Troop Family Go-To Guide
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Welcome to Girl Scouts of GreatNorthwesterntheLakes!
We’re so glad you’re here. It’s going to be a great year—one that’s sure to be filled with big fun, excitement, and tons of learning and growing. This guide explains the Girl Scout program and how it works to serve girls across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Let’s champion your girl’s ambition. Together.
My Girl Scout Troop Information My troop number is: My service area name and number is: Lend a HandHelping Tasks and DuetheseDatesPurchasesuppliestheseContributeitemsAreyou in a single program grade level or multi-level troop? You can circle all that apply. Ask your Girl Scout troop leader if you are unsure! Daisies (K 1) Brownies (2 3) Juniors (4 5) Cadettes (6 8) Seniors (9 10) Ambassadors (11 12) Troop Meeting Details Names and TroopAssistantInformationContactTroopLeader:TroopLeader:TroopTreasurer:TroopHelper:TroopHelper:TroopHelper:FallProductManager:TroopCookieManager: These roles require an adult membership and background check to ensure the safety of all girls and the troop’s resources. Other:Dues:Day/Dates:Time:Location:
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Five Ways We Champion Girl Ambition
Community Problem Solving
Girl Scouts desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
Girl Scouts have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive identities.
Healthy Relationships
Building the Case for Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
Strong Sense of Self
Challenge Seeking
Girl Scouts develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
Why do families choose Girl Scouts? We’ve got over 100 years of experience and expertise in developing girl leaders. Our program continually adapts to meet the needs of today’s girls. At Girl Scouts, everything we do is designed with and for girls. Welcome to the Girl Scouts Movement!
Positive Values
Girl Scouts act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
Watch with excitement as Girl Scouts grow in these five areas.
Learn about a Girl Scout tradition.
(Brownie Girl Scouts & older, grades 2–12) Whether it’s a night at camp or an overnight at the Mall of America, these are the events girls request most!
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Girl Scouts is all about cooperation, learning by doing, and trying new things! Every Girl Scout’s experience is unique, but these are the activities that we encourage everyone to include in their Girl Scout year.
Take part in a community service project.
Go on a field trip. Visit museums, planetariums, organic farms, and Participatemore!
It’s more than just selling cookies—girls learn to set goals, practice money management, and develop skills to run their own business!
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Enjoy an outdoor outing. Snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking—we want every girl to get outdoors and explore nature.
From visiting the elderly to making dog biscuits for an animal shelter, Girl Scouts love to make the world a better place.
Attend a family event!
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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
in an overnight.
Explore a STEM activity.
What Do Girl Scouts Do?
Simple traditions such as flag ceremonies or Girl Scout holidays help girls understand that they are part of a worldwide sisterhood.
Girl Scouts love it when their family is involved. Many Girl Scout events include fun for the whole
From making slime to building robots, our Girl Scouts love to try out STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) activities.
Earn four badges or other awards. From cooking to cybersecurity, we have a badge that will interest every girl!
While we know being a Girl Scout helps girls earn better grades and make healthier decisions in the long run, everything a Girl Scout does is designed to make sure they feel seen, supported, and cared for—right here, right now. In a time when anxiety and depression are affecting young people in record numbers, we can’t think of anything more important.
Every Girl Scout has their own curiosity, dreams, and talents, so when they decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or directing a music video, they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good. But mostly? They’re figuring out the things that will bring happiness to their lives for years to come.
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Studies show being a Girl Scout improves girls’ confidence and makes them better prepared to weather life’s challenges. That’s because everything a Girl Scout does is based on:
From planting trees to stocking the local food pantry, Girl Scouts learn firsthand that they have the power to help. In these complicated times, knowing they can make a difference (and feeling the joy that comes from doing it) may be more important than ever.
Knowing their power
You want a brighter, happier tomorrow for your girl—and that’s exactly what we want too.
Finding their people
Building community
Discovering their joy
Groups of Girl Scouts from the same community, called troops, typically meet biweekly for an hour or two. Hand in hand with adult volunteers, girls complete exciting activities and projects, explore their neighborhoods, and make new friends. Together, they earn badges to reflect the skills they’ve learned, the growing they’ve done, and the adventures they’ve had.
