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Volunteer Spotlight

Girl Scouts of Alaska relies on volunteers statewide. These dedicated volunteers run service units, lead troops, manage product sales, chaperone events - the list goes on! To recognize their service, we will highlight an exemplary volunteer each month. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers!

Past Spotlights:

 

2023

January 2022 | Kris Armstrong

January's Volunteer is...

Kris Armstrong

Kris is a troop leader for Troop 122 in Eagle River.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kris Armstrong and excited to share that I am in my 49th year of Girl Scouting, here in Alaska, the 49th state. My relationship with Girl Scouting began on my mother’s lap as she shared magical stories of her experience as a young girl born and raised in Norway. I had to wait many more years until I would be old enough to be a Brownie, but I was ready with my own beanie that my parents got me when I was one year old. My mom met my future father when she was an exchange student to the US and following their marriage, she moved permanently to the US and she brought with her a love for Girl Scouting. She was determined that my sister and I would forge a relationship with Girl Scouting in the USA. She gave us a global view of the world and a connection to the international sisterhood that I enjoy still to this day. My Girl Scouting journey began in the Nation’s Capital Council, as parts of troops in Alexandria and Fairfax County, Virginia. I became a First Class Girl Scout in 1980, as a high school freshman. I remained in Girl Scouting after attaining this award, because for me, that wasn’t the “finish-line,” but rather the beginning of the transition where I hoped to inspire other girls to become part of this amazing sisterhood. I volunteered with troops while in college and then later as a Soldier, working with troops local to the bases where I was stationed.

Experiencing Girl Scout Leadership before becoming a mother myself was special for me. It helped me know that this was absolutely an element that I wanted to weave into the life of my future child, should I have my own little girl.

Fast forward to the day when I was able to buy a Daisy uniform for my daughter. I experienced all the emotions. I served as a co-leader of her multi-level troop in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was a Daisy and a Brownie. She earned her special wings, flying up to Juniors just a couple of weeks before we moved to Alaska.

We were both nervous about our transition to Alaska, but knew that the first thing we would do was to find a Girl Scout Troop to join and pick up where we left off in North Carolina. It would be our anchor into this new world, and that is the essence of this incredible organization – Girl Scouts.

We now serve in Girl Scouts of Alaska council in Troop 122 in Eagle River, Alaska.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer with Girl Scouts because it is my hope to share the spark that comes with those magical Girl Scout moments when you confront a fear or venture out of your comfort zone to try something new through personal courage and support from your Girl Scout sisters. It really is about growing girls in character, courage, and confidence. Having spent a career in military service prior to starting my own family, I can share that you can easily tell which service members have been Scouts. I often shared with my Soldiers that I had been and was still an active Girl Scout volunteer and many times, I had Soldiers approach me and ask if I could help them find volunteer opportunities. Through volunteerism, those Soldiers too found personal anchors and connections to the world beyond the gates of their life as a Soldier. Families would wrap their arms around those Soldiers and the Girl Scouting circle only continued to grow. Our daughter often asks me if I will remain a troop leader if she chooses to leave Girl Scouting, and without hesitation I tell her – absolutely. It is a gift that I give myself.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge in Girl Scouting was the transition to Alaska. I had hoped to join a troop. I promised myself on the drive across the US, that I would allow myself three years to learn the land and the community before serving as a leader. The hard part was that no troops had room for us. I was used to being in communities where there were so many troops and adult volunteers. I am not sure that I would say that we overcame that challenge, because we had to form a troop in order to be in one. The point of sharing this is in hope of inspiring others to lean into this special community and help share the wonders of this incredible state with the girls that live here.

The Girl Scouting movement in Alaska should be the biggest one in the USA. We need to figure out how to pull in volunteers to help lead troops and lead activities in person that help forge that personal and collective growth across our girls here in Alaska.

What advice would you give to new leaders?  

Find your rituals. Borrow some traditional Girl Scout rituals and then fill in the rest with your own rituals that help define your troop personality.

We always end each gathering with our Girl Scout friendship circle. We join arms that are crossed over and grasp hands and sing “Make New Friends.” It may seem so petty, but it serves such a larger purpose than the one that you can observe. Each girl is pulled into the circle and connected. Each girl gets a physical affirmation through both hands that she has a place and she leaves that meeting knowing her place is secure. It is a vital anchor of belonging. There are moments when girls join sports teams where there are high fives or team rituals that they do on the courts to show spirit. Those seasons come, go, and are often temporary. Girl Scouting is forever. This winter my daughter and I were out walking on a snowy trail and ran into a mom with her daughter doing the same thing. The little girl was eager to share that she was a Brownie, not even knowing that we were in Girl Scouts. Before you knew it, the four of us were connecting arms and singing the Make New Friends song. It is a ritual that sticks.

Like I said, try out new things, some ideas will bounce and some will stick. One of our own rituals that we have adopted is having our hair French braided for Encampment. We have volunteer moms that French braid everyone’s hair upon arrival at Encampment and then the girls don’t need to mess with it for the rest of the time, and the girls enjoy the look. Our theme is now, “Camp Hair, We Care.” So look for us at the next Encampment, where we will be back with braids and may even have a station where you can come and get your own hair French braided! Again, it is a little ritual that helps grow our troop culture and we love each of these moments that help define us.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

We started with four girls in October 2018. We are now maxed out with 20 girls. We have girls from Brownies to Ambassadors.

Two fun facts that I like to share about our troop growth:

  1. Our troop actually grew during the pandemic.
  2. Our largest demographic group within our troop is the Cadette group.

This represents the hardest age group to retain within Girl Scouting. It is my hope that each of these Cadettes will see their Girl Scouting experience through to graduation. Our single Ambassador, Grace, and her Senior Girl Scout sister, Madison, have been incredible role models and sources of inspiration as they generously share stories from their own Girl Scouting journey across our troop. This inspiration wouldn’t exist if we were a single-level troop. I remind myself of that on the days that feel harder.

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Our girls love anytime that we can enjoy an outdoor adventure. I think our favorite event in the past four years since we started has been our Dutch Oven Cookoff. We spent three hours last year in single-digit temperatures preparing meals to enjoy on a frosty January afternoon. We had teams of 2-4, and six Dutch ovens around a fire pit. The food was truly amazing and not just because we were so excited to eat warm food! We had biscuits, lasagna, potato soup, apples, tortellini soup, and a s’mores cake. This quickly joined our list of must repeat annual rituals.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I have gained so many incredible adult friends alongside their daughters. Lifetime friendships. All of this is part of a greater lifelong relationship with the largest organization in the world focused on the positive growth of girls and young women. I can’t imagine a life without these adult sisters vested in shaping a healthy world and community for our girls. 

Kris had so many great photos to share from 49 years of Girl Scouting, we compiled them in an album! Click below.

Kris Armstrong

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kris for her dedication to girls in Eagle River and beyond!

 

2022

November 2022 | Brittany Barclay

November's Volunteer is...

Brittany Barclay

Brittany is a troop leader for troop 20003 in Anchorage.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Brittany Barclay. I am a troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 20003. I am not the original troop leader, but took over in 2020 with my co-leader, Amber, when our original leader moved to a different area. I am currently a student at UAA earning my BA in Early Childhood Education. I am a mom to three girls—two of them are in the troop. Brookelyn, who is a Brownie and has been a member for 4 years; Sloane, who just joined as a Daisy; and Paige is 2 1/2 years old and a future Girl Scout. I have been married for 12 years to my husband and he has been such a huge support with all things Girl Scouts— mainly for the Tagalongs. 

Were you a Girl Scout?

Yes, I was a Girl Scout! I started my journey as a Daisy in Sacramento, California. The Air Force then moved me to San Antonio Texas, where I bridged to Brownies. A few years later, I came to Anchorage, Alaska and attended Creekside Park Elementary, and there I was a Brownie and Junior. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts is being able to spend extra time with my girls and their friends. I love putting together crafts and activities for the girls and seeing the joy on their faces when they do them. We really have some great conversations, and it’s always entertaining.  

I also love the opportunity to give back to our community. Every year we participate in the citywide cleanup and pick up around our local area. We have also donated to families in need and teamed up with the Food Bank of Alaska. I am hoping many more community service projects are in our future. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

My advice to new leaders would be not to stress! It is a lot to take on, but as long as you are present and having a fun time, your girls will, too! Badges and patches are important, but sometimes just hanging out and doing crafts is all they need. You’re a mentor to your girls and you want to make them feel welcome and comfortable.  

How has your troop grown since it first started?

We have grown so much, and we have a handful of girls that have been there since the beginning of our troop. We started in 2019 and had to overcome a lot of obstacles with Covid. When we did Zoom meetings our girls did their best to hang in there, but it got so much better when we were able to meet in person again. We have 17 members in our troop right now and it has gotten to be very busy but also more fun. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Our girls love outings, and we are just starting to do more. We recently went to KBEAR 104.1 Studios and they were live on the radio— they had everyone cracking up. That was such an exciting activity for them. They are also excited for cookie season to start up and work toward their goals for camp. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

Being a troop leader has benefited me so much as a parent and in my pursuit toward my career in early childhood education. It’s all a learning curve, figuring out what they are into and what they aren’t into. Some days they just want to sing and dance and some days they want to sit down and do crafts.  

Anything else you’d like us to know!

When I’m not in school or doing Girl Scout activities, I like to run in local races and volunteer at my girls’ school. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Brittany for her dedication to girls in Anchorage and beyond!

October 2022 | Ashley Hartshorn

October's Volunteer is...

Ashley Hartshorn

Ashley Hartshorn is a volunteer on the Girl Scouts of Alaska Board of Directors Fund Development Committee.

Tell us a little about yourself. Were you a Girl Scout? If yes, where?

My grandmother (Gram) found a troop for me and bought me my first uniform when I was 8. I was in a troop in New Mexico for many years. It changed my life and my path as a woman. 

Why did you decide to join a committee at Girl Scouts?

I wanted to join to help girls in Girl Scouts however I can. As a sales professional in the insurance field, I know I can help the committee meet its goals to raise funds!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Ashley for her dedication to girls in Alaska!

September 2022 | Jessica Graham

September's Volunteer is...

Jessica Graham

Jessica is on the Girl Scouts of Alaska Board of Directors. She was a Girl Scout, as were her daughters.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, through the 10th grade, after which my family moved to Asheville, North Carolina.  Like many, I was a Girl Scout when I was young (starting as a Brownie) and was involved with a troop in elementary school.  I moved to Alaska in 1999 and had my first daughter in 2002.  She became involved with a troop in kindergarten and that reignited my interest and focus on the organization.

Why did you decide to sit on the board at Girl Scouts?

I am a lawyer and my work schedule has historically required a fair amount of travel. As two of my daughters became more and more involved with Girl Scouts I thought long and hard about how I could be more involved while still meeting my other professional and personal commitments.  Given my background, I concluded I could contribute more at a governance and fundraising level than I could at the troop level, so I reached out to the Chair of the Board Development Committee to ask some questions about board service. 

What has been your biggest challenge on the board, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been trying to bridge the gap between board service, which focuses on the high-level strategy and health of the council, and the day-to-day activities and challenges of serving girls. Board members are not in the weeds of program activities and tactical decisions, but awareness and familiarity with how we serve girls is an important part of guiding the organization. When two of my three daughters were active in troops it was a lot easier to stay abreast of activities and see with my own eyes how programs, camp, and troops worked.  As both of those daughters are in college now, I have had to make more of an active effort to talk to troop leaders and girls whenever I have the opportunity. It also helped that my oldest daughter worked as a Girl Scout camp counselor during the summer of 2021.

What is your favorite thing about working with Girl Scouts?

There is no other organization in America that does what we do, with the focus we have, as well as we do it.  We fundamentally improve the character and confidence of girls.  It’s pretty easy to get motivated for that mission.

What advice would you give to new Girl Scouts of Alaska board members or volunteers?

My advice to new board members is to take the time and initiative to get to know a few of the other members of the board very early on in your term.  This can be harder to do when board meetings are held via Zoom and our fundraising efforts are less focused on singular large events.  It has been incredibly rewarding to me to spend time with the exceptional people on our board and really get to know them. 

How has your involvement grown since it first started?

My initial involvement began when I was appointed to the Board Development Committee (commonly referred to in Girl Scout speak as the “BDC”), the focus of which is board training and board recruitment.  Eventually I was appointed Chair of the BDC, and a year later was selected to serve on the board.  After a few years on the board, I was asked by the chair to serve as the First Vice Chair and I did that for several years.  When we had a CEO transition a few years ago I also served on the CEO search committee. I asked to step down a level and serve as the Second Vice Chair over the last year because I have spent the last year also serving as the President of the Alaska Bar Association.

What are you most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

The commitment and love of the staff and volunteers who make Girl Scouts run is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  It is really a tremendous and ongoing active display of commitment and passion to improve the lives of all girls.  Many nonprofits have employees and volunteers who believe in their cause.  Girl Scouts has employees and volunteers who live and breathe the mission and give generously and selflessly of their time, money and focus in order to change the trajectory of the lives of girls. 

What have you gained as a board member?

My board service has connected me to amazing people.  It has given me insight, appreciation, and tools to support the hard work and never-ending challenges facing nonprofits in Alaska.  It has motivated me to make opportunities available to girls whenever possible and to show active gratitude for the incredible love and commitment that so many people offer to the girls in our council.

Anything else you’d like us to know!

Board service to the Girl Scouts of Alaska has been an honor and a privilege.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Jessica for her dedication to girls in Alaska!

August 2022 | Stephanie Whaley

August's Volunteer is...

Stephanie Whaley

Stephanie was a Girl Scout parent and this summer, she continued by volunteering at Encampment 2022 and as a bus driver for Camp Togowoods.

I have so enjoyed being the Girl Scout Camp Togowoods Bus Driver this summer! Early this summer I read in the Girl Scouts of Alaska email newsletter that a bus driver was needed, and I thought, “I could do that!” Recently retired, I find that I need to contribute, and what better organization to support than GIRL SCOUTS!

As the bus driver, I was able to spend hours driving girls and counselors from camp to the edge of the Alaskan wilderness, dropping them off for one to three days of hiking/rafting/canoeing, and then picking them back up for the return trip to camp. The girls who sang silly, long, fun songs, in a loop, on the way to the start of the trip would often fall asleep on the way back; the entire busload was exhausted, and so full of accomplishment! What a fun summer to be a part of!

