Volunteer Essentials | 2024-2026

Volunteer Essentials [2024-2026Edition]

Welcome! Adventures Ahead!

AsaGirlScoutvolunteer,youareacommunity-builder,mentor,championoffun,andarolemodelforwhat itmeanstoleadwithyourheart.Andbecauseofyou,GirlScoutsofallageswillhavetheopportunityto discoverthatalittleimaginationcangoalongwayastheychasetheirdreams,exploretheworldaround them,takeactiontoimprovetheircommunities,andmaketheworldabetterplace.

Thankyouandwelcome.We’regladyou’rehere!

What’s

Inside?

ThisguideisdesignedtosupportyouasaGirlScoutvolunteer Insideyouwilldiscoveressential informationthatiseasytoaccessandeveneasiertocomebackto.Werecommendthatyoubeginby browsingthesectionsbelowandcomebackthroughouttheyeartofindanswerstoyourquestionsasthey arise.Eachtitlelinkstoitsownsectionandyouwillalsofindlinkstoadditionalresourcesthroughoutthis document.

• AllAboutGirlScouts

• TroopManagement

• TroopFinances

• EngagingGirlScoutsbyLevel

• CreatingaSafeSpaceforGirlScouts

• EngagingFamilies

• GirlScoutProductPrograms

• AdditionalResourcesandSupport

Areyouanewtroopleader?Wehavearesourcedesignedespeciallyforyou.Plus,councilstaffand volunteercoachesarereadytohelpthroughoutyourfirstyearandbeyond!

GSNWGL Note: ReviewtheTroopLeaderGo-ToGuideandtheTroopStart-UpWorkbook.

All About Girl Scouts

GirlScouts’dreamsareourdreams.AGirlScoutbuildsabetterworld justasGirlScoutshavebeendoing foroveracentury.Withprogramsineveryzipcode,coast-to-coastandaroundtheglobe,everyonecanfind theirplaceinGirlScoutsandstartcreatingtheworldtheywanttosee.

Girl Scout Volunteers

GirlScoutvolunteersareadynamicanddiversegroup Whetheryou’rearecentcollegegraduate,parent, retiree,orreally,anyonewithasenseofcuriosityandadventure(ofanygender,whois18yearsorolder andhaspassedtheircouncil’sscreeningprocess),youruniqueskillsandexperienceshavethepowerto changelives.Withyouastheirmentor,GirlScoutswillgrowandthrive.

GirlScoutmembersandvolunteersareunitedbythevaluesintheGirlScoutPromiseandLawandtheir sharedcommitmenttoembraceleadershipinallforms EachmemberagreestofollowGirlScoutssafety guidelinesandpayannualmembershipduesof$25.Volunteersandadultsalsohavetheoptiontopurchase aLifetimemembership.

Girl Scout Grade Levels

YoucanjoinGirlScoutsatanypointfromkindergartenthroughtwelfthgrade:

• GirlScoutDaisy(gradesK–1)

• GirlScoutBrownie(grades2–3)

• GirlScoutJunior(grades4–5)

• GirlScoutCadette(grades6–8)

• GirlScoutSenior(grades9–10)

• GirlScoutAmbassador(grades11–12)

Inclusion

GirlScoutshasastrongcommitmenttodiversityandinclusion,andwewelcomeandembraceindividuals ofallabilitiesandbackgroundsintoourwonderfulsisterhood.

Inclusionisatthecoreofwhoweare;it’saboutbeingasistertoeveryGirlScoutandcelebratingour uniquestrengths.Tocreateaninclusiveenvironment,themostimportantthingisthateachGirlScoutfeels seenforwhotheyareandwhattheybringtothegroup.ThroughtreatingallGirlScoutswithkindnessand respect,youcannurtureaninclusivetroopenvironment.Partoftheimportantworkyouwilldoincludes modelingfriendshipandkindnessforyourGirlScoutsandshowingthemwhatitmeanstopractice empathy.

Acriticalcomponentofinclusionisthateveryoneisabletoparticipate.Whenscheduling,planning,and carryingoutactivities,carefullyconsidertheneedsofeveryoneinvolved,includingschoolschedules,family needs,financialconstraints,dietaryrequirements,religiousholidays,andtheaccessibilityofappropriate transportationandmeetingplaces.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)

InGirlScouts,everythingcentersaroundtheGirlScout.Ourprogramisdesignedby,with,andforGirl Scouts.TheGirlScoutLeadershipExperience(GSLE)isourresearch-basedimpactmodelthatdescribes whatmembersdoinGirlScouts,whotheydoitwith,howtheydoit,andhowtheybenefit Thisframework shouldbeablueprintforeveryactivitythatyourGirlScoutsparticipatein.Whenplanningyouryear,make surethatyou’reimplementingallpartsoftheGSLEregularly.

TheGirlScoutLeadershipExperiencehasbeenpurposefullydesignedtoincludeavarietyoffunand challengingactivitiestohelpGirlScoutslearn,grow,andthrive.GirlScoutshavetheopportunitytotakeon leadershiprolesandlearn-by-doinginasafe,fun,andcooperativeenvironment.Whenwesayvarietyof activities,thismeansthatGirlScoutsparticipateinatleastfouroutfiveofthefollowing:

• NationalProgramPortfolio(badges,Journeys,awards)

• Outdoororcampingexperience

• Communityserviceand/orTakeAction

• Fieldtripand/orevents

• Cookieprogram

Supportiverelationshipsmeanthattroopleaderscareabouttheirtroop,encouragetheircreativethinking, areinclusive,andprovideasafespace.Asaresult,GirlScoutsexperiencepositiverelationshipswiththeir peersandafeelingofbelonging.Asa supportive adult,youarecrucialtothesuccessoftheGirlScout Program.SupportiveadultrelationshipsarestronglylinkedtoexperiencingtheGSLEwithastrong dependencybetweenthesupportiveadultandthethreeprocesses.WhenGirlScoutsfeelsupportedand safe,theyaremorelikelytoachieveouroutcomesandultimatelyourmission.

TheGirlScoutLeadershipExperiencedrawsonthreeuniqueprocesses Girl-led, Learning by doing,and Cooperative learning thatencourageGirlScoutstotrynewthings,writetheirownstories,anddevelop theskillsandconfidencetosay,“IknowIcandothis!”

• Girl-Led. GirlScoutstakethelead,nomattertheirage.Fromselectingthebadgesthey’llpursueto howthey’llorganizeanactivity;GirlScoutshavetheopportunitytofollowtheirdreamsandgrow theirskills andgaintheconfidencethatcomeswiththat.

• Learning by Doing. ParticipatoryactivitiesarefunforGirlScoutsofanyage,buttheyalsohelp themfeelempoweredtoshapetheirownexperience.GirlScoutsunlocktheir“Igotthis”attitudeas theydiscovertheycanalwaysdustthemselvesoffandtryagainwhenthingsdon’tgoaccordingto plan.

• Cooperative Learning. There’spowerinhavingatight-knitgroupoffriendswhowilllearnwith you,growwithyou,andalwayscheeryouon.GirlScoutsexperiencefirsthandthatteamwork, respect,andcollaborationcanfuelthemthroughanychallengethatcomestheirway.

Asavolunteer,you’lldrawonthese three processes asyouleadGirlScoutsofanyage.Andnaturally,girlledattheDaisylevelwilllookverydifferentfromgirl-ledattheAmbassadorlevel.Whatismostimportant isthatyourGirlScoutsmakedecisionsabouttheactivitiestheywilldo together andmakechoicesas they’redoingtheactivities together Astheylearnfromtheirsuccessfulandnotsosuccessfultries,they gainconfidence.AllGirlScoutsshouldhavetheopportunitytoleadwithintheirpeergroup.Bythetime theyareCadettes,Seniors,andAmbassadors,theywillbeusingtheleadershipskillsthey’vedevelopedto takeonmoreownershipoftheiractivities,mentoryoungerGirlScouts,andtakeactiontomaketheworlda betterplace.

Andfinally,whenweincorporatea variety of activities, supportive adults,andthe three processes,Girl Scoutsexperiencethe 5 GSLE outcomes:

• Strong Sense of Self. GirlScoutshaveconfidenceinthemselvesandtheirabilitiesandform positiveidentities.

• Positive Values. GirlScoutsactethically,honestly,andresponsibly,andshowconcernforothers.

• Challenge Seeking. GirlScoutslearntotakeappropriaterisks,trythingseveniftheymightfail, andlearnfrommistakes.

• Healthy Relationships GirlScoutsdevelopandmaintainhealthyrelationshipsbycommunicating theirfeelingsdirectlyandresolvingconflictsconstructively.

• Community Problem Solving. GirlScoutsdesiretocontributetotheworldinpurposefuland meaningfulways,learnhowtoidentifyproblemsinthecommunity,andcreate“actionplans”to solvethem.

TheoutcomesoccurasaresultofregularmeetingsandactivitiesincludingGirlScouttraditions,inan emotionallyandphysicallysafespace,withasupportiveadult.

Althoughtheymaystartbuildingtheirleadershipskillsinschoolandonsportsteams,researchshowsthat thecourage,confidence,andcharacterGirlScoutsdevelopstayswiththemthroughouttheirlives.Our programandoutcomesarebasedonresearchandourstudiesshowthatGirlScoutinghasameasurable positiveimpactonGirlScouts.Infact,wecanproudlysayGirlScoutsarealmost10percentmorelikely thannon-GirlScoutstohavepositiveexpectationsabouttheirfuturebasedonourstudies.Weencourage

youtolearnmoreaboutourprogramandoutcomesasyoucheckoutourstudiesandin-depthresearchfor insightsandinformation.

Onelasttip:GirlScouting isn’t ato-dolist,sopleasedon’tfeelthatcheckingactivitiesoffalistismore importantthantuningintowhatintereststhemandsparkstheirimaginations.Projectsdon’thavetocome outperfectly infact,it’savaluablelearningexperiencewhentheydon’t andGirlScoutsdon’thavetofill theirvestsandsasheswithbadges.Whatmattersmostisthefunandlearningthattakesplaceastheymake experiencestheirown,sodon’tbeafraidtostepbackandletyourGirlScoutstakethelead

Reflection

Wasabadge-earningactivityaresoundingsuccess?Orwasitderailedbysomethingyourtroophadn’t factoredin?Nomattertheactivity’soutcome,youcanamplifyitsimpactbyencouragingyourGirlScoutsto reflectontheirlatestendeavor.

Reflectionisthenecessarydebriefthatreinforceswhatislearned.AsyourGirlScoutsexplorethewhat’s andwhy’ s,they’llmakemeaningfulconnectionsbetweentheactivityathandandfuturechallengesthat cometheirway.Inotherwords,reflectiongivesthemtheconfidenceboosttheyneedtopickthemselves up,tryagain,andsucceed.

Keepinmindthatreflectiondoesnotneedtobeaformalprocess,butyoucankick-starttheconversation withthreesimplequestions:What?Sowhat?andNowwhat?

What? Go over the “what” of the activity. For example, ask:

• Whatdidwedotoday?

• Whatpartwasyourfavorite?

• Ifwediditagain,whatwouldyouwanttododifferentlyandwhatwouldyouwanttorepeat? So what? Next, move to the “so what.” You might ask:

• So,whatdidyoulearnbydoingthisactivity?

• So,whatdidyoulearnaboutyourself?

• So,whatdidyoulearnaboutyourcommunity(orenvironment,school,orothers)thatyoudidn’t knowbefore?

• Whydoyouthinkthisactivitywasimportant?

• Whatkeylearningcanwetakewithus?

Last, review the now what. Say something like:

• Nowthatwe’vedonethis,whatwouldyouliketodonext?

• Nowthatyouknowthisaboutyourselves,whatwouldyouliketotrynext?

• Nowthatwe’vecompletedthisTakeActionproject,whatdoyouthinkweshoulddonexttomake sureitcontinues?

• Giventhisexperience,what’smoreofaprioritytoyounow?

• Whatareyoucurioustolearnmoreabout?

• Wherewouldyouliketogo?

• Whowouldyouliketomeet?

Thisformofreflection,orwhateverstyleofreflectionyouchoosetousewithyourGirlScouts,isapowerful componentoftheGirlScoutLeadershipExperiencethathelpstocarrytheselessonswiththemfortherest oftheirlives.

Progression

Althoughelementsoftheprogram likeoutdoorexpeditionsorlearningentrepreneurialventures are consistentacrossallgradelevels,GirlScoutBrowniesandJuniorswon’tbedoingthesameactivitiesasGirl ScoutSeniorsandAmbassadors.Butwithyoursupport,GirlScoutswillbereadyforwhatcomeswhenthey getthere!

GirlScoutprogrammingisdesignedtobeprogressiveandmakesGirlScoutingfunandeffective!By buildingontheknowledgeandskillstheygainyearafteryear,yourGirlScouts’confidencewillgrow exponentially,andthey’llbeeagertotrynewthingsandtakeonnewchallenges.Asavolunteer,youwill cultivateasupportive,nonjudgmentalspacewhereyourGirlScoutscantesttheirskillsandbeunafraidto fail.

Keepinmindthatprogressiondrivessuccessforyourtroopandconsiderthatitisnotaboutgradeorage, butexperience Clickonthefollowinglinksforoutlinedsuggestionsthatwillhelpyoudeterminewhen yourGirlScoutsarereadyfortheirnextoutdoorchallenge,theirnexttrooptrip,ortheirnextcookieselling challenge.

The Girl Scout Program: National Program Pillars & More

GirlScoutsfourProgramPillars STEM,LifeSkills,Outdoors,andEntrepreneurship formthefoundation oftheGirlScoutprogramandworktogethertobuildGirlScouts’curiosity,kindness,andcan-dospirit.In fact,everyaspectofourprogram,andeveryGirlScoutadventure,canbetracedbacktooneofourfour programpillars.

STEM. (Science,Technology,Engineering,andMath).GirlScoutsarenaturallycuriousandhavea strongdesiretohelpothers.Whetherthey’rebuildingarobot,developingavideogame,orstudyingthe stars,GirlScoutsbecomebetterproblem-solversandcriticalthinkersthroughSTEMandgainthe confidencetoturntheirideasintobreakthroughinventionstohelpothers.

Life Skills GirlScoutslifeskillsprogrammingincludesamixofpracticalskills,tools,andactivitiesthat fosterpositivevalueslikefinancialliteracy,civicengagement,andcommunityservice.Skillsthathelp themdiscoverthattheyhavewhatittakestoraisetheirvoicesascommunityadvocates,makesmart decisionsabouttheirfinances,andformstrong,healthyrelationships skillsthatinspirethemto acceptchallengesandovercomeobstacles,nowandalways.

Outdoors. GirlScoutshasbeenbuildingtheiroutdoorconfidenceandskillsforover100yearsthrough avarietyofoutdooradventureslikecampingandnaturefocusedbadgesthatinspirethemtospend timeoutdoorsanddevelopalifelongappreciationofnature.AnappreciationthatsparksGirlScouts’ desiretotakeactionasenvironmentalstewardsintheircommunityandacrosstheglobe.

Entrepreneurship.StartingwithGirlScoutsiconicGirlScoutCookieProgramandgrowingtoinclude thefallproductprogramandaseriesofentrepreneurshipbadges,thispillarinstillsandnurturesan entrepreneurialmindsetandfuelscuriosityandconfidenceastheylearntheessentialsofrunningtheir ownbusinessesandhowtothinklikeentrepreneurs.

Important Differences: Journeys, Badges, and Patches

Journeys,badges,andpatchesaredesignedtogiveGirlScoutsdifferentleadership-buildingexperiences,all whilehavingfun!

• Journeys aremulti-sessionleadershipexperiencesthroughwhichGirlScoutsexploretopicssuch asbullying,medialiteracy,orenvironmentalstewardship.They’lldohighlyparticipatoryactivities, connectwithexperts,andtaketheleadonage-appropriateTakeActionprojects.Becauseoftheir leadershipfocus,JourneysarealsoaprerequisiteforGirlScoutshighestawards,theBronze,Silver, andGoldAwards.YoucanfindJourneycontentintheVolunteerToolkit(VTK).