Forever friendship is a powerful thing. It’s what gives Girl Scouts the confidence to be themselves, unapologetically. It’s what makes them feel safe enough to try new things and cheer each other on. It’s the support that can help get them up on tough mornings, raise their hand in class, and even climb to the top of a mountain.
Living their best life
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Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
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The Girl LeadershipScoutExperience Who Does It GetGirlsWhat What We Do Variety of Girl Scout Activities TakeDiscoverConnectAction How We Do It Three Girl ProcessesScout CooperativeLearnGirl-LedbyDoingLearning SupportiveAdults StaffVolunteersFamilies&Helpers Leadership Outcomes Strong Sense of Self Positive Values Challenge Seeking Healthy CommunityRelationshipsProblemSolving Achieve Our Mission Girls lead with courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. 8 | Troop Family Go-To Guide
Life BadgeSkillstopics
Earn Skill-Building Recognitions and Serve the Community
Enjoy Traditions and Lasting Friendships
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Along the Way
GirlEntrepreneurshipScoutslearntothink like an entrepreneur: they set goals, make decisions, build interpersonal skills, and strengthen their work ethic.
GirlOutdoorspaths.Scoutscreateoutdoor
like civic engagement, healthy living, and communication help Girl Scouts grow in confidence to lead their best lives!
Girl Scouts love to travel—from small outings to big trips away from home. When they visit new people and places in their hometown communities and beyond, they bring home inspiring experiences and memories.
Girl Scouts earn badges, pins, and patches to show themselves and the world what they’ve accomplished! They explore traditional and contemporary skill areas and provide service to their community through girl-designed Take Action projects and Highest Awards projects.
Our programming focuses on these four creative, skill-building areas.STEMSTEMcan
adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors.
Sharing traditions reminds Girl Scouts they are part of a big, powerful sisterhood. From celebration days to special ceremonies, Girl Scout traditions give them a sense of history and inspire them to be the best they can be!
Our FoundationsProgram
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help them make the world a better place! They learn the importance and relevance of STEM to people and society and discover options for their own career
Take Trips and Outings
If a girl is not part of a troop, she is an individually registered girl, or Juliette. Juliettes can participate in all Girl Scout camps, events, and activities—virtual or in-person! They work on earned awards with their caregivers and staff members’ guidance. Did you know? Juliettes are named for the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low!
WhetherCampthey’re swimming in a lake for the first time, discovering the wildlife in the woods and water, or hiking through an incredible vista, every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s “I’ve got this” attitude.
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(IRG)RegisteredIndividuallyGirl “Juliettes”nicknamed
GirlTravelScoutslove to travel— from the field trips they take as Brownies to the national and global adventures they pursue as teens. Girl Scouts love exploring different places and cultures.
Girl OpportunitiesScout
Every&Activities,Badges,EventsGirlScouthas their own curiosity, dreams, and talents—so when they come together to decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or filming a movie—they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good. Looking for virtual options? Join eTroop, a virtual troop experience, and other virtual programming events.
MostTroopsGirlScouts gather in groups called troops and each troop has an identifying number. The most common troop structure is a group of girls from the same school, in the same grade, who typically meet twice a month. Troops with girls in various grades are known as multi-level troops.
Ambassadors Grades 11–12
Everything you’ll do as a Daisy sparkles with that “first time ever” newness. Along the way, you’ll use your energy and spirit to help others and take pride in making the world a better place.
Who’s ready to spread their wings? Girl Scout Seniors. Whether you’re learning how to change a tire or discovering how to get your dream job someday you’re on your way. You’re also making your mark on the world. When you create a plan and put it into action to make sustainable improvements in your community, you can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Juniors Grades 4–5
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Daisies Grades K–1
Seniors Grades 9–10
Girl Scout Ambassadors don’t just follow in others’ footsteps—they carve their own paths. Your innovative thinking, optimism, and ability to bring people together inspires everyone around you. And when you combine your passions with a plan, you can be a real world-changer. Your vision, experience, and dedication are all you need to get on the path toward becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout.
