Colleen Stoltz has spent more than three decades in Girl Scouts.

With 24 years as a troop leader and another 12 as a Girl Scout, the scouting veteran continues to serve as she watches the next generation take up the baton.

Like mother, like daughter.

Stoltz is thrilled her daughter, who is carrying on the family tradition, became a troop leader as soon as she “graduated and bridged to become an adult lifetime member.”

“She loves Girl Scouts and is very passionate about it,” Stoltz said of her daughter, who has been a troop leader for five years.

Because her troop girls are like family, she hopes she’s making a positive difference in their lives.

“I just love everything about Girl Scouts. The impact we make, the difference we can make in their lives, and the difference they can make in the community,” she explained.

From watching youngsters overcome their fears to trying things for the first time and forging life-long friendships Stoltz said the experience continues to be very rewarding.

From working with the youngest girls to helping those in high school complete service projects and prepare for graduation each level – and age group – brings its own unique joys.

“At Daisies they eat up everything you want to share with them,” Stoltz explained, and while her Juniors “beg” her to move up with them, she stays with the age level to allow the girls to meet new leaders and grow.

She said teaching youngsters at that age has changed over the years.

“With Daisies, we came up with our own crafts and activities, but now they have their own badges” to work toward, she said.

In addition to leading Juniors, Stoltz assists with the Cadettes.

She has been part of the Service Unit and Product Program, and her troop has grown and merged with neighboring Service Units over the years.

Her advice to anyone considering Girl Scout service includes being organized, a willingness to ask for help and engaging the girls by including their interests in activity planning.

“You want them to enjoy what you’re doing together – and be willing to be silly, too,” she said.

She hopes to be remembered for her impact on their lives and ambitions.

From recalling “Miss Colleen taught us this, or took us there but really, that I’ve made a difference,” she said.