Camp Togowoods counselors all have camp names. I selected the camp name, “Sunshine,” telling the girls that I like to smile and that I was born in the Sunshine State, and then they’d guess where that state was. While I never learned all the words to the longgg, fast, silly songs, I did nod along, smile, and enjoyed the girls singing. The girls had such good times at camp; it was special being a part of it.

I have loved Girl Scouts since childhood when I was a Brownie, and then a Junior. I remember sewing “Sit-Upons” and “Dunker Bags” for camping outings and then sleeping in tents in our troop leader’s backyard. So special!

My daughter, Tess, was a Girl Scout from kindergarten through high school and continues now as an adult lifetime Girl Scout member. She sold LOTS of Girl Scout cookies over the years, supporting her troop’s love of travel. Their troop, led by wonderful Mary Weiss, traveled to Savannah, Georgia to Juliette Low’s birthplace, and on another trip to New York City to explore museums and see two plays on Broadway. I went along as a volunteer adult on both of those trips. Tess also traveled with the group of Alaska Girl Scouts who visited Alaska’s sister Girl Scout troop in Japan; she came home with a broader view of the world and her place in it.

I support the strong, positive, friendship-building messages Girl Scouts shares with girls, and I will continue to volunteer any chance available. Come and sing with us!

Stephanie Whaley, also known as “Sunshine”

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Stephanie for her dedication to girls in Alaska!

July 2022 | Tammy Ashley

July's Volunteer is...

Tammy Ashley

Tammy was a troop leader in Anchorage for 15 years, and is now the First Vice Chair on the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Alaska.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was a Girl Scout Junior for a couple of years at Gladys Wood Elementary. Flash forward almost 20 years, in 1996 my daughter, who was in kindergarten (at Gladys Wood), came home with a Girl Scout recruitment flyer. She joined a troop with 9 girls and after a couple of months, her leader had to step down so I became a troop leader.

Why did you decide to sit on the board at Girl Scouts?

I wanted to stay involved but I knew I did not have the capacity to be an effective troop leader. I had filled all the positions in the service unit and knew that I wouldn’t be able to do those to the fullest potential either. I did stay connected with another troop as they went on field trips or traveled on destinations since I’m an Emergency Trauma Technician, so that really helped keep me involved with girls in some way.

Becoming a board member was my next step; I met with the CEO a few times before finally applying.

What has been your biggest challenge on the board, and how have you overcome it?

Being a person who is not afraid to voice my concerns or suggestions. It was hard to make any headway with some of the members who had been on the board for a while or those who had so much historical knowledge. Through persistence and consistency, and following through with things I volunteered for, the challenges were minor bumps and eventually became a smoother road. This in some way helped shape the board member I have become.

What is your favorite thing about working with Girl Scouts?

My greatest joy had been working with the girls and providing them with opportunities to find out what they like, what they’re good at, or exposing them to new things…opportunities that they may not have had otherwise if it wasn’t for Girl Scouts. I also really enjoyed mentoring other adults and being a part of building something greater and sustainable for the next generation.

I still speak with and have some sort of relationship with, many of the girls that I mentored during my troop leadership adventure.  I see them getting married, having children, and I see what great young women they have become.  I hope I may have added a small part to that. 

What advice would you give to new Girl Scouts of Alaska board members or volunteers?

Don’t be afraid to be the new person at the table and voice concerns, questions or suggestions; you’re there because you have a skill set and a passion that Girl Scouts will benefit from.  When you’re working with girls, think out of the box. It’ll help make it an adventure for them.

How has your involvement grown since it first started?

For 15 years I had multiple troops going on in 2 to 3 different levels; with my first troop of girls, 5 of the 10 girls continued on through their senior year in high school.

During those years, I was very active in the Sand Lake service unit and held many roles besides a troop leader—everything but the treasurer. I was mentored by some really great women such as Betty (Lockard) Conlon, Linda Mattes Golding, Denise DeVille, Jackie Adams and so many more; and in turn, I got to mentor others like Dione White and Susan Berger, just to name a few. Without the relationships I built with these women, I doubt I’d be where I am today in Girl Scouts. They really pushed me out of my comfort areas.

I’ve been on the Girl Scouts of Alaska board for almost a decade now, serving the council in a different way, yet it’s just as rewarding as being a troop leader.

What are you most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Camp and outdoor activities! These are some of the best ways to build courage and leadership in girls.

What have you gained as a board member?

I’ve learned so much over the last decade! I’ve grown personally and professionally; I’ve built relationships and learned skills that have helped me in my employment at the Alaska Native Justice Center. Personally, I feel like I am making a difference for girls and volunteers who are in Girl Scouts because I know first-hand some of the challenges they face. As a board member, I have an opportunity to make that path a little smoother.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Tammy for her dedication to girls in Alaska!

May 2022 | Lynda Zaugg

May's Volunteer is...

Lynda Zaugg

Lynda Zaugg is in her last term as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Alaska.

Lynda was honored during Entrepreneurship week of EmpowHer 2022.

Today we are honoring Lynda Zaugg, the Chair of the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Alaska!

Before retiring, Lynda had a distinguished 30-year career in the State of Alaska Department of Corrections and was appointed by Governor Tony Knowles to serve as the Director of Community Corrections for the State of Alaska. Lynda was among the first professional women in the field of corrections in Alaska. Throughout her career, she paved the way for women and created opportunities for women to become involved and succeed in the field.

Lynda was first involved in Girl Scouts as a girl in Ketchikan. As a young girl in small-town Alaska, she experienced firsthand the importance of having the opportunity to participate in activities specifically designed for girls. She benefitted from Girl Scouts herself and then went on to support Girl Scouts of Alaska in a myriad of ways - from Camp Director to President of the Tongass Council. Lynda loves the outdoors and works to ensure girls get the same opportunities to camp and simply be outside that she had.

Lynda has actively sought and championed policies to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in rural areas. She works to make camp available to any girl regardless of means and to provide Girl Scout programs to underserved communities. She not only mentors girls, but she also leads by example and has mentored board members to be active, involved participants in Girl Scouts.

Lynda Zaugg’s commitment and work in support of Girl Scouts of Alaska is reflected in both the rank she holds as Lifetime Girl Scout member and the recognitions she has earned throughout her service to Alaska’s girls. She has received many badges and awards through Girl Scouts, including the highest honor bestowed upon adults—the Thanks Badge.

We are honored to have Lynda support us at Girl Scouts of Alaska.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Lynda for her dedication to girls in Alaska!

April 2022 | All Volunteers!

April's Volunteer is...

All GSAK Volunteers!

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Thank you to all our volunteers for your hard work!

 

To all our wonderful volunteers: Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month and THANK YOU! Girl Scouts of Alaska staff made you a video to express our gratitude for all you do.

April 22nd is also Girl Scout Leader’s Day—we applaud everything you do to lead the girls! Troop Leaders are so special to us all, and we are forever grateful for you all.

March 2022 | Kimberly Vaughan

March's Volunteer is...

Kimberly Vaughan

Kimberly is the cookie manager for the Juneau Service Unit.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Kimberly volunteers for the Juneau Service Unit. She was a Girl Scout growing up in Portland, Oregon.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I believe in the good that comes from the organization to help young girls grow into smart, strong, and resilient women. All while celebrating diversity and inclusion.

What has been your biggest challenge when volunteering, and how have you overcome it?

Parents and Paperwork. Parents can be a dream, or they can be a nightmare. I remind myself that I am there for the GIRLS not the ADULTS. Keeping track of deadlines and requirements for paperwork is essential and staying plugged into the Leader Meeting can help troops stay in the know.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

SMILES!! Whether it is from a girl having fun, or parents amazed at their daughter's accomplishment, volunteers sharing experiences, to even the person buying cookies from Girl Scouts. 

What advice would you give to new Girl Scout volunteers?

Troops are girl-led: let them grow. You will be surprised what they come up with. Younger girls need more guidance, but as they get older they can take on more responsibility and idea-making.  Also, remember you are never alone. You have a wonderful group of Girl Scout volunteers and staff to help you.

How has your troop/SU/involvement grown since it first started?

Wow!! I have been a troop leader in three different councils in Alaska. I started as a troop leader for all the girls in Cold Bay, moving to Yakutat and finally 20 years ago settling in Juneau. After a time, I learned about the Service Unit in Juneau and joined those wonderful ladies. My daughter has been out of Girl Scouts for about 15 years, but I have continued on. As an empty nester, I can bring more focus to my duties as the fall product/cookie manager in Juneau, aka Crazy Cookie Lady.

What are the girls you’re involved with most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

I don’t get a lot of interaction with the girls, but I do try to stop into the stores while they are at their booth sales. I love getting to see their smiles, feel their enthusiasm and hear their giggles. The best part is seeing how a shy, almost nonverbal Daisy develops into a strong and confident young woman. 

What have you gained as a volunteer?

It might sound selfish, but pride! I am proud that I can contribute my time and talents for the betterment of future women. I have also gained some wonderful friendships with like-minded, and sometimes not like-minded, people. Because of this, I believe we all can become better.

Anything else you’d like us to know!

You don’t need to have a kid in Girl Scouts to be a volunteer. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kimberly for her dedication to girls in Juneau and beyond!

February 2022 | Corrine O'Neill

February's Volunteer is...

Corrine O'Neill

Corrine is a troop leader for Troop 1050 in Anchorage.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Anchorage, Alaska, am a social worker and mother of two children. I have a daughter who is eight years old and Girl Scout Brownie and I have a four-year-old son who knows many Girl Scout songs and the promise. I am one of the leaders of Troop 1050. We are a multi-level troop that meets separately and then we do special events and projects together. Troop 1050 has Daisies, Brownies and Juniors. I lead the Brownies. I have great co-leaders with Laura S. (Daisies) and Rebecca L. (Juniors).

Girl Scouts is a tradition in our family. My mother was a Girl Guide overseas. I was a Girl Scout, went from Brownies to Seniors, and earned my Gold Award. I was a Girl Scout in the Delaware Raritan Council in New Jersey growing up. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer because my daughter really enjoys completing the activities and badges in Girl Scouts. It also allows us to do something special together. She and I spend a lot of time preparing for meetings or looking at ideas for meetings. The girls really enjoy the meeting and it is fun to watch their excitement.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge is the time commitment. I work full-time and have to ensure I schedule work commitments around Girl Scouts. I also have limited time to do a lot of meeting preparation and run errands. I like to organize the meetings far in advance and then order some of the materials and badges online to save time. In addition, having other leaders in our troop is really helpful. It allows us to split some of the responsibilities. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

I would not reinvent the wheel. There are lots of really creative and easy ideas and meeting agendas online. You find some great ideas on Facebook forums and other council websites. Many of these ideas really help enhance the badge activities, some of which can be a little dry.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

Our troop has grown to include multiple levels. However, it really shrunk during COVID and online meetings. Thankfully, we are back in person. Many of the girls who left our troop have rejoined, along with some new girls and a whole group of new Daisies. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

The girls are most excited about crafting activities. They love art projects. Due to COVID we have not been able to do a lot of camping, but they are sure excited to go to camp this summer and are already talking about it. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I work in healthcare and this past year has been very stressful. I think Girl Scouts gives me an opportunity to remember the simple joys in life and that fun social interactions between children and adults are essential to our well-being. I always come home from a meeting with a fun memory and completely exhausted. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Corrine for her dedication to girls in Anchorage and beyond!

January 2022 | Joan Travostino

January's Volunteer is...

Joan Travostino

Joan has volunteered on the real property advisory committee for Girls Scouts of Alaska for the past 10 years and was a Girl Scout and a Girl Scout leader. 

Joan Travostino went above and beyond and helped Girl Scouts of Alaska find new office space. As a thank you, we named one of our boardrooms The Joan Travostino Board Room, aka “The Joan”. Thank you for your service and commitment, Joan!

My story with Girl Scouts starts with my mother. Christine Bieluczyk joined Girl Scouts in the 1920s in western Connecticut. After receiving her college degree, she became the first paid Girl Scout executive in western Connecticut in the late 1930s. Christine Bieluczyk became Christine Travostino and she continued to volunteer with Girl Scouts at the Pioneer Trails Council in western Missouri for many years and received the Thanks Badge. She offered me the opportunity to join Girl Scouts in 3rd grade.

My life-long adventure with Girl Scouts began in Missouri, and continues in Alaska. I learned to paddle a canoe and sail at Girl Scout camp in the Missouri Ozarks. I learned about journalism and public relations at a Wider Opportunity in Colorado. I attended an international event at Our Cabana in Mexico. Girl Scouts provided me with these opportunities before I finished high school.

I was a troop leader as an adult in Alaska and enjoyed seeing the troop members (now in their early- to mid-thirties) develop their courage, confidence, and character. Each troop member lead the troop through a project of their choice and tried to develop a fair way to distribute tasks on troop camping trips, other than using a kaper chart. Girl Scout adult training increased my outdoor skills and troop leadership skills. For the past 10 years, I have volunteered on the real property advisory committee for Girls Scouts of Alaska and have worked with Girl Scouts on every camp development project and office relocation so girls can have fun and safe places to grow their courage, confidence, and character.

Hilary Clinton said (paraphrased) “it takes a village.” Girl Scouts is vital to that village.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Joan for her dedication to girls in Anchorage and beyond!

 

2021

December 2021 | Dee Chasse

December's Volunteer is...

Dee Chasse

Dee is a Troop Leader in Wasilla.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I have been a Girl Scout leader for 17 years, starting with my oldest daughter and now continuing with my youngest daughter. We started our troop in Palmer, AK, but have now moved to Wasilla. When my oldest turned 13 she wanted to drop out of Girl Scouts, as she felt she had done all there was in regard to badges and Journeys. But I really love the Girl Scout motto and helping to empower our youth, so I researched ways to keep her interested in Girl Scouts. I started by just holding events and meetings catering to teens, such as game and craft nights with music that they like. I then found out about troop trip travel through Girl Scouts of USA.

