Volunteer Sarah Kline said she loves Girl Scouts because it empowers young girls to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of community.
“(These) are skills that have made me who I am today,” she said. Inspired by her own positive experience with Girl Scouts as a girl, Sarah has stepped up to become a leader of her own troop.

Although she only graduated from high school in 2023, Sarah has been leading a Girl Scout troop since she was an Ambassador in 2021.  She started the troop with the support of her mother, Tina Marie, a lifetime Girl Scout and her co-leader.

Girl Scouts has played an important role in her life as long as she can remember, Sarah said.

“I started as a Daisy Girl Scout in kindergarten when my family lived in Kentucky. When we moved to Pennsylvania the summer before first grade, I became part of a Daisy troop led by my mom and another parent. I continued in the same troop through high school,” she said. “During my Senior and Ambassador years, I had several opportunities to develop my leadership skills.” Sarah completed several Journeys, which are prerequisites to earn Highest Awards, became a Program Aide and served as Counselor in Training at camp.

As a Girl Scout, Sarah also earned her Gold Award. For her project, she created and built caregiver workstations at her local library, where patrons can provide a safe space for their infant or toddler to play while adults use the computer.

After high school, Sarah became an adult Girl Scout, serving as a troop leader, troop cookie manager, and Service Unit 628 volunteer.

“I became a Girl Scout troop leader at a young age because of my passion for guiding and inspiring younger Girl Scouts,” she said. “I love watching young Scouts grow and gain confidence, and I wanted to make a difference in my local community, where there was a clear need for a troop dedicated to younger girls.”

Supporting and encouraging the young Girl Scouts as they explore new skills and experiences has been incredibly rewarding, she said, and it has motivated her to create a strong, nurturing troop environment. 

She especially enjoys making memories with her girls, including a recent Taylor Swift-inspired Service Unit event she planned and ran for 30 Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. At the event, girls made friendship bracelets, applied temporary tattoos, sang Taylor Swift songs, watched a movie and enjoyed a sleepover. “I got to spend time with my Girl Scouts and bond with them,” Sarah said. “I loved seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and watching them have fun. This event was a huge success.”

Sarah, who lives in Montoursville with her parents and her two cats, Kaluah and Milo, is a full-time student at Pennsylvania College of Technology. She is pursuing a dual major in baking and pastry arts and applied management. When she’s not in school, Sarah works as a Girl Scout camp counselor. She also loves being outdoors and spending time cuddling with her cats.

She hopes other girls will consider joining Girl Scouts, emphasizing how impactful the program has been for her.

“You’ll make lifelong friends, explore new skills, and have fun while learning about leadership and teamwork,” she said. “Plus, you participate in exciting adventures, such as camping, earning badges, and community service projects.”