Troop Leader Spotlight: July 2025
July 18, 2025
Meet Jennifer Martinez, Melissa Hines and Vanessa Orasky. These three amazing troop leaders were nominated by their peers for their dedication and outstanding leadership. Troop leaders work hard every day to deliver a high-quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.
Jennifer Martinez, Troop 50327
Time Volunteering: 5 years
Service Unit: 626 West Wind
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Adventurefuls
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
1. That being a leader was not as easy as being a Girl Scout!
2. Always be prepared to pivot and to expect the unexpected as even the best laid plans will go awry.
3. Leading a troop takes a lot of personal time. Use that resource wisely so you enjoy the time being spent with your troop.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
I can’t wait to see how the girls continue to grow. It’s already been a huge change to see them go from Brownies to Juniors and now Cadettes. I am so proud of them for earning their Bronze Awards this year and their enthusiasm to continue forward in their Girl Scout journeys. The girls have already started leading their own badges and are starting to prep for a big travel adventure next year, I’m so excited to see where our next phase of scouting takes us.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
My favorite Girl Scout memory was going to my daughter’s investiture. I had been a Girl Scout from 2nd-12th with my mom as my leader and I was so happy to be sharing the start of this amazing journey with my own daughter.
Melissa Hines, Troop 33132
Time Volunteering: 6 years
Service Unit: 613 Beautiful Butterflies
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Samoas
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
I've learned that even the smallest interactions can make a big difference. I've learned that every Girl Scout has a leader inside. Finally, I've learned that we really can change the world.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
I look forward to more camping and more amazing adventures.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
One of my favorite memories is watching my daughter overcome her fear on the giant swing. I loved being a Girl Scout myself and it is so special to watch my daughter and her troop friends enjoy it just as much.
Vanessa Orasky, Troop 74713
Time Volunteering: 6 years
Service Unit: 616 Royal Swans
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Tagalongs
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
I have learned that letting my girls lead the troop where they want to go will always result in the best adventures. I have learned that often the activity that is the most fun for the girls is not the one I would have expected, so going with the flow of things has allowed my girls to have more fun. I have learned that our girls have fantastic ideas, perspectives, and solutions to problems and it's always worth taking the time to let them come up with their own path forward.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
I look forward to more big trips and adventures further from home as they are getting older and more responsible. I am looking forward to watching these girls grow up and step out into the world. They are going to make the world a better place.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
One of my favorite girl scout memories is when we went to a Star Wars themed encampment and my girls all had their lightsabers and we had a mock battle where I was the bad guy and they all mobbed me. I was on the ground laughing so hard I couldn't get up.
Anything else you want us to know?
It's been a wonderful ride. I'm sorry to have to leave them.
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Do you know a Troop Leader who deserves to be recognized for delivering a high quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience? Consider nominating them for the Troop Leader Spotlight!