Our first trip was to San Francisco to participate in a worldwide bridging ceremony, where troops from all over met and walked the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing, and we were hooked. From there, we have traveled to Houston, TX, where we participated in the 100-year celebration of Girl Scouts; New York City, where we marched in a parade with Girl Scouts from all over the USA; Savannah, Georgia, where we got to visit Juliette Gordon Low’s house; and even England to visit Pax Lodge, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Center. Recently we went to Girl Fest 2021 in West Virginia, where we won “the troop who traveled the farthest”. Lol. To do all this traveling, we sell lots of Girl Scout Cookies and hold bake sales. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I truly believe in our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, and as such try to build my meetings around ways to build up the girls in my troop. I am big on giving back to the community where we live and have had my troop volunteer at Frontline Mission soup kitchen, the MatSu animal shelter, and we even adopt a family from the Matsu Special Santa program to help them have a wonderful Christmas. Just recently, we made homemade dog treats for the shelter and then got to drop them off and watch the dogs gobble them down, which made the girls so happy to see that their work was appreciated.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I have grown so much by teaching these girls our mission and promise. For example, at Girl Fest 2021 the girls were participating in activities that pushed them outside of their comfort boundaries. Our first activity was river rafting on a class 4 river, and one of my girls was terrified that she was going to fall in the water and be swept away with the current. She was shaking and crying at the beginning of our trip and I had to tell her it was ok to be scared, that it was a part of the experience to be scared, but to try and do it anyways to push past our comfort zone. I had her take deep breaths and try to relax and enjoy the experience. By the end of our 8-hour raft day, she was laughing and jumping out of the raft to swim alongside it, and even participated with other girls on doing the swimmers rapids (rapids that you can float on in a life vest). The change she went through was amazing and wonderful to watch, and I know it is something that will stay with her for the rest of her life, as it will with me!

What has been your biggest challenge as a volunteer?

Probably Covid and the restrictions it put on doing events, such as my teen event – PJ Party at the Movies. Covid definitely threw a curveball to us but we learned to adapt and try new things, such as encouraging girls to do things at home with their parents and then tell the troop. Just recently, we had the girls make Happy Thanksgiving cards at home for the Matsu Valley Thanksgiving blessing boxes.

What advice would you give a new leader?

I have always held our first meeting with a bubble chart, where I have the girls pick what they want to do at meetings for the upcoming year. I have things that I love to do and am good at doing, such as baking or crafts, but the girls may not like that or get bored doing that year after year. Not only does this chart help the girls to plan the year and do what they want to do, but it makes me grow as a leader to step outside of what I know and learn new things alongside the girls.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Dee for her dedication to girls in Wasilla and beyond!

November 2021 | Anne Kurland

November's Volunteer is...

Anne Kurland

Anne is a Troop Leader in Juneau.

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I have been a Girl Scout volunteer in Juneau since 2005 when my kid joined a kindergarten Daisy troop that needed a co-leader. I was a Brownie in first grade in Connecticut.

How has your troop/SU/involvement grown since it first started?

I stayed with my first troop until everybody bridged to Adult Girl Scout. The original troop leader moved away at the end of the first year, and I talked Alyson Cooper into leading with me. She and I have worked together on almost every aspect of Girl Scouting in Juneau at one time or another ever since: troop, day camp, Service Unit (SU) team, Council and SU events, volunteer training, Program Aide training, travel, the GSAK Southeast auction… Alyson has also coached two FIRST LEGO League Robotics teams and led STEM events for many years, and joined the GSAK staff as a Membership Specialist until she took a position leading the FIRST program statewide. I’ve also been on our Council’s Membership Connections Committee (MCC) for several years.

Currently, I co-lead Troop 102 (Juniors) and Troop 4007 (Seniors and Ambassadors) and serve as co-chair on the MCC.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I believe in the power of the global sisterhood of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and of GSUSA to make the world a better place. I want to be part of that.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love that we create a safe space for our Girl Scouts to discover and express their authentic selves. Their trust in us is an enormous gift, and I hope in return I can give them the perspective to see the best in themselves and each other. Watching so many Girl Scouts grow over the years from kindergarten Daisies to thriving young adults creating positive change in the world has been amazing.

What are the girls you’re involved with most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Over the years, that has ranged from everything to nothing and back again on repeat. Traveling to Pax Lodge, the WAGGGS World Center in London, was the highlight of my first troop’s experience. Currently, the Ambassadors are excited to earn their Gold Awards, the Seniors love community service, and the Juniors are having fun geocaching and creating galaxy designs on our troop t-shirts. 

What have you gained as a volunteer?

Girl Scouts has been a huge part of my life. I’m grateful to the veteran volunteers who have shared their wisdom and experience with me, to the staff who have offered support and resources, and to the new volunteers who keep Girl Scouting vibrant and thriving. Being a Girl Scout volunteer has given me the courage to push myself out of my comfort zone and try hard things. For example, this spring I took the Wilderness First Responder course because I want to hike and camp in the backcountry myself and with Girl Scouts.

What has been your biggest challenge when volunteering, and how have you overcome it?

Communication and connection take real work and vulnerability. It’s definitely hard when the connections you try to build don’t happen or don’t work out. I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome this challenge; I think it is a life’s work. I try to be clear and authentic in my communication, and I try to understand where other people are coming from. I make a lot of mistakes and try to learn from them.

What advice would you give to new Girl Scout volunteers?

You are a vital part of a truly amazing community. Explore the whole Girl Scout world. Attend your Service Unit’s monthly meetings, if you have them. Check out all the online training in gsLearn and all the resources at girlscouts.org and wagggs.org. Share stories with your fellow volunteers and Girl Scout families. Attend as many Girl Scout events as you can, especially the big ones like GSAK Encampment at the Palmer State Fairgrounds. Plan to travel with your troop to GSUSA Convention (the next one is in Orlando 2023), to the WAGGGS World Centers, and wherever else in the world they want to go. Be kind to yourself and take the long view. Do a little at a time. And sing around a campfire every chance you get.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Anne for her dedication to girls in Juneau and beyond!

September 2021 | Ahnie Litecky

September's Volunteer is...

Ahnie Litecky

Ahnie is a Troop Leader in Homer.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ahnie Litecky. I have lived in Homer for four years and I volunteer with Troop 20152. My seven-year-old daughter belongs to the troop. I was a Girl Scout growing up in the Mat-Su Valley and my mom was my troop leader as well!

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has definitely been dealing with the pandemic and figuring out creative ways to engage our troop’s families. We just got our troop underway in the fall of 2019 and were only able to meet for a few months before the pandemic hit. Over the past year, we have tried different ways to connect the girls, with only some success. It’s been hard to ask parents to manage another Zoom meeting or commit to an outdoor, masked event. We are continuing to think creatively and will keep trying new ideas.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I have many fond memories of Girl Scouts as a kid and I want to share the fun, supportive world of Girl Scouts with my daughter. I loved having my mom, who is an artist, as my troop leader. I remember having such fun doing craft projects and art activities with her. I also loved attending Camp Togowoods. Our group sing-a-longs, sledding times, and eating stacks of pancakes together are just some of the great memories I have from that camp. I still sing songs I learned in Girl Scouts to my kids!

I support the Girl Scout mission of empowering girls and am so glad to be part of Girl Scouting. I look forward to doing a lot of fun activities with our troop in the future.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Ahnie for her dedication to girls in Homer and beyond!

August 2021 | Erika Klawonn

August's Volunteer is...

Erika Klawonn

Erika is a Troop Leader and Service Unit member in Juneau.

Tell us a little about yourself. 

 I am a Brownie leader for Troop 4023 in Juneau, where I was once a Brownie myself! 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer with Girl Scouts because it’s an awesome opportunity to help our local girls maximize their learning and creativity potentials. 

What has been your biggest challenge when volunteering, and how have you overcome it?

Covid was, and continues to be, a challenge we are always working around. Thankfully, with a mix of a little technology and a lot of the great outdoors, we have been able to continue meeting as a troop without skipping a beat! 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite thing about volunteering is the moment I see a girl figure out how to solve a problem. Whether they’re building a game spinner from a box of miscellaneous building materials, or coming up with ways to help disadvantaged members of their community, nothing beats getting to see the gears in their brains turn while they come up with solutions. 

How has your troop/Service Unit involvement grown since it first started?

This is my third year as a troop leader, and I’m beginning my second year as a SU member. I quickly dove into the bigger picture of Girl Scouts in the community and I’ve really enjoyed being a helping hand in some of the larger events we hold for Girl Scouts here in Juneau! 

What are the girls you’re involved with most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Our girls are most enthusiastic about outdoor adventures. They hope to earn the Cabin Camper badge this year, and have already earned their Outdoor Art Creator badge! 

What have you gained as a volunteer?

I’ve gained some lifelong friends in our troop helpers, my co-leader, and our troop parents. I’m confident our girls have gained the same! 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Erika for her dedication to girls in Juneau and beyond!

July 2021 | Rachel Munger

July's Volunteer is...

Rachel Munger

Rachel is a Troop Leader in Anchorage.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I currently volunteer as the Troop Leader for Troop 22001 in South Anchorage. I have a 6-year-old daughter who adores being a Girl Scout. Growing up, I was a Daisy and Brownie in Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, where I was born and raised.  

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I truly believe that as a Girl Scout volunteer, I’m investing in the next generation of female leaders who will ultimately make the world a better place. 

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge as a leader has been avoiding overbooking our Troop Year. There are so many amazing opportunities, badges and traditions to be part of, but it’s impossible to do everything and avoid burning out the troop. I try to present the ideas to the girls and let them choose what’s most important to them. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite thing is knowing that I’m part of a 109-year-old tradition that started in my home state. It’s an honor to continue the legacy and vision of Juliette Gordon Low, and see her work living on through our girls. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Resist the urge to “take over”. Keep it girl-led, stand back, and be amazed at what your girls can do. Be a cheerleader and mentor versus a leader. 

How has your troop grown since it first started?

I was a Troop Leader for the Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas, and this is my first year as a Troop Leader in Alaska. Our troop is new for 2021-2022 and growing!

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

They tend to lean towards outdoor activities, and Alaska has tons to offer. I do encourage them to explore activities they may not normally pick to get them out of their comfort zone. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I’m given the gift of wonderment! I’m constantly impressed watching the girls blossom and build confidence in their leadership skills as the year progresses. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Rachel for her dedication to girls in Anchorage and beyond!

June 2021 | Elizabeth Nicolai

June's Volunteer is...

Elizabeth Nicolai

Elizabeth is a Troop Leader in Anchorage.

What area do you volunteer in?

I volunteer with a Daisy/Brownie troop in South Anchorage.

Were you a Girl Scout? If yes, where?

Yes, I was a Girl Scout through my Cadette years in Overland Park, Kansas. My favorite part was being a junior camp counsellor.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I wanted my daughter to have the same fun experience as I did. In my career, I get to work with children but only for short times. I was excited by the chance to work with girls for years and see them grow and develop into amazing young women.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

COVID! Probably the answer everyone has given. Our troop had been meeting less than six months when COVID happened, and we were still bonding as leaders with the girls, and the girls as friends when we were suddenly thrown into online meetings. I hope we did a good job of activities we could do together online, and not asking too much from people overwhelmed by Zoom fatigue and pandemic feelings. We are excited to be back in person now!

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love all the great opportunities, the community, and the large group activities and online meetings have been so much fun. I feel like so many people know what Girl Scouts are and have a positive experience with them, and I’m excited to bring my daughters and other girls into that sense of connection.

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Be okay with making mistakes. Some of our activities didn’t work out so well. I just apologized to the girls (and the parents) and we all learned together. It’s powerful for children to see adults unafraid to make a mistake, admit it, and make a correction with them.

Has your troop grown since it first started?

It has! Even without in-person meetings or advertising, it grew. I think people just wanted something that would be a little bit normal, even if online, during COVID.

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Going outside! No matter what, they just want to be outside. The second is probably snack time (pre-COVID).

What have you gained as a troop leader?

Friends! I had never met my co-leaders before we started the troop, but now I consider them friends and we text and share parts of our lives, even outside of Girl Scouts. I knew my daughter would make friends, but friends for me was such an amazing bonus.

Anything else you’d like us to know!

I’m only one person. If we do well, it’s because my co-leaders, the troop parents, and the girls are all incredible.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Elizabeth for her dedication to girls in Anchorage and beyond!

May 2021 | Kelly Mullanix

May's Volunteer is...

Kelly Mullanix

Kelly is a Troop Leader for Troop 20051 on JBER.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I work at a hospital in Anchorage and have three young girls. I volunteer a lot on JBER when I'm not working, and I spend all my weekends camping, building a cabin, and playing games with my family. I was born and raised in Alaska, and went to college in Florida to be a youth/children’s pastor.  

I've been married to my husband for 9 years. He is active duty military, so I'm a Girl Scout leader for one of the JBER troops. When I was younger, my Mom was my Girl Scout leader when we lived in Anchor Point, Alaska. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

With my husband being in the military, I wanted to provide an easier way for my daughter to make lasting friendships. Lots of families come and go, and many have a hard time connecting with others. I felt like I needed to find a way to allow my girls to form bonds with other girls and to have some of what a normal childhood looks like for other kids who don’t move around a lot. I knew the best way to make this possible would be by starting a Girl Scout troop on base. It’s been the most awarding experience! 

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

 Our biggest challenge as a troop has always been numbers. We've had so many girls wanting to join, but not enough room. We started out as a troop of over 24 girls, but then we split into two troops when it kept growing. It’s really hard turning girls/parents away when they ask to join our troop. I would let everyone join, because I think it's important and great for military kids to experience. Lately we've had to focus on finding parents who would like to join as a leader and have a military moving date that is 3 to 4 years out.  This is the only way our troop will continue on past the original leaders. We've been trying hard to help other troops start/form on base. There is a huge desire for troops on JBER!

Many moms just need encouragement and resources to get a troop formed, so I try to connect them with other moms who would like to help start this journey for their girls. In the last few months, I was able to help two new troops form on JBER, and I am excited that girls aren't having to wait for spots right now. I really hope 2 to 3 more troops start on JBER by this fall.

I encourage leaders to help do the same in your area. If you have a few girls that want to join but you don't have the space, help connect the moms and encourage them to start a troop by giving them resources. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Watching the girls light up when they accomplish tasks/projects or learn something new. I love finding ways for them to volunteer or projects for them to do around the community. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Find more leaders and don’t do it all on your own. We have six leaders in a troop of 19, and we all take turns with lessons. We make sure to pair up with another leader when it’s our turn to do the lesson, so it’s less overwhelming. When planning big events, we all take one piece of it. It doesn't matter who started the troop, you are all in it together for your daughters—give everyone a chance to lead. Lots of hands make the work light, and its helps you not burn out. Communicate what you need help with, even to the parents, and you will be surprised how many actually step up to help. 

How has your troop grown since it first started?

When COVID happened, we almost disbanded. Zoom meetings were a lot of work and it was discouraging not being able to meet. One of our volunteers reminded us that we need to show the girls how to push through and to be the example that, when things get tough, you get creative. I think that was the biggest growing experience for our troop. We are now all stronger and closer because of it. One day, our girls will all move to a different base, but they won't forget their time as a Girl Scout with friends from all over the world. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

 I’ve gained amazing friendships with other moms, and encouragement. I’ve also been able to learn a lot about my own daughter. I love watching her interact and grow with other girls. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kelly for her dedication to girls on JBER and beyond!