• Badges areaboutskillbuilding.WhenaGirlScoutearnsabadge,itshowsthattheylearnedanew skill,suchashowtomakeafirstaidkit,buildandtestatoyracecar,ortakegreatdigitalphotos. Badgesmayevensparkaninterestatschoolorplanttheseedforafuturecareer.

• Patches aresupplementaryinsigniathatGirlScoutsreceiveforparticipatinginaspecialeventor activity.Oftencalledfunpatchesorparticipationpatches,theyarewornonthebackoftheir uniform.ThesecanincludeanythingfromCouncil-sponsoredprograms,troopactivities…evena triptothezoocangetthemapatch.

Iftheychoose,yourGirlScoutscanpursuebadges,patches,andJourneyawardsinthesameyear Thereis norequirementastohowmanytheycanearninasingleyear.Whilethey’rehavingfun,keepinmindthat thequalityofaGirlScout’sexperienceandtheskillsandpridetheygainfromearningJourneyawards, skill-buildingbadges,andspecialpatchesfaroutweighthequantityofbadges,patches,andawardsthey earn.

Asavolunteer,youdon’thavetobetheexpertinanybadge,patch,orJourneytopic.Infact,whenyoushow thatyou’reopentolearningandwillingtotrysomethingnew,youaremodelingwhatitistobeaGirlScout. Ourbadge,patch,andJourneyrequirementsarestructuredsoyourGirlScoutscanlearnnewskillswithout youhavingtobeanexpertinanyoftheassortedtopics.

Important Differences: Community Service and Take Action Projects

AsyourGirlScoutslookformeaningfulwaystogivebacktotheircommunity,youcanhelpsharpentheir problem-solvingskillsandexpandtheirdefinitionofdoinggoodbydiscussingcommunityserviceandTake Actionprojects.Bothprojectsserveessentialneeds,butatdifferentlevels

• WhenaGirlScoutperforms community service,theyarerespondingtoanimmediateneedina one-off,“doingfor”capacity.Inotherwords,theyaremakinganimpactrightnow.

• Through Take Action/service learning,GirlScoutsexploretherootcausesofacommunityneed andaddressitinalastingway;theytrulymaketheworld ortheirpartofit abetterplace.

IfyourtroopmemberswanttopursuetheirBronze,Silver,orGoldAward,they’lldevelopaTakeAction projectonanissuethat’sclosetotheirhearts.TomakeTakeActionprojectsevenmoreimpactfulforyour GirlScouts,settimeasideforthemtoreflectontheirprojects.Whentheytaketimetointernalizethe lessonsthey’velearned,they’remorelikelytofindsuccessintheirfutureprojects oranythingelsethey puttheirmindsto.

Traditions, Ceremonies, and Special Girl Scout Days

Time-honoredtraditionsandceremoniesuniteGirlScoutsistersandthemillionsofGirlScoutalumswho camebeforethem aroundthecountryandaroundtheglobe andremindthemhowfartheirfellow trailblazershavecomeandjusthowfarthey’llgo.

Afewofthoseextraspecialdays,whenyouwillwanttoturnupthecelebrations,include:

• JulietteGordonLow'sbirthdayorFounder'sDay,October31,marksthebirthin1860ofGirlScouts oftheUSAfounderJulietteGordonLowinSavannah,Georgia.

• WorldThinkingDay,February22,celebratesinternationalfriendship.ItisanopportunityforGirl ScoutsandGirlGuidestoconnectwitheachotherandexploreacommonthemearoundtheworld.

• GirlScouts’birthday,March12,commemoratesthedayin1912whenJulietteGordonLowofficially registeredtheorganization'sfirst18girlmembersinSavannah,Georgia.

Whetherthey’reworkingonanewbadge,makingnewfriends,orclosingmeetingswithafriendshipcircle, yourtroopwon’twanttomissoutonGirlScouts’treasuredtraditions,ceremonies,andspecialGirlScout days Weembracefreshperspectivesandinnovationfromourrichculturallegacy.Wecontinuouslyreview normsandtraditionsevolvingovertimetoensuretheyarerelevantandequitable.Sometimesthatmay involvemodifyingorsunsettingtraditionstomakewayfornewones.

Highest Awards

TheGirlScoutBronze,Silver,andGoldAwardshonorGirlScoutswhobecomeforcesforgoodandcreatea lastingimpactintheircommunities,nationallyandaroundtheworld.

AsyourGirlScoutsdiscoverthepoweroftheirvoices,they’llwanttotakeonanissuethatisclosetotheir heartsandmeaningfultothem.EncouragethemtoturntheirideasintorealitybypursuingGirlScouts’ highestawards.

• TheGirlScoutBronzeAwardcanbeearnedbyJuniors.TheprerequisiteiscompletionofoneJunior JourneyandtheassociatedTakeActionproject.TheBronzeAwardisearnedbythegroup.

• TheGirlScoutSilverAwardcanbeearnedbyCadettes.Theprerequisiteiscompletionofone CadetteJourneyandtheassociatedTakeActionproject.TheSilverAwardcanbeearnedbyan individualGirlScoutorbyasmallgroup.

• TheGirlScoutGoldAwardcanbeearnedbySeniorsandAmbassadorswhohavecompletedeither twoGirlScoutSenior/AmbassadorlevelJourneysandtheassociatedTakeActionprojectsorearned theSilverAwardandcompletedoneSenior/AmbassadorlevelJourney.

DidyouknowthataGoldAwardGirlScoutisentitledtoenlistatahigherpaygradewhentheyjointheU.S. military?AGoldAwardGirlScout’sachievementsalsomakethemstandoutinthecollegeadmissions processandmaymakethematopcandidateforacademicscholarshipsandotherfinancialmeritawards.

GirlScoutsareeligibletoearnanyrecognitionatthegradelevelinwhichtheyareregistered.AnyGirl ScoutiseligibletoearntheGirlScoutGoldAwardeveniftheyjoinedGirlScoutsforthefirsttimeinhigh school.

AskyourcouncilaboutGirlScoutGoldAwardGirlScoutsinyourcommunityandhowthey’redoingtheir parttomaketheworldabetterplace.Forinspiration,considerinvitingalocalGoldAwardGirlScoutto speaktoyourtroopabouthowtheytooktheleadandmadeadifference.You’llbeinspiredwhenyousee

andhearwhattheycanaccomplishwhentheytakethelead andbytheconfidence,perseverance, problem-solving,timeandprojectmanagement,andteam-buildingexpertisetheygainwhiledoingso!

Girl Scout Travel

GirlScoutsencouragesmemberstotrynewthingsandexploretheworld,bothinsideandoutsideoftheir usualtroopmeetings.TravelingasaGirlScoutisamoreengagingexperiencethantravelingwithfamily, school,orothergroupsbecauseGirlScoutstakethelead.They’llmakeimportantdecisionsaboutwhereto go,whattodo,andtakeincreasingresponsibilityfortheplanningoftheirtrips.Duringthisprocess,they willalsobuildtheirorganizationalandmanagementskills skillsthatwillbenefitthemthroughouttheir lives.

GirlScouttravelisbuiltonaprogressionofactivities,somembersaresetupforsuccess.Daisiesand Browniesstartwithfieldtripsandprogresstodaytrips,overnights,andshorttrips.Juniorscantaketheir adventuresfartherwithextendedtrips.AndCadettes,Seniors,andAmbassadorscantraveltheU.S.and thentheworld.ThereareevenopportunitiesforolderGirlScoutstotravelindependentlybyjoiningtrips theircouncilorganizesorparticipatinginGSUSA’stravelprogram,Destinations.Learnmoreaboutgroup travelonline!

Travel and Girl Scout Program Connections

It’seasytoconnecteye-openingtravelopportunitiestotheleadershiptrainingandskillbuildingyour troopisdoing!GirlScoutscanusetheircreativitytoconnectanybadgeskillintoanideafortravel.For example,theylearnaboutfoodsfromavarietyofregionsandcountriesintheNewCuisinesbadge,which wouldconnectwellwithatripfocusingonagriculture,culture,andsamplingtastyfoods!Thereareplenty moreexamples,suchastheSeniorTravelerbadge,EcoCamper,Photographerand,ofcourse,allthe financialbadgesthathelpGirlScoutsbudgetandearnmoneyfortheirtrips.

WanttoincludeGirlScouttraditionsinyourtrip?LooknofurtherthantheJulietteGordonLowBirthplace inSavannah,Georgia!YourtroopalsohasthechancetodeepentheirconnectionstoGirlScoutsaroundthe worldbyvisitingoneoftheWAGGGS(WorldAssociationofGirlGuidesandGirlScouts)WorldCenters, whichofferlow-costaccommodationsandspecialprogramsinfivelocationsaroundtheworld.Many councilsacrosstheU.S.alsohavepropertiestorenttotravelingtroops,orprogramstravelingtroopscan join checkoutthismap!Andifyourtroopislookingtostayclosertohomethisyear,askyourcouncil aboutcouncil-ownedcampsandotherfacilitiesthatcanberentedout,orprogramstheymayhaveplanned fortroops

AsyourGirlScoutsexcitedlyplantheirnexttrip,remembertolimityourroletofacilitatingtheir brainstormingandplanning,neverdoingtheworkforthem.Shareyourideasandinsights,asktough questionswhenyouhaveto,andsupportalltheirdecisionswithenthusiasmandencouragement!

Planning Troop Adventures

Contactyourcouncilassoonasyoustartthinkingaboutplanningatriptofindoutmoreabouttheir approvalprocessforovernightandextendedtravel.Theywillalsolikelyhavetrainingprogramsthatwill raiseyourconfidenceasachaperone.

GSNWGL Note: GirlScouttravelopportunitiesareamazing!Volunteerswillfindcouncilguidance,required forms,andtimelinesontheFieldTrips&TravelpagesoftheVolunteerCollective

Notsurewheretobegin?CheckouttheGirlScoutGuidetoU.S.Travel.ThisresourceisdesignedforJuniors andolderGirlScoutswhowanttotakeextendedtrips thatis,longerthanaweekend butalsofeatures tipsandtoolsforbuddingexplorerswhoarejustgettingstartedwithfieldtripsandovernights.

OnceGirlScoutshavemasteredplanningandembarkingupontripsintheU.S.,theymightbereadyfora globaltraveladventure!Globaltripsusuallytakeafewyearstoplan,andtheGirlScoutGuidetoGlobal Travelcanguideyouthroughtheentireprocess.

Safety First

Ifyou’replanninganykindoftrip fromashortfieldtriptoanoverseasexpedition the“TripandTravel” sectionof Safety Activity Checkpoints isyourgo-toresourceforsafety.Yourcouncilmayalsohave additionalresourcesandapprovalprocesses.

GSNWGL Note: Volunteerswillfindcouncilguidance,requiredforms,andtimelinesontheFieldTrips& TravelpagesoftheVolunteerCollective

Besuretofollowallthebasicsafetyguidelines,likethebuddysystemandfirstaidrequirements,in additiontothespecificguidelinesfortravel.You’llalsowanttorefertotheCOVID-19guidelinesin Safety Activity Checkpoints aswellasanyCOVID-19guidelinesforyourdestination.Youwilllearnmoreabout howtouseandfollowGirlScouts Safety Activity Checkpoints inthenextsection.

Troop Management

Alotofpeopleequateleadershipwith“beingincharge”orhavingatitle Anyonecanbealeader.It’sabout recognizingthatyouarepartofateamandunderstandingthatteam’sneedsandinterests.Here’show you’lldothatwithyourtroop!

Your Role as a Girl Scout Volunteer

TheGirlScoutLeadershipExperienceisbasedonthreekeys discover,connect,andtakeaction butit’s notjustforyourtroop.AsaGirlScoutvolunteer,youwillembarkonyourownleadershipjourneyasyou helpGirlScoutsdeveloptheleadershipskillsthey’llusetomaketheworldabetterplace.Hereareafew basicconceptsthatoutlinewhatleadershipmeansinGirlScouting.

Leadership is teaching your Girl Scouts:

• Thattheycandoandbeanything!

• Thattheyaredecisionmakersandshouldowntheirdecisions.

• HowtolivetheGirlScoutLawbymodelingitforthem.

As a leader, see yourself as a coach who:

• Advises,discusses,andcheersonyourtroop,notasateacherwithaplannedlessonoractivitybut asamentorandcoach.

• Ensureseachmemberunderstandsandcancarryouttheirresponsibilitieswithinthetroop.

• EncouragesGirlScoutstobuildtheirskillsandtheirethics.

• GivesmoreresponsibilitiestoeachGirlScoutastheygrowanddevelop.

It is important to remember that:

• YoucannotknoweverythingthatyourGirlScoutsmighteverwanttolearn.

• You’llexploreandlearnalongsideyourGirlScoutsandgrowyourconfidenceintheprocess.

• You’renotexpectedtoknoweverythingaboutGirlScouting,butyoushouldknowwheretogofor information andtoaskforhelpwhenyouneedit.

Your Responsibilities as a Girl Scout Volunteer

YourresponsibilitiesasaGirlScoutvolunteerinclude:

• AcceptingtheGirlScoutPromiseandLaw.

• UnderstandingandcoachingGirlScoutsthroughtheGirlScoutLeadershipExperience.

• CompletingrequiredtrainingsandcomplyingwithGirlScoutpolicies,procedures,andsafety guidelines.

• Sharingyourknowledge,experience,andskillswithapositiveandflexibleapproach.

• WorkinginapartnershipwithyourGirlScoutssothattheiractivitiesaregirl-ledandthatthey learnbydoing,individuallyandasagroup.You’llalsopartnerwithothervolunteersandcouncil staffforsupportandguidance.

• Organizingfun,interactive,girl-ledactivitiesthataddressrelevantissuesandmatchtheirinterests andneeds.

• ProvidingguidanceandinformationregardingGirlScoutgroupmeetingswithtroopfamiliesona regularandongoingbasisthroughavarietyoftools,includingemail,phonecalls,newsletters,blogs, otherformsofsocialmedia,andanyothermethodyouchoose.

• Processingandcompletingregistrationformsandotherpaperwork,suchaspermissionslips.

• Communicatingeffectivelyanddeliveringclear,organized,andvibrantpresentationsor informationtoanindividualorthegroup.

• Overseeingwithhonesty,integrity,andcarefulrecord-keepingthefundsthatyourtroopraises

• Maintainingacloseconnectiontoyourvolunteersupportteamandyourcouncil.

• FacilitatinganinclusiveenvironmentandpositiveexperienceforeveryGirlScout.

Planning for Your First Troop Meeting

DependingontheagesofyourGirlScouts,youmighttaketheleadinguidingthestructureandexperiences ofyourtroop fromhowandwhenmeetingsareheldtohowthetroopcommunicates,fromsteeringgirlledactivitiestosettingfinancialexpectations.You’llmakethesedecisionscollaborativelywithyour volunteerteamorco-leader,andwithinputfromGirlScoutsandtheirparentsandcaregivers.

Usethequestionsbelowtoguideyourconversationswithyourtroopcommitteevolunteersorco-leader beforediscussingthesetopicswithparentsandcaregivers.

• Whenwillwemeetandforhowlong?Howfrequentlyshouldwescheduletroopmeetings?

• Wherewillwemeet?Yourmeetingspaceshouldbesomewheresafe,clean,andsecurethatallows allmemberstoparticipate.Somegreatmeetingspaceideasincludeschools,placesofworship, libraries,andcommunitycenters.Ifworkingwithteens,considermeetingatcoffeeshops, bookstores,oranotherplacetheyenjoy.

• Whichcomponentsoftheuniformwillfamiliesneedtopurchase?Whichuniformcomponentswill thetroopprovideforeachmember?

• Willourtroopbeasingle-gradelevelorfacilitatedasamulti-leveltroopwithGirlScoutsofmany gradelevelscombinedintoonetroop?Ifmulti-level,howwillwemakesuretheyeachgetanageappropriateexperience?

