For more than 40 years, Jan Robertjohn has been a part of the Girl Scout community. During this time she’s worn many hats, including being a troop leader, community events coordinator, Highest Awards committee member, and even a fellow Girl Scout herself!

Jan says she was a Girl Scout for nine years as a child, so it was easy to start as a co- leader for my niece’s troop back in 1982, when her daughter was less than a year old! She enjoyed working with the girls and meeting new adults who became life-long friends. She continued troop leading for her daughters through the 90’s, and was also was a member of the Port Huron Mackinac Island Honor Guard Troop for 17 years as a patrol adult. The journey continued on when she recently decided to become a leader for her granddaughter’s Cadette troop for a couple of years.

So far, Jan’s favorite volunteer role is as a Highest Awards committee member. To her, it’s so inspirational to work with high school girls on their Girl Scout Gold Award. She watches as they set goals, achieve outcomes that impact their communities, and create sustainable projects that truly make the world a better place. It’s very fulfilling!

As a GSSEM Community Events Coordinator, Jan’s goal this year is to host more in-person events that let all the program levels engage in new experiences while having fun! She’s hoping to promote the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards at council and community events, so that more girls will learn and work to achieve them in the future!

By far, Jan’s favorite memories of being a Girl Scout volunteer were her 26 years on the International River Crossing committee, an incredible legacy event. She’s also attended nine national Girl Scout conventions, meeting countless people during her travels and making new friends along the way.

New to Girl Scouts and need some advice, Jan has this to say:

“Nothing is more fulfilling than spending time with your children and their friends. In Girl Scouting, you can help them experience so many new adventures, learn new skills, and earn badges and awards. They’ll remember these things their entire life! Reach out to other “seasoned” leaders, who are always willing share their experience and tips! Be sure to engage the parents in your troop to support the work and roles needed for a successful year, hopefully leading to many wonderful years as a Girl Scout volunteer!

Do you know a volunteer who’s gone above and beyond? Nominate them to be featured on GSSEM’s Volunteer Spotlight at www.gssem.org/volspotlight!