April 2021 | Christa Wallace

April's Volunteer is...

Christa Wallace

Christa is a Troop Leader for Troop 664 in Chugiak.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Christa Wallace, wife, mother, educator, food pantry volunteer, and Girl Scout leader.  I was in Girl Scouts from Brownies to Juniors in the late 60’s and early 70’s. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteered to lead a troop because I was asked to step up.  We could not find a troop for my Brownie-level youngest daughter and my oldest daughter’s troop had retired.  I do not like to complain without having suggestions to offer. My inspiration for this is from the American Civil Rights icon Eldridge Clever, "There is no more neutrality in the world. You either have to be part of the solution, or you are going to be part of the problem" (Cleaver & Geismar, 1967).  I want to validate my role in finding solutions to educational problems, and this also applies to Girl Scouts.  My favorite thing about Girl Scouts in helping the girls earn their highest awards; seven of my girls have earned their Gold Awards.  I have enjoyed offering STEM journeys to Ambassadors, Seniors, Cadettes, and Juniors. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Many of the parent leaders see some of the badges as out of their element and don’t try to offer them.  I would encourage them to pool together with other troops.  

How has your troop grown since it first started?

Troop 664 began with two Brownies and two Ambassadors.  While my Ambassadors graduated in 2013, my youngest daughter graduated in 2020.  I still have my original Brownie, now Ambassador, who is graduating this year.  Our troop has grown and shrunk (almost all have been military family transfers) and after this school year, I will be back to two girls—Ambassadors working on Gold Award projects.  I think I will hang up my Troop Leader badge next year, as I am retiring.  Perhaps I can find another way to help Girl Scouts once I retire. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

Girl Scouts is not about what we gain, but what we give.  I want my girls to be resilient.  I taught them how to change a tire, white water raft, use their resources wisely, and advocate for others.   As an educator, I am pleased to see my girls grow and head off to college, and I got a chance to affect their lives in a positive way.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Christa for her dedication to girls in Chugiak and beyond!

March 2021 | Shawn House

March's Volunteer is...

Shawn House

Shawn is a Troop Leader for Troop 21002 in Ketchikan.

Tell us a little about yourself.

We moved to Ketchikan in the summer of 2019. We had been active in Girl Scouts in NW Arkansas – where we moved from – for several years. I really love what Girl Scouts stands for and how and what they teach. As the mother of two daughters, I feel like it is my job to teach them to be the best people they can be. Girl Scouts embodies so many of the values that are important to me.

I currently volunteer as one of the Troop Leaders for troop 21002 in Ketchikan. My daughters and I decided to start this troop last summer, and although we haven’t been able to meet as often as we like because of Covid-19, we love the energy and enthusiasm of our new troop. We have a great group of girls here who are excited to learn and make a difference together.

I was not a Girl Scout when I was young. However, my oldest daughter has been in Girl Scouts since she was in kindergarten, and I have loved what she has learned and the experiences she has had. Girl Scouts is such a great organization and teaches so many important things to help our girls be forces for good in the world.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I believe strongly that despite the strides women have made in the world, we still have many obstacles to overcome. I think it is my duty, as a mother and a woman, to help in this in whatever way I can. Girl Scouts gives me a very direct way to make a difference in the lives of the girls in my community. It is wonderfully empowering for myself and for the girls in our troop.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge is keeping up my enthusiasm and energy. Life is hard, and with Covid-19 as an additional challenge we are all dealing with, keeping optimism and hopefulness for the future sometimes seems harder than it ever has been. But when I look at my daughters and the other girls in our troop, I have no doubts that the world is in capable hands that will treat each other better than humans have treated each other in the past. These children give me hope. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Having the opportunity to help facilitate the girls in our troop becoming forces for good within their own lives and in their communities.

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Ask for help. Know it’s okay if you feel like you are winging it some of the time. Keep your focus on what your girls want to learn and let them lead.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

We have grown in numbers and in friendships.

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

They are very enthusiastic about learning about our local environment and making a difference in our community.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

That the time and energy I have invested in the girls in our troop is so very, very worth it.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

I love Girl Scouts!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Shawn for her dedication to girls in Ketchikan and beyond!

February 2021 | Anita Smyke

February's Volunteer is...

Anita Smyke

Anita was a Troop Leader in Cordova.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was a Girl Scout leader for 21 years and retired last year. I have three daughters and had a troop for each of my daughters. Each troop went from kindergarten through 12th grade and I had 120 girls total over the years.

When we got down to the last 30 boxes of cookies that we would ever sell, I got a few moms together and we dressed up in the Girl Scout cookie costumes and went down to the harbor and gave the boxes away to the fishermen!

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

 I was thinking that my troops probably sold at least a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of cookies over the years! We were always fundraising for camps and trips. We went all over Alaska, traveled around Europe, Peru (the Inca trail and the Amazon), Canada (the Chilkoot trail), and Nepal. We visited each of the world centers in Mexico, England, Switzerland, and India. The girls had to work for their money for these trips. I didn't believe in donations, where they got money without doing anything.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I loved being a leader and getting to know such a variety of girls and parents. My main goal was to expose them to as many different things as possible. By traveling, the girls realized that there are good people everywhere, and that we don't need to fear other countries and people. I always did activities with elders and had the girls do community service projects.

In elementary school, we had meetings each week but would only meet about once a month in junior and senior high school since they were so busy with other things. I think many of the girls will have long-lasting friendships and hopefully will try and make the world a better place. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

If you want to know about activities that we did, how to plan trips or any other information, just ask. I would be happy to talk to other leaders. 

Note from GSAK: Anita has so many photos from over the years. We compiled just a few of them in the album below. Take a look at her Troops' adventures!

Anita Smyke Troop Trips

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Anita for her dedication to girls in Cordova and beyond!

January 2021 | Kayla Hinds

 January's Volunteer is...

Kayla Hinds

Kayla is a Troop Leader in Anchor Point.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kayla Hinds and this is my second year as a leader for Troop 515 in Anchor Point. I was never a Girl Scout, but have enjoyed being part of Girl Scouts with my daughter, who is a second-year Daisy. Our troop is multi-level and ranges from Daisies to Cadettes. Currently we have 14 girls in our troop. 

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

The biggest struggle during the first year was dealing with the pandemic. We have tried Zoom, but mostly girls have been completing tasks at home with their families. Although it is difficult for some ages to use Zoom, it has been nice to be able to meet as a troop! 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

My advice to new leaders would be to let the girls lead the meetings as much as possible, and have fun! Being a leader is very rewarding when you hear from parents that their Girl Scouts look forward to the meetings and outings planned.

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Last year our girls loved to have in person meetings! The older girls were big helpers with the Daisies. Each group would work on earning their badges and shared a lot of laughs. 

Once cookie season hit last year, our troop was very excited! For most of the girls, it was their first cookie season. We learned a lot and had a great time! Selling cookies during booth sales was also a lot of fun for the girls. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

Being a troop leader has taught me to be more creative and adjust to different challenges that arise. I am very thankful to be able to lead a great group of girls! 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kayla for her dedication to girls in Anchor Point and beyond!

2020

December 2020 | Ola Williams

 December's Volunteer is...

Ola Williams

Ola is a Service Unit Manager in Susitna.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am in my 40th year as an volunteer with Girl Scouts and have been in two different Councils (7 Lakes GS Council in NY state and here in Susitna, now GSAK). I was a Troop Leader for three different troops and Service Unit Manager for Cato Meridian for 12 years before moving to AK. Since 1999, I helped with three troops in Willow before starting a Daisy troop. I kept that troop going for 3 years until I was asked to become Service Unit Manager for Little Su. I also have now been involved with the Girl Scout cookie sale for 39 years, mostly as the Service Unit Cookie Manager.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I joined Girl Scouts because my best friend, who had three girls, was the leader for her oldest daughter's Junior troop. The middle daughter wanted to be a Brownie, so I became her leader. The next year we moved to Juniors, where I stayed for 11 years before a group of girls talked me into moving up with them. Five of the girls who came to me in 4th grade were still with me when they graduated from high school. Four of those five girls completed their Gold Award.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

As a volunteer, I've been a chaperone on trips to Washington, D.C., New York City, Orlando and Virginia. In the 90's I got to represent 7 Lakes Girl Scout Council at the National Council meeting in Texas. 7 Lakes council also sent me to Camp Edith Macy's Outdoor Education Center for a week-long training called "Gourmet cooking and the camp stove". Over the next year I led trainings in 4 parts of the Council for leaders. Three years ago, I was chosen as a delegate to represent GSAK in Columbus, Ohio.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

I usually don't do things like this, but I do treasure my years in Girl Scouting.

Girl Scouts of Alaska would like to thank Ola for her service and dedication to Girl Scouts over the past 40 years, and for the impact she’s had on the Mat Su area in that time!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Ola for her dedication to girls in Susitna and beyond!

November 2020 | Leah Eskelin

 November's Volunteer is...

Leah Eskelin

Leah is a Troop Leader in Kenai.

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My Girl Scout story starts in the late 1980s as a Brownie in what was the Suncoast Council in Tampa, Florida. I still remember attending the Girl Scout Membership Jamboree in my elementary school’s lunchroom. My mom was my troop leader through Juniors. Selling cookies for $2.25 was a quick lesson in making change! Thin Mints were ALWAYS the most popular in our community. 

I’m a proud Lifetime Member now, leading my two daughters’ troops on the Kenai Peninsula: 210 Cadettes and 20302 Brownies. It’s sometimes a balancing act to plan for two troops while working full-time, but seeing my troop girls growing up supporting each other is great, and makes it all worth it.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer as a leader to give my girls the fun I remember with my mom, to develop their personalities with positive influences and build friendships with other girls. I’m still friends with one of the girls in my Brownie troop from Florida! 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

My advice to leaders just starting out is to remember that input from your girls is so important. If you work really hard to make a meeting happen but the girls aren’t interested, don’t be surprised if it falls flat. On the other hand, if you bring their interests into the plan and let them lead the planning, you get to witness such happy girls. That makes every late night prepping materials worth it!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Leah for her dedication to girls in Kenai and beyond!

October 2020 | Linda Slaght

 October's Volunteer is...

Linda Slaght

Linda is a Service Unit Manager and Troop Leader in Petersburg.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a career Forest Service employee, which has been a good match for me because I have always had a strong affinity for natural resources and the outdoors.

I have been a Girl Scout volunteer in Petersburg since 1999, when I became the Troop Leader for my daughter’s second grade Brownie troop (Troop 129). I was a Girl Scout for only one year, as a 5th grade Junior in Texas, so I had no idea what I was doing. Fortunately, I had a couple of great co-leaders and good community support, and our troop stayed active for 7 years. After that, I became the Petersburg Service Unit Manager and remain in that position today. In 2018, I became co-leader of a Junior troop (Troop 4065) that was about to disband due to lack of leaders. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made as a Girl Scout volunteer! I love serving my community as Service Unit Manager, but there’s nothing better than providing direct service to girls through the troop experience.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

There are never enough volunteers in my community. I chose to make a long-term commitment to Girl Scouts because I love the mission, and I love that Girl Scouts provides this experience in a girl-only, girl-led environment. It makes me feel like I’m doing something important that will have a lasting impact on the community.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

I feel like I need to answer that pre-COVID and post-COVID.

Scheduling troop meetings can be difficult when the girls are involved in so many other activities. It seems to get harder as the girls get older. With my current troop, we work with parents to schedule important planning meetings, then we have the girls make decisions about when they want to meet and what they want to do. We stay flexible so we can work around the girls’ schedules. Participation seems to be better when we are following the girls’ plans rather than trying to keep them on a rigid schedule.

With COVID-19 mitigations, the biggest challenge has been to stay connected as a troop while not being able to meet in person. We had a couple of Zoom meetings early in the summer, but they didn’t seem to generate a lot of excitement. We have given the girls activities to do at home, but we’re finding that they don’t stay as motivated as they would be if we were all meeting together in person. Now that we can meet in person with guidelines [Note: this interview was done in August], we are reconnected and finding ways to meet outdoors. We’ve adapted our meeting activities to allow for lots of socializing instead of being hyper-focused on badge work. For example, our first outdoor meeting was a dragonfly hunt. Our second meeting was a simple campfire with s’mores on National S’mores Day, during which we awarded the Girl Scouts their first earned Cadette badges.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

  • The friendships I’ve made among the other volunteers, and the relationships I have with the girls who’ve been Girl Scouts in Petersburg.
  • My favorite things to do with Girl Scouts is anything outdoors - camping, hiking, picnicking, exploring. I love to see how it energizes the girls and opens their eyes to the natural world around them.
  • I’m also proud that I’ve helped to keep Girl Scouts alive and vibrant in our small community. This has not always been easy, but it is so important. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Experienced leaders love to help out new volunteers, but they need to be asked.
  • Don’t over program your meetings. Leave plenty of space for spontaneity.
  • Really embrace the concept of “girl-led”.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

In 2018, the troop consisted of three girls without a troop leader. I stepped in to keep the troop going, because I believe every girl who wants to be in a troop should have that opportunity. At a recruiting event I found a great co-leader, and since then the girls have been our best recruiters. Our troop topped out at nine girls, but we are currently down to seven after two girls moved out of town. I would say we have a close-knit troop now with good parent support, and the girls are maturing quickly as they get ready to enter 6th and 7th grades. One thing I’ve noticed is that some of the girls are more willing to try new things even if they think they can’t do it.

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

I am fortunate that the girls in my troop are enthusiastic about a lot of things. It would be hard to pin down one thing. They love skills-building activities, camping, and music. Some of them really love the cookie program. Both of my troops have been extremely interested in overnight travel.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

In 2016, I traveled to Peru with a Wrangell troop on an EF Tours-guided adventure. It was the trip of a lifetime and it is my ultimate dream as a volunteer to inspire at least one group of Petersburg Girl Scouts to engage in international travel together. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Linda for her dedication to girls in Petersburg and beyond!

September 2020 | Kristi Willing

 September's Volunteer is...

Kristi Willing

Kristi is a Troop Leader in Chugiak.

Tell us a little about yourself. 

Hi! My name is Kristi Willing. I’ve been married to a wonderful Air Force man for 16 years and we have 3 amazing kiddos, two girls and one boy. I am a stay-at-home mom, run my own photography business, and help with the office tasks for my husband’s handyman business. We have been stationed here in Alaska for almost 9 amazing years. 

