Jenn: A Girl Scout Journey That Built a Leader

July 26, 2026

For Jenn Gjerde, Girl Scouts has never been just one chapter of her life, it has been woven through nearly all of it.

As a girl, summers at Girl Scout camp meant campfires, swimming, lanyards, mosquito bites, and lifelong friendships. Those experiences sparked a love for adventure and introduced her to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, helping her see a world much bigger than her own.

Years later, Jenn returned to Camp Maha as a camp counselor, a role she now recognizes as her first real leadership experience. It taught her responsibility, adaptability, and how to lead with confidence; skills that would stay with her throughout her career.

Today, Jenn serves as the Executive Director of Visit Nebraska, but she has never stopped giving back to Girl Scouts. Jenn has served on the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Board of Directors, helped raise funds for Camp Maha, supported beloved events like ArtVenture, and today, she's helping the next generation discover the same magic by co-leading her daughter's troop.

"Girl Scouts taught me leadership long before I ever had an executive title. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences and a heart for service. I truly would not be where I am today without it."

That's the power of Girl Scouts. The experiences girls have today don't end when they graduate, they become the foundation for the leaders, mentors, volunteers, and parents they grow into tomorrow.

100 years. Countless stories. One lasting legacy.