• Howwillwekeeptroopactivitiesanddecisionsgirl-led?UsetheVolunteerToolkittohelpyou throughthisprocessbyexploringoptionsforactivitiesandreviewingthemeetingplansand resourcelists.

• Howoftenarewegoingtocommunicatewithtroopfamilies?Whichchannelswillweusetokeep familiesintheloop?Effectivecommunicationwillhelpsetexpectationsandclarifyparent/ caregiverresponsibilities.

• Willourtroopchargedues,useproductprogramproceeds,and/orchargeperactivity?Howmuch moneywillweneedtocoversuppliesandactivities?Whatshouldourfinancialplanlooklike?

Choosing a Meeting Place

Meetingplacesshouldbewelcoming.Thiscouldmeanlocationsthatservediversepopulations,areopenly inclusive,havediversestaff,andusewelcominglanguage.Whatmakesagreatmeetingspace?Itdepends onyourtroop,buthereareafewconsiderationsasyouvisitpotentiallocations:

• Cost.Thespaceshouldbefreetouse.

• Size.Makesurethespaceislargeenoughforthewholegroupandallplannedactivities.

• Availability.Besurethespaceisavailableforthedayandtheentirelengthoftimeyouwantto meet.

• Resources. Askiftablesandchairscomewiththeroomandensurethatthelightingisadequate.A bonuswouldbeacubbyofsomesortwhereyoucouldstoresuppliesorasafeoutdoorspacefor activities.

• Safety.Potentialspacesmustbesafe,secure,clean,properlyventilated,heated(orcooled, dependingonyourlocation),freefromhazards,andhaveatleasttwoexitsthatarewell-marked andfullyfunctional.Alsobesurefirstaidequipmentisonhand.

• Facilities.Itgoeswithoutsaying,butmakesurethattoiletsaresanitaryandaccessible.

• Communication-Friendly. CheckforcellreceptioninthepotentialspaceandwhetherWi-Fiis available.

• Allergen-Free.Ensurethatpetdanderandothercommonallergenswon’tbothersusceptible individualsduringmeetings.

• Accessibility.Yourspaceshouldaccommodateanyonewithdisabilitiesincluding parents/caregiverswithdisabilitieswhomaycometomeetings.

Needafewtalkingpointstogettheconversationstarted?Try…

“I’maGirlScoutvolunteerwithagroupof[numberofmembers]GirlScouts.We’redoinglotsof greatthingsforyouthandforthecommunity,like[somethingyourgroupisdoing]and [somethingelseyourtroopisdoing].We’reallaboutleadership thekindthatGirlScoutsuse

intheirdailylivesandthekindthatmakesourcommunitybetter.We’dlovetoholdour meetingsherebecause[reasonwhyyou’dliketomeetthere].”

Can We Meet in a Private Home?

GirlScoutsdoesnotrecommendholdingtroopmeetingsinprivatehomes.Ifyouareconsideringmeeting inaprivatehome,checkwithyourcounciltomakesureitispermittedbasedontheircouncilpolicy.In additiontotheabove,remembertoensurethesestandards:

• Alwaysobtainpriorapprovalfromyourcouncil.

• Theprivatehomemustbethehomeofaregistered,council-approvedvolunteer.

• GirlScoutmembersmaynotmeetinahomewherearegisteredsexoffenderresides.

• Somecouncilsrequiremembershipandbackgroundchecksforalladultslivinginthehome.Contact yourcouncilforspecificguidelines.

• Troopmembersneedtobeabletofocuswithoutdisruptionsfromotherhouseholdmembers.

• Animalsshouldbekeptinaplacethatisseparatefromthemeetingspace.

• Homeownersshouldconsideranypersonalinsuranceimplications.Thehomeownershouldask theirpersonalhomeowner’sinsurancecarrierifthereareanyinsuranceconcernswithtroop meetingsinthehome.Also,volunteersshouldconfirmwiththecouncilthattroopmeetingsinthe homearecoveredbythecouncil’sliabilityinsurancecarrier.

• Weaponsmustbeoutofviewandinalockedspace.Medication,cleaningproducts,orany poisonoussubstancesmustbestoredinasecurespace,outofsight,andpreferablylocked.

GSNWGL Note: ContactCustomerCaretoobtainapprovaltomeetinaprivatehome.Alladulthousehold membersmusthaveanapprovedbackgroundcheck.

Stuckandneedadditionalsupport?Contactyourcounciloryourserviceunitsupportteamforhelpwitha troopmeetingplace.

Virtual Meetings

Ifyourgrouportroopcan’tmeetinperson,therearemanywaystobringthepowerofGirlScoutinghome! Meetingvirtuallycanbeafunandengagingoptionforyourtroop.

Beforesettingupavirtualmeeting,you’llwantto:

• PartnerwithtroopfamiliestomakesureGirlScoutsaresafeonline.

• Selectameetingplatformthatallowsfamilieswhomaynothaveinternetaccesstocallin.

• Thinkaboutlogistics.Workwithyourtrooptosetupgroundrules;considerhowyouwill incorporatein-personmeetingtraditionsinyourvirtualspaceandhowyou’llkeepmeetingson track.

• Talkwithfamiliesonhowtokeepactivitiesgirl-lediftheywillbecompletingthemfromhome.

Aheadofthemeeting,sendoutafewsimple,step-by-stepinstructionsforhowtoaccesstheplatformand jointhemeeting.Anddon'tworryiftheywanttouseaweborsocialplatformyou’renotasfamiliarwith, becauseyou’lllearnalongsidethem!Formoretipsonsuccessfulvirtualmeetings,checkoutTips,Tools, andIdeasforPlanningaGreatVirtualMeeting

Girl Scout Troop Size

Thetroopsize“sweetspot”islargeenoughtoprovideaninteractiveandcooperativelearningenvironment andsmallenoughtoencourageindividualdevelopment.Thoughtheidealtroopsizeis12GirlScouts,we recommendthatgroupsbenofewerandnolargerthan:

• GirlScoutDaisies:5–12members

• GirlScoutBrownies:10–20members

• GirlScoutJuniors10–25members

• GirlScoutCadettes:5–25members

• GirlScoutSeniors:5–30members

• GirlScoutAmbassadors:5–30members

Besuretodouble-checkthevolunteer-to-youthratiotablebelowtomakesureyouhavetherightnumber ofadultspresentforgroupmeetings,events,travel,andcamping Adultsandyouthregisteringingroupsof fewerthanfiveGirlScoutyouthandtwoapprovedadultvolunteerswhoarenotrelatedtoeachotherorin arelationship,atleastoneofwhomisfemale,willberegisteredasindividualGirlScoutstoaccurately reflecttheirstatusandprogramexperience.IndividualmembersarealwayswelcometoparticipateinGirl Scoutactivitiesandevents.

Knowing How Many Volunteers You Need

Fromtroopmeetingstocampingweekendsandcookiebooths,adultvolunteersmustalwaysbepresentto ensureGirlScoutshavefunandstaysafe,nomattertheirgradelevel.Ifyouarenotsureaboutthenumber ofadultsyouwillneedforyouractivity,thechartbelowbreaksdowntheminimumnumberofvolunteers neededtosuperviseaspecificnumberofGirlScouts;yourcouncilmayalsoestablishmaximumsduetosize orcostrestrictions,sobesuretocheckwiththemasyouplanyouractivity.

Girl Scout Volunteer-to-Youth Ratios

Scout Daises (Grades K–1)

Scout Brownies (Grades 2–3)

unrelated volunteers(atleast oneofwhomis female)forupto thisnumberof youth:

additionalvolunteer toeachadditional:

unrelated volunteers(atleast oneofwhomis female)forupto thisnumberof youths:

additionalvolunteerto eachadditional:

Scout Ambassadors

11–12)

Safety in Girl Scouting

Theemotionalandphysicalsafetyandwell-beingofGirlScoutsisourtoppriority. Safety Activity Checkpoints outlinestheSafetyStandardsandGuidelinesusedinGirlScouting,whichapplytoallGirlScout activities.Allvolunteersshouldreviewthe Safety Activity Checkpoints manualwhenplanningactivitiesto managesafetyandriskinGirlScout-sanctionedactivities.

GSNWGL Note: FindtheGSNWGLSafetyActivityCheckpointsandothersafety-relatedguidanceonthe VolunteerCollective.

In Safety Activity Checkpoints,youwillfind:

• GirlScoutsSafetyStandardsandGuidelineswhichapplytoallGirlScoutactivities,including requirementsforadultsupervision,permissionslips,preparation,fieldtripsandovernighttrips, andothervitalinformation.

ActivitiesnotpermittedbyGirlScoutsoftheUSAandactionsthatGirlScoutsandvolunteersshouldnot take.

• Policiessurroundingcharteredaircrafttripsandaviation.

• Firstaidandoverallhealthinformation.

• Standardsforwell-beingandinclusivityalongwithwaystoincludeGirlScoutswithdisabilitiesand waystoensureeveryone’semotionalsafety.

• Individualsafetyactivitycheckpointsforspecificactivities suchascamping,internetuse,and watersportsthatprovideactivity-specificsafetyinformation.

Safety Activity Checkpoints islaidoutinthreeprimarysections,Introduction:SafetyStandardsand Guidelines,ActivitiesataGlance,andIndividualSafetyActivityCheckpointpages.

• Introduction: Safety Standards and Guidelines providesthestandardsafetyguidelinesforGirl ScoutsoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica(GSUSA)andGirlScoutsoftheNorthwesternGreatLakes approvedactivities.

• Girl Scouts’ Activities at a Glance tableprovidesaquickreviewofthesafetystandardsforthat activitywithafocusontwocriticalpointstokeepinmindwhenconsideringandplanningactivities foryoutroop:

o Age-appropriateactivitiesandparticipationbygradelevel,and

o Whetherpriorapprovalfromyourcouncilisrequiredbeforeanyoneparticipatesina specificactivity.

o The Activities at a Glance sectionisagreatquickreferencebutensureyourefertothe individualcheckpointasyouplanyouractivity.

• Individual Safety Activity Checkpoint pagesprovideactivity-specificsafetymeasuresand guidanceonindividualactivities.

The Buddy System

Usethebuddysystem,inwhichthetroopisdividedintoteamsofatleasttwo.EachGirlScoutis responsibleforalwaysstayingwiththeirbuddy,warningtheirbuddyofdanger,givingtheirbuddy immediateassistanceifsafetodoso,andseekinghelpifneeded.Theyareencouragedtostaynearthe grouporbuddywithanotherteamsoifsomeoneisinjured,onepersoncaresfortheinjuredwhileothers seekhelp.

Registering Girls and Adults in Girl Scouting

Everyparticipant(youthandadult)inGirlScoutingmustregisterandbecomeamemberofGirlScoutsof theUSA(GSUSA).GSUSAmembershipduesarevalidforoneyear.Membershipduescannotbetransferred toanothermemberandarenotrefundable.

Preregistrationfortheupcomingmembershipyearoccursinthespring.Earlyregistrationallowsfor uninterruptedreceiptofformsandmaterialsfromthecouncil,helpstroopsandcouncilsplanahead,and getseveryoneexcitedaboutallthegreatthingstheywanttodoasGirlScoutsnextyear.AGirlScout’s gradelevelisdeterminedbythecurrentmembershipyearbeginningOctober1.

LifetimemembershipisavailabletoanyonewhoacceptstheprinciplesandbeliefsoftheGirlScoutPromise andLaw,paystheone-timelifetimemembershipfee,andisatleast18yearsold(orahighschoolgraduate orequivalent).Volunteerswithtenormoreyearsofservicecanbecomelifetimemembersatthe discountedyoungalumrate.

Adding New Girl Scouts to Your Troop

GrowingyourtroopisagreatwaytosharethepoweroftheGirlScoutexperienceandtherearemanyways togetthewordout,likehangingpostersinlocalschools,usingsocialmediatoreachfamiliesinyour community,orincludingyourtroopinyourcouncil’sOpportunityCatalogorTroopCatalog.

GSNWGL Note: Volunteerscanreachouttolocalstaffforresourceslikecustomizedposters,flyers,images, andotherhandouts.UsetheTroopInformationUpdateformtokeepyourTroopCataloglistingup-to-date.

Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion

GirlScoutsisforeverygirl,andthat’swhyweembraceGirlScoutsofallabilitiesandbackgroundswitha specificandpositivephilosophyofinclusionthatbenefitseveryone.EachGirlScout regardlessof socioeconomicstatus,race,ethnicity,physicalorcognitiveability,sexualorientation,primarylanguage,or religion isanequalandvaluedmemberofthegroup,andgroupsreflectthediversityofthecommunity.

Webelieveinclusionisanapproachandanattitude,ratherthanasetofguidelines.Inclusionisabout belonging,everyonebeingofferedthesameopportunitieswithrespect,dignity,andcelebrationoftheir uniquestrengths.It’saboutbeingasistertoeveryGirlScout.You’reacceptingandinclusivewhenyou:

• WelcomeeveryGirlScoutandfocusonbuildingcommunity.Showcarebylearningeachperson’s namewithcorrectpronunciation,caregiversincluded!Useawarmandfriendlytone,and consistentlygreeteachcommunitymemberwhentheyarrive.Saygoodbyetoeachpersonbyname aswell.

• Emphasizecooperationinsteadofcompetition.

• Provideaconfidential,sociallycomfortableenvironment.Occasionallyaskthosewhoparticipatein GirlScoutprogramsifanythingisworryingorbotheringthem.Beatrustedadulttheycancometo withtheirneedsandemotionswithoutjudgment.Allow,butdon’trequire,participantstosaythe PledgeofAllegianceortheGirlScoutPromiseandLawatmeetings.

• Teachrespectfor,understandingof,anddignitytowardallmembersandtheirfamilies.Learnabout theculturesandidentitiesinyourGirlScoutcommunityandunderstandandrespectcultural differences.Besurenottoputanyoneonthespotoraskthemtoeducateyou.Welcomepersonal sharingaboutpeople’sculturaltraditions,languagestheyspeakanddiversefamilystructures. Makethiskindofsharingaconsistent,reliablepartofyourtimetogether.

Embracediversegenderexpressionbyinvitingeachcommunitymembertosharetheirgenderpronouns aloudoronnametags.Explainthatnoonemustshareiftheydon’twantto.Makethisconversationmatterof-factanduseapositivetone.

• Activelyreachouttomembersandfamilieswhoaretraditionallyexcludedorunderrepresented.

• Learnthemostvaluablewaystosupportindividualchildrenandadultswithdisabilities,learning differencesand/ororneurodiversity.Askparents,“WhatcanIdotosupportyourchildto learn/participate/feelsuccessfulinourgroup?

• Fosterasenseofbelongingtothiscommunityasarespectedandvaluedpeer.

• Honortheintrinsicvalueofeachperson’slife.

Ifyouhavequestionsaboutaccommodatinganindividualmember,pleasereachouttoyourcouncil.

GSNWGLNote:Individualcoachingisavailabletohelpvolunteerswitheachuniquecircumstance.Please reachouttoinfo@gsnwgl.orgor888.747.6945,andexploregsLearnforonlinecoursesaboutinclusion, diversity,equity,andaccessibility.

Focus on Being Accessible to All

Akeypartofcreatinganinclusiveenvironmentistheideathateveryonehasaccesstobeableto participate.Asyouthinkaboutwhere,when,andhowoftentomeetwithyourgroup,considertheneeds, resources,safety,andbeliefsofallmembersandpotentialmembers.Includethespecialneedsofany memberswhohavedisabilitiesorwhoseparentsorcaregivershavedisabilities.Butpleasedonotrelyon visualcuestoinformyouofadisability;approximately20percentoftheU.S.populationhasadisability that’soneinfivepeopleofeverysocioeconomicstatus,race,ethnicity,andreligion.Disabilitiesinclude physical,sensory,andcognitiveconditions.