I began my Girl Scout experience in Quincy, Illinois as a young girl while completing both the Daisy and Brownie levels. My favorite memories are of selling cookies door to door in my neighborhood!

I’ve been volunteering with Girl Scouts since my oldest daughter started as a Daisy Girl Scout nearly seven years ago. Since then, I’ve transitioned into a leader for two troops, for both of my daughters. I’m currently a co-leader for Troop 114, brand new Brownies, and Troop 639, second-year Cadettes. Both troops are located in Chugiak.   

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I love working directly with the girls and planning fun activities! I love camping, hiking and enjoying all the amazing outdoor activities with my troops!  I love seeing each girl accomplish so many amazing goals! 

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

COVID-19 has been our biggest challenge. We are of course pushing on and finding creative, safe ways for our girls to continue Girl Scouting! 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Have co-leaders!! I couldn’t do it without all the support from my amazing co-leaders and troop volunteers! 

How has your troop grown since it first started?

The Cadette girls have accomplished countless goals, participated in so many unique experiences, and have bloomed into amazing young women. They have created a special bond with each of their troop members! 

These girls have been phenomenal role models for our “sister” Daisy troop.  We do so many activities where both troops are involved at the same time! 

The Brownies started off a little shy as Daisies, but over the last two years have blossomed into eager Girl Scouts who want to do good things in their community, as well as learn new things! 

Both troops have learned so much about community involvement and how to help others. They’ve learned about their environment and how to take care of it. They’ve also embraced leadership skills. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Hands-on, exciting activities! Community involvement and giving back to those in need, outdoor activities, STEM activities such as building robots, camping and hiking, Encampment…The list is endless! 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kristi for her dedication to girls in Chugiak and beyond!

August 2020 | Emily Ingram

 August's Volunteer is...

Emily Ingram

Emily is a leader in Wasilla.

Tell us a little about yourself. What Troop/area do you volunteer in? Were you a Girl Scout? If yes, where?

I am a Daisy and Brownie Troop Leader in Wasilla. I grew up in a rural community in Georgia, where we were not able to take advantage of the wonderful programs Girl Scouts has to offer. I can recall seeing information about them on television and begging my mom to start a troop. We moved to Alaska when my active-duty husband was stationed at JBER in 2015. I became a Leader in 2019 when I realized there wasn’t a group for my daughter (she was 5 at the time) near our home in Settlers Bay. I loved being able to provide her a space to be a leader and make new friends. I have 2 kiddos and have been happily married for 9 years. I worried I wouldn’t have much to offer our troop, as I’m an administrator for a real estate company. I’m so lucky to have had a troop that is full of leaders and ideas!

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I started volunteering with Girl Scouts to give my daughter a chance to make new friends and stretch her leadership muscles. I was lucky enough that we both achieved this.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

Our biggest challenge came when COVID-19 forced us into a new normal of virtual friendship. These girls reminded me Girl Scouts can be anywhere that there’s a Girl Scout, and we had some incredible meetings via Zoom.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts is the girls. Being able to create a space where they are in charge and working as a team is my favorite!

What advice would you give to new leaders?

I’d love to tell new leaders that they should remember what it’s like to be a girl when planning meetings and activities. Creating a space for them to be themselves and teach others is a skill they don’t get to learn anywhere else!

How has your troop grown since it first started?

Our Troop started with 4 girls & now has 12!!

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

We are so lucky to have a diverse group of girls with a wide range of enthusiasm. The best example is seeing them use each of their specific interests and talents to share their knowledge about Egypt and then to share with new friends at the World Thinking Day event. Each girl had such pride for the piece they brought to our booth.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I have gained so much appreciation for the work parents and teachers do each and every day. All the parents in our troop are beyond helpful and willing to share their knowledge, experiences, and help with just about any project. I think showing our girls how to work together as adults has been as valuable as the lessons taught.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Having time with my daughter through Girl Scouts has taught me so much about the person she’s turning into. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to lead with her.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Emily for her dedication to girls in Wasilla and beyond!

July 2020 | Steph Hunt

 July's Volunteer is...

Steph Hunt

Steph is a leader with Troop 261 in Soldotna.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a currently a Cadette Troop Leader in Soldotna.  I grew up in Canada, so I was a Girl Guide.  I started as an assistant leader in 1993 while I was going to university and started my own troop in 1996.  I have been lucky enough to have troops in Ontario (Canada), California, Hawaii and now here in Alaska.  I am happily married with 3 kids; both of my girls are in my current troop.  I am a Chemical Engineer and love incorporating STEM activities into Girl Scouts.

Name: Steph Hunt

Girl Scout Name:  Sunshine

Volunteer Experience: Sparks (Canada), Daisies, Brownies, Junior, Cadette (Current) and Explorer Scouts (California Teens).

Best Known For: Being loud, valuing Girl Scout traditions and Being Prepared (at least trying!), and expecting the girls to do so as well.

Best Girl Scout Memory: Visiting Juneau with Troop 261 in 2019.

Biggest Girl Scout Accomplishment: Organizing Annual Junior Oil Up Badge Event at the Chevron Refinery in Hawaii.

Favorite Girl Scout Activity: Camping!  Especially Troop Camp at Togowoods and Encampment.

Shout Outs: All of my co-leaders throughout the decades! My awesome troop parents and of course, my amazing Troop 261.

Best Story: Last year our troop used our cookie funds to visit Senator Micciche and his family in Juneau.  We had the most memorable trip where the girls visited the Senate, Governor’s Mansion, Mendenhall Glacier and much more.  It was wonderful to explore parts of our beautiful state that we may not have had the opportunity to see otherwise.

Upon our return, as part of the girl’s Junior “Inside Government” badge, the girls made a political statement video about prioritizing their education.  It was a great way to see them take action on issues they had learned about on their trip.  Of course, we shared it on Facebook.

Shortly after posting the video, I saw that someone had shared our video and attached a lovely note.  It was the mom of a former Brownie in Hawaii. It said: “I share this because Girl Scout Leader, Steph Hunt, is part of the ‘village’ I often reference. Our children need to see examples of people who are willing to invest in their future. Steph is truly one of the reasons my daughter…values volunteerism. Steph, it’s so beautiful to see you’re committed to changing lives one troop at a time almost 20 years later. #thankyou!”

It’s things like this that make being a leader worthwhile! I am happy that I can be a part of these girls’ lives and their Girl Scout Experience. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

Because it’s FUN!  Also, I love the leadership opportunities that Girl Scouting provides for kids.  I want to make sure the girls in my community get a chance to take part.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

As the girls get older, they get harder to retain.  We are doing what we can to encourage them to continue to participate in ways that best fit them.

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Get to know the other leaders in your Service Unit Area as they are an amazing resource.  We are extremely lucky with the great group of leaders and volunteers we have in the Soldotna area. 

I have also had great success with recruiting my closest friends to be my co-leaders.  Most of them had never participated in Girl Scouts before, but they were more than happy to help.  Even though we now live far away, they are still some of the most important women in my life.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

MY TROOP!  “TROOP 261 HAS THE MOST FUN!”  These girls are amazing and a blast to be around.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Steph for her dedication to girls in Soldotna and beyond!

June 2020 | Matthew Dobson

 June's Volunteer is...

Matt Dobson

Matt is a volunteer with Troop 4039 in Juneau.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a co-leader with Troop 4039 in Juneau and would consider myself the “outdoor coordinator”. I was a Boy Scout as a kid and then served in the Marine Corps. I have been a state trooper in Alaska for the last 24 years. My wife and I have three children. I enjoy spending free time in the outdoors camping, hiking or boating.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

As my daughter’s troop moved from Juniors to Cadettes, they really wanted to increase their outdoor activities and start doing some bigger trips. I was happy to get involved and we have had a great time working on our outdoors skills.

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge that I see is that every one of these Girl Scouts is very busy! So, coordinating times for all of them to meet and plan outdoor events is a challenge. We have overcome that by having them do some long range planning so we can get events on the calendar well in advance. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite thing by far is being able to just be around the Girl Scouts when we are camping. There is a lot going on with young ladies in the middle school years, but when we are out camping or hiking with just the troop, they can let some of that go and just be kids. Our troop is just really fun to be around. Of course, as they’ve grow it is awesome to see their confidence levels increase, which makes me proud as not only a leader but also as a father.

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Stay involved. Our kids grow up so fast that you can miss some things if you aren’t there. I also know that our kids will act differently at Girl Scouts than they do at home and it is really enjoyable (sometimes very refreshing) to see that. I always enjoy watching the older Girl Scouts interacting with the younger girls and really stepping up as leaders. That is something you just shouldn’t miss.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

For me, it has just been a pleasure watching these young ladies grow in their abilities and confidence. It is very rewarding to know that in the future they will be more than capable of taking a leadership role when going into the outdoors, whether it is as a career or with family and friends. I also think that the skills they learned in preserving natural food items like jams, jarred fish, etc. will hopefully serve them well in the future as they continue on with life. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Making biscuits in the Dutch oven when we go camping! This has turned into the trademark meal for our troop. The girls really like to cook, but biscuits are a must on every trip.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

The most obvious thing that I see as these girls get ready to bridge over to Senior is their increased confidence level. Being involved in the outdoor aspect of the troop, I know they are ready and wanting to challenge themselves more and more on bigger trips. They have taken over the planning of events and could do some of these things completely on their own.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Matt for his dedication to girls in Juneau and beyond!

May 2020 | Mary Graber

 May's Volunteer is...

Mary Graber

Mary is a Troop Leader and Service Unit volunteer in Eagle River.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a troop leader in Eagle River, and my girls are currently Junior/Cadette.  I was a Girl Scout growing up in Nebraska. Many towns did not have Girl Scouts, and Daisies didn’t exist, so I joined as a Junior when we moved to a bigger town. I continued through high school and then joined the Army after graduation. I’ve always been a “helper”: working in the school cafeteria, as a candy striper, Girl Scouting, etc. I have lived in Alaska for 26 years, have been married for 28 years and have two adopted children.

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

 I remember how much I gained as a Girl Scout and how much I appreciated the adults who took on leadership roles, including my parents! I’ve always wanted to pay it forward.

What has been your biggest challenge when volunteering, and how have you overcome it?

I’m sure there are plenty, but I usually don’t notice. I just carry on!

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I just love to see the curiosity the girls show for new things or new ways of doing things. I love helping the light bulbs go on and seeing the girls grow and shine.  I like the idea that I am in some way a part of growing world leaders and helping girls reach their full potential.

What advice would you give to new Girl Scout volunteers?

Take a deep breath and JUMP right in! YOU CAN DO IT! There are so many resources and so much advice available from other leaders, Service Units and Council, so you will never be alone. Also, if you’re from another area of the country, don’t expect things to be the same here. We are in a unique place with unique opportunities and a different way of life than most places have. Embrace Alaska and what it has to offer.

How has your Troop/SU/involvement grown since it first started?

I became a troop leader in 2012 when my daughter was 5. The first year I had 2 girls. It went up and down from there, anywhere between 6 and 14 girls. Most of the 12 girls I have now have been with me for at least 3 years, and some moved from other troops to join us. Since then, I have acted as SU secretary, treasurer, shed manager, and now SU manager.  Over the years I have organized and presented many successful activities and events for the girls in Chugiak/Eagle River. Several years ago I started inviting girls from JBER, Anchorage and the Valley to join us. Some of the events:  Mother-Daughter Tea, Women of Arts, Maker Days, Journey In A Day, Daisy to Be, and Recruiting Expos.  I helped at back-to-school nights and any SU activity/event that needed extra volunteers and preparations.

What are the girls you’re involved with most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Meetings of any kind, special events, Encampment, travel, Cookies, games and skits.

What have you gained as a volunteer?

A lot of joy and pride. These questions are hard to answer because I don’t like talking about myself. But, I love my girls! 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Mary for her dedication to girls in Eagle River and beyond!

April 2020 | Angela Owen

 April's Volunteer is...

Angela Owen

Angela is the co-leader of Troop 4018 in Juneau.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am co-leader of Troop 4018 in Juneau.  I never really knew much about Girl Scouts other than they sold cookies. A preschool mom said she was starting a troop and invited my daughter to join, and here we are almost nine years later. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

Our troop was started by two amazing Coast Guard moms in kindergarten. The first one moved away after Daisies and the second moved after Brownies. I became co-leader when they were second-year Brownies and once our leader left, the job just kind of fell to me to keep the troop going.  

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

I am not very comfortable leading the meetings and prefer to do all the other stuff such as planning, financial, tracking and ordering patches, cookies, etc. I have a wonderful co-leader, Samia Savell, who graciously leads most of the meetings. As the girls get older, finding a time to meet has been challenging.  We change our meeting times/day every year depending on the schedules of each girl. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

It’s been amazing to see the girls grow over the years. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

You are not alone, so ask for help.  There are plenty of veteran leaders who are more than willing to help guide you through anything. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

My girls love to go camping, hiking, and anything outdoors. 

How has your troop grown since it first started?

They have become much more involved in the planning and leading of the troop.  They worked with the Red Cross to make disaster preparedness kits for their Bronze Award. For their Silver Award, they refinished and updated the timeline events and dates for the giant tree cross section that hangs outside the Nature Center at the top of Mount Roberts Tram. It will be exciting to see what they plan for their Gold Awards. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Angela for her dedication to girls in Juneau!

March 2020 | Elizabeth Bolton and Amy Crabtree

 March's Volunteers are...

Elizabeth Bolton and Amy Crabtree

Liz and Amy are the co-leaders of Daisy Troop 20107 in Ketchikan.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Liz: I am co-leader of Ketchikan-based Daisy Troop 20107 with my friend Amy. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and I was in a Brownie troop for a few months there before it fell apart. I remember meeting in the school cafeteria and making pinhole cameras, but when we took them to the park we couldn’t make them work. (That may have been the beginning of the end for the troop!) That was a good lesson for me: when I decided to become a scout leader, I was committed above all to keeping the troop going, even if I felt discouraged at times.

Amy: The Coast Guard brought my family to Ketchikan in 2018. I instantly fell in love with the peaceful beauty of this island and with the people who live here. I work as a nurse in the ICU here and I’m a mom to two girls, the oldest of whom is one of our Daisies. I have never been a Girl Scout.  In fact, I gained most of my knowledge of Girl Scouts from the website while I was online searching for a troop for my daughter. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

Liz: Actually this is the definition of girl-led: my daughter made me do it. There are several troops in Ketchikan but there wasn’t one that was exclusively Daisies and that met near her school. I wanted my kindergartener to have a chance to be a Girl Scout but becoming a leader seemed like a daunting task, especially because I had a new baby. When Alyson Cooper visited us here in Ketchikan, though, she was so helpful and so excited to have a new troop starting up that I decided to take the plunge. Getting Amy onboard sealed the deal, because I knew I would feel more confident with a good partner.

