Troop Leader Spotlight: March 2025
March 14, 2025
Meet Donelle Haley, Jeanette Chavez and Sandy Kulp. 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.
Donelle Haley, Troop 32335
Time Volunteering: 5 years
Service Unit: 608 Toppercrest
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Thin Mints
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
Great things come in small packages! Not only are they our cookies of course, but my small group of girls! It has been amazing to watch them grow from Daisies to Juniors. The friendships they have, the memories they make together I hope will last a lifetime!
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
This year, we are planning a trip to Crystal River to snorkel with the manatees! We also love giving back to our community after cookie season! Last year, it was the John Hopkins Pediatric Cancer Unit in St. Pete.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
For the last 2 years, we have hosted a cookie exchange at an assisted living facility where one of our Girl Scout grandmothers live during the holiday season. We pass out cookies and sing carols. It truly is one of my favorite things to do. Such a great memory!
Anything else you want us to know?
We love supporting our Starkey Ranch Community!
Jeanette Chavez, Troop 60705
Time Volunteering: 16 years
Service Unit: 641 Beautiful Waters
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Thin Mints
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
1. There are so many blessings for me in working with the girls.
2. Give the girls a wide variety of opportunities to explore and they will blossom tremendously.
3. A lot of adults have very limited outdoors experiences so they often don't know what to teach their kids. If I can teach the girl, she might be able to teach the parents as well.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
Now that our troop is older, I would love to be able to travel farther to experience new things and places like historical places. I was a Girl Scout when our country celebrated 200th birthday. I would love to find a jamboree or similar gathering next year for the country's 250th birthday. It was a wonderful experience that I would love to share with my troop if I can find a way.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
My family would not allow me to be a Girl Scout when I was little. I finally talked my parents into it in middle school. My troop went on two week trips every summer. One year we went to Washington DC and met with Congressman Young, our Representative at the time. We had our picture taken with him and he got us tickets to sit in the chamber, while Congress passed bills. We went to the White House, Smithsonian Museums. I hope to be able to pay it forward with my troop to do a similar trip.
Anything else you want us to know?
I had a troop before for 11 years. Those girls are now in their early 30s. I'm a Girl Scout "grandma." One of my girls from my first troop is starting a daisy troop because of all the great experiences she had as a girl.
Sandy Kulp, Troop 74711
Time Volunteering: 5 ½ years
Service Unit: 616 Lakeland Royal Swans
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Samoas
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
Keeping Girl Scouts girl-led, by letting them choose activities and plan events, truly empowers our girls and fosters fun, friendship, and teamwork.
The four pillars of Girl Scouts are STEM, life skills, entrepreneurship, and the outdoors. These pillars have created a foundation that inspire our girls to develop curiosity, kindness, and a can-do spirit, whether they're building robots, learning first aid, running a cookie booth, or going on a camping trip.
The number of opportunities and experiences is endless for all involved in Girl Scouts. You don't realize the ripple effect that Girl Scouts has on individuals and the community until you join. All volunteers should reflect on their past experiences and immerse yourself in the history of Girl Scouts.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
We're excited about two upcoming events that highlight our commitment to the community. First, our Girl Scouts are working hard to exceed their cookie goal! Every year their talents improve as they develop important skills in goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Second, we're honored to welcome home the 10th mission of Polk County's Flight to Honor. Our Girl Scout Honor Guard, along with other local organizations, will participate in a thunderous welcome home reception at Lakeland Linder International Airport, escorting Veterans from the tarmac to the terminal.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
I have countless cherished memories as a Girl Scout troop leader. Watching the girls work together to overcome challenges and then beam with pride at their accomplishments is truly incredible. Even more impactful are the stories I hear from caregivers about how the skills the girls have gained in our troop are making a difference in their everyday lives.
Anything else you want us to know?
Our troop's success is a direct result of the incredible commitment from our families. You are the backbone of our troop, supporting our girls every step of the way. Together, we're empowering our girls to become leaders, guiding them and embodying the true spirit of the Girl Scout Promise. And a special thank you to Amber, our amazing troop leader. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring!
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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!
