[From left to right: Stefanie Glover, Meredith Kluis and Markie Whitt]
Troop Leaders work hard everyday to deliver a high quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls.
Meet Stefanie Glover, Meredith Kluis and Markie Whitt. These three amazing Troop Leaders were nominated by their peers for their dedication and outstanding leadership. Their advice? Be silly, have fun and don't stress the little stuff. And when you run out of ideas? Bring out the parachute.
Stefanie Glover, Troop 14261
Time Volunteering: 9 years
Service Unit: 655
Trailblazers
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Girl Scout S'mores®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Make sure you have a co-leader.
- Remember you don’t have to do it all yourself, it’s ok to delegate.
- And let the girls plan their badges and meetings as they get older; it takes responsibility off of you and teaches them responsibility.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I choose to volunteer for Girl Scouts because it allows me to be a mentor for other girls, but also have an activity that me and my daughter could do together.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
Going to camporee with my daughter and the troop!! We always have a blast when we do that together.
Meredith Kluis, Troop 60848 and 60816
Time Volunteering: 20 years
Service Unit: 647 Wai
Lani
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Thin Mints®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Get out! Field Trips and Guest Speakers are so helpful and educational.
- Don't stress the little stuff. The girls love anything you do with them, when in doubt bring out the parachute.
- Have Fun! Be silly, sing loud! Show your Troop your fun side. They love to see their Leaders outside of their usual meeting-self.
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
- I grew up as a Girl Scout from K-12 with my Mom as my Leader. Through college and adulthood, it has been an activity that we can still share. I get to see Girl Scouts as a leader with my daughters in Girl Scouts.
- As an Educator, being a Girl Scout Leader is a way to have a different type of classroom. I get to take my girls on field trips to new places and learn about topics.
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
So many! When I was little the Wai Lani Neighborhood put on a week-long day camp called Windy Pines at Anderson Park. It was so fun to 'camp' all week with friends, my mom, and my little brother in the Tagalong group. It is something I would love to bring back!
I also had the opportunity to Sail at Scoutcrest, take a wider opportunity to sail in Traverse City, Michigan and go to Pax Lodge. As a Leader, this year has been really special to see my girls put their skills to the test as they transition to a more girl led experience.
My Junior Troop favorite memory so far was sleeping at the Tampa Aquarium, which is schduled for my Brownie Troop next fall!
Anything else?
I want to give a shout-out to my co-leaders, Brandy and Lia! I could not do it without them!
Markie Whitt, Troop 33228
Time Volunteering: 2 years
Service Unit: 613
Beautiful Butterflies
Favorite Girl Scout Cookies®: Girl
Scout S'mores®
What are three helpful tips you would give a new Girl Scout Leader?
- Ask for help from your service unit manager and your parents!
- Help the girls to bond and get to know each other well right from the beginning.
- Have fun with the girls and love every moment of leading and pouring into their lives!
What are two reasons you choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts?
I love that Girl Scouts teaches girls to be independent and leaders! Also being a part of encouraging a girl to have a dream of entrepreneurship is something I love!
What is one of your favorite Girl Scouts memories?
I had a great time with two of my parent volunteers doing Basic Outdoor Leadership Training B.O.L.T we had so much fun, learned so much to share with our girls and felt like Girl Scouts ourselves!
Anything else?
I love my troop. It feels like a family!
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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!
