Girl Scouts Amplified Voices

A troop leader for the Brownies for 50+ years and former Girl Scout, Christine Dougher discusses how the organization has changed since the 1970s. She also notes that the transferrable skills she gained as a troop leader volunteer helped her get a promotion at her day job in human resources.

GSHPA board member, chief operating officer of Pavone Marketing Group, and former Girl Scout Amy Beamer Murray says Girl Scouts is more needed than ever. She discusses how the program has impacted her life, reminding listeners that Girl Scouts allows girls to be anything and anyone they want to be.

Sisters Josephine and Jeannette Varrassa share their once-in-a-lifetime Girl Scout trip to Our Chalet. With mom Michelle, they talk travel, sisterhood, and snow-filled adventures.

A York County Girl Scout Troop shares their overnight adventure at Great Wolf Lodge. Heidi Hippey breaks down everything from evaluating comfort levels, meal planning and other welcome advice on this episode. Fifteen Girl Scouts from her troop went on the overnight adventure.

As camp season kicks into high gear and we all soak up that fresh outdoor beauty, we’re chatting with Marci Mowery, former Girl Scout and current champion of conservation! She talks about her love of Girl Scouts, shares why protecting our wild spaces matters (hint: it’s kind of a big deal) and why carving out time to volunteer isn’t just good for the world, it’s good for YOU too. Spoiler alert: volunteering is basically a health boost in disguise!

Girls in Troop 70674 in Lancaster County are a testament to patience. They spent almost two years fundraising and planning a service-learning trip to Hawaii. On this episode, Troop Leader Jessica and Cadette, Ella, share their experience and tips for other troops looking to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

After a classmate passed away from cancer, members of Troop 20365 in York County were inspired to turn grief into action. The girls created Kota Bear Kare Packages to distribute to pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Children's Hospital, earning their Bronze Award in the process.

Beth, a Lancaster County Girl Scout leader and her daughter, Annabelle, a Cadette Girl Scout, share their experiences camping, working on Highest Awards, and what they’ve learned from Girl Scouts. 

Maria Hendriksma of the Central PA chapter of Women in Manufacturing provides insights into the industry and related opportunities for Girl Scouts.

Becca and Mara Thiec share a heartfelt conversation about how Girl Scouts has helped Mara, who has autism spectrum disorder, connect with others and experience personal growth.

Mom and daughter talk about their Girl Scout experiences so far. Jen loves helping to lead a successful troop in the Harrisburg area and has a lot of good, practical advice for other volunteers. 

Lifetime Girl Scout, Kathy Ledzinsk,i highlights the circa-1810 Foxfire House at Camp Furnace Hills in Lancaster County and its historical significance in the community.

Jenifer Starr shares details about her daughter's Gold Award project and how caregivers can help girls publicize their Highest Awards. This is part two of a two-part interview.

Girl Scout mom, Jenifer Starr, talks about how the movement helped her daughter develop independence and confidence, and how she balanced single motherhood while keeping Girl Scouts a large part of her daughter's life. This is part one of a two-part interview.

Take a stroll back in time as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania resident, Flora Poulos, shares stories of travel, traditions and her Girl Scout trek from Brooklyn, New York, to southcentral Pennsylvania. Flora has spent 75 years involved with and supporting Girl Scouts and we are excited to be sharing her life story.  

Girl Scout and future leader Meilynn Poletti is bringing music to your ears, literally. Learn more about this Gold Award Girl Scout, her commitment to community, and how Girl Scouts helped her hone her leadership skills when you tune in to our inaugural episode of “Girl Scouts Amplified Voices.”

An introduction to the mission of Girl Scouts Amplified Voices, a podcast produced by Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, from its President and CEO, Janet Donovan.