This week, host Brenna West is rounding out this season of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast with the inspiration behind the Dudes of Girl Scouting series—Dan Ketchum, aka Gramps.
Dan has been a pillar of Camp Linden, following in the footsteps of his father as Ranger and dedicating decades to making camp a home for generations of Girl Scouts. Though he recently retired, his work at camp never stopped—he continues to volunteer and work alongside Rob Lehman, ensuring the beauty of camp lives on.
Dan shares how his role evolved over time: “I just came here to do the work. I did not think I would have to be involved with the kids. And then I found out it was a matter of getting to be involved with the kids. I found I wanted to be. It just made my job so much more interesting.”
In this heartfelt episode, Dan reflects on his legacy at Camp Linden, the moments that changed him, and why Girl Scout camp is such a special place for all who experience it.

Our Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues with Matt Bates—Chief Financial Officer at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, dad of three Girl Scouts, and a dedicated employee of 23 years! 

Matt has worn many hats throughout his tenure, working in outreach, programming, research and evaluation, and, finally, as our CFO. Beyond his professional role, Matt shares how Girl Scouts has influenced his parenting: “I am absolutely a better parent because I am a Girl Scout person.” He reflects on one of the most important lessons he’s learned: “I think Girl Scouts helped me remember that they have to choose. It’s not really about me. I just have to be there for them.”

In this episode, he breaks down what makes Girl Scouts such a powerful and transformative experience for girls and why more families should take advantage of it. It benefits not only the girls but everyone involved.

In this episode of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, we continue our Dudes of Girl Scouting series with Rob Lehman, Facility Manager for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and a dedicated member of the team for over 25 years!
Rob’s passion for camp started early—“I was a camp kid,” he shares. Before joining Girl Scouts, he worked at YMCA Camps, but eventually transitioned to the property side with GSHOM where he found a home, ensuring that camps remain a place of adventure and growth for girls.
Now, his mission is to make camp the best it can be: “If I can be that guy… I love to use my background to make [the counselors] job easier and to make camp better.”
For Rob, the biggest reward is seeing the impact of his work firsthand: “When we can see the impact we are having with kids and being able to directly affect their experience at camp—that is really where the rewards come from.”
Join us as Rob shares his journey, his love for camp, and how his behind-the-scenes work helps create unforgettable experiences for Girl Scouts.

In this episode of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, our Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues with Mark Patterson—a Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan employee, troop volunteer, and proud Girl Scout dad!
Mark has been with Girl Scouts for 10 years, first working in membership and now as a Research and Evaluation Specialist, helping to shape the future of the organization one survey and data-point at a time.
At home, Girl Scouts is a family affair—Mark’s wife is a troop leader, and he plays an active role as a troop volunteer. He loves seeing girls take the lead, sharing: “The door is open. I mean, all these things highlight the uniqueness of Girl Scouts. They get to shape their adventure the way they want.”
In this episode, Mark shares his journey from Boy Scouts to Girl Scouts, why being girl-led is so important, and how Girl Scouts provides limitless opportunities for leadership, growth, and adventure.

The Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast with Jamie Lettow, a dedicated Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Board Member and proud Girl Scout dad!

Jamie has served on the board for over three years and has two daughters already in Girl Scouts—and a third ready to join soon! He is deeply invested in the organization's impact on young girls. As a former Boy Scout with a love for the outdoors, he was drawn to the opportunities Girl Scouts provides, not just for his daughters but for all girls, no matter the background, in the community.

Jamie shares what being part of the Girl Scout movement means to him: "This is one step above. It is helping an organization succeed and help their mission present to more girls in the community." 

Tune in to hear how Jamie supports Girl Scouts at both the board level and as a dad, why he believes these experiences are so valuable, and how Girl Scouts is shaping the next generation of leaders. 

The Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, and this week, we’re joined by Rod Roesch from Troop 60213 in Clinton, MI!

Rod’s Girl Scout journey began when he jumped feet first in when his younger daughter joined. He began as a Brownie co-leader and is now in his second year as a troop leader, embracing the experience and history of Girl Scouts in Clinton—dating all the way back to 1935!

Rod reflects on what Girl Scouting has meant to him, saying: “Girl Scouts has enabled me to do things with my younger kid that I probably wouldn’t have been able to.” He also shares why he believes Girl Scouts is more important now than ever: “I think girls now more than ever need opportunities to get together, to form friendships, to learn to be good friends, [and] to learn to be friends with all the people in your troop.”

Tune in for another inspiring conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast!