IfyouwanttofindoutwhatanindividualwithadisabilityneedstomaketheirGirlScoutexperience successful,simplyaskthemortheirparentorcaregiver.Ifyouareopen,honest,andreceptive,they’lllikely respondinkind,creatinganatmospherethatenricheseveryone.

It’simportantforallGirlScoutstoberewardedbasedontheirbestefforts notonthecompletionofa task.Giveeveryonetheopportunitytodotheirbestandtheywill!Sometimesthatmeanschangingafew rulesorapproachinganactivityinamorecreativeway.Herearesomeexamplesofwaystomodify activitiessothateveryonecanparticipate:

• Inviteamembertocompleteanactivityaftertheyhaveobservedothersdoingit.

• IfanactivityisfocusedonusingonesensethataGirlScoutdoesnothaveaccessto(likesightfora GirlScoutwhoisblind),findwaysforthemtoparticipateusingothersenses.Cantheytouchthe objectorparticipatebyhearingonly?

• Ifanactivityrequiresrunning,anindividualwhoisunabletoruncouldbeaskedtowalkordo anotherphysicalmovement.

Language Related to Disability

Focusonaperson’sabilities onwhattheycandoratherthanonwhattheycannot.Inthatspirit,use people-firstlanguagethatputsthepersonbeforethedisability.

Say: Instead of:

Theyhavealearningdisability. Theyarelearningdisabled.

Theyhaveadevelopmentaldelay. Theyarementallyretarded;theyareslow. Theyuseawheelchair. Theyarewheelchairbound.

Wheninteractingwithanindividual(orparent/caregiver)withadisability,considerthesetips:

• Whentalkingtoanindividualwithadisability,speakdirectlytothem,notthroughafamilymember orfriend.

• It’sokaytoofferassistancetoanindividualwithadisabilitybutwaituntilyourofferisaccepted beforeyoubegintohelp.Listencloselytoanyinstructionsthepersonmayhave.

• Leaningonaperson’swheelchairisinvadingtheirspaceandcanbeconsideredrude.

• Whenspeakingtoanindividualwhoisdeafandusinganinterpreter,speaktothem,nottothe interpreter.

• Whenspeakingformorethanafewminutestoanindividualwhousesawheelchair,placeyourself attheireyelevel.

• Whengreetinganindividualwithavisualdisability,alwaysidentifyyourselfandothers.Youmight say,“Hi,it’sSheryl.Taraisonmyright,andChrisisonmyleft.”

Tolearnmoreaboutdeliveringinclusiveprogrammingtoyourtroop,takeourGSUSADeliveringInclusive TrainingcourseingsLearn.SignintogsLearnthroughMyGS.Login,gotoMyAccount,andclickgsLearn.

Registering Members with Cognitive Disabilities

GirlScoutswithcognitivedisabilitiescanberegisteredascloselyaspossibletotheirchronologicalages. Theyweartheuniformofthatgradelevel.Makeanyadaptationsforthemforongoingactivitiesofthe gradeleveltowhichthegroupbelongs.GirlScoutswithcognitivedisordersmaychoosetoretaintheir youthmembershipthroughtheir21styear,andthenmoveintoanadultmembershipcategory.

Getting Support for Your Troop

JustasyourGirlScoutsrallyaroundeachotherforsupport,youwillalsohaveadedicatedGirlScout supportteam,consistingofcouncilstaffandpassionatevolunteerslikeyou.Yoursupportteam,whichmay becalledaserviceunitatyourcouncil,isreadytoofferlocallearningopportunitiesandadviceaswellas answeryourquestionsabouttheGirlScoutprogram,workingwithyouth,productsales,andmuchmore.

Beforeyouholdyourfirsttroopmeeting,considerthesupportandpeopleresourcesyou’llneedtocultivate anenergizingtroopexperience.Parents,friends,family,andothermembersofthecommunityhavetheir ownuniquestrengthsandcanprovidetime,experience,andideastoatroop,sogettheminvolvedfromthe verybeginningaspartofyourvolunteertroopteam.Thisteamismadeupoftroopleaders(likeyou)and troopcommitteevolunteers.

Yourtroopcommitteevolunteersaretheextrasetofeyes,ears,andhandsthathelpthetroopsafely exploretheworldaroundthem.Dependingonyourtroop’sneeds,theycanplayamoreactiverole for instance,someonecanstepupasadedicatedtrooptreasurer orsimplyprovideoccasionalhelpwhenyou needtokeepameetingactivityontrack.

Ifaparentorcaregiverisn’tsureiftheycancommittoacommitteeorco-leaderrole,encouragethemtotry volunteeringinasmallercapacitythatmatchestheirskillset.JustlikeyouryoungGirlScouts,oncetroop parentsandcaregiversdiscovertheycansucceedintheirvolunteerrole,they’llfeelempoweredto volunteeragain.

Troop Management Tools and Resources

Fromtoolkitsandguidestoregularcontactwithexperiencedindividuals,you’llhaveallthesupportyou needtobeaGirlScoutvolunteer.Youcangetsuchmust-havetoolsastheVolunteerToolkit(VTK)and gsLearntokeepyourtroopgoingstrongonMyGS alwaysaccessibleviatheiconontheupperrightcorner ofourwebsite.Clickthe login buttonandthen my account buttonandyou’llfindthe gsLearn and VTK buttons viatheleftmenubar.Theyareaccessibleonanydesktop,tablet,ormobiledevice,anditwillbe populatedwithanytrainingsyoushouldview.Here’salistofsomeimportantresourcesyou’llwantto checkout.

The Volunteer Toolkit

TheVolunteerToolkitisacustomizableplanningtoolwhereyoucanfindsuggestedmeetingplansformost badges,accessactivityguidesandtrackyourGirlScouts’achievements,andsomuchmore.Withinspiring ideassoyoucanengageyourtroopinamixofactivitiesallyearlong,it’sthedigitalplanningassistantthat willhelpyoupowerafun-filled andorganized GirlScoutyear.

WiththeVolunteerToolkit,GirlScoutsandleaderscanexploremeetingtopicsandprogramactivities togetherandfollowthefunastheyplantheirGirlScoutyear.UsingtheVolunteerToolkit:

Troop Leaders can:

• Planthetroop’scalendaryearandmeetingschedule.

• Emailparents/caregiverswithoneclick.

• Viewthetrooproster,renewGirlScoutmemberships,andupdateGirlScoutcontactinformation.

• ViewmeetingplansforJourneysandbadges,includingsuggestedtracksformulti-levelgroups(K–5 and6–12).

• Customizemeetingagendastofityourtroop.

• Exploreindividualmeetingplansthatshowabreakdownofeverystep,includingalistofmaterials needed,editabletimeallotmentsforeachactivitywithinameeting,andprintablemeetingaids.

• Recordattendanceatmeetingsandtheirtroop’sbadgeandJourneyachievements.

• Addcouncilorcustomeventstothetroop’scalendar.

• Submittroopfinancereports(dependingonthecouncil’sprocess).

• Easilylocatebothnationalandlocalcouncilresources,suchas Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Parents and Caregivers can:

• Viewthetroop’smeetingscheduleandindividualmeetingplanstostayuptodateonthebadges andJourneysthetroopisworkingon.

• Renewtheirmembershipsandupdatetheircontactinformation.

• ViewtheirGirlScout’sattendanceandachievements.

• Seeupcomingeventsthetroopisplanningorattending.

• Easilylocatebothnationalandlocalcouncilresources.

• Viewthetroop’sfinancereport(dependingonthecouncil’sprocess).

Getstartedbyvisiting: www.gsnwgl.organdclickonMyGStologinandnavigatetotheVolunteerToolkit. IngsLearnthereisanonlinecoursetoshowcaregivershowtousetheVolunteerToolkit.

gsLearn

gsLearn. gsLearnisouronlinetrainingplatformthat givesyoueasyaccesstoonlineandin-person learningopportunitiesaswellastheabilitytotrackallyouraccomplishments!Learnatyourownpace, accessadditionalresources,andrepeatinfowhenyouneedit!

Accessing gsLearn. Totakeadvantageofthelearningopportunitiesandotherprogrammatictraining offeredtoTroopLeaders,you’llneedtoaccessouronlinelearningmanagementtool,gsLearn. To accessgsLearn,logintoMyGS.YouwillfindgsLearnintheoptionsontheleft-handnavigationonce you’veloggedintoMyGS.

Tools and Resources

Girl Scout Handbooks. Thesegradelevel-specifichandbookswillbreakitdownforyourGirlScouts Adventuresincludeearningbadgesandawards,runningyourowncookiebusinessandlearningabout thetraditionsthathavebroughtGirlScoutstogetherforoveracentury. girlscoutshop.org

Safety Activity Checkpoints. SafetyisparamountinGirlScouting,and Safety Activity Checkpoints containseverythingyouneedtoknowtohelpkeepeveryonesafeduringavarietyofexcitingactivities outsideoftheirregularGirlScouttroopmeetings www.gsnwgl.org

Tips for Troop Leaders. Whenyou’relookingforreal-worldadvicefromfellowtroopleaderswho've beenthere,thisvolunteer-to-volunteerresourceontheGirlScoutsoftheUSAwebsitehaswhatyou needforasuccessfultroopyear.

Troop Year Plans.Ourage-appropriatetroopyearplansarethebesttoolforfirstyeartroopleadersto getstartedwithGirlScoutswithoutgettingoverwhelmed,ortohelpanytroopleaderwithplanningout awell-balancedGirlScoutyear.Theentireyearismappedout justfollowalongtohelpyourGirl Scoutscompletebadgeactivities,improvetheircommunities,andexploretheworldaroundthem. AccessTroopYearPlansonlinehere!

Girl Scout Volunteers in Your Community. RememberthatGirlScoutsupportteamwementioned? You’llfindtheminyourserviceunit!Troopsareorganizedgeographicallyintoserviceunitsor communities.You’llfindalocalnetworkoffellowleadersandadministrativevolunteersreadytooffer tipsandadvicetohelpyousucceedinyourvolunteerrole.

Customer Care Contacts. Questions?Needhelpresolvinganissue?We’vegotyou!Reachoutanytime byeitherclickingonthe“ContactUs”formatwww.gsnwgl.orgoremailinfo@gsnwgl.org.During businesshoursyoucanreachacustomerservicespecialistbycalling888.747.6945

Newsletters/Communication. GSNWGLcouncilnewslettersandlocalserviceareaupdatescomeby email.FollowGSNWGLonyourfavoritesocialmediaplatform(s).

Take Advantage of Learning Opportunities

WeknowthatwhenyouhavetheknowledgeandskillsyouneedtomanageyourGirlScouts,bothyouand yourtroopwillthrive.WeoffernationalonboardingtrainingfornewTroopLeadersinadditiontolocal trainingcoursesprovidedbyyourcouncil.

New Leader Onboarding Courses:

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: What Girl Scouts Do

Inthiscourse,youwilllearnaboutwhatgirlscoutsdoandhowtheydoitateachgradelevelsoyou canplanyourtroop'syear.Thiscourseispresentedthroughthelensofanexperiencedtroopleader whosetroopcompletedallgradelevelsoftheGirlScoutprogram.Youwillhavetheopportunityto explorethetroop'sinteractivejournalandlearnaboutthethingstheydidontheirGirlScout journey.Pleasenote,youareonlyrequiredtoexplorethegradelevelsyouwillbeleading,although youarewelcometoexploremoreifyou'dlike.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Your First Troop Meeting

Thiscourseprovidesnewtroopleaderswiththestructureandtoolstoplanasuccessfulfirsttroop meeting andbeyond withtheirGirlScouttroop.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)

Theframeworkweusetogrowfutureleaders,alsoknownastheGirlScoutLeadershipExperience, iswhatsetsGirlScoutsapartfromotherorganizations.Inthiscourse,youwilllearnhowto facilitatetheGirlScoutLeadershipExperiencewithyourtroopinanage-appropriateway. Throughoutthecourse,youwilllearnaboutlotsofreal-worldexamplessoyoucanapplythe frameworkasyourtroopagesthroughtheGirlScoutprogram.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Family Engagement: The Key To Success

EngagingfamiliesintheirGirlScout’sexperiencebenefitstroopleaders,GirlScouts,andfamilies too.Thiscourseilluminatesthevalueoffamilyengagementandprovidespracticalstrategiesfor howtoenlistfamilysupport.Italsoequipsyouwithanagendatoplanaparent/caregivermeeting tosetthetoneforfamilyengagementfortheyear.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Girl Scout Cookie Program

Inthiscourse,youwilllearnthebasicsoftheGirlScoutCookieprogram.You’lldiscoverhowand whyGirlScoutssellcookies,whothebakersarethatmakethecookies,andhowtoutilizeyour cookieproceedswithyourtroop.Areviewofalltheexcitingprogramoptionsyoucanexplorewith yourtroopasyoubuildtheirentrepreneurialskillsisalsoincluded Cookiesellingsafetyand importantwaystobringfamiliesandcaregiversalonginyourtroop’scookiebusinessadventure arealsopartofthecourse

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Funding the Fun-Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances

Inthiscourse,youwilllearnthebasicsofmanagingyourtroop’sfunds.Wewillhighlighthow troopsfundmeetingsandactivities.Wewillalsoreviewhowtroopsmanageandreporttheir financestotheircouncils.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Troop Safety

Thiscourseequipsyouwiththefundamentalstokeepyourtroopsafeinmeetingsandonfield trips.Youalsowilllearnabouta“go-to”guidethathelpsyourtroopstaysafenomatterwhereyou adventurestakeyou!

ThesecoursesareavailableonlineviagsLearnasreferencedabove.Yourcouncilmayofferadditionallocal onboardingtrainingfornewTroopLeaders,aswellasotherongoingtrainingopportunities.Contactyour counciltoaskaboutadditionaltrainingopportunitiesthatwillhelpyougrowyourskillsandconfidence.

Other Program Courses Available

Delivering Inclusive Program

Inthiscourse,youwillpracticeusinginclusiveandequitablelanguagetosupporttheidentitiesof allGirlScoutsandfosteracohesivetroopenvironment.

CoursesarealsoofferedonspecificbadgesincludingDaisypetals,MathInNature,andMentalWellness.

GSNWGLNote:SeetheLeaderBasicssectionoftheVolunteerCollectivedetailsonNewLeaderOrientation, theSixStepstoStartaTroop,andallcounciltrainingsandcertifications.

Girl Scout Participation in Activities with Other Scouting Organizations

ThedecisionbyBoyScoutsofAmerica(BSA)toopentheBoyScoutprogramtogirlshasfundamentally alteredthenatureoftherelationshipbetweenBSAandGirlScoutsnationallyandlocally.Local relationshipsbetweenBSAandGirlScoutcouncilsthathaveledtopartnershipsandjointactivitiesinthe pastmaynowcreatecertainrisksorchallengesforGirlScouts.Forthisreason,councilsareencouragedto avoidjointrecruitingand/orjointparticipationincommunityeventsoractivities.

Marketplace Confusion

ToprotecttheintegrityoftheGirlScoutbrandandreinforceourprogrammingasunique,girl-only,and bestinclass,wemustensurethatwetakecarethattheactivitiesinwhichourmembersparticipateare exclusivetotheGirlScoutprogram,aresafeandgirl-led,andareconductedundertheappropriate supervisionofGirlScouts.

Protecting Use of Girl Scout Materials

GirlScoutmaterialsareintendedfortheexclusiveuseofGirlScoutsandareprotectedastheintellectual propertyofGirlScoutsoftheUSA.Materialsincludebutarenotlimitedto:GirlScoutlogo,taglines,and/or programandbadgerequirements.

Troop Finances

Withyourguidance,yourGirlScoutswilllearnmoneyskillsthatwillservethemthroughouttheirlives. YourGirlScouttroopwillplanandfinanceitsownactivities,andyou’llcoachyourGirlScoutsastheyearn andmanagetroopfunds.Troopactivitiesarepoweredbyproceedsearnedthroughcouncil-sponsored productprogramactivities(suchastheGirlScoutCookieProgram),groupmoney-earningactivities (councilapproved,ofcourse),andanyduesyourtroopmaycharge.

