Must I be a parent to be a troop leader?
No. We welcome all interested adults, ages 18 and older, to apply as
Girl Scout volunteers. Girl Scouts is volunteer-driven, and we need
everyone's help. We currently have Girl Scout leaders who are
community leaders, senior citizens, college students and others who
don't currently have daughters who are Girl Scouts.
How much time does it take to be a troop leader?
The troop leader decides how often meetings take place, as well as
when meetings take place. Troops can meet weekly, bi-monthly or
monthly; after school, in the evenings or on weekends.
How long am I committed to being a Girl Scout leader?
A leader is appointed for one year. We encourage leaders to extend
that year if they desire.
I wasn't a Girl Scout, what do I need to know?
Training is provided to help all new leaders understand the Girl
Scout philosophy, policies and procedures. Training covers materials
and information needed to begin troop meeting and activities. In
addition, a council e-newsletter keeps volunteers up-to-date and
we're sharing ideas and fun on Facebook.
Is volunteer training provided?
Yes! Web-based, self-study and face-to-face trainings are
available throughout the calendar year and council geography. Register for trainings.
Will someone be helping me start a Girl Scout troop?
As a volunteer, you can count on help from a variety of people.
Staff from your area will be available to answer questions, help
recruit girls and assist with finding a meeting place, if
needed. Local volunteers from your community, organized into a
service unit are also key to getting your troop off the ground.
These local volunteers are often great examples of the good
things that Girl Scouts accomplish. Regular service unit
meetings are held throughout the school year, so there are many
opportunities to meet other Girl Scout volunteers in your area,
as well as interface with your Membership Development
Specialist.
What help will parents give?
There are many roles that parents can play in assisting troop
leaders. Parents can help with regular meetings, organize the
fall product or cookie sales, drive girls to and from field
trips, serve as First Aid/CPR trained adults on trips, manage
the troop treasury, etc. If you can ask, parents can do
it!
How much does it cost to join Girl Scouts, and where do
finances come from to start a troop?
The annual membership fee for Girl Scouts is $25/person.
The membership fee goes directly to Girl Scouts of the USA
(GSUSA) at our national headquarters, where it is used for
program development, activity insurance and management to
support councils. The annual fall product program and Girl Scout Cookie program support
troop finances, and all troops are strongly encouraged to
participate in these programs to generate troop funds.
Who decides how many girls are in a troop?
Troop size is often determined by the size of the meeting
space and the number of adults working with a troop. The
recommended size a troop at each age level is as follows:
5-15 Daisies, 10-25 Brownies, 10-30 Juniors, 5-30
Cadettes, and 5-30 Seniors and Ambassadors.
Does Girl Scouts run background checks on
volunteers?
Yes. Protecting our girl members is a top priority, and
screenings and background checks are integral parts of
our due diligence process and procedure.
Do I have to become a registered Girl Scout to
volunteer?
Yes, adults who work with girls as troop leaders,
co-leaders and volunteers must register as Girl Scout
members. Registration is easy with our online system.
Financial assistance is available.
Where can I find information and materials on what
to do with girls?
Girl planning makes Girl Scouts unique. Girls are
empowered to choose their own activities and
programs with the guidance of their adult leaders.
GSUSA publishes nationally consistent materials for
troops to use. These materials help troop leaders
direct troop activities, while also ensuring that
girls get the full benefit of the Girl Scout
Leadership Experience.
