Volunteer Spotlight: Tammy LaCross

Tammy LaCross has volunteered with Girl Scouts since 2013, following in the footsteps of her mom, who was a troop leader before her. Acting in the many roles of co-leader, leader, service unit product co-manager, and cookie cupboard volunteer, Tammy has seen how being a part of Girl Scouts changes lives, especially for her family.  JustContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Tammy LaCross”

Volunteer Spotlight: Curtis Stratman

Confidence, independence, and hands-on skills—Curtis Stratman loves outdoor adventures for what they can teach Girl Scouts! Since beginning as a Girl Scout volunteer in 2016, Curtis Stratman has had a passion for outdoor adventures with his Girl Scouts in Allegheny County. After beginning as his troop’s treasurer in 2016, Curtis eventually took on more administrativeContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Curtis Stratman”

Volunteer Spotlight: Cammie Stralko

As a volunteer with Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania since 1997, Cammie Stralko has been a troop leader committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming Girl Scout troop in Oil City. For twenty-eight years, she has been a troop leader. She has since served as a service unit manager for the Oil City service unit, aContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Cammie Stralko”

Crystal Nagy: Leadership, Legacy, and the Life-Saving Power of Girl Scouts

Crystal Nagy is more than just a dedicated mother—she is a role model, a mentor, and a leader shaping the next generation of strong, confident young women. As the troop leader of Johnstown Troop 11391 and a passionate advocate for the Girl Scout mission, Crystal has left a profound mark, not just on her daughterContinue reading “Crystal Nagy: Leadership, Legacy, and the Life-Saving Power of Girl Scouts”

Destinations: Hawaii, England, Ireland, and Wales Guest Blog Post

Last year, Girl Scout Evelyn “Evie” Mathie attended two Girl Scout Destinations—one to Oahu, Hawaii, and one to England, Ireland, and Wales. She was a recipient of D-Pass funding granted to Girl Scouts from our council. Destination: Oahu, Hawaii My Girl Scout Destination was Hawaii in June of 2023. The Hawaiian people and culture wereContinue reading “Destinations: Hawaii, England, Ireland, and Wales Guest Blog Post”

Destinations: Orange County, Boundary Waters, and Southern California

Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone. Don’t just take itContinue reading “Destinations: Orange County, Boundary Waters, and Southern California”

Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Coffee

“I love Girl Scouts! It is a place where girls from every walk of life can come together and be themselves. It was my passion growing up and continues to grow stronger.” As a Girl Scout from grades K-12 in Portage through the former Talus Rock Council, Sandra Coffee has earned both her Girl ScoutContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Coffee”

Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Kovacs

Name: Janet Kovacs Service Unit: SU3622-Fairview County: Erie Total Girl Scout Years: 11 Volunteer Years: 51 Janet Kovacs has had a Girl Scout membership for 62 years now—first as a Girl Scout for 11 years, and then immediately becoming a Girl Scout volunteer after graduating high school. “I love to brag about how long I’veContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Kovacs”

Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Blanarik

Jim Blanarik has been involved with Girl Scouts for 38 years as a troop leader alongside his wife, Kathleen, for Freedom Service Unit 1640-989 in Beaver County. “When your wife is a leader and needs help, and your daughter and her friends are in the troop, you tend to lend a hand where needed,” heContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Blanarik”

Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Smith

Name: Linda Smith Service Unit: SU5902-Deer Lakes Allegheny Valley County: Allegheny Total Girl Scout Years: 42 Volunteer Years: 36 Current and Former Volunteer Positions: service unit manager, troop leader, service unit coach, service unit recruiter, service unit cookie volunteer (helps with booth sales) Age-Level Experience: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Indie Girl Scouting Specialties: cookie program, flag ceremonies, day camp Certifications: First Aid/CPR/AED, Mental Health FirstContinue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Smith”