Rememberthatallfundscollected,raised,earned,orotherwisereceivedinthenameofandforthebenefit ofGirlScoutingbelongtothetroopasawholeandmustbeusedforthepurposesofGirlScouting.Funds areadministeredthroughthetroopanddonotbelongtoindividuals.

Establishing a Troop Account

You’llneedasafeplacetodeposityourtroopdues,productprogramproceeds,andotherfunds.Ifyou’rea newleaderofanexistingtroop,youmayinheritacheckingaccount,butwithanewtroop,you’llwantto openanewbankaccount.

Hereareafewhelpfultipsyoucantaketothebank:

• Besuretofindabankthathasfreecheckingandlowfees.

• Designatea“trooptreasurer,”thatis,onepersonwhoisresponsiblefortroopfundsandfor keepingadailyaccountofexpenditures.

• Ensureyouraccountcomeswithadebitcardthatyoucanuseduringactivitiesortrips.These transactionsareeasiertotrackattheendoftheyearthancashpayments.

• Bepreparedandmakesureanothertroopvolunteerhasadebitcardforthetroopaccountincase themaincardislost.

• Handlealosttroopdebitcardthesamewayyouwouldapersonaldebitcard:cancelitimmediately.

• Keeptroopfundsinthebankbeforeanactivityortripandpayforasmanyitemsaspossiblein advanceofyourdeparture.

Followyourcouncil’sfinancialpoliciesandproceduresforsettingupanaccount.Mostcouncil-sponsored productprogramactivitieshavespecificbankingandtrackingprocedures.

Money-Earning Basics for Troops

Troopsflextheirfinancialmusclesintwodistinctways:

The Girl Scout Cookie Program and other product sales of Girl Scouts (authorizedproductsales suchascalendars,magazines,ornutsandcandy)organizedbyyourcouncil.Allyouthmembersare eligibletoparticipateintwocouncil-sponsoredproductprogramactivitieseachyearwithvolunteer supervision theGirlScoutCookieProgramandoneothercouncil-authorizedproductprogram.Please remember,volunteersandGirlScoutcouncilstaffdon’tsellcookiesandotherproducts GirlScoutsdo.

Group money-earning activities organizedbythetroop(notbythecouncil)thatareplannedand carriedoutbyGirlScouts(inpartnershipwithvolunteers)andthatearnmoneyforthegroup.

Participation Guidance

GirlScoutparticipationinbothcouncil-sponsoredproductprogramactivitiesandgroupmoney-earning projectsisbasedonthefollowing:

• Voluntaryparticipation.

• Writtenpermissionofeachmember’sparentorguardian.

• Anunderstandingof(andabilitytoexplainclearlytoothers)whythemoneyisneeded.

• Anunderstandingthatmoneyearningshouldnotexceedwhatthegroupneedstosupportits programactivities.

• Observanceoflocalordinancesrelatedtoinvolvementofchildreninmoney-earningactivitiesas wellashealthandsafetylaws.

• Vigilanceinprotectingthepersonalsafetyofeachmember

• Arrangementsforsafeguardingthemoney.

Additional Guidelines

Keepthesespecificguidelines someofwhicharerequiredbytheInternalRevenueService inmindto ensurethatsalesareconductedwithlegalandfinancialintegrity.

• All rewards earned by Girl Scouts through the product program activities must support Girl Scout program experiences (suchascamp,travel,andprogramevents,butnotscholarshipsor financialcreditstowardoutsideorganizations).

• Rewards are based on sales ranges setbycouncilsandmaynotbebasedonadollar-per-dollar calculation.

• Troops are encouraged to participate in council product programs as their primary moneyearning activity;anygroupmoneyearningshouldn’tcompetewiththeGirlScoutCookieProgram orothercouncilproductprograms.

• Obtain written approval from your council before a group money-earning event; most councilsaskthatyousubmitarequestforapproval.

• Girl Scouts discourages the use of games of chance.Anyactivitywhichcouldbeconsidereda gameofchance(raffles,contests,bingo)mustbeapprovedbythelocalGirlScoutcouncilandbe conductedincompliancewithalllocalandstatelaws.

• Girl Scouts Blue Book of Basic Documents policy forbids Girl Scouts from the direct solicitation of cash.GirlScoutscancollectpartialpaymenttowardthepurchaseofapackageof GirlScoutCookiesandotherGirlScout–authorizedproductsthroughparticipationincouncilapprovedproductprogramdonationprograms.

• Girl Scouts forbids product demonstration partieswheretheuseoftheGirlScouttrademark increasesrevenueforanotherbusiness,suchasin-homeproductparties.Anybusinessusingthe GirlScouttrademarkorotherGirlScoutintellectualpropertymustseekauthorizationfromGSUSA.

• Group money-earning activities need to be suited to the ages and abilities of the participants andbeconsistentwiththeprinciplesoftheGirlScoutLeadershipExperience.

• Money earned is for Girl Scout activities and is not to be retained by individuals. GirlScouts can,however,beawardedincentivesand/ormayearncreditsfromtheirGirlScoutproduct programs.Fundsacquiredthroughgroupmoney-earningprojectsmustbereportedandaccounted forbythegroupaccordingtocouncilprocedures.

• Raising money in times of national or international emergency. PerGirlScouts Blue Book of Basic Documents policy,theNationalCEOinconsultationwiththeNationalBoardChairmaygive permissiontoraisemoneyintimesofamajornationalorinternationalemergencywithprior writtennoticetotheNationalBoard.Councilswillbenotifiedofthisactioninwritingandtroops

shouldconsultwiththeircouncilforappropriateguidelines.Councilsmaydesignateanoutside organizationtoreceivedonations.

Sample Money-Earning Activities

Collections/Drives

• Cellphonesforrefurbishment

• Usedinkcartridgesturnedinformoney

• Christmastreerecycling

Food/Meal Events

• Lunchboxauction(preparedlunchormealauctionedoff)

• Themedmeals,likeahighteaorabuild-your-own-tacobar,relatedtoactivitiesGirlScoutsare planning;forinstance,iftheyareearningmoneyfortravel,theycouldtiethemealtotheir destination

Service(s)

• Service-a-thon(peoplesponsoraGirlScoutdoingserviceandfundsgotosupportatripor otheractivity)

• Babysittingforholiday(NewYear’sEve)orcouncilevents

• Rakingleaves,weeding,cuttinggrass,shovelingsnow,walkingpets

• Cookingclassorotherspecialtyclass

TheGirlScoutCookieProgramandothercouncil-sponsoredproductprogramsaredesignedtounleashthe entrepreneurialpotentialinGirlScouts.Fromthere,yourtroopmaydecidetoearnadditionalfundsonits own.

Help Your Troop Reach Its Financial Goals

Asavolunteer,youhavetheopportunitytofacilitategirl-ledfinancialplanning,whichmayincludethe followingstepsforyourtroop:

1. Set goals for money-earning activities. Whatdoesthegrouphopetoaccomplishthroughthis activity?Inadditiontoearningmoney,whatskillsdotheyhopetobuild?Whatleadership opportunitiespresentthemselves?

2. Create a budget. Useabudgetworksheetthatincludesbothexpenses(thecostofsupplies, admissiontoevents,travel,andsoon)andavailableincome(thegroup’saccountbalance,projected cookieproceeds,andsoon).

3. Determine how much the group needs to earn. Subtractexpensesfromavailableincometo determinehowmuchmoneyyourgroupneedstoearn.

4. Make a plan. Thegroupcanbrainstormandmakedecisionsaboutitsfinancialplans.Willcookie andotherproductprograms ifapproachedproactivelyandenergetically earnenoughmoneyto meetthegroup’sgoals?Ifnot,whichgroupmoney-earningactivitiesmightoffsetthedifference? Willmorethanonegroupmoney-earningactivitybenecessarytoachievethegroup’sfinancial goals?Inthisplanningstage,engagethemthroughtheGirlScoutprocesses(girl-led,learningby doing,andcooperativelearning)andconsiderthevalueofanypotentialactivity.Havethemweigh feasibility,implementation,andsafetyfactors.

5. Write it out. Oncethegrouphasdecidedonitsfinancialplan,describeitinwriting.Iftheplan involvesagroupmoney-earningactivity,filloutanapplicationforapprovalfromyourcounciland submititalongwiththebudgetworksheetyourtroopcreated.

Remember:It’sgreatforGirlScoutstohaveopportunitiesliketheGirlScoutCookieProgramtoearnfunds thathelpthemfulfilltheirgoals.Asavolunteer,trytohelpthembalancethemoneyearningtheydowith opportunitiestoenjoyotheractivitiesthathavelessemphasisonearningandspendingmoney.Take Actionprojects,forexample,maynotalwaysrequirethemtospendalotofmoney!

Financial Management and Product Program Abilities by Grade Level

AswithotherGirlScoutactivities,GirlScoutsbuildtheirfinancialandsalessavvyastheygetolder.Each individualwillbedifferent,buthereyou’llfindsomeexamplesoftheabilitiesandopportunitiesforthe progressionofGirlScoutsateachgradelevel.

Girl Scout Daisies

• Thegroupvolunteerhandlesmoney,keepsfinancialrecords,anddoesallgroupbudgeting.

• Parents/caregiversmaydecidetheywillcontributetothecostofactivities.

• DaisiescanparticipateinGirlScoutCookieProgramactivitiesandothercouncil-sponsored productprograms.

• Daisiesarealwayspairedwithavolunteerwhensellinganything.Theydotheaskinganddeliver theproduct,butvolunteershandlethemoneyandkeepthemsafe.

• Daisiesshouldbegiventheopportunitytopracticeidentifyingmoneyandcountingbackchange withanadultduringeachtransaction.

Girl Scout Brownies

• Thegroupvolunteerhandlesmoney,keepsfinancialrecords,andsharessomeofthegroup budgetingresponsibilities.

• Browniesdiscussthecostofactivities(supplies,fees,transportation,rentals,andsoon)with guidancefromtheirvolunteer(s).

• Browniessetgoalsforandparticipateincouncil-sponsoredproductprograms.

• Browniesmaydecidetopayduestocontributetothecostofactivities.

Girl Scout Juniors

• Thegroupvolunteerretainsoverallresponsibilityforlong-termbudgetingandrecordkeepingbut sharesordelegatesallotherfinancialresponsibilities.

• Juniorssetgoalsforandparticipateincouncil-sponsoredproductprograms.

• Juniorsdecideongroupdues,ifany.Duesarecollectedbythemandrecordedbyagrouptreasurer selectedbythetroop

• Juniorsbudgetfortheshort-termneedsofthegroupbasedontheirplansandincomefromthe groupdues.

• Juniorsbudgetformorelong-termactivities,suchasovernighttrips,groupcamping,andspecial events.

• JuniorsbudgetforTakeActionprojectsincludingtheGirlScoutBronzeAwardiftheyarepursuing it.

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors

• Cadettes,Seniors,andAmbassadorsestimatecostsbasedonplans.

• Theydeterminetheamountofgroupdues,ifany,andthescopeofmoney-earningprojects.

• Setgoalsforandparticipateincouncil-sponsoredproductprograms.

• Carryoutbudgeting,planning,andgroupmoney-earningprograms.

• Budgetforextendedtravel,TakeActionprojects,andleadershipprojectsincludingtheGirlScout SilverorGirlScoutGoldAwards,iftheyarepursuingthem.

• MaybeinvolvedinseekingdonationsforTakeActionprojectswithcouncilapproval.

• Keeptheirownfinancialrecordsandgivereportstoparentsandgroupvolunteers.

Working with Sponsors and Other Organizations

LocalsponsorscanhelpcouncilspowerinnovativeprogramsforGirlScouts.Communityorganizations, businesses,religiousorganizations,andindividualsmaybesponsorsandmayprovidegroupmeeting places,volunteertheirtime,offerin-kinddonations,provideactivitymaterials,orloanequipment. EncourageyourGirlScoutstocelebrateasponsor’scontributiontothetroopbysendingthank-youcards, invitingthesponsortoameetingorceremony,orworkingtogetheronaTakeActionproject.

Forinformationonworkingwithasponsor,consultyourcouncil,whichcangiveyouguidanceonthe availabilityofsponsors,recruitingguidelines,andanycouncilpoliciesorpracticesthatmustbefollowed. Yourcouncilmayalreadyhaverelationshipswithcertainorganizationsormayknowofsomereasonsnot tocollaboratewithcertainorganizations.

GSNWGL Note: Findtheinstructionsandnecessarycouncilformsforrequestingandacceptingin-kind donationsonVolunteerCollective

Whencollaboratingwithanyotherorganization,keeptheseadditionalguidelinesinmind:

Avoid fundraising for other organizations. GirlScoutsarenotallowedtosolicitmoneyonbehalfof anotherorganizationwhenidentifyingthemselvesasGirlScoutsbywearingauniform,asashorvest, officialpins,andsoon.Thisincludesparticipatinginawalkathonortelethonwhileinuniform. However,youandyourgroupcansupportanotherorganizationthroughTakeActionprojects.Girl Scoutsasindividualsareabletoparticipateinwhatevereventstheychooseaslongastheyarenot wearinganythingthatofficiallyidentifiesthemasGirlScouts.

Steer clear of political fundraisers. WheninanofficialGirlScoutcapacityorinanywayidentifying yourselvesasGirlScouts,yourgroupmaynotparticipate,directlyorindirectly,inanypolitical campaignorworkonbehalfoforinoppositiontoacandidateforpublicoffice.Letter-writing campaignsarenotallowed,norisparticipatinginapoliticalrally,circulatingapetition,orcarryinga politicalbanner.

Be respectful when collaborating with religious organizations. GirlScoutgroupsmustrespectthe opinionsandpracticesofreligiouspartners,butnooneshouldberequiredtotakepartinanyreligious observanceorpracticeofthesponsoringgroup.

Avoid selling or endorsing commercial products. Acommercialproductisanyproductsoldata retaillocation.Since1939,GirlScoutsandvolunteershavenotbeenallowedtoendorse,providea testimonialfor,orsellsuchproducts.

GSNWGL Note: ReviewtheHowtoFundtheFunpagesoftheVolunteerCollective.

Disbanding Troops and Unused Troop Funds

Whenatroopdisbands,anyunusedGirlScoutmoneyleftintheaccountbecomesthepropertyofthe council.Troopfundsarenotthepropertyofanyindividualmember.Beforedisbanding,askyourGirl Scoutshowtheywanttopayitforward.TheymaydecidetopayforGirlScoutactivitiesortodonateany unusedfundstotheirserviceunitortoanothertroop.Activitiescanalsoincludepurchasingmaterialsto supportanotherorganizationthroughTakeActionprojects.

Closing the Troop Account

Whenclosingatroopaccount,besureallchecksandotherdebitshaveclearedtheaccountbeforeyouclose it.Remember,youmayhavetoclosetheaccountinperson.Turnremainingfundsovertoacouncilstaff member.

GSNWGL Note: ReviewthecouncildirectionsontheClosingaTroopBankAccountpageoftheVolunteer Collective

Engaging Girl Scouts by Level

CreatingthekindofenvironmentinwhichGirlScoutsareunafraidtotrynewthingsandtobewhothey wanttobestartswithyou!Bymeetingthemwheretheyare,you’llhelpthemdeveloptheleadershipskills they’llusetodayandinthefuture

Understanding Healthy Development in Youth

Itsoundssimple,butjustbeingattentivetowhatGirlScoutsareexperiencingastheymatureisabighelp tothem andtoyou,asyouguideandmentorthem!You’llexperiencedifferentjoysandchallengeswith eachGirlScoutlevel,butherearesomeguidelinesformeetingtheirneedsandabilitiesatdifferentgrade levels.Keepinmindthattheseguidelinesreflectneurotypicalexperiences.

Girl Scout Daisies

At the Girl Scout Daisy level (kindergarten and first grades), many Daisies…

Haveloadsofenergyandneedtorun,walk,or playoutside.