Amy: I love the concept of these brave little leaders coming together to make the world a better place! My own personal leadership experience has been limited and I want more than that for my daughters. I want to model what a good leader is for her while also allowing her to play a big role in this as well. Plus, it’s super fun!

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Liz: I love watching the girls get to know each other. We’ve only been meeting for a few months, but already I see lovely little friendships forming. My daughter likes to write the names of all the girls in the troop and draw pictures of them; I find slips of paper all over the house, usually in the days right after each meeting. I went to a women’s college, so I also find a lot of joy in watching them get to be a part of an all-girl space. That feels special to me, and I hope they sense it too.

Amy: Several weeks after starting our troop and still unsure of how things were going, I ran into one of our Daisies while out and about.  She immediately got a huge smile on her face and screamed, “I can’t wait until the next Girl Scout meeting!” That has to be my favorite thing so far. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Liz: I notice that they like to share their knowledge. When we ask them about a topic, or brainstorm ideas for upcoming meetings, they all have so much to say. The benefit of a troop of eleven is that there’s more opportunity for them to be vocal about their ideas than there might be in school, where their classes are bigger than that. They all love to do crafts, but they’ve got big plans for the spring when we’ll be doing more beachcombing, hiking, and exploring. (Full disclosure: they also love the snacks.)

Amy: It seems to vary from girl to girl. For some it’s the cookie sales, for others the crafts and activities or earning those petals at the end of the day! Most of all it seems to be the camaraderie.  They all seem to look forward to that every other Monday meeting when we come together to be Girl Scouts. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

Liz: I’m realizing that I can extend the concept of “girl-led” into the rest of my life. Where are the places where I try to control what happens and how it turns out, and can I focus on letting others play their part? I have a lot of leadership experience but the Girl Scouts philosophy is a great reminder that a big part of leading can actually be stepping back and letting others take over.

Amy: I must agree with Liz on this. While our young girls still need much guidance, each time we meet it becomes a little easier to take that step back and make this the girl-led troop we set out for it to be.  I even notice positive changes at home in my parenting because of this.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Liz: The cookie program has been such a terrific experience. Booth sales especially exceeded our expectations, and I really got to watch the girls’ different strengths shine through. Plus we had customers come up to the girls and thank them for being Scouts. It was so cool!

Amy: I am so grateful to my friend Liz for initially getting this troop going, for providing the girls with this opportunity and for giving me the chance to be co-leader. It has been life changing!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Amy and Liz for their dedication to girls in Ketchikan! 

February 2020 | Irma Hernandez

February's Volunteer is...

Irma Hernandez

Born and raised in Anchorage, Irma is the troop leader for Troop 392. 

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Irma Hernandez with troop 392. I am born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. I love the outdoors and the majestic mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. 

Were you a Girl Scout? If yes, where?

No, but I wish I was, as it’s teaching our girls a way of self-sufficiency. 

Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I couldn’t find a troop for my daughter, so I figured I would challenge myself to this task.  I enjoy the girls and their different personalities, as it makes you appreciate volunteering more. 

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge is setting up our meetings and getting all the girls on the same level at the same time due to different schools.  I take a step back and communicate with the girls. 

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I get to see these girls grow and see their minds blossom. 

What advice would you give to new leaders?

Be patient, it will be challenging and you will be challenged. Just know these girls are our future, and if we can show 1 out of 5 girls things are possible, it might spread. 

How has your troop grown since it first started? 

The girls are currently working on their Bronze Awards. The girls are leading more and not relying so much on adults. They put the definition of girl-led into this project. 

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

End-of-the-year trips and getting to do activities together. Getting to do things they would never have been able to do on their own. 

What have you gained as a troop leader?

These girls have taught me to be a great leader. To make a difference any way we can, even if it’s small. It’s not about the role, it’s about the goal. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Irma for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

January 2020 | Susan Harai

A former Girl Scout herself, Susan is the troop leader for Troop 4111. 

Year 2014 Troop 4111 Bronze Award Project

Tell us a little about yourself. Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I am the Troop Leader for the Petersburg Unit Troop 4111. I have been the leader for Troop 4112 also. I believe in the Girl Scout Mission, “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place”.

I was a Girl Scout in Mililani Town, Hawaii where my mother, Margaret Harai, was the leader. I attended Camp Paumalu on Oahu, Hawaii for three years and loved participating in Girl Scout activities as a Junior and Cadette. I wanted to be involved in order to pass along the love of Girl Scouting I had experienced. I have five daughters, and all were actively involved in Girl Scouts as they grew up. Two are Gold Award Girl Scouts and now Lifetime Members, and my youngest has completed her Gold Award project and is a junior in high school. Girl Scouting is a great way to bring families together while the girls grow in courage, confidence and character!

What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge is to keep the girls enthusiastic about Girl Scouting as they move into Senior and Ambassador levels.  There are a lot of activities competing for time and it is a challenge to not be overcommitted.

Year 1999 Troop 4112 Booth Sales
Year 2012 Troop 4111 Brownies
Year 2013 Cadette Silver Award Troop 4112

What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Getting to know the girls and becoming close to them as a mentor.

What advice would you give to new leaders?

“Never give up, Never surrender!” If Girl Scouting is important to you, pass that importance along to your girls. Always work with who you have, and encourage new members.

How has your troop grown since it first started?

My troop of girls has dwindled from Daisy to Ambassador, but five of the girls have received their Gold Awards, so I am very proud of the ones who have kept with it!

What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

My girls’ enthusiasm has changed over the years.  When they were in grade school they liked camping, crafts, and selling cookies. Now in high school they enjoy community service.

What have you gained as a troop leader?

I have maintained relationships with girls who were my Girl Scouts. One of my Girl Scouts is now a nurse at our hospital and is taking care of my father, who is in skilled care. She arranged for him to have his veteran’s meal delivered to him at the hospital.  

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Susan for her dedication to girls in Petersburg!

2019

December 2019 | Renata Brennan

December's Volunteer is...

Renata Brennan

A Girl Scout since 1975, Renata is the troop leader for Troop 311. 

cold me

Q: Were you a Girl Scout?

I started Girl Scouts in 1975 as a Kindergarten Pixie (now Daisies) on Ft. Richardson, Alaska. My final year was in 1988 as a Senior Girl Scout, which now would be an Ambassador, at Ft. Greely, Alaska.  My dad was in the Army so we moved around a lot. The location of our home would change, but there was always a Girl Scout Troop to join when we got there.  I was lucky to get the chance to be a Girl Scout in Alaska, Colorado, Washington State and Germany.  While in Europe, I participated in the Girl Scout TOFFS (Troops on Foreign Soil) Program and WAGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts).  I got to meet girls from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and England and my troop had a pen pal Sister Troop in Indonesia.   My mom was also a Cadette Leader in both Colorado and Germany, so I got to hang around with her troop when I wasn't with my own.  

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I became a GS leader because my daughter and several other girls wanted to be Girl Scouts in Kindergarten.  Since I had been a Girl Scout myself, I volunteered to lead their troop.  I have been their leader for 10 years now.  Sometimes it isn't easy to be a leader, but the girls are why I keep doing it.  I want them to have the opportunity to have a variety of experiences, push their comfort zones and perceived abilities and have fun doing it, so that they can grow into confident women who can take on anything.  I also really like exploring the world through their eyes.  Times have changed a lot since I was their age and they keep me up-to-date. I totally stan my Troop. 

Girls at their Bridging ceremony
Girls at a cookie booth

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders?

My advice to new Leaders is to make use of the parents.  Most people like to have you give them a task or directions on how they can help you rather than step in and possibly make a mistake.  Be as direct as you can.  Tell people up front that they will need to volunteer some time and most will be willing to help out any way they can.  Use your sources!  If a parent has experience in something the badge you are working on covers, give them the information/requirements and have them come in and be a guest leader for the day. The girls can practice a little leadership that day by running the routine aspects of the meeting themselves. A great transition to "Girl Lead" experiences! I would also make sure to register 1 parent per family.  You always have two registered adults for the events you attend and field trips.  This prevents a lot of scrambling for approved chaperones when you need them.    

Q: What have you gained as a troop leader?

I think the thing I like most about being a Leader is when I see a girl's face light up when she accomplishes something she didn't believe she could do.  Things like using power tools by herself or planning a whole event can seem intimidating at first, but with help and encouragement (and sometimes tough love) they realize they CAN do these things. Seeing them discover they can exceed what they thought were their limits is wonderful.  And in helping them push themselves, I've learned to push myself a bit more too.  I think that in their need for compassion and patience has really helped me to practice that more with my family, myself and the people I interact with.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Renata for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

November 2019 | Brandy Burks

November's Volunteer is...

Brandy Burks

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts? 

Volunteering with Girl Scouts is a way for me to do something fun with my daughters and also share that fun and learning with others to the best of my abilities. We all learn and grow as a group and as individuals.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop, and how have you overcome it? 

My biggest challenge has been learning how to ask for help when I am slightly overwhelmed and not knowing what to do.

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

My favorite part of volunteering is seeing the girls learn and have fun doing so.

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders?

My advice to new leaders is to reach out to their fellow leaders and volunteers. Take parents up on their offer to help and always be willing to relinquish some activities to parents, they can be your best helpers if you let them. Also, attending Leader and Volunteer monthly meetings are an awesome source for information and resources.

Q: How has your troop grown since it first started last year? 

Troop 906 started in the fall of 2009 when my oldest was in kindergarten. We joined a new troop of Daisies as parent and child, but a year and a half later I became the troop leader. In 2015 my youngest started kindergarten and wanted to join Girl Scouts like her big sister. There were no new Daisy troops starting at her school, so I decided to just add the girls that wanted to start into our existing troop. As the girls have grown we have continued to welcome other girls from other levels into our troop. The more the merrier and the more girls in each level makes it more fun than just having a few, especially for some of the activities. 

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting? 

The girls seem to be most excited for activities that are hands-on. They love being active and moving around. The learning is always enjoyed more and rewarding when it is fun. They also look forward to moving up and the new things they will learn and do, such as destinations.

Q: What have you gained as a troop leader?

 I have gained perspective, patience, community, and opportunities. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Brandy for her dedication to girls!

October 2019 | Shanda Gladden

October's Volunteer is...

Shanda Gladden

Originally from the Kenai Peninsula, Shanda and her family have been in Anchorage since 2014. She the troop leader for Troop 19. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself!

I grew up on the Kenai Peninsula and moved to Anchorage for my husband's job in 2014.  I have 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl.  I recently left my job of 15 years as a theatre manager and started working in the Human Resources department at Worley.  I know it sounds like I switched from a really FUN position to something a little boring but the hours are better and it allows us a better routine and sometimes it is just nice to not be the boss!

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

I was a Girl Scout growing up in Nikiski.  

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I started volunteering because there wasn't a troop available for my daughter at the school she was going to, so we made our own!  That was 3 years ago!  It was the best thing that we could have done!

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been parent involvement.  From what I hear that can be pretty common.  We have changed our meeting night, time and location so that it isn't right after school which has helped.  We have also started communicating through multiple devices as to catch all technology levels!

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Working with the girls! I feel like I have a lot to offer them and they sure have a lot to show me! I have a very creative bunch!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Shanda for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

September 2019 | Colleen Viator

September's Volunteer is...

Colleen Viator

Originally from Texas, Colleen moved to Anchorage with her family three years ago. She has three daughters in Girl Scouts. She is the leader of Troop 32 and a troop helper for Troop 1125, both in Anchorage. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am originally from Texas, and after traveling the world with my husband's job, have been blessed with 3 years here in Alaska. I stay at home to care for my 3 daughters and 1 spunky poodle. After getting a taste of co-leading my youngest daughter's Daisy troop, I decided to take the plunge and lead the troop myself. What they say is true! You only get as much as you give and after giving much time and effort in leading the troop last year, I got 10 times the love and reward. It was by far the most rewarding volunteer position I've participated in and for that I'm so grateful!

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

No. I grew up in South Texas and chose not to be in Girl Scouts. Honestly, at that time, I missed the boat on all the benefits of Girl Scouts. I thought that it was all selling cookies and crafts and what I really wanted to do was carry a pocket knife and be outdoors. Little did I know that since Girl Scouts is girl-led, those opportunities would have been available to me had I joined and given it a try!

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I want to help give our young girls a safe place to grow, learn, be themselves, and support each other. Young people are our future and there's nothing more important than trying to help shape our kiddos into caring and confident people.

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Circle time is when a lot of the magic happens for my troop. That's when the girls talk together about their thoughts and ideas and reflect upon the badge work for that day.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge is most definitely keeping control of and guiding 12 very energetic 1st graders. I took a close look at how teachers manage their classes every day and started implementing calls and responses to grab the group's attention. I also break the troop up into smaller groups and rotate them through stations to complete the badge work. Having a parent at each station helps as well.

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

We have a variety of passions in our group ranging from tinkering with STEM projects, to crafts and service projects. They love selling cookies but also ask to go camping and hiking. We try our best to provide a variety of activities for the troop. They also LOVE feeling like they're helping their community. Many of them were super excited about the simple task of picking up trash at the park.

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders?

Definitely lean on experienced leaders! They have FANTASTIC ideas and advise. I happen to have a very experienced leader just down the street from me who has saved me on several occasions. Facebook groups can be super helpful as well. 

Q: Tell us about your favorite Girl Scout memory!

There are so many awesome memories with my troop, but my favorite was probably our first troop hike. The hike took three times as long as predicted because the girls had to stop at every mushroom and berry that they found. I just loved seeing their curious minds at work. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Colleen for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

August 2019 | Barb Knaak

August's Volunteer is...

Barb Knaak

Barb Knaak is the troop leader of Troop 929 and is also the Chugiak/Eagle River Product Manager. Barb is committed to leadership, mentorship, and the Girl Scout mission. Barb once again led another fantastic cookie season in the Chugiak/Eagle River Service Unit, offering enthusiastic support to the girls and volunteers. In addition to her role as the Service Unit Cookie Manager, Barb is also the Fall Product Program Manager and facilitates popular and fun events such as the Cookie Rally and SWAPS. Barb is an enthusiastic spokesperson for Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. She truly exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouts. Other leaders look to her as a resource and she is an integral part of the Service Unit Team. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am originally from Buffalo, New York. I was raised in Michigan where I went to Western Michigan University and received my degree in Printing Management. I worked for Gannett, Co., that prints USA Today for about 10 years before moving to Alaska. I have been in Alaska now for 20 years. I love it! I work for the USO (United Services Organization) on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. I am the Center Operations Supervisor which is a fancy term for Volunteer Coordinator. I live with the love of my life – Troy, my daughter Janna, and son Jaden. We have a dog and two cats.