In this episode of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, our Dudes of Girl Scouting series continues with special guest Jon Barrows, a proud Girl Scout dad and longtime supporter.

Jon shares his journey into Girl Scouting that began with a deeper introduction from host, Brenna West, and his journey with our organization the past three years. Reflecting on his experience, Jon says: “It has been so amazing to hear all these amazing stories of girls and to see that transformation right in my house.”

Welcome back to a brand-new season of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast! This season, we're diving into a new series called Dudes of Girl Scouting, where we highlight the men who champion, support, and lead at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.

In this kickoff episode, host Brenna West sits down with Fred Shaw, a dedicated co-leader and volunteer with over a decade of experience in Girl Scouting. Fred shares his journey of 10 years in the movement, including 4 years as a co-leader, and reflects on the profound impact Girl Scouts has had on his life.

Whether you're a lifelong Girl Scout, a new member, or just curious about the men who make a difference in this space, this episode offers a heartfelt look at what it means to be part of the Girl Scout family. Don’t miss this conversation and join us next week to hear even more inspiring stories!

Awardees Laura Chappell & Brittany Chesney join Brenna for the final installment of the 2024 Women of Distinction season of the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast. Laura and Brittany dish on how the two of them met during Girl Scouts as young girls and have used the skills they learned in their troop to become entrepreneurs and business partners.

Laura Chappell - Laura was born and raised in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She lives in Grand Ledge with her husband, Eric, rescue dog, Millie, and seven energetic chickens. As a full-time photographer, Laura captures special moments, from graduating seniors to weddings and more. She enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, rock hunting, and collecting vinyl records in her free time.
Laura is passionate about supporting local businesses, especially those owned by women. Recently, Laura and, her lifelong friend, and Girl Scout Troopmate, Brittany Chesney, purchased a historic building near their hometown. They plan to combine Laura's wedding photography expertise with Brittany's wedding and event planning experience to create a boutique wedding venue set to open in 2026.

Brittany Chesney - Brittany lives in Lansing with her husband, Scott, and their pets: the Great Dane/Saint Bernard mix Rheo and their cat, Lady. Brittany has always had a special place in her heart for community involvement and giving back. In 2019, while serving as the head caregiver of a before/after school program in Grand Ledge, she decided it was time to pursue her dream business, 1945 Event Co. This venture allowed Brittany to follow her passion for planning and design, bringing others' visions to life. From Kindergarten until graduation, Brittany was a Girl Scout, and she believes it helped shape her into the woman and entrepreneur she is today. An avid lover of antiques and the TV show I Love Lucy, Brittany enjoys going on adventures and basking in Michigan's natural beauty.

https://www.lobrandsit.com/1945

https://www.1945eventco.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FirstAndMainWeddingAndEventVenue

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Cathy Glick, a 2024 Women of Distinction Awardee, to the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast! This episode Cathy and Brenna talk about the ground breaking work Cathy does in cardiology, how she became a doctor, and her journey in Girl Scouts.

Dr. Cathy Glick is originally from Teaneck, New Jersey, but moved to Michigan when she attended medical school in Ann Arbor. She has been an esteemed cardiologist in Jackson since 1990. Her special interests include congestive heart failure and heart disease.

She is a specialist in echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. Dr. Glick is involved in medical ethics, the local medical society, and the Heart Association. She enjoys music, theater, literature, and national and international travel in her free time.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.

We are so excited to have Women of Distinction Honoree Rebecca Noell this episode on the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast. Rebecca and Brenna touch on her history with the Girl Scouts and how that sparked her passion for learning and future in higher education.

Rebecca resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her American Staffy, Wilbur. She works in higher education and student affairs, with expertise in student conduct, conflict resolution, organizational development, risk reduction, student engagement, fraternity and sorority life, student development, and leadership. She currently works at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Rebecca is also pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She is actively involved in her national sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and community service through the Junior League of Ann Arbor. Rebecca likes to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family in her free time.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.

Joining Brenna this week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is 2024 Women of Distinction Honoree, Elizabeth Garvey! This episode Elizabeth and Brenna touch on her background in education, how she came to move to Michigan, and how educating the next generation is the best gift you could given the legacy she hopes to leave.

Garvey is a Wilmington College graduate in English, psychology, religion, and secondary education, followed by two master's degrees from Michigan State University. She has volunteered in various organizations, such as the Salvation Army and Girl Scouts. Garvey also hosted a weekly radio program, "Radio Storytime," for over 15 years. Now retired, she enjoys traveling the world for missions and adventures and hopes to write a book someday.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, in each episode, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 2024 Women of Distinction Honorees, and they will share their story, their history with Girl Scouts, and what led them to become nominated by community members and peers based on their professional and community leadership both professionally and in their communities, community service, being a strong role model for girls, and their community visibility.