Aregreatbuildersandbuddingartists,though theyarestilldevelopingtheirfinemotor skills.

Lovetomoveanddance.

Areconcretethinkersandfocusedonthehere andnow.

Areonlybeginningtolearnaboutbasic numberconcepts,time,andmoney.

Arejustbeginningtowriteandspell,andthey don’talwayshavethewordsforwhatthey’re thinkingorfeeling.

Knowhowtofollowsimpledirectionsand respondwelltorecognitionfordoingso.

This means…

They’ll enjoy going on nature walks and outdoor scavenger hunts.

Encouraging them to express themselves and their creativity by making things with their hands, if they are able They may need assistance holding scissors, cutting in a straight line, and so on.

They might especially enjoy marching like a penguin, dancing like a dolphin, or acting out how they might care for animals in the jungle.

Showing instead of telling, for example, about how animals are cared for. Plan visits to animal shelters, farms, or zoos; meet care providers, or make a creative bird feeder.

You’ll want to take opportunities to count out supplies together and, perhaps, the legs on a caterpillar!

That having them draw a picture of something they are trying to communicate, or picking from images of feelings, is easier and more meaningful for them.

Being specific and offering only one direction at a time. Acknowledge when they have followed directions well to increase their motivation to listen and follow again.

Girl Scout Brownies

At the Girl Scout Brownie level (second and third grades), many Brownies…

Haveloadsofenergyandneedtorun,walk,or playoutside.

Aresocialandenjoyworkingingroups.

Wanttohelpothersandappreciatebeing givenindividualresponsibilitiesforatask.

Areconcretethinkersandfocusedonthehere andnow.

Needcleardirectionsandstructureandlike knowingwhattoexpect.

Arebecomingcomfortablewithbasicnumber concepts,time,money,anddistance.

Arecontinuingtodeveloptheirfinemotor skills Mostcantieshoes,usebasictools,begin tosew,andthelike.

This means…

Taking your session activities outside whenever possible.

Allowing them to team up in small or large groups for art projects and performances if they would like to.

Letting them lead, direct, and help out in activities whenever possible. Allow them as a group to make decisions about individual roles and responsibilities.

Doing more than just reading to them about the Brownie Elf’s adventures. Ask them questions to gauge their understanding and allow them to role play their own pretend visit to a new country.

Offering only one direction at a time. Also, have them create the schedule and flow of your get-togethers and share those at the start.

Offering support only when needed. Allow them to set schedules for meetings or performances, count out money for a trip, and so on.

Encouraging them to express themselves and their creativity by making things with their hands, if they are able to. They may need some assistance, however, holding scissors, threading needs, and so on.

Lovetoactinplays,createmusic,anddance. They might like to create a play about welcoming a new student to their school or to tell a story through dance or creative movement.

Knowhowtofollowrules,listenwell,and appreciaterecognitionofajobwelldone.

Acknowledging when they have listened or followed the directions well, which will increase their motivation to listen and follow again.

Girl Scout Juniors

At the Girl Scout Junior level (fourth and fifth grades), many Juniors…

Wanttomakedecisionsandexpresstheir opinions.

This means…

Whenever possible, allowing them to make decisions and express their opinions through guided discussion and active reflection activities. Also, have them set rules for listening to others’ opinions and offering assistance in decision making.

Aresocialandenjoyworkingingroups. Allowing them to team up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities, if they would like to.

Areawareofexpectationsandsensitivetothe judgmentsofothers.

Although it’s okay to have expectations, the expectation is not perfection! Share your own mistakes and what you learned from them and be sure to create an environment where they can be comfortable sharing theirs.

Areconcernedaboutequityandfairness. Not shying away from discussing why rules are in place and having them develop their own rules for their group

Arebeginningtothinkabstractlyandcritically andarecapableofflexiblethought.Juniors canconsidermorethanoneperspectiveas wellasthefeelingsandattitudesofanother.

Havestrongfineandgrossmotorskillsand coordination.

Asking them to explain why they made a decision, to share their visions of their roles in the future, and to challenge their own and others’ perspectives.

Engaging them in moving their minds and their bodies. Allow them to express themselves through the written word, choreography, and so on.

Lovetoactinplays,createmusic,anddance. They might like to tell a story through playwriting, playing an instrument, or choreographing a dance.

Maybestartingpuberty,whichmayinclude beginningbreastdevelopment,skinchanges, andweightchanges.Somemaybegetting theirperiods.

Being sensitive to their changing bodies, possible discomfort over these changes, and their desire for more information or total avoidance of the topic. Create an environment that acknowledges and celebrates this transition as healthy and normal for them

Girl Scout Cadettes

At the Girl Scout Cadette level (sixth, seventh, and eighth grades), many Cadettes…

Aregoingthroughpuberty,includingchanges intheirskin,bodyshape,andweight.Many alsowillbestartingtheirmenstrualcyclesand haveoccasionalshiftsinmood.

This means…

Being sensitive to the many changes Cadettes are undergoing and acknowledging that these changes are as normal as growing taller! They need time to adapt to their changing bodies, and their feelings about their bodies may not keep up. Reinforce that, as with everything else, people go through puberty in different ways and at different times.

Arestartingtospendmoretimeinpeer groupsthanwiththeirfamiliesandarevery concernedaboutfriendsandrelationships withotherstheirage.

Canbeveryself-conscious,wantingtobelike everyoneelsebutfearingtheyareuniquein theirthoughtsandfeelings.

Arebeginningtonavigatetheirincreasing independenceandexpectationsfromadultsat schoolandathome.

That many will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities as well as tackling relationship issues through both artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. If you’re noticing a pattern of isolation for any troop member, check in with them are they content to work solo, or are they being excluded?

Encouraging them to share, but only when they are ready. At this age, they may be more comfortable sharing a piece of artwork or a fictional story than their own words. Throughout the activities, highlight and discuss differences as positive, interesting, and beautiful.

Trusting them to plan and make key decisions and allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Girl Scout Seniors

At the Girl Scout Senior level (ninth and tenth grades), many Seniors…

Arebeginningtoclarifytheirownvalues, consideralternativepointsofviewon controversialissues,andseemultipleaspects ofasituation.

Havestrongproblem-solvingandcritical thinkingskillsandareabletoplanandreflect ontheirownlearningexperiences.

Spendmoretimeinpeergroupsthanwith theirfamiliesandareveryconcernedabout friendsandrelationshipswithotherstheir age.

Frequentlyenjoyexpressingtheir individuality.

Feeltheyhavelotsofresponsibilitiesand pressures fromhome,school,peers,work, andothersources.

Arecontinuingtonavigatetheirincreasing independenceandexpectationsfromadultsat schoolandathome.

This means…

Asking them to explain the reasoning behind their decisions. Engage them in role-play and performances, where others can watch and offer alternative solutions.

They are more than able to go beyond community service to develop projects that will create sustainable solutions in their communities. Be sure to have them plan and follow up on these experiences through written and discussion-based reflective activities.

They will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities. They’ll also want to tackle relationship issues through both artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. Alter the makeup of groups with each activity so that they interact with those they might not usually pair up with.

Encouraging them to express their individuality in their dress, creative expression, and thinking. Remind them frequently that there isn’t just one way to look, feel, think, or act. Assist them in coming up with new ways of expressing their individuality.

Acknowledging their pressures and sharing how stress can limit health, creativity, and productivity. Help them release stress through creative expression, movement, and more traditional stress-reduction techniques.

Trusting them to plan and make key decisions, allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Girl Scout Ambassadors

At the Girl Scout Ambassador level (eleventh and twelfth grades), many Ambassadors…

Canseethecomplexityofsituationsand controversialissues theyunderstandthat problemsoftenhavenoclearsolutionandthat varyingpointsofviewmayeachhavemerit.

Havestrongproblem-solvingandcritical thinkingskillsandcanadaptlogicalthinking toreal-lifesituations.Mostwillrecognizeand incorporatepracticallimitationstosolutions.

Spendmoretimewithpeersthanwiththeir familiesandareveryconcernedaboutfriends andrelationshipswithotherstheirage.

This means…

Inviting them to develop stories as a group and then individually create endings that they later discuss and share.

They are more than able to go beyond community service to develop projects that will create sustainable solutions in their communities. Be sure to have them plan and follow up on these experiences through written and discussion-based reflective activities.

They will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities. They’ll also want to tackle relationship issues through artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. Alter the makeup of groups with each activity so that they interact with those they might not usually pair up with.

Frequentlyenjoyexpressingtheir individuality.

Feeltheyhavelotsofresponsibilitiesand pressures fromhome,school,peers,work, andothersources.

Arecontinuingtonavigatetheirincreasing independenceandexpectationsfromadults atschoolandathome andarelookingto theirfutures.

Encouraging them to express their individuality in their dress, creative expression, and thinking. Remind them frequently that there isn’t just one way to look, feel, think, or act. Assist them in coming up with new ways of expressing their individuality.

Acknowledging their pressures and sharing how stress can limit health, creativity, and productivity. Help them release stress through creative expression, movement, and more traditional stress-reduction techniques.

Trusting them to plan and make key decisions, allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Creating a Safe Space for Girl Scouts

AsafespaceiswhereallGirlScoutsfeelthattheycanbethemselves,withoutexplanationorjudgment.Asa volunteer,theenvironmentyoucreateisjustasimportantastheactivitiestheydo it’sthekeyto developingthesortofgroupthattheywanttobepartof!Cultivateaspacewhereconfidentialityis respected,andtheycanexpresstheirtrueselves.

Recognize and Support Each Individual

You'rearolemodelandamentortoyourtroop.Sinceyouplayanimportantroleintheirlives,theyneedto knowthatyouconsidereachofthemanimportantpersontoo.Theycanweatherapoormeetingplaceor anactivitythatflops,buttheycannotendurebeingignoredorrejected.

• Giveashout-outwhenyouseethemtryingtheirbest,notjustwhenthey’vehadaclearsuccess.

• Emphasizethepositivequalitiesthatmakeeachpersonworthyandunique.

• Begenerouswithpraiseandstingywithrebuke.

• Helpyourtroopfindwaystoshowacceptanceofandsupportforoneanother.

Promote Fairness

Theyaresensitivetofairnessforall.Theyforgivemistakesiftheyaresureyouaretryingtobefair.They lookforfairnessinhowresponsibilitiesareshared,inhandlingofdisagreements,andinyourresponsesto performanceandaccomplishment.

• Whenpossible,askthemwhattheythinkisfairbeforedecisionsaremade.

• Explainyourreasoningandshowwhyyoudidsomething.

• Bewillingtoapologizeifneeded.

• Trytoseethatresponsibilitiesaswellasthechancesforfeelingimportantareequallydivided.

• Helpthemexploreanddecideforthemselvesthefairwaysofsolvingproblems,carryingout activities,andrespondingtobehaviorandaccomplishments.

Build Trust

Theyneedyourbeliefandsupportwhentheytrynewthingsandyou’llneedtoshowthatyouwon’tbetray theirconfidence.Showthemthatyouaremakinganefforttounderstandthemasindividuals.

• Inspirethemtothinkforthemselvesandusetheirownjudgment.

• Encouragethemtomaketheimportantdecisionsinthegroupandensurethemthatalltroop membershaveanequalsay.

• Givethemassistanceincorrectingtheirownmistakes.

• Supportthemintrustingoneanother letthemseefirsthandhowtrustcanbebuilt,lost,regained, andstrengthened.

Inspire Open Communication

Theywantsomeonewhowilllistentowhattheythink,feel,andwanttodo.Theylikehavingsomeonethey cantalktoabouttheimportantthingshappeningintheirlives.

• Listentothem.Respondwithwordsandactions.

• Speakyourmindopenlywhenyouarehappyorconcernedaboutsomethingandencouragethemto dothesame

• Leavethedooropenforthemtoseekadvice,shareideasandfeelings,andproposeplansor improvements.

• Helpthemseehowopencommunicationcanresultinaction,discovery,betterunderstandingof selfandothers,andamorecomfortableclimateforfunandaccomplishment.

Managing Conflict

Conflictsanddisagreementsareaninevitablepartoflife,andifhandledconstructivelytheyshowGirl Scoutsthattheycanovercometheirdifferencesofopinions,exercisediplomacy,andimprovetheir communicationandrelationships.RespectingothersandbeingasistertoeveryGirlScoutmeansthat shouting,verbalabuse,orphysicalconfrontationsareneverwarrantedandcannotbetoleratedintheGirl Scoutenvironment.

Whenaconflictarisesinyourtroop,getthoseinvolvedtositdowntogetherandtalkcalmlyina nonjudgmentalmanner,keepinginmindthateachpartymayneedsometime afewdaysoraweek to calmdownbeforebeingabletodothis.Talkinginthiswaymightfeeluncomfortableanddifficultnow,but itlaysthegroundworkforworkingwelltogetherinthefuture.Whateveryoudo,donotspreadyour complaintaroundtoothers thatwon’thelpthesituationandcausesonlyembarrassmentandanger.

You’llalsofindconflictresolutionactivitiesinsomeoftheJourneys,suchastheAmazeJourneyforCadettes ortheMissionSisterhoodJourneyforSeniors.

Ifaconflictpersists,besureyouexplainthemattertoyourvolunteersupportteam.Ifthesupervisor cannotresolvetheissuessatisfactorily(oriftheprobleminvolvesthesupervisor),theissuecanbetakento thenextlevelofsupervisionandultimatelytoyourcouncilifyouneedextrahelp.

Communicating Effectively with Girl Scouts of Any Age

Makesureyourwordsandintentionscreateconnectionwithmembers.Keepinmindhowimportantthe followingapproachesare.

Listen.Listeningtothem,asopposedtotellingthemwhattothink,feel,ordo(no“youshould”)isthe firststepinbuildingatrustingrelationshipandhelpingthemtakeownershipoftheirGirlScout experience.

Be Honest. Ifyou’renotcomfortablewithatopicoractivity,it’sokaytosayso.Nooneexpectsyouto beanexpertoneverytopic.Askforalternativesorseekoutvolunteerswiththerequiredexpertise. Owninguptomistakes andapologizingforthem goesalongway.

Be Open to Real Issues. OutsideofGirlScouts,membersmaybedealingwithissueslikerelationships, peerpressure,school,money,drugs,andotherserioustopics.Whenyoudon’tknow,listen.Alsoseek helpfromyourcouncilifyouneedassistanceormoreinformationthanyoucurrentlyhave.

Show Respect. GirlScoutsoftensaythattheirbestexperiencesweretheoneswhereadultstreated themasequalpartners.Speaktothemrespectivelytoreinforcethattheiropinionsmatterandthatthey deserverespect.

Offer Options. Members’needsandinterestschangeandbeingflexibleshowsthemthatyourespect themandtheirbusylives.Bereadywithage-appropriateguidanceandparametersnomatterwhat theychoosetodo.

Stay Current. Showmembersthatyou’reinterestedintheirworldbyaskingthemabouttheTVshows andmoviestheylike;thebooks,magazines,orblogstheyread;thesocialmediainfluencerstheyfollow; andthemusictheylistento.

Remember LUTE: Listen, Understand, Tolerate, and Empathize.TryusingtheLUTEmethodto thoughtfullyrespondwhenamemberisupset,angry,orconfused.

Listen. Hearthemout,askfordetails,andreflectbackwhatyouhear;try“Whathappenednext?”or “Whatdidtheysay?”

Understand. Showthatyouunderstandwheretheyarecomingfromwithcommentssuchas,“So whatIhearyousayingis…”or“Iunderstandwhyyou’reunhappy,”or“Yourfeelingsarehurt;mine wouldbe,too.”

Tolerate. Youcantoleratethefeelingsthattheyjustcan’thandlerightnowontheirown.Letthem knowthatyou’retheretolistenandaccepthowtheyarefeelingaboutthesituation.Saysomethinglike: “Trytalkingtomeaboutit.I’lllisten,"or“Iknowyou’remad talkingitouthelps,”or“Icanhandleit saywhateveryouwantto.”