Q: Were you a Girl Scout growing up?

I was a Girl Scout in Buffalo, New York and in Fraser, Michigan. I was a Girl Scout through 8th grade. 

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer to give back to the community. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love working with the girls and leaders. It is amazing to watch these little girls grow up and become ladies. I have made many friends and love that the girls know me as the Crazy Cookie Lady!

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders?

Don’t re-invent the wheel. Work with other leaders to see what they have done and do things with both older and younger troops.

If we show the girls that we can all work together and always include everyone, it will help them to be the kind of Girl Scouts that includes people no matter who they are.

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

My girls like to sell cookies!

Q: What have you gained in being a troop leader?

I love that my daughter has made friends and is also able to give back to Girl Scouts when she helps at Singing Hills. Seeing her find something she loves to do is important to me. 

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment or favorite memory while volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I like putting on events for the girls. The Cookie Rally and SWAPs event have become my signature events. Coming up with some fun things for the girls to do during both events is a challenge and some of the best fun ever. The girls seem to enjoy it since they keep coming back!

The greatest accomplishment for me was receiving the Thanks Badge from Sylvia Acevedo, the CEO of GSUSA, at this year's Encampment.

Q: Your troop has traveled - what made your last trip memorable? What tips can you share with other leaders who may be considering travel in the future?

In August of 2018 we did what I'm calling the 'Girl Scout Pilgrimage.' Troop 929 went to Savannah, Georgia and toured the original Girl Scout Headquarters and had tea at Juliette Gordon Low's house. There were only 4 of us signed up for the tea, so they wanted us to move our date or change what we were doing. After I explained that we were coming all the way from Alaska, the amazing staff made it work for us. They even brought in a local Girl Scout and her mom to join us for the tea. That was awesome!

From there we traveled across Texas to do a service project at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. Both girls in my troop have some intellectual disabilities which is why we chose to volunteer at Morgan’s Wonderland. Morgan's Wonderland is a theme park built by a father for his daughter. His mission was to build a place where everyone could be included in fun no matter their level of ability. We worked on the train for the day and helped people on and off. We wore our Girl Scouts shirts and everyone was amazed to see that we were from Alaska. We also stopped at as many Girl Scout council offices as we could. It was great to meet our fellow Girl Scouts across the country. It was an amazing trip.

For other leaders thinking about traveling - it is a big undertaking. Talk to other leaders and plan around what works best for your troop. If it seems too overwhelming, look into trip planning programs.

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Barb for her dedication to girls in Chugiak and Eagle River!

July 2019 | Patti Macpike

July's Volunteer is...

Patti Macpike

Born and raised in Bar Harbor, Maine, Patti grew up outdoors playing, fishing, and camping. She moved to Sitka to attend Sheldon Jackson College and graduated in 1996. She is currently a troop leader in Sitka for Troop 4119.

Q: What made you initially volunteer with Girl Scouts?

Our first daughter, Hannah, joined Girl Scouts in 2001 as a Brownie. It was her second year as a Girl Scout when one of her leaders moved away. I stepped in and became her troop's co-leader and have been a leader since. 

Q: Why do you continue to volunteer?

My oldest daughter stayed in Girl Scouts all through high school. It was through her experiences that I realized how many girls miss out on the amazing opportunities that Girl Scouts provides to older girls. In many ways, Girl Scouts really takes off for girls 12 and up. There is so much that older girls can take advantage of and do. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop? How have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge we're facing right now is coordinating everyone's busy schedules. Middle schoolers are busy!

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

It's been really great to see the girls earn the Highest Awards. Our troop is finishing up their Silver Award this summer. We're also looking forward to travel soon with our mixed level troop.  

Q: Any words of wisdom or encouragement that you'd like to pass on to other troop leaders?

My advice for adults: Sometimes we have to live by example and step out of our comfort zone as well. We want to build girls of courage and strength to be leaders - they need role models and leaders are just that! Laugh and learn with the girls - you'll be glad you did. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Patti for her dedication to girls in Sitka!

June 2019 | Deanna Ferrell

June's  Volunteer is...

Deanna Ferrell

Deanna grew up in Talkeetna. She left for a few years after getting married but moved back after having her children. Deanna works at the local clinic in town as a billing and A/R specialist. She is currently working towards her certification to become a Billing Coder (CPC). In her free time she is the troop leader of Troop 813 and is the elementary school PTA vice president. 

Deanna loves her community and enjoys working towards making Talkeetna a better place for her children and others. 

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

Although I was never a Girl Scout, I always thought that if I had been in Girl Scouts I would have enjoyed it immensely. 

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I love seeing my girls become more independent and confident. When the opportunity presented itself for me to become a co-leader, I jumped at the chance to help out our local troop. However, the troop leader had to quit for personal reasons so I stepped up because I did not want this wonderful program to end in our community. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

Organization and planning were my biggest challenges. When I first started there were only a few girls signed up. But trying to figure out what to teach and when was difficult for our multi-level troop. Thankfully I have a great co-leader that worked with me and together, we figured out our own system. I wanted any girl of any level to still be able to come to our meetings and learn or do something that benefited them in some way. Now we stager our Journeys for each level and make sure the other girls always have something to work on. 

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love the time I get to spend with the girls. Seeing them learn something new and being excited about it is so rewarding! Cookie season, although a little stressful, is so much fun! To see the girls step outside of their comfort zone and become entrepreneurs is amazing! They learned how to count money and how to ask for a sale. They really made it their business. Not only do I get to help teach these girls, I also get to spend a lot of time with my own girls. Seeing them interact with others and be helpful and kind makes me a proud mama and troop leader.

Q: What is some advice you'd like to share with new leaders?

Find your own style. And go to the service unit meetings! The meetings are so helpful - there is a lot of experience in those meetings from women that have done this for years. Don't be afraid to ask questions! They turn into learning oppotunities for you and other leaders. We're all in this together!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Deanna for her dedication to girls in Talkeetna!

May 2019 | Kara McCoy

May's Volunteer is...

Kara McCoy

Kara was born in Tucson, Arizona but her family moved often, going overseas for her father’s job with a mining agency. They returned to the United States and settled down in Boise, Idaho.

Kara moved to Southeast Alaska in 2000 to live and work as a nurse on Prince of Wales Island.  In 2001 Kara moved to Juneau to work as a school nurse. In 2003, Kara moved to Ketchikan and then eventually back to POW in 2010. While living in Ketchikan and POW for the second time, Kara worked for the State of Alaska as an RN with Public Health Nursing.

Kara and her husband were married in 2003 and we have 3 children - ages 12, 10, and 7. She is currently the troop leader of Troop 4197 in Craig.

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

Yes, I was a Girl Scout on and off from 1st through 6th grade because of moving.  I was a Brownie when we lived in Challis, Idaho from 1981-1982 and returned to Girl Scouts when we moved back to Boise in 1983.  I loved Girl Scouting and Girl Scout camp especially.

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts is a wonderful program. It allows me to teach my girls and other girls fun things that I did as a Girl Scout. I have a passion for older girls mentoring younger girls. I believe that this helps girls to become leaders and I think that younger girls really look up to their older peers.

Q: What is it like leading a troop in Craig where there aren't any other troops?

When I first became a Girl Scout volunteer in 2012, I was a leader for the Thorne Bay troop.  At the time there were other troops in Craig and Naukati/Coffman Cove. It was great involving other troops in our activities.  We would partner together for events like World Thinking Day and bring the troops together.  In 2014, my daughters switched school districts and it was too difficult to lead the Troop in Thorne Bay since it was 40 miles between towns so we transitioned to the Craig troop.  I wish there were more troops on the island because it was fun getting the girls all together.  There is a new troop in Thorne Bay starting up and I hope to be able to answer questions as needed and work together for events.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

Our biggest problem with leading is volunteer/parent help. Luckily we have 3 other Girl Scout volunteers that lead levels and work together for activities. Two of us were Girl Scouts as girls. It is nice being able to do separate level work and also come together as a troop for events and activities. We currently have 16 registered girls that range from Daisy to Cadette. We also have a couple other moms willing to jump in and help when needed. I think that being so far from the council is a challenge in the sense that our troop volunteers/girls have to plan all the events that we have here. This takes lots of time and effort. Most of our level leaders also work. 

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love the variety of activities.  It is up to the individual girl as to how much work they put into their Girl Scout experience.  I love being able to help mentor girls into leaders.  I also like that this activity is girl focused.  It gives girls on our island a healthy, mentoring activity, where girls work together and with adults to make the experience what they feel is important.

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Some girls like earning patches, others like the service projects, and a few have their sights set on travel. Most of our girls like our troop campout that we do each year. 

Q: Tell us about your favorite Girl Scout memory!

My favorite memories are from going to Girl Scout camp as a kid: Cooking on the fire, canoeing on the lake, camping out in tents, sleeping on the dock, and singing camp songs. I am thankful that my girls have been able to attend the same Girl Scout camp in Idaho that I attended as a girl. Their first year, we went during a mom/girl weekend and were able to experience it together. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kara for her dedication to girls in Craig!

 

April 2019 | Shawna Ragan

April | Shawna Ragan

Shawna was born in Anchorage and lived in town until her family moved to Kenai when she was seven. Several years later they moved to Nikiski. There, Shawna grew up exploring the woods and lakes around her. This led to her developing a love for the peace and wonder of nature as well as her independence and self-competence.

After high school, Shawna moved back to Anchorage and has lived there since. After returning to Anchorage, Shawna earned an Associate’s Degree in Architecture and Engineering Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, and a Graduate Certificate in Children’s Mental Health from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Shawna currently has a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Shawna and her husband of 26 years have an 18 year old son and a 7 year old daughter together. 

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

I tried out a couple of meetings when I was nine but the only troop in Nikiiski didn't fit with what I was interested in (outdoor skills).  

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

It wasn't until my early 20s when I got a job as a Girl Scout camp counselor at Winding Trails that I found out how much fun Girl Scouts could be. I enjoyed working with both girls and adults as well as the freedom to be creative and focus on areas that were exciting for me and the girls. We have been a devoted scouting family since our son started Cub Scouts when he was 6. It only seemed natural that our daughter would be in Girl Scouts. Since there was no one else to start a troop at her school, I took it on. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

My personal challenge in leading a troop is learning how to reach out and ask for help. This year in particular, I am growing not only in my ability to delegate but also learning how to organize and manage a large group of girls and parents - something I have never had to do before. I am so grateful for my girls and parents. They have made this learning process so great. We have developed a strong community that supports each other and helps all of us thrive. When I started our troop three years ago, we had six Daisies and a few parents. Now we are a multi-level troop of 18 girls with families that are willing to pitch in with whatever project the girls decide to tackle. 

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

While being a leader is a lot of work, I love spending time with the girls. Their compassion for others and joy for new adventures is infectious and pushes me to work even harder to help them reach their full potential. It amazes me when the girls are asked what they would like to do - it's always, hands-down, camping!

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders? 

When talking with new leaders, or someone thinking about becoming a leader, I encourage them to recruit parents to help. Not only does it lighten your load but it also sends a clear message to all the girls that they, and what they are doing, are important to the adults around them.

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

They love camping and the outdoors! It's awesome!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Shawna for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

March 2019 | Poppy Benson

March | Poppy Benson

Poppy has spent about 30 years in Scouting in one form or another.  Her own Scouting career started in early grade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She went all the way through Girl Scouts, earning many badges and "career bars" and attended All States Encampment where she learned to backpack. She also attended a Juliette Low Session at Our Chalet in Switzerland. 

Poppy went on to earn her BS in Forest Recreation. She then went on to work for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada where she was encouraged to lead an Explorer Scout Post sponsored by the BLM.  

After working in Nevada, Poppy’s career took her to Alaska with Fish and Wildlife. Here she met her husband and had a son. When their son joined Tiger Cubs, Poppy and her husband became den leaders. Poppy also took on the role of Outdoor Chair for Boy Scouts and was responsible for planning camping trips and high adventure trips. She canoed the Yukon and bicycled the Golden Circle along the Canadian border.

After her son’s graduation, she decided to try Girl Scouts so she could spend time with girls. She soon retired, and spent two sessions as an aide in the legislature in Juneau. Poppy is now totally retired and spends lots of time with her Girl Scout troop. She is also a board member and trip leader for Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. Poppy and her husband now spend much of their time travelling and living on their boat in Southeast AK.

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I like working with girls. I want to give back in honor of all those adults who made my own Scouting career possible.

Q: We know that girls get very busy as they get older and have other obligations. How have you kept Girl Scouts exciting and engaging for your Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts?

The key to getting busy high school girls to meetings is to show up with a pizza at lunch time. We meet in a conference room at the high school once a week and usually have 4 to 9 girls at a meeting. It's only a half an hour but it works. Since I am retired, I can easily do that. 

The key to keeping them interested is to have big projects and trips. When they were in 4th grade we went to Kodiak by ferry with bikes as our only transportation. In 10th grade, we backpacked Chilkoot Pass on a 12 day trip into Canada. This summer, now that they're older, we are headed to India!

The troop developed the Teen Hunger Program to supply backpacks of food for the weekend at their high school which is something they should be very proud of. Most of them also really like working with younger Girl Scouts and we have several events for them to shine in a teaching and leading capacity. 

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment or favorite memory while volunteering with Girl Scouts of Alaska? 

I am most happy when I see my girls do something amazing and grown-up. Like planning and teaching all the activities at cookie university or a unit on marine debris for the younger girls at a service unit event. Or even how they handled themselves at our recent Indian dinner fundraiser. It was like working with seasoned adults. They just pitch in and work independently. Of course, I have loved all of our trips, too. 

Q: You plan to travel this summer. Can you tell us more about your trip and the planning process?

 It was the girls' idea to go to India because one of them had been on a family trip there. I was initially hesitant because I was concerned about safety and had never been to India. I spoke with a young woman in Homer who had traveled in India extensively as well as with Anita, a troop leader in Cordova. Her troop spent 4 weeks in India and Nepal. 

The parents were in on conversations with Anita and shared the same concerns I had. Our 10 day session at Sangam, a World Scout/Girl Guide Center to start off our trip made everyone more comfortable. 

