[From left to right: Amber Gartner, Amy Higgins and Elaine Stromgren]
Troop Leaders work hard everyday to deliver a high quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.
Meet Amber Gartner, Amy Higgins and Elaine Stromgren. These three amazing Troop Leaders were nominated by their peers for their dedication and outstanding leadership. They love teaching new skills and providing girls with a space to grow confidence.
Amber Gartner, Troop 44016
Time Volunteering: 7 years
Service Unit: 639 Land
of the Silver Moon
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Tagalongs®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Don’t be too hard on yourself - as long as the girls are having fun, developing relationships, and learning new things - that’s all that matters.
- Get to know other leaders who have been doing this awhile - there are always so many great ideas, events, tricks others have found and developed through the years.
- Every troop is different. One thing I love about the few girls that stick through it is they build strong friendships and ultimately it’s all about the girls. Don’t try to force your troop to look like another - each will form its own identity.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
- I believe that girls can do anything they put their mind to. I work in a male dominated industry and one of my passions is mentoring the next generation of female leaders.
- I have a heart for young women and helping them find friendships and personal confidence. Many of the girls who join Girl Scouts don’t have people around them who support, encourage, and push them to be the best version of themselves. Girl Scouts is a safe place for girls to be girls and develop confidence in themselves.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
It’s hard to pick just one. I think the life lessons the girls gain are invaluable. When I hear them repeat something we talk about - “leave a place better than you found it” or “be a sister to every Girl Scout “ - or see them live that out, it helps me remember why I do this and that it really is making a difference. I enjoy seeing them try new things and honestly deciding if they like it, even if they had preconceived notions they wouldn’t.
Amy Higgins, Troop 50309
Time Volunteering: 6 years
Service Unit: 626 West
Wind
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Tagalongs®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Don't be afraid to ask for help from parents and other leaders.
- Make sure to ask the girls what they want to learn, they can and will surprise you and will probably help you learn something new.
- Use your network.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I loved being a scout and wanted to share that with my daughter. The friendships formed last a lifetime and the chance to share that with the next generation couldn't be passed up.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
There are so many, so many are attached to camping trips, especially ones teaching the girls new skills.
Elaine Stromgren, Troop 33509
Time Volunteering: 9 years
Service Unit: 676
Fossil Valley
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Thin Mints®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
I believe that encouraging participation in service projects is an important role of a troop leader. It helps to teach girls the importance of donating their time and talents to others in need and can provide them with a sense of accomplishment.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I chose to volunteer with Girl Scouts because this organization teaches important values and life lessons to its members and has a positive impact not only on the girls in my troop but also on our community.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
One of my favorite memories is when I took my troop to visit Savannah, Georgia. We were able to learn more about the Girl Scout organization and its contributions to our society throughout history.
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Do you know a Troop Leader who is passionate about creating girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place? Nominate them for the Troop Leader Spotlight!