Empathize. Letthemknowyoucanimaginefeelingwhattheyarefeelingwithcommentssuchas,“I’m surethatreallyhurts”or“Icanimaginehowpainfulthisisforyou.”

Rememberyoudon’thavetosolvetheirproblemsforthemorhavealltheanswers.Askthemwhatthey wouldliketodoaboutthesituationandhowyoucansupportthem.

Addressing the Needs of Older Girl Scouts

LetthesesimpletipsguideyouwhenworkingwithteenageGirlScouts:

• Thinkofyourselfasa“guideontheside” apartner,acoach,oramentor,nota“leader.”

• Askthemwhatrulestheyneedforsafetyandwhatgroupagreementstheyneedtobeagoodteam. Whentheytaketheleadinestablishinggrouprules,they’remorelikelytosticktothem.

• Understandthattheyneedtimetotalk,unwind,andhavefuntogether.

• Askwhattheythinkandwhattheywanttodo.

• Encouragethemtospeaktheirminds.

• Providestructure,butdon’tmicromanage.

• Giveeveryoneavoiceinthegroup understandingthat“speakingup”maylookdifferentforeach person.Forsome,itmightmeansharingtheirideasinfrontoftheentiregroup;forothersitcould meansubmittingawrittenresponseorcontributingaspartofagroup.

• Treatthemlikepartners.

• Don’trepeatwhat’ssaidinthegrouptoanyoneoutsideofit(unlessnecessaryfortheirsafety).See “ReportConcerns”belowtounderstandtheguardrails.

When Sensitive Topics Come Up

It’sanamazingfeelingwhenyourGirlScoutsputtheirtrustinyou andwhentheydo,theymaycometo youwithsomeoftheissuestheyarefacingsuchasbullying,peerpressure,dating,athleticandacademic performance,understandingtheirownidentity,andmore.Someoftheseissuesmaybeconsidered sensitivebyfamilieswhomayhaveopinionsorinputabouthow,andwhether,GirlScoutsshouldcover thesetopicswiththeirtroop

GirlScoutswelcomesandservesyouthandfamiliesfromawidespectrumoffaithsandcultures.Whenthey wishtoparticipateindiscussionsoractivitiesthatcouldbeconsideredsensitive evenforsome putthe topiconholduntilyouhavespokenwiththeparentsandreceivedguidancefromyourcouncil.

WhenGirlScoutactivitiesinvolvesensitiveissues,yourroleisthatofacaringadultvolunteerwhocanhelp themacquireskillsandknowledgeinasupportiveatmosphere,notsomeonewhoadvocatesaparticular position.

GirlScoutsoftheUSAdoesnottakeapositionordevelopmaterialsonissuesrelatingtohumansexuality, birthcontrol,orabortion.WefeelourroleistohelpGirlScoutsdevelopself-confidenceandgooddecisionmakingskillsthatwillhelpthemmakewisechoicesinallareasoftheirlives.Webelieveparentsand caregivers,alongwithschoolsandfaithcommunities,aretheprimarysourcesofinformationonthese topics.

GSNWGL Note: ReviewtheGSNWGLpositiononsensitivetopicsontheCouncilStatementpageofour website

Parents/caregiversmakealldecisionsregardingtheirchild’sparticipationintheGirlScoutprogramthat maybeofasensitivenature.Asavolunteerleader,youmustgetwrittenparentalpermissionforanylocally plannedprogramofferingthatcouldbeconsideredsensitive.Includedonthepermissionformshouldbe thetopicoftheactivity,anyspecificcontentthatmightcreatecontroversy,andanyactionstepstheGirl Scoutswilltakewhentheactivityiscomplete.Besuretohaveaformforeachtroopmemberandkeepthe formsonhandincaseaproblemarises.ForactivitiesnotsponsoredbyGirlScouts,findoutinadvance (fromorganizersorothervolunteerswhomaybefamiliarwiththecontent)whatwillbepresented,and followyourcouncil’sguidelinesforobtainingwrittenpermission.

Report Concerns

Theremaybetimeswhenyouworryaboutthehealthandwell-beingofindividualsinyourgroup.Alcohol, drugs,sex,bullying,abuse,depression,andeatingdisordersaresomeoftheissuestheymayencounter. Youareonthefrontlinesoftheirliveswhichplacesyouinauniquepositiontoidentifyasituationinwhich theymayneedhelp.Ifyoubelievesomeoneisatriskofhurtingthemselforothers,yourroleistopromptly bringthatinformationtotheparent/caregiverorthecouncilsotheycangettheexpertassistancethey need.Yourconcernabouttheirwell-beingandsafetyistakenseriouslyandyourcouncilwillguideyouin addressingtheseconcerns.

Hereareafewsignsthatcouldindicatesomeoneneedsexperthelp:

• Markedchangesinbehaviororpersonality(forexample,unusualmoodiness,aggressiveness,or sensitivity).

• Decliningacademicperformanceand/orinabilitytoconcentrate.

• Withdrawalfromschool,familyactivities,orfriendships.

• Fatigue,apathy,orlossofinterestinpreviouslyenjoyedactivities.

• Sleepdisturbances.

• Increasedsecretiveness.

• Deteriorationinappearanceandpersonalhygiene.

• Eatingextremes,unexplainedweightloss,distortedbodyimage/effortstohidetheirbody.

• Tendencytowardperfectionism(i.e.mistakesareconsideredunacceptable,unwillingnesstostart ortrysomethingforfearoffailure,beliefthereisonlyonewaytodosomething).

• Givingawayprizedpossessions;preoccupationwiththesubjectofdeath.

• Unexplainedinjuriessuchasbruises,burns,orfractures.

• Avoidanceofeyecontactorphysicalcontact.

• Excessivefearfulnessordistrustofadults.

• Abusivebehaviortowardotherchildren,especiallyyoungerones,oranimals.

GSNWGL Note: ContactastaffmemberatyourGirlScoutcounciltofindouthowtorefertheGirlScoutand theirparent/guardiantoexpertsatschoolorinthecommunity.

Shareyourconcernwiththeirfamily,ifthisisfeasible.

Engaging Families

YouwantyourGirlScoutstohavefun,beinspired,takerisks,andlearnaboutthemselvesandtheworld that’swhyyou’reaGirlScouttroopleaderortroopvolunteer!Parentsandcaregiverswantthesamething fortheirchildren,butgettingfamiliestopitchinandplayanactiveroleinthetroopwhilealsoenhancing theexperiencefortheirGirlScoutandthemselvescanbetrickyformanyvolunteers.Itdoesn’thavetobe thisway

Kick the Year Off Right by Engaging Parents and Caregivers

Parentsandcaregiverswillfeelmostconnectedtothetroopwhenyouareproactiveinengagingthemearly on.Expressyourdesireforthemtoplayanactiveroleintrooplife,andhowthatcancontributetothe connection,joy,andsenseofpridetheGirlScoutsfeel.Atthesametime,recognizethatnotallfamilieshave thesamecapacitytobeinvolvedforvariousreasons(don’ttakeitpersonally!).Beopenwithparentsabout yourhopesfortheirinvolvementandlistentowhatcanworkforthem.

What is a Parent and Caregiver Meeting?

It’sthefirstmeetingyouhavetostarteachtroopyear whetheryouareaneworreturningtroop,it’s valuableforalltroops.

Why Hold a Meeting? Kickingoffeachyearwithaparentandcaregivermeetingsetsthetroopupfor success.Outliningclearexpectations,buildingateam,andengagingparentsintheGirlScoutexperienceisa greatwaytostartoffontherightfoot.Whenparentsareinvolved,leadershavesupport,thetroophasa plan,andtroopmembersbenefit!Themeetinghelps:

• FamiliesunderstandwhatGirlScoutingcandofortheirchild.

• Familiesandleadersidentifywaystheywillworkasateamtosupportthetroop.

• Familiesandleadersagreeaboutwhatthetrooppaysforandwhatfamiliespayforindividually.

• Youfillkeytrooppositions youneverknowwhichparentwillmakeanawesomeassistantleader ortroopcookiemanager.

• Familiesknowhowthetroopwillcommunicatethingslikeupcomingeventsorschedulechanges.

• Familieslearnaboutuniforms,books,andotherimportantbasics.

Forevenmoretipsonworkingwithtroopfamilies,checkoutGirlScouts’TipsforTroopLeadershub.

How to Keep Parents and Caregivers Engaged

Make the Ask(s). Themainreasonpeopledon’ttakeactionisbecausetheywereneveraskedtoin thefirstplace.OneoutofthreeGirlScoutparentssaynoonehadcommunicatedexpectations aroundinvolvementwiththeirchild’stroop thisistroubling!Parentsmayhavemanytalents,but they’recertainlynotmindreaders.Askforwhatyouneed.Ifyou’renervousaboutgettingturned down,don’tbe.Sure,afewparentsmightbeunabletoofferassistance,butthehelpersyoudoget willbeworththeirweightingold.Andjustbecausesomeonewasn’tavailableamonthortwoago doesn’tmeantheywon’tbefreetohelpnow.Loopback,followup,andaskagain!

Make Sense of “Why.” Explainthatnotonlydoesthewholetroopbenefitwithextrahelpfrom parentsandothercaregivers,butalsothatmanyGirlScoutsfeelaspecialsenseofprideinseeing

theirownfamilymembertakealeadershiprole.Gettinginvolvedcanstrengthenthe caregiver/childbondandisameaningfulwaytoshowthemthattheyareapriorityintheiradults’ lives.

Find out What People Want to Do.Startwithaskingwhatpeopleenjoydoingandwhattheyare goodat.Doessomeonelovecoordinatingevents,makingflyers,etc,ormanagingmoney?Does someoneloveusingsocialmediaandcouldhelppromotecookiesales?Getasenseofthedesiresin theroomthatwillenergizepeople.Thentalkabouttimecommitmentbecauseitwillreallydepend onwhattheyaredoing.It'seasiertomaketimeforsomethingyoufindfun.

Make it Quick and Easy. Continuetheconversationbyaskinghowmuchtimeeachweekthey mightbeabletodedicatetothetroop,thengofromthere.Forinstance,ifatroopcaregiverhas15 minuteseachweektospare,theycouldorganizeandmanagethecalendarfortroopsnacksand carpools.Ifagrandparenthasonetotwohours,theycouldassistwithleadingthetroopthrougha specificbadgeonatopicthey’realreadycomfortablewith.Betimeconsciousandconsiderthe commitment.

Make Family Part of the Formula. WhileGirlScoutprogrammingisalwaysfocusedontheGirl Scouts,it’simportantandhelpfultoopenafeweventstotheirfamiliesthroughouttheyear.Inviting thewholecrewtocelebratetheiraccomplishmentsinGirlScouting whetherataholidayopen house,abridgingceremony,orafun“reversemeeting”whereGirlScoutstaketheroleofleaders andguidetheadults,includingcaregivers,throughanactivity willhelpparentsandcaregivers betterunderstandthevalueofGirlScoutsandthey’llbemorelikelytoinvesttheirtimeandtalents tothetroop.

Thatsaid,there’snoneedtowaitforaspecialeventtoengagefamiliesintheirGirlScout’slife.Keep communicationlinesopenthroughouttheyear whetherit’sthroughyourtroop’ssocialmedia page,personalemails,orin-personchats tokeepparentsinthelooponwhatthetroopisdoing andlearningduringeachmeeting.Thefirstmeetingisagreattimetoaskhowtheyprefertoreceive updates!

EncouragethemtolettheirGirlScouts“betheexperts”athome,explainingorteachingthenew skillsthey’velearned

Girl Scout Product Programs

Learningtothinklikeanentrepreneur?Developingbusinesssmarts?Gettingtoknowcustomersand buildinglastingrelationships?There’ssomuchmoretothatpackageofThinMints®.

WhethertheyparticipateintheGirlScoutCookieProgramortheGirlScoutFallProductProgram(or both!),everythingtheylearnpreparesthemtotakeontheworld.Plus,GirlScoutCookieproceedsstayin yourlocalcommunitytopoweramazingyear-roundexperiencesthatbroadentheirworldsandsparktheir senseofwonder.

Five Essential Skills

GirlScoutsasyoungasfivedevelopfiveessentialskillsthroughtheGirlScoutCookieProgramthatwill helpthembesuccessfultodayandthroughouttheirlives:

• Goal Setting. GirlScoutslearntocreateaplantoreachtheirgoals.

• Decision Making.GirlScoutslearntomakedecisionsontheirownandasateam.

• Money Management.GirlScoutslearntocreateabudgetandhandlemoney.

• People Skills.GirlScoutsfindtheirvoiceanduptheirconfidencethroughcustomerinteractions thatbuildrelationships.

• Business Ethics. GirlScoutslearntoactresponsiblyandhonestly,bothinbusinessandinlife.

Butbuildingtheirbusinessknow-howisn’tjusttiedtothecookiesthemselves!GirlScoutsatanylevelcan continuehoningtheirentrepreneurialskillsbyearningtheCookieBusinessbadges,CookieEntrepreneur FamilyPin,andtheFinancialLiteracybadgesyearoveryear.

Beforeyourentrepreneuropensshop,besuretocheckoutthesehelpfultroopleaderresourcesthatwill empoweryouto:

• Manageyourtroop’sfunds.

• LearnhowGirlScoutsparticipateinmoneyearning.

• Discoverhowyourtroopcanreachitsfinancialgoals.

• Planactivitiestohelpthemearncookiepinsandbadges.

• UnderstandjusthowmuchyourGirlScoutsarecapableofbygradelevelandhowtheir entrepreneurialskillsprogress.

Girl Scout Cookie History

WhatstartedwithGirlScoutssellinghome-bakedcookiestoraisemoneygrewintoenlistingprofessional bakersin1936tohandlethegrowingdemand andtherestishistory.ExploreGirlScoutCookieHistoryto findouthowcookieshavehelpedbuildgenerationsoffemaleentrepreneursandleaderswhomakethe worldabetterplace.

Where Cookie Proceeds Go

Afterpayingforthecostofcookiesandmaterials,GirlScoutCookieproceedsstaylocalandhelpcouncils provideGirlScoutprogramsinscience,technology,engineering,andmath(STEM),theoutdoors,lifeskills, entrepreneurship,andmore incamps,throughleadershiptraining,andmultipleotherways.Aportionof

theproceedsisdirectlymanagedbyGirlScouts,andit’suptothemtodecidehowtoinvesttheirtroop’s shareoftheearnings.

YourcouncilwillprovideabreakdownofhowcookieprogramproceedssupportGirlScoutactivities locally.PleasesharethisinformationwithGirlScoutsandtheirfamiliessoeveryoneunderstandsthat productprogramssupportyourlocalcouncil.

Troopmembersshareintheproceedsfromsuccessfulproductprograms;proceedsarenotdistributedto individualmembers.GirlScouts,however,maybeeligibleforrewardsandcreditsthattheyputtoward council-sponsoredcamps,programs,andstorerelatedcredits,ortravelexperiences.Thecouncilplanfor rewardsappliesequallytoallparticipantsintheproductprogramactivity.Visitthecookiesectionofyour councilwebsiteformoreinformationaboutindividualrewardsandtroopproceedslocally.

The Girl Scouts Blue Book of Basic Documents specifiesthat:

“All money and other assets, including property, that are raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting must be held and authorized by a Girl Scout council or Girl Scouts of the USA. Such money and other assets must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting.”

“OwnershipofAssets,” Girl Scouts Blue Book of Basic Documents

Makings’moresunderthestars,creatingalastingimpactinyourcommunity,ororderingsuppliesforan eye-openingSTEMproject therearelimitlesswaystoputtroopproceedstowarddynamicGirlScout experiences!Thereareafewthings,however,thatdon’tqualifyfor“purposesofGirlScouting,”for instance,usingtroopproceedstopurchasemembershipsinoruniformsforanotherorganization.We encourageallcouncilstoremindtheirvolunteersofthispolicyinordertoavoiddiversionofGirlScout funds.

