Thank you for taking the steps to become a Girl Scout Leader. As a new leader, you probably have questions about what to do first, what forms you need and the processes to get you started. This page will help!
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Volunteer Application: We'll assume you've already applied, submitted references and done a background check and been approved as a Girl Scout volunteer. If not, head back to Become a volunteer.
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Girl Scout Membership Registration: Don't forget to become a member or renew your national Girl Scout membership as well.
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Co-Leader: Do you have a co-leader? All troops are required to have at least two, unrelated co-leaders.
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Leader Training: Start with Girl Scouting 101. You can take this online anytime.
Register to attend Nuts & Bolts. Schedule to take this training before your first troop meeting!
Optional trainings recommended for new leaders are It’s Your Journey – Customize It! and Intro to Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting.
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Volunteer Manuals: Here are two key resources for volunteers: Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints
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Troop Number: Your Membership Manager (MM) will request a troop number for you. Not sure who your Membership Manager is? Call Customer Support at 877-404-5708 .
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Bank Account: Your Membership Manager will give you a Bank Account Authorization form to have signed by at least two approved troop volunteers. Once approved by your MM, you'll bring it to your bank to open your troop account.
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Service Unit: A “Service Unit” is group of volunteers and leaders in a certain geographic area. Most service units meet regularly throughout the year. Ask your Membership Manager about your local Service Unit meeting schedule. It’s a great opportunity to meet other leaders who can help mentor you as you get started!
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Troop Meeting Schedule: Where and when will your troop meet? Will you meet monthly, weekly, or every other week? Decide on a troop meeting schedule and start contacting local schools, churches and community centers to find a place to meet.
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Schedule a Family Meeting: Your first troop meeting should include parents/guardians. Do you have a volunteer who can do an activity with the girls while you talk with the parents?
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Recruit New Girl Scouts! Need a flyer template to promote your Family Meeting? Your Membership Manager can supply you with one and your local Service Center recruitment resources.
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Troop Committee: At your Family Meeting, recruit volunteers for your troop committee such as a Troop Treasurer, Troop Cookie Manager, and Field Trip Coordinator. All troop volunteers need to complete the volunteer application process and register as an adult member of Girl Scouts.
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Girl Registrations: Have each girl who joins your troop register through the online membership registration system.
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Other Forms: There are a couple forms you’ll want to collect when new girls join your troop, including the Annual Parent Permission form and the Girl Health History form. All forms are available in the Forms Library.
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Collect Troop Dues: Your troop can decide to collect troop dues of about $3-$5 per month per girl. Troop dues are deposited in the troop account and used for supplies, activities, badges, etc.
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Girl Scout Shop: Visit or contact your local Girl Scout shop or shop online to purchase/order uniforms, Journeys, Girl Guides to Girl Scouting, badges and awards!
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Get Connected: There are a lot of ways to stay informed throughout the year. Check out our Activity Finder Tool, plus our blog, Facebook pages, Twitter.
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Enjoy your first year!