Joining Brenna this week of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Acadia Hahlbrock! Acadia is a Girl Scout Alum who achieved her Gold Award, and as she grew, she noticed the profound impact Girl Scouts had on her. She became a trop leader to share this profound impact with the next generation of Girl Scouts so they can also learn to be brave and take risks in a safe and supported environment. Acadia stresses that there is no one Troop Leader magician who knows it all and does everything perfectly like she saw in her Troop Leader growing up. By putting girls back out into the world to take risks and be bold, she found that the magician turned out to be inside of her and could be inside of any of you. As a Troop Leader, you can inspire girls with the magic of Girl Scouts every day!

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.

This week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, Jennifer Cline joins Brenna to talk about her time as a Girl Scout and her volunteer experience. Alum Jennifer shares all about her 16 years as a Girl Scout leader and everything she and her girls have accomplished through the years. Jennifer shares the importance of a troop being girl-led and how she encourages her girls to be decision-makers. She also talks about the amazing adventures Girl Scouts offers not only for the girls but for volunteers.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.

Want to support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan? Visit https://www.gshom.org/en/support-us.html today. 

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Joining Brenna this week on The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Stacey Seaver! Stacey reminisces about her almost 40 years of Girl Scout experience, from the fun adventures of her childhood to the many hats she wears in the organization now. She opens up about volunteering and how much getting girls out of their and being a safe space for them means to her. She advocates for her girls to try new things and meet new people to get a better and more accepting view of the world around them. As a Trail Blazer Troop Leader, Stacey has taken her girls on many adventures and inspired them to dream without limitations. Outside of her role in her troop, she translates her outside interests and skills into facilitating training for other leaders and being the treasurer for the Ann Arbor Region.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.



Want to support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan? Visit https://www.gshom.org/en/support-us.html today.

On this week's episode of The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Jessica Dailey! Jessica joins Brenna to talk about her experience with Girl Scouts and volunteering. Her time in Girl Scouts began as a young girl, starting in Brownies and continuing until her junior year, where she earned her Silver Award. Jessica shares how she started volunteering during the pandemic and the resources that Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provided to help smooth that process during that difficult time, and how she continues to use them to this day. The two also highlight volunteers' many roles when working with a troop and that everyone can find their niche.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.

Want to support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan? Visit https://www.gshom.org/en/support-us.html today. 

On this week’s episode of the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, Brenna is joined by Susan O’Leary! Susan is a Girl Scout alum who wanted to continue her role with Girl Scouts when her daughters became Girl Scouts themselves. In the episode, Brenna and her speak about finding her role as a volunteer as someone who knew that becoming a troop leader straight away wasn’t for her but still had interests and skills that would benefit her daughters’ troop.

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.

Want to support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan? Visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/GSHOMpodcast today. 

 

Joining us this week on the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast is Megan Fiero! Megan wears many hats at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Besides being an alum, she continued her legacy as a Troop leader for her daughter’s troop. However, her real Girl Scout passion is Product. Megan also serves as the Service Unit Product Manager for Birch Run. She prides herself in her work for the Product Program in her area and hopes to use her story to inspire listeners to volunteer, no matter the role!

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with different Girl Scout Volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding.

This season on the Girl Scout Advantage Podcast, we are spotlighting the volunteers who make the magic happen! Throughout the season, we will speak to our wonderful volunteers about their experience with Girl Scouts and what makes the work they do so unique and rewarding. In this episode, you'll hear from alum and current volunteer, Kelsey Moberg, about why she volunteers and what makes Girl Scouts so special.

Join us to hear from Girl Scout Heart of Michigan CEO, Jan Barker! Brenna and Jan focus on the overview of the 15 Outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and what it means for all girls. Listen to Jan talk about how she played a leading role in creating the 15 Outcomes and how it is the backbone of everything that is done in Girl Scouts!

Welcome to the newest season of the Girl Scout Advantage podcast! In this season, each week, Brenna will talk with a different Girl Scout or Girl Scout Volunteer to deep dive into one of the 15 Outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This episode focuses on the take aways from this season of the podcast that focused on the 15 Outcomes with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan CEO Jan Barker.

Learn more about Girl Scouts at gshom.org or on our Facebook page.