2025 LeadHer Weekend: A New Tradition Begins at Camp Kateri
This past weekend, we made history at Girl Scouts of Gateway Council by hosting our very first LeadHer Weekend at Camp Kateri. Forty-eight volunteers from across our council representing 31 different troops came together for a weekend packed with learning, growth, and fun. From hands-on trainings to empowering sessions, LeadHer was a celebration of leadership, sisterhood, and the power of volunteers.
Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in sessions led by camp staff and experienced volunteers. They learned new skills, explored Girl Scout traditions, and left feeling more connected than ever. When they weren’t in training, volunteers enjoyed a BBQ by the lake, games, and crafts. Our first Retail on the Road stop even gave them a chance to shop uniforms, new fall merchandise, drinkware, accessories, and more.
Over twenty volunteers took our first ever paddle board training, building the skills and confidence to lead safe and fun stand-up paddleboard adventures on Hankley Lake. Volunteers spent time on the water learning how to balance, maneuver, and paddle with confidence. The course wasn’t just about standing up and gliding across the lake, it focused on safety techniques and rescue skills. Volunteers practiced falling safely and getting back onto their board and heard how to guide groups so that every Girl Scout can have a fun and secure experience.
Additionally, thirty-five volunteers completed Gateway Camp Training, equipping them with the knowledge to guide overnight and outdoor camping experiences for their girls.
In STEM sessions, leaders dusted for fingerprints, analyzed mystery powders, and played detective while learning how to bring badges like Detective and Special Agent to life in their troops.
Creativity came to life with paracord bracelets in Knot Your Average Bracelet, while Raising Respect taught leaders how to confidently lead Girl Scout flag ceremonies. Backpacking and Beyond offered a deep dive into trail essentials like how to pack backpacks, the importance of maps and compasses, food dehydration and pre-packaging, and water safety, ensuring volunteers and girls can explore with confidence.
One of the most memorable moments came during Sisterhood Songs with Dana Bryan, affectionately known as Boots. At nearly 80 years old and a Girl Scout since the second grade, Boots gathered everyone under the trees for a heartfelt sing-along that carried both classic and new Girl Scout songs into the future.
Volunteers also joined sessions on creating SWAPS, engaging older girls, and planning for a successful Girl Scout year. Every moment of the weekend was filled with connection, laughter, and opportunities to grow stronger together.
LeadHer would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and facilitators who made this experience so special. This is just the beginning of a new tradition at Gateway Council, one that will continue to empower our volunteers to lead with courage, confidence, and character. We can’t wait to see where the next LeadHer adventure takes us!