Your Council’s Role

Whenyouaresetupforsuccess,youarebetterabletosetupyourGirlScoutsforsuccess!That’swhyevery year,yourcouncilprovidestrainings,guidelines,andproceduresforconductingtheGirlScoutCookie Programandfallproductprogramanddetermineshowtheproceedsandproductrewardssystemwillbe managed.CheckthecookiesectionoftheVolunteerCollectivetofindtheanswersyouneedaswellaslocal trainingsandresources.

Eachcouncilalsoselectsthevendorsofitschoicetoprovidetheproductsfortheirproductprograms.Two commercialbakersarelicensedbyGirlScoutsoftheUSAtoproduceGirlScoutCookies:LittleBrownie BakersandABCBakers.YoucanalsoMeettheCookiesandfindadditionalinfooncookievarieties, includingnutritionaldetails.

GSNWGL Note: GSNWGLpartnerswithABCBakers.

Councilsalsoworkwithvendorstooffermagazinesubscriptions,nutandcandyproducts,andmoreforthe fallproductprogram.ThesecompaniesareAshdonFarms,TrophyNut,andM2MediaGroup.M2Media GroupprovidesonlinetoolsandactivitiesforGirlScouts.Checkwithyourcouncilformoredetails.

Your Role

YouplayanexcitingroleingivingyourGirlScoutsopportunitiestopracticethefiveessentialskillsasthey learnhowtothinklikeentrepreneurs.Someofthethingsyou’lldoinclude:

• GetGirlScoutsexcitedabouttheopportunitiestosupportthetroop(butallowingtheir participationtobevoluntary).

• Supportbothcompetitiveandapprehensivecookiebosses,helpingallofthemsetmeaningfulgoals forthemselves.

• FosteringpartnershipswitheachGirlScout’sfamilytoensurecookieseasonsuccess,whateverthat maylooklikefortheGirlScout,willhelpyoubuildapositivepartnershipwithGirlScoutsand families.TheCookieEntrepreneurFamilypinisdesignedtohelpfamiliessupporttheirgrowthat home.

NotonlycanGirlScoutssellindividually,bothin-personandusingtheonlinetoolsprovided,buttheycan alsoparticipateingroupboothsalesduringproductprograms.GirlScoutswillalwaysbeabletosell cookiestomembersoftheirpersonalnetwork,regardlessofwheretheylive.Yourlocalcouncilmayhave additionalguidanceandprocessestoensureeveryboothisinasafeandappropriatelocation.

AsyourGirlScoutsgrow,yourrolewillevolvefromahands-ononetoprovidingoversightandsupport whereneeded.Nomattertheirages,rememberthatvolunteersandparents/caregiversdonotsellthe product.Yourroleistoencourageyourtroopandlettheirentrepreneurialspiritsoar.Learningbydoingis exactlyhowyourGirlScoutsdevelopthebusinesssavvyandcommunicationskillsthatwillempowerthem toreachanygoalstheysetforthemselves

Anothercriticaltaskforeachtroopistoestablishaclearaccountingsystemforallproceedsandproduct duringtheprograms.It'suptoyoutomakesurethatmoneyisspentwisely,thatexcellentrecordsarekept (remembertokeepcopiesofallreceipts),andthatallproductistracked.ForolderGirlScouts,yourjobis tooverseetheirworkastheylearntokeepimpeccablerecords.Besuretoattendproductprogram orientationortrainingsoyouareawareofthesystemsandhelpfultoolsavailable.

TheGirlScoutCookieProgramandthefallproductprogramcanbeexhilaratingandbusytimesduringthe troopyear,butyou’reneveraloneinyourefforts!Youcanreachouttoyourserviceunitproductprogram managerwhenyou’refeelingstuck,oryoucanbuildacookieteamtoprovidethesupportyourtroop needs.

Product Program Safety

SafetyisthetopprioritywhileparticipatingintheGirlScoutCookieProgramandotherproductprograms. Volunteers,families,andGirlScoutsshouldbefamiliarwithandpracticethesafetyguidelinesoutlinedin localprogramresourcesaswellasthoseavailableinthetroopleaderresourcessectionofgirlscout.organd in Safety Activity Checkpoints

Selling Cookies Online

BeforeGirlScoutsopentheironlinestorefront,theyshouldpartnerwiththeirtroopleaderandtheir familiestolearnhowtosafelyruntheironlinebusiness.

WeknowGirlScoutsandtheirtroopsarecreative,andtheGirlScoutCookieProgramprovidestheperfect opportunitytohighlightthiscreativity.ParticipantscanusevanityURLstoaddacreativecomponentto

theirmarketingandlearning(e.g.Shana’sCookieSaleorBuyCookiesfromShana).TroopsandGirlScouts cannotuseGSUSA’sintellectualproperty(BuyThinMintsNoworBuyGirlScoutCookies)aspartofa vanityURL.

Afewmoreonlinesafetypracticestokeepinmind:

• TheGirlScoutCookieProgramisagirl-ledprogram;theyshouldalwaysleadonlinemarketingand salesefforts,withthesupervisionoftheircaregiver.

• GirlScoutsengaginginonlinesalesandmarketingmustreviewandapplytheDigitalMarketing TipsforCookieEntrepreneursandTheirFamilies

• GirlScouts,volunteersandcaregiversmustreviewandadheretotheGirlScoutInternetSafety Pledge,theDigitalCookiePledge,andGirlScouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints ProductPrograms

• Postingindividualortroopsaleslinkstoresalesites(Craigslist,eBay,FacebookMarketplace,etc.)is prohibited

• GirlScoutsmustadheretoalltermsandconditionsontheDigitalCookieplatform.

• GirlScoutsoftheUSAreservestherighttoremoveordisabletheirlinkforanyreasonincluding violationofguidance,inventoryfulfillmentissues,safetyissues,orifsalesandmarketingactivity goesviralandotherwisecreatesunanticipateddisruption.

Additionally,families,GirlScouts,andvolunteersshouldcontactandcollaboratewiththeircounciland GSUSAinadvanceofanynationalnewsmediaopportunitiestiedtotheironlinemarketingandsalesefforts.

The Buddy System

RemembertoalwaysincorporatethebuddysystemwhenGirlScoutsengageinProductSales.GirlScouts shouldnotsellordelivercookiesalone.

Adultsshouldprovidesupervisionandguidanceforallprogramlevels,andmustaccompanyDaisies, Brownies,andJuniorswhentheyareselling,takingorders,anddeliveringproducts.Adultsoversee Cadettes,Seniors,andAmbassadorsandmustbeawareofhow,when,andwheretheyarewhenselling products.Inaddition,anadultmustbereadilyavailabletothemwhentheyareparticipatinginproduct programs.ThiscanbeaccomplishedbyanadultbeingpresentwiththemorbyhavinganadultandGirl Scoutsexchangetelephonenumbers.

Preparing for Your Girl Scout Cookie Booth

Cookiebooths thatis,cookiepop-upshopsinareaswithlotsoffoottraffic areafunwayforGirlScouts toconnectwiththeircommunityandpracticetheirsalespitchwithnewcustomers.Boothlocationsmust beapprovedbycouncils,facilitatedwithincounciljurisdiction,andparticipantsmustfollowallcouncil guidelinesregardingsettingup,running,andtakingdownabooth.CookieBoothsareonlypermitted withinthejurisdictionoftheGirlScoutandtroop’sprimarycouncil.

CreateagreatcookieboothexperienceforyourGirlScoutsby:

• Usingyourbestjudgmentinsettingupcookieboothsinlocationsthatwillbeopen,accessible,and safeforallmembersandpotentialcustomers.

• Choosingahightrafficarea thiscouldbeyourlocalsupermarket,mall,orpark wherethe maximumnumberofcustomerscanvisitthebooth.

• Checkingoutyourboothsiteaheadofthesale.Talktobusinessownersintheareasothey’llknow whattoexpect.Findoutwhatsecuritymeasuresareinplace thesemayincludelightsforevening salesandwhetherasecuritycamerawatchesthebootharea andwherethenearestbathrooms arelocated.

• Respectingthesurroundingbusinessesbymakingsuretheboothisn’tblockingastoreentranceor exit.

EncourageyourGirlScoutstounleashtheircreativity andworkontheiradvertisingskills tomake colorfulsignsandboothdecorationsthatpotentialcustomerscan’tresist!Remindthemtobepoliteandto havetheirsalespitchreadyforinterestedcustomers.

Andkeepinmind:

• Adultsmustalwaysbepresentforcookieboothsinpublicplaces.

• Foreachtroopcookiebooth,aminimumoftwoadults(atleastoneofwhomisaregisteredGirl Scoutvolunteerwiththerequiredbackgroundcheck),andoneGirlScoutshouldbepresentatall times.Withtwoormorevolunteers,you’llhaveadequateboothcoverageifGirlScoutsneedtobe accompaniedtotherestroom.

• Daisiesarestilllearninghowtomakecorrectchange.Helpthemhandlemoneyasneeded,but rememberthatGirlScoutsmakeallsalesatthebooth!

• Keepyourcustomersintheloopandupdateyourbaker’ssoftwaresystemifyouneedtocancelor areunabletoattendacookiebooth.Ifnot,customerscouldberoutedtocancelledboothsasall scheduledboothsareavailableonGSUSA’sFindCookieNow!

• CertainlocationsmaybeinappropriateforyoungerGirlScoutsbasedonthestandardsofyourlocal communityandmaynegativelyimpactthecookieprogramexperienceforGirlScouts,and/ormay negativelyimpactourbrandinthecommunity.Foradditionalclarity,GirlScoutsshouldnotsellin orinfrontofestablishmentsthattheythemselvescannotlegallypatronize.

• Additionally,withrespecttomarijuanadispensaries,wehavebeensteadfastlycombatingthe unauthorizedusesoftheGirlScouttrademarkbythecannabiscommunity,whichhasbeen marketing withoutourauthorization certaincannabisproductsunderouryouth-appealing brand.WearecontinuingtoaggressivelyfighttheseunauthorizedusesoftheGirlScoutbrandand hopethatourcouncilsandvolunteerswilljoinGirlScoutsoftheUSA’seffortsbydiscouraging cookieboothlocationsatsuchlocations.

• RetailsaleswithoutGirlScoutspresentarenotapprovedbyGSUSA.Councils,troops,andGirl ScoutsmaynotsellcookiesinaretailspacewhereGirlScoutscannotbepresenttomarket,manage inventory,collect,andprocesspaymentsforcookies.Storeemployeesand/oradultscannotsell cookiesonbehalfofaGirlScoutortroop.

Formoretipstomakeyourboothasuccess,checkoutourCookieBoothEssentials.Foradditional informationaboutsettingupaboothandsafetyandsecuritysuggestions,consultyourcouncilguidelines.

Cookie Donation Programs

CookiesalsohelpGirlScoutsmakeabigimpactintheircommunity!Yourcouncilmayhaveanestablished cookiedonationprogramwherecustomerscanpurchasecookiesthatwillbedonatedtoanorganizationby

yourcouncil.EncourageyourtroopmemberstoshareabouttheCookieDonationprogramwithcustomers. It’sagreatwayforcustomerstogivebacktotheircommunity,too!

Withcookiedonations,rememberthat:

• Allcookiedonationprogramsmustbeapprovedbyyourcouncil.

• Donatedcookiesmuststaywithinthecounciljurisdictionunlessyourcouncilhastheapprovalfrom othercounciljurisdictions.

• Donatedproductscannotberesoldandmustbeusedinaresponsibleandethicalway.

• Donatedproductsareusedinawaythatdoesnotunderminetheworkofcouncilsorjeopardizethe integrityoftheGirlScoutbrand.

Handling Product Complaints

GirlScoutCookiesarewelllovedandforgoodreason ithasalwaysbeenthepracticeofGirlScout councilsandthebakerstoguaranteecustomersatisfactionwiththeirdeliciouscookies.Ifacustomerisnot satisfiedwiththequalityoftheircookiesforsomereason,theycancontactthebakerviathephonenumber printedonthesideofthecookiepackage.Troopsshouldnotifytheircounciliftheyareawareofany customerdissatisfaction.

Recognizing Cookie Sellers in the Media

FocusingonentrepreneurialoutcomeshasalwaysbeentheemphasisoftheGirlScoutCookieProgram.The cookieprogramhasneverbeenaboutanddoesnotfocusonindividualsalesresults.

• TherearemanyimpressivecookieentrepreneursthroughouttheU.S.,andtheGirlScoutMovement willcontinuetorecognizedynamiccookieentrepreneursforvariousachievementstiedtotheGirl ScoutCookieProgramandthroughtheirparticipationinGirlScouts.

• GirlScoutsoftheUSAdoesnotcurrentlytrackthetopseller(s)ofGirlScoutCookiesonanational levelanddoesnotidentifyaspecificGirlScoutasthenumberoneor“record-breaking”national cookieseller.

• GirlScoutcouncilsshouldnotreferencesuchindividualsas“topsellers”inthemedia.Doingso detractsfromtheessenceoftheGirlScoutCookieProgram,whichisbasedonofferingmembers importantexperiencesinentrepreneurship,business,andfinancefromanearlyageaswellas providingGirlScoutsandlocalGirlScoutcouncilswiththefundsnecessarytopoweramazing experiencesandopportunitiesforGirlScoutsyear-round.

• AGirlScout’sortroop’ssaleslinkshouldnotbehighlightedwhenspeakingtothemedia.Allcallsto actionshouldbedirectedtotheGirlScoutCookieFinderoracouncil’sowncookiefinder/mapand notaspecificindividualortroop.

• Volunteers,parents/caregivers,andGirlScoutsmaynotsecurepaidmediatoenhanceatroop’sor individual’spositioninginthemedia.

Know How Much You are Appreciated

WhatbeginswithGirlScoutsspeakingupatatroopmeetingcangoallthewaytospeakinginfrontoftheir citycouncilforacausetheychampion andtheywillhaveyoursupporttothankforthat.Yourvolunteer rolemakesapowerfuldifference.GirlScoutswouldn’texistwithoutvolunteerslikeyou.Yourfirststepasa troopleadermayleadtoothervolunteeropportunitiesoncethisyearisover.

Whenyou’rereadyformoreopportunities,besuretoletyourcouncilsupportteamknowhowyou’dliketo beapartofGirlScouts’livesinthefuture whetherinthesamepositionorinother,flexibleways.Areyou readytoorganizeaseriesorevent?Takeatrip?WorkwithGirlScoutsatcamp?Workwithatroopasa yearlongvolunteer?Shareyourskillsatacounciloffice,workingbehindthescenes?Thepossibilitiesare endlessandcanbetailoredtofityourskillsandinterests.

Volunteer Appreciation

Withoutourpassionateanddedicatedvolunteers,therewouldbenoGirlScouting.That’swhywe celebrateNationalVolunteerMontheveryAprilandturnupthepartyasweringinNationalGirlScout Leader’sDayonApril22.

GirlScoutsalsocelebratesNationalVolunteerWeek,whichfallsduringthethirddayofApril.Whatcan wesay,weloveourvolunteers!

Additional Resources and Support

Weknowthatvolunteeringisn’talwayseasy,especiallywhenyou’renew,sowecan’tthankyouenoughfor givingyourtimeandenergytobethementorandrolemodelyourtroopneeds!GuidingyourGirlScouts evenifyou’restillfiguringthingsout isnothingshortofamazing!

Theimportantthingtorememberis,you’renotalone.Weareinthiswithyou,readytoalwayshelpand supportyou!Thanksagain!It’sgoingtobeagreatGirlScoutyear!

TM®&©2009-2024GirlScoutsoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmay bereproduced,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanicalmethods,including photocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageorretrievalsystem,nowknownorhereinafterinvented, withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofGirlScoutsoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica(GSUSA),exceptinthecaseofbrief quotationsembodiedincriticalreviewsandcertainothernoncommercialusespermittedbycopyrightlaw.For permissionsrequests,visitthehttp://www.girlscouts.orgwebsitetoaccesspermissionrequestforms.