The girls are busy planning their free time in India and we're excited to go. We had a very successful fundraiser - an Indian dinner. Homer does not have an Indian restaurant but does have a very good cook who lived in India for years. She volunteered to be our chef and we were her sous chefs. We ended up serving over 200 guests although we had planned for only 100. We made more than $4,000!

Q: What advice would you give yourself in your first year of volunteering?

I think I would've started working on the journeys with the girls sooner. The journeys went really well and the girls learned a lot from them. 

As much as we hiked and camped, I would've loved to do even more with the girls. I learned that it's so important to have more than one leader. The more helpers, the better!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Poppy for her dedication to girls in Homer!

February 2019 | Kim Ballard

February | Kim Ballard

Kim Ballard is from Seattle, Washington and moved to Alaska in 1990. She holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting and has worked for GCI for 25 years. In her free time, Kim loves traveling and taking photos. She is also an avid card maker and stamper. 

In addition to leading 3 troops, Kim currently helps out as Service Unit Manager for the East Anchorage Service Unit and has held positions as a SU Product Sales Manager, Event Coordinator, and School Organizer. Kim was also a council trainer for years and was selected as the council Global Action Volunteer in 2012 and attended the Edith Macy Center in New York for training. In 2016, Kim was selected as a Volunteer of Excellence. 

Q: Were you a Girl Scout?

I was a Girl Scout as a Brownie in the Totem council and attended camp at Robbinswold and River Ranch in Washington. I completed my First Class Scout which is today's equivalent of the Gold Award. After traveling and living in Japan as a foreign exchange student, I traveled throughout Europe and even visited Our Chalet in Switzerland in 1974.

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I love working with girls!

I led my two daughters' troop until they graduated high school. Then I led a Junior troop for my niece and now I lead 3 troops for my granddaughters!

When I first started volunteering as a troop leader, it felt like I had "come home" to Girl Scouts. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

Travel! I have led 4 council trips to Japan since 1996. My own troop traveled to Japan in 2018. I've also taken girls to Ireland, England and Italy. Our next planned trip with Girl Scouts is to New Zealand and Australia this summer and a trip to Greece in 2021. 

I look forward to many more years as a volunteer with Girl Scouts. I love working with girls and seeing that "aha" moment when everything clicks. I've learned a tremendous amount from working with the girls as well. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop? How have you overcome it?

I found it a little challenging to lead a multi-level troop with the newest curriculum and all of our other activities so instead we broke up the levels into 3 troops. So now I have 3 troops!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Kim for her dedication to girls in Anchorage!

January 2019 | Denny Vogan

January | Denny Vogan

Dennis "Denny" Vogan has lived in Ketchikan since moving from California with the Forest Service to do work as a civil engineering technician. 

Denny has been a Girl Scout volunteer in Ketchikan for 8 years. For the past 3 of those 8 years, Denny has been a troop leader for Troop 4059. When he's not out and about with his troop, Denny enjoys fishing, traveling and spending time with his two daughters, his brother and sister-in-law. 

Q: What made you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I was originally recruited to volunteer for Girl Scouts by a troop leader who I had worked with in the Forest Service and needed some help with her troop. Being retired, I had the time and was available so I decided to give it a try. I was a little nervous for the first meeting to see how the girls would react to having a male volunteer. Turns out, I had no reason to be - they totally accepted me right away!

Q: Why do you continue to volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I have found that being a Girl Scout volunteer and troop leader is fun and rewarding. We have a combined troop of Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes. They're awesome and make it so fun. They are a bunch of fearless little go-getters!

Being as I have the time, I have taken over troop management - girl membership, finances, troop product program, communicating with parents and am the main contact for council.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge when leading a Girl Scout troop? How have you overcome it?

The girls really haven't been a challenge. They all get along really well; they're respectful and play nice. Sometimes they get a little rambunctious and forget about the rules so we have to slow them down.

There have been a few challenges at times with getting girl membership right in the computer as well as getting our product sales website working. The council has been really helpful and responsive whenever we've had issues. The Girl Scout website has lots of online resources for training, volunteers, and troop leaders. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I think everyone's favorite thing is just interacting and having fun with the girls. I try to plan meetings where the girls have activities that challenge them and are a good learning experience.

I believe that Girl Scouts is the best organization for supporting and leading girls. They provide the best resources to the many volunteers that give their time. I am happy to be a part of it!

Q: There aren't a lot of guys who are "Man Enough to be a Girl Scout." What would you say to men who are considering (or have been asked to consider) becoming a troop leader?

There are quite a few men who volunteer and lead troops. If you are good with children, you should give volunteering a try. You can be a great influence on the girls. I've had many women comment that more men should get involved, too.

I know many troops could use another volunteer to help out. My troop certainly could!

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Denny for his dedication to girls in Ketchikan!

2018

December 2018 | Tresa De La Cruz

December | Tresa De La Cruz

Tresa De La Cruz is a Texas native who's moved all across the world for her husband's job. Tresa has a background in journalism and public relations and is currently a group fitness instructor at the Alaska Club.

Tresa has two children who grew up in scouting. Both Tresa and her husband were heavily involved in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts throughout their children's lives. Both of their children earned the highest awards in their organizations: Gold Award and Eagle Scout. 

After leading her daughter's troop to their final bridging ceremony, Tresa took a step back as a troop leader. That didn't last long though! Now Tresa leads Troop 740, a Junior/Cadette troop based at St. John United Methodist Church. 

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

I was a Girl Scout from 1st through 5th grade in Houston, Texas in the San Jacinto Council. My mother, who was also a Girl Scout, was one of the leaders for my Brownie troop. 

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteer with Girl Scouts because it's a family tradition. When my daughter was old enough to start as a Daisy, I was one of the troop co-leaders. At the time we were living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates so we were members of the Overseas Girl Scouts. After three years in Dubai, we moved to Norway where we continued with Overseas Girl Scouts. I eventually became the Overseas Girl Scout Committee Chair where I recruited leaders, girls, did training, and coordinated facilities.

After Norway we moved to Texas where we continued with Girl Scouts and I became invovled as a Service Unit Manager for the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest. After four years in Texas we moved to Anchorage where I would take on a troop as a co-leader. I'm very proud to say that four out of our six girls earned their Gold Award. 

My daughter is now 23 years old and a Lifetime Girl Scout. She got married this past year and plans to be a Girl Scout leader someday. 

After my daughter and troop graduated, I decided to retire from Girl Scouts. That didn't last for long because a troop at my church was in need of a leader. I took on that troop and have been recruiting and building troops at my church. It is now my fifth year as Girl Scout Coordinator for St. John United Methodist Church and as a leader for Troop 740. 

I also volunteer at Encampment! I hope to co-teach a yoga class at Encampment 2019! 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been how to communicate effectively with the parents. I like to use emails but some people don't use email on a regular basis. I've started to text parents. Some troops have created Facebook pages. How you communicate with parents will be different for each troop. 

At the start of each year, I hold a parent meeting and ask parents which method of communication works best for them. While this isn't a perfect system, it helps to get feedback directly from the people you're trying to reach!

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I like working with the girls the most. I've held administrative positions in the past, but being a troop leader is what I like because I get to work directly with girls. I actually enjoy planning troop meetings too. I like the challenge of it. When a meeting goes really well, I feel a great sense of satisfaction. When it doesn't go well, I learn how to do it better for the next time. I'm always learning something new!

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders? Especially new leaders in Anchorage?

To take the leader training and try to learn everything you can about Girl Scouts. It also helps to talk to other leaders to get their advice. For me, staying organized and communicating well with parents is key. Also, plan ahead. It's good to give parents as much notice as possible when planning field trips, parties, special meetings, etc. Everyone is busy, so it helps to get thigns put on the calendar before it fills up. 

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

I ask my troop this question every year and I get similar answers - camping, selling cookies and making crafts are the usual answers. But the answers I like the most revolve around the GS law: having fun with their friends, sharing activities with other girls, making the world a better place, and being a sister to every Girl Scout! 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Tresa for her dedication to girls in Anchorage (and across the globe)!

November 2018 | Alene McDermott

November | Alene McDermott

Alene McDermott is the troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 47, a Daisy/Brownie troop, based at Butte Elementary school in Palmer, Alaska. Currently, there are six girls and three adults enrolled in the troop. 

Before leading Troop 47, Alene was a teacher in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where she taught 2nd grade and 5th grade Language Arts. When she moved to Alaska in 2009, she worked in various positions in the Matanuska Susitna School District, including working with special needs students as well as students from kindergarten to middle school. 

Alene became the troop leader of Troop 47 when her kindergartener, Rosie, showed interest in joining the Girl Scouts, but there was not a troop for her grade level at her school. While Rosie could've joined a troop closer to home, Alene saw that Butte Elementary could benefit from a Daisy Girl Scout troop in the area, so she volunteered. 

Alene enjoys knitting, playing games (board and video), and always learning new things. 

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

I was not a Girl Scout but I wanted to be one.

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

As an educator from a family of educators, our motto has always been, “do what’s best for kids.” When our daughter Rosie wanted to become a Girl Scout, and there wasn’t a Daisy troop in our school, I decided that volunteering would not only benefit my own daughter, but others at her school. I also find that it is important to raise strong, smart, and brave girls that will not only change the world for the better, but be the leaders of tomorrow. 

Q: You mentioned that your teaching experience has been an asset to troop leadership. Can you explain why that is and what works best for you?

In the past few years, I have stepped away from the classroom to raise my youngest children. I have immensely missed teaching in those years. Leading Troop 47 has given me a little of that back until I am ready to return to the classroom. Leading a meeting is like leading a lesson. When I was in the classroom I had to have a goal in mind for my students. The same is true of leading a meeting. Knowing how to create a strict, but flexible schedule allows me to use my time more wisely. In addition, my experience of writing lesson plans and a syllabus for the year has allowed me to set not only goals for a specific meeting, but for the Girl Scout Journey or year as well.

I have also found that my experience has helped me in not only creating a lesson that achieves a goal, but modifying specific activities to the needs of all girls in the troop, whether they are emergent or proficient readers, or need a little extra help understanding concepts being discussed. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was growing my troop. With many families participating in multiple activities, I found it hard to coordinate schedules, and drum up interest. As with any first year of any activity, the entire year was a learning experience. I am not always outgoing, and found it took some time to feel completely comfortable taking the lead. Through activities and positive communication, we have grown our troop and continue gaining new students as we begin our second year. 

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I love spending time with the girls, and seeing them become leaders. I have seen my girls come up with ideas and experiment with them in order to learn about their world. They come alive when they find that they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing things like their activities, or even their own troop crest. There is no doubt that they will become the leaders in their schools and communities in their future. 

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders? Especially new leaders throughout the Mat Su Valley?

Take one step at a time, and ask for help. Beginning a new troop is intimidating, but doable. Think about what your girls need. Do they need to feel listened to, or to feel like they are smart?  Believe in yourself, and as always, “Do what’s right for kids.” 

Q: How has your troop grown since it first started last year?

We started with just two girls last year. After school programs brought a few girls to the troop. Through them, I was able to meet my awesome co-leader, Leah, who is the mother of one of our girls. Three girls ended up renewing.  Word of mouth, especially through our girls, has grown our troop, with parents asking about joining even as began our meetings this year. We are looking at 5 members with three to four more girls looking to join soon. This year, we are more enthusiastic about wider Girl Scout activities, and participating in not only our own meetings, but meeting Girl Scouts across the Valley and Alaska. 

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

At this point, our girls are just happy to be Girl Scout sisters. Meetings are a safe place for them to be who they are, even at their silliest.  They are looking forward to earning patches, beginning their new journeys,  and learning new things. I had girls asking about the next meeting even before the current meeting was finished. 

Q: What is the best part about participating in Girl Scouts with your daughter?

Volunteering for Girl Scouts has given my daughter and I some special time together to talk about what it means to be a strong, smart, and brave girl in the world. I get to see her grow as she learns the values of the Girl Scouts, and becomes a leader that all girls should have the opportunity to become. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Alene for her dedication to girls in the Mat Su Valley!

October 2018 | Jessica Voss

October | Jessica Voss

Jessica is a mom of 3 with 2 daughters in Girl Scouts. Jessica loves to read, write, draw, paint, and hopes to self-publish a children's book this year. She has been a Girl Scout leader since 2010 starting in New Jersey. 

Jessica and her family moved to Alaska last year after Jessica accepted a teaching position in Emmonak. There was no Girl Scout troop in Emmonak at the time, so Jessica decided to start one. With the help of her co-leader, Kristi and the support of many parents, Troop 51 was born!

Q: Were you a Girl Scout? Where at?

I was a Daisy in Jackson, NJ. Unfortunately, my parent's work schedule didn't allow me to continue with Girl Scouts but I always wanted to. 

Q: Why do you volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I've looked forward to being a leader since my oldest daugher was born. I knew it would give me the opportunity to do something fun with her even when she got into her teens. I love working with the girls in Emmonak and hearing all of their great ideas for improving village life. They would be suprised to see how similar they are to my troop back in New Jersey. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in leading a Girl Scout troop? How did you overcome it?

It can be difficult to get parent volunteers. People are busy! Especially during times like cookie season. Having a great co-leader makes all the difference!

Q: What's your favorite thing about volunteering with Girl Scouts?

I like that it's girl-focused. Girl Scouts accepts any girls from anywhere in a society that is still oppressive to girls. Empowering this generation of girls to take action and raise each other up is what we need for the future. 

Q: What advice would you give to new leaders? Especially new leaders in rural communities of Alaska?

Don't worry, plan, make clear rules, and have snacks. In rural Alaska we may not have girls come to every meeting. Don't worry about it being Pinterest perfect - just do your best! Using the Volunteer Toolkit has changed my leader life! I feel more confident in my leadership since using it. Multi-level troops can be difficult to plan for, but VTK makes meeting planning simplier. Make sure you devise clear rules - especially for cell phones. We ask our girls to keep them away during meetings. And the girls in our troop are always hungry so having a snack helps them refocus. 

Q: How has your troop grown since it first started last year?

We started a little late in the year, but I do expect some growth in our troop. The girls are having a great time and we're getting positive feedback from parents. 

Q: What are the girls in your troop most enthusiastic about in Girl Scouting?

Our girls want to improve village life and help animals. We will be researching alternative heating fuel sources this year. A major focus will be a recyclable paper/cardboard mix that is used in some similar areas as a clean burning fuel source. 

Girl Scouts of Alaska thanks Jesscia for her dedication to her troop and Emmonak!


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