The Girl Scout Advantage Podcast

Brenna Smith
  • 4.7 (19)
  • KIDS & FAMILY

Sharing the stories behind the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

  1. MAR 5

    Dan Ketchum aka Gramps

    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.

    1h 4m

  2. FEB 26

    Matt Bates

    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.

    44 min

  3. FEB 19

    Episode 73: Rob Lehman

    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.

    32 min

  4. FEB 12

    Episode 72: Mark Patterson

    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.

    36 min

  5. FEB 5

    Episode 71: Jamie Lettow

    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.

    36 min

  6. JAN 29

    Episode 70: Rod Roesch

    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!

    37 min

  7. JAN 22

    Episode 69: Jon Barrows

    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.”

    43 min

  8. JAN 15

    Fred Shaw

    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!

    34 min
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4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

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Sharing the stories behind the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

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