Scout Pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors

Specialties: camping, travel, community service/Take Action projects, Journeys, badges, event planning, archery

Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin

Certifications: Archery/Hatchet, First Aid/CPR/AED, Outdoor Training

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was only a Girl Scout as a girl one year. However, Girl Scouts has been a big part of my life for the past 17 years. I started as a Daisy troop leader for my oldest daughter when she was in kindergarten. I led her troop from Daisy through Ambassador. I also led my younger daughter’s troop from Daisy to Cadette. Now, I’m a leader in the travel troop she is part of. I’ve been the Bedford County service unit manager for several years. I’m also a member of the Trefoil Alumni.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts has been a tremendous blessing to me. I have greatly enjoyed watching so many young ladies grow through the building of friendships, learning new things, having new experiences, and serving their communities. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people and have made so many friends through Girl Scouts. I have done so many new things with my daughters through Girl Scouts that I may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. This experience has had such a positive impact on my life that I want everyone to have their own special Girl Scout experience.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
I believe that all girls have their own interests, skills, and abilities that are unique to them. I believe that those things should be encouraged. Troops should strive to involve everyone’s interests and use everyone’s talents. Girls should be encouraged to try all kinds of things. That’s how they will find the things that they love and excel at.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
I would say enjoy the girls, seek out help, attend your service unit meetings, and involve your community.

Anything else?
I have a bachelor of science and a master of science in biology. I’m a project manager for an environmental laboratory.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Enslen

Service Unit: SU2630-Glacier’s End

County: Butler

Total Girl Scout Years: 35

Volunteer Years: 30

Current and Former Volunteer Positions: Gold & Silver Award Committee, travel troop leader, Adult Award Committee, National Council Delegate, traditional troop leader, service unit manager, cookie manager, Magnut manager, Council Delegate

Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, Younger Multi-Level, Older Multi-Level, All-Ages Multi-Level, Indie Girl Scouting

Girl Scout Pillars: STEM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship

Specialties: travel, Girl Scout finances, additional money earning/fundraising, Bronze Awards, Silver Awards, Gold Awards, community service/Take Action Projects, event planning

Adult Awards: Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge I, Thanks Badge II, GSWPA Volunteer of the Year

Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED

What do you want volunteers to know about you?
I was involved in Girl Scouts as a girl for five years. I loved all the friends I made and the experiences I had. As an adult, I got involved when my daughter’s Brownie troop needed a leader. I led her troop all the way through until they earned their Gold Awards and graduated high school. The memories we made together and the skills they learned will last a lifetime. Watching the girls grow and become successful adults who care and contribute to their communities was truly amazing. After my troop graduated, I chose to stay in Girl Scouts and work with the older girls on their awards. I also became a co-leader of a travel troop and have taken girls to Europe, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galapagos Islands.

What does Girl Scouting mean to you?
Girl Scouts gives me the opportunity to help girls grow and develop into women with courage, confidence, and character. Helping a girl earn her Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award is amazing. Watching them grow and see that they can do it as they work to achieve their award is so rewarding. When I take girls on trips, I watch them develop confidence as they interact with people in different countries and cultures. They learn to take the lead, develop a plan, and follow through. Girl Scouts gives girls the opportunity to explore and try new things.

What is your Girl Scout leadership philosophy?
My Girl Scout leadership philosophy is the sky is the limit (and beyond). If you dream it, you can make it happen when we lead and live by the Girl Scout Law and Promise. Letting the girls take the lead and explore the world they live in develops amazing young women who will become amazing leaders.

What advice do you have for new troop leaders?
I have a wonderful Girl Scout family that is always there to help and support each other. Remember that amazing family is there to support and help you also, just reach out. Girl Scouts love to share their knowledge with other Girl Scouts. No question is too little. And don’t give up when it seems like it is just too much—reach out and ask for help. The support you give the girls you lead will stay with them for a lifetime, and years down the road when they tell you what they remember and what they learned at Girl Scouts, you will know it was all worth the work you put in.