If there’s one thing Junior Girl Scouts have, it’s confidence. Whether you’re making posters for a canned food drive, designing a website for your cookie business, or just raising your hand in class, you’ve got something to say. You can put your skills to use improving your community—and earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award in the process.
Girl Scout Cadettes have got this. From road trips with your best friends to organizing and livestreaming an ecofriendly fashion show, you’re sure of your abilities and use your growing independence to realize your dreams. When you research a problem in your community and take action to solve it, you can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award.
ProgramGradeLevels GirlsKindergartengirlsServingfromthrough12thgrade.AboutGirlScoutProgressiongrowupinGirlScouting!Ourprogrammovesthroughavaluableprogressionofskills,abilities,andactivitiesthatchangewitheverygradelevel.Forexample,aBrownieGirlScoutcanearnthePetsbadgein3rdgradeandthenearntheAnimalHabitatsbadgeasa4thgradeJuniorGirlScout.Progressionispresentinbadges,Journeys,HighestAwards,outdoorskillsandexperiences,travel,andentrepreneurship.Progressionisevennoticedinrelationshipswithadultvolunteers!Forexample,ouryoungestGirlScoutsrelyonvolunteertroopleaderstocreatetheirGirlScoutexperiences,butovertime,olderGirlScoutslearntomaketheirownplansandrelyonvolunteerstoguide—notdirect—themastheyshapetheirownGirlScoutexperiences.
Brownies are excitement personified. You can’t wait to explore your world and share your interests—from bugs to ballet—with friends. Trying new things broadens your horizons and teaches you skills you can share with others. Learning to lead has never been so fun.
Brownies Grades 2–3
Cadettes Grades 6–8
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Uniforms aren’t just for girls! Girl Scout volunteers and adult members can proudly wear adult uniforms to troop, service area, council and community events. Wear the adult uniform vest, or any Girl Scout t-shirt, fleece, hat, or tote bag.
Uniforms are an important part of the Girl Scout experience to display the girls’ accomplishments and foster a sense of belonging. Girls choose one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins and earned awards, then mix and match optional pieces from the official Girl Scout collection to complete their uniform.
arePatchesemblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout activity.
Patches are placed on the back of the sash or vest. Like a photo album, they are fun reminders of Girl Scout adventures.
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The Girl Scout Uniform & Badges
areBadgesofficial, earned recognitions that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned in every grade level. They are placed on the front of the sash or vest.
Girl Scout Brownie vest Adult Volunteer vest Tunic, Sash, or Vest American Flag Patch Council ID Set Troop WorldInsigniaNumeralsTabTrefoilPinMembershipPin 1. Daisy (only worn on Daisy uniform) 2. Brownie (only worn on Brownie uniform) 3. Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, and Adult levels may choose either the official trefoil or the traditional trefoil pin The includes:uniformbasic21 3 12 | Troop Family Go-To Guide
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Does your employer provide matching gifts for volunteer service hours? Ask Customer Care for the Troop Donations Form, 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org.
Our council hosts two product program opportunities for girls to earn funds for their selected activities. The Fall Product Sale combines educational activities with selling magazine subscriptions, nuts, and candy. It happens in early fall and profits are available for troops to use in late fall. The Girl Scout Cookie Program ensures girls are earning while they’re learning entrepreneurial skills. It happens in late winter and profits are available for troops to use in spring.
Troops decide how to spend the proceeds, from troop travel goals to community service project supplies. After participating in both product program opportunities, troops may request permission to pursue other money-earning opportunities, following specific guidelines.
Girl Scouts of the United States of America Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes ServiceVolunteersGirlsTroopArea&
A national organization supporting the work of more than 100 councils across the U.S. for more than 100 years. Headquartered in New York, New York.
A community or regional area, managed by volunteers, which supports the day-to-day work of troops within a defined geographic area. The work of service areas includes event planning, volunteer networking, troop collaboration, and raising the profile of Girl Scouts in their communities.
