Troop Leader Go-To Guide
Our Council
400 miles East to West
300 miles North to South
58 Counties
Our Council Vision
We are the champions of Girl Scout ambition. We raise our collective voices to emphasize the Girl Scout difference. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where Girl Scouts can discover accessible experiences designed to nurture leadership, innovation, and compassion.
Visit Us
Learn more about our Girl Scout Centers and properties at gsnwgl.org.
Welcome to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes!
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.
We’re very passionate about what we do. We welcome all girls, their families, and our volunteers who lead with their hearts. Together, we’re making an impact in the lives of girls. Thank you for joining us!
Building the Case for Girl Scouts
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 Scout Movement!
Five Ways We Champion Girl Scout Ambition
Watch with excitement as Girl Scouts grow in these five areas.
Strong Sense of Self
Girl Scouts have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive identities.
Positive Values
Girl Scouts act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
Challenge Seeking
Girl Scouts take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
Healthy Relationships
Girl Scouts develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
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.
Why Girl Scouts?
You want a brighter, happier tomorrow for your child—and that’s exactly what we want too. Studies show that being a Girl Scout improves children’s confidence and prepares them to handle life’s challenges. That’s because everything a Girl Scout does is based on:
Finding their people
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.
Discovering their joy
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.
Knowing their power
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.
Building community
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.
Living their best life
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.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Our Program Foundations
Our programming focuses on these four creative, skill-building areas.
STEM
STEM can 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 paths.
Outdoors
Girl Scouts create outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors.
Entrepreneurship
Girl Scouts learn to think like an entrepreneur: they set goals, make decisions, build interpersonal skills, and strengthen their work ethic.
Life Skills
Badge topics like civic engagement, healthy living, and communication help Girl Scouts grow in confidence to lead their best lives!
Along the Way
Enjoy Traditions and Lasting Friendships
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!
Take Trips and Outings
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.
Earn Skill-Building Recognitions and Serve the Community
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.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 7
Troops
Most Girl Scouts gather in groups called troops and each troop has an identifying number. The most common troop structure is a group from the same school, in the same grade, who typically meet twice a month. Troops with various grades are known as multi-level troops.
Individually Registered Girl (IRG), or “Juliettes”
Members who are not part of a troop are individually registered and nicknamed “Juliettes.” 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!
Girl Scout Opportunities
Badges, Activities, & Events
Every Girl Scout has 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.
Camp
Whether they’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.
Give Back
Girl Scouts help their communities, volunteering with their troop or family. When they discover an unmet need, they take action to create a solution and earn Girl Scout Journeys or Highest Awards.
Cookies+
The Girl Scout Cookie Program® prepares our members with the business smarts they need to prepare for adventure. It’s the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world!
Travel
Girl Scouts love 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.
Daisies
Grades K–1
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.
Brownies
Grades 2–3
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.
Juniors
Grades 4–5
Program Grade Levels
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.
Cadettes Grades
6–8
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.
Seniors Grades
9–10
Serving girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
About Girl Scout Progression
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.
Ambassadors
Grades 11–12
Our program moves Girl Scouts through a valuable progression of skills, abilities, and activities that change with every grade level. Progression is present in badges, Journeys, Highest Awards, outdoor skills and experiences, travel, entrepreneurship, financial management and also in relationships with supportive adult volunteers.
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.
Our youngest Girl Scouts rely on volunteers to create their Girl Scout experiences, but over time, older Girl Scouts learn to make their own plans and rely on volunteers to guide them as they shape their own Girl Scout experiences.
Girl
The basic uniform includes:
The Girl Scout Uniform & Badges
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.
Badges
are official, 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.
Patches
are emblems 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.
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.
b b
Girl Scout Brownie vest
Adult Volunteer vest
Tunic, Sash, or Vest
American Flag Patch
Council ID Set
Troop Numerals
Insignia Tab
World Trefoil Pin
Membership Pin
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
Get Organized
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Six Parts of a Girl Scout Meeting
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!
1. Start-Up (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.
2. Opening (5–10 minutes)
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.
3. Business (5–10 minutes)
Troop leaders guide girls in planning their upcoming meetings and events. They take attendance, collect forms and dues, and make announcements.
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.
5. Clean-Up (5