Troop Leader Spotlight Week 3: April 2025
April 14, 2025
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and what better way to celebrate than by shining a light on our incredible troop leaders! Meet Maureen Trischka, Sarafay Brown & Staci Bush. These three fantastic troop leaders were nominated for the "Troop Leader Spotlight" by their peers for their dedication and outstanding leadership.
Each week in April, we’ll spotlight outstanding troop leaders who empower their Girl Scouts with courage, confidence and character.
Maureen Trischka, Troop 51063, 50511 & 50544
Time Volunteering: 19 years
Service Unit: 636 Silver Forest
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Samoas
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
I found my voice. Before I was always the quiet one. I was often afraid to ask for things. Now, I often ask for my girls. We’ve learned so much and been to so many places because I do.
To be brave in teaching the girls, I’ve learned that we can do anything. Big or small, it all matters. If we set our minds to it, we can work to make a difference.
To always be prepared. Planning is important. When we plan in advance, we bring everything we need. I try to think outside the box so that I’m ready for anything.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
I love watching my girls grow and seeing everything they can do. I’m looking forward to my younger girls earning their Bronze Award and to our troop camp this year.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
I remember seeing dolphins in the water in the early morning at one of our troop camps. It was so peaceful and beautiful. It’s something I’ll never forget.
SarahFay Brown, Troop 74911
Time Volunteering: 7 years
Service Unit: 615 Magical Dreamers
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Trefoils
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
The three things that I have learned is not everyone learns the same and you need to accommodate that into your lessons. Also, lean on the adult volunteers in your troop you can’t do it all yourself. The third thing and most important is remember they learn from you. They watch you with other kids and adults. I always respect those around me as I would like them to learn as well.
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
The two things that I am looking forward to doing with my troop is working on our badges and relate them to verses in the Bible or how they relate to us in every day life. The other thing is our trips this summer.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
My favorite Girl Scout memory is going to Camp Greenblood. I met some amazing ladies that made me feel like I belonged. I made new lifelong friends. They are in the picture with me that is pictured. (I am the one in blue off to the side)
Anything else you want us to know?
Being a Girl Scout leader is truly a blessing. My girls are extra special, and I am glad to have them in my life.
Staci Bush, Troop 32106
Time Volunteering: 9 years
Service Unit: 609 Rainbow
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Do-si-dos
What are three things you have learned from being a troop leader?
I've learned that there is a solution to every problem. You may have to go around the long way but you'll always get there in the end.
Bubbles & glitter can solve 75% of the world problems.
Kindness and compassion are never wasted on others.
Oh and just being silly should be a part of everyday life!
What are your two favorite things you are looking forward to with your troop?
My girls are in high school now and about to finish their journey as children to become amazing young women. I can't wait to see how they will change the world, because I'll be cheering them on every chance I get.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scout memories?
I have so many memories with my girls that I can't pick just one. Every time I see the light bulb go off when they get their first bullseye or use the things we talked about during our meeting. when they make a cookie pitch and get the sale or just blow bubbles and giggle like crazy people. They are all great memories to keep close to my heart.
. . .
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!