Volunteer-supervisedTroop
Girls and volunteers are the core of our organization! They work and play together to achieve their goals.
Girls & Volunteers
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
How to Fund the Fun
groups of girls who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Service Area
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Council Independent(GSNWGL)501(c)3nonprofit chartered by GSUSA operating under the direction of a local board of directors that oversees all service areas and troops within its territory. Our council covers 58 counties in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper GirlPeninsula.Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
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ActivitiesBusinessStart-UpOpeningClean-UpClosing 14 | Troop Family Go-To Guide
Girl Scouts should always leave a place better than they found it!
Girls can close their meeting with a song, game, or story. Many troops close with the Friendship Circle and sing “Make New Friends.” Brief announcements and activity reminders are shared with families.
Girls lead their meeting opening. Most begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Some troops add a simple flag ceremony, song, game, story, or other activity.
1. Start-Up (5 minutes)
Let’s Go! Six Parts of a Girl Scout Meeting
3. Business (5–10 minutes)
5. Clean-Up (5 minutes)
6. Closing (5 minutes)
As Girl Scouts arrive at the meeting, they engage in a simple activity until the meeting begins, like coloring pages, journaling, or talking with each other.
4. Activities (30–45 minutes)
This is the main part of the meeting, where the girls work on earning a badge or sharing an experience.
Girls come to Girl Scouts to try new things, build skills, and have fun in the activities they choose. That’s really important—meetings should be fun! The outline below is how Girl Scout troops everywhere organize their meetings. It’s easy to fill in the details of the outline with the online Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) meeting planner. It helps volunteers organize the six parts of the meeting with suggested activities and time frames. If it doesn’t go according to plan, that’s ok; expect the unexpected!
Troop leaders guide girls in planning their upcoming meetings and events. They take attendance, collect forms and dues, and make announcements.
2. Opening (5–10 minutes)
Hey Checkfamilies!out“Raising Awesome Girls” (girlscouts.org) We’re proud to stand with parents and caregivers as they raise up the next generation of girls and young women.
and be a role model. It can motivate your girl to take the lead, too. You could chaperone field trips, provide snacks, or pick up supplies—girls love to have their families involved. Help the troop meet its financial goals and assist your girl in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the Fall Product Program. Aim to give five hours of help to the troop this Communicateyear. with troop volunteers and families
Troop ResponsibilitiesFamily
Keep it going at home
Back at home, ask your girl about the meeting; let her share her knowledge with you to deepen her pride in her experience. Enjoy following her lead when she wants to know more—even after the badge is done. Register her for additional council activities, virtual programs, and even camp (gsnwgl.org). Attend eTroop together or explore the national Girl Scout Activity Zone (girlscouts.org). If your girl misses a troop meeting, help her catch up by completing badge steps at home.
Review messages from troop volunteers. Thank them for the planning and guidance they give the troop. Give feedback about your daughter’s experience in a positive manner. If issues arise, please discuss them privately with the troop leader, not in front of the girls. Get to know the other families—these relationships can strengthen the troop.
Contribute to girl safety
Return the Health History form, Get to Know My Girl Scout form, and all permission slips to the troop volunteers. Update the council and the troop with changes to your contact information. Be on time for activity drop-off and pick-up. Model the Girl Scout Promise and Law when interacting with troop
Yay! You want to be in Girl Scouts! Visit gsnwgl.org/join to register your girl to a troop. Don’t miss a thing add the troop calendar to your family calendar right away. Follow the council on social media to find even more girl opportunities.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 15
HelpLendmembers.ahandwithtroopactivities
See for yourself how empowering it is to be a role model. The best part? There’s no one “type” of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
888.747.6945info@gsnwgl.orggsnwgl.orggsnw.gl/instagramfacebook.com/gsnwglpinterest.com/gsnwgltwitter.com/gsnwglgsnw.gl/linkedin
Girl Scout Law
Girl GirlMissionScoutScoutingbuilds
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl PromiseScout
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