New Leader FAQ

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.

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. 

A leader is appointed for one year. We encourage leaders to extend that year if they desire.

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 Twitter and Facebook. 

Yes! Web-based, self-study and face-to-face trainings are available throughout the calendar year and council geography. Register for trainings.

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 specialist.

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.

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. 

Yes. Protecting our girl members is a top priority, and screenings and background checks are integral parts of our due diligence process and procedure.

Yes, adults who work with girls as troop leaders or co-leaders must register as Girl Scout members. Registration is easy with our online system. Financial assistance is available. 

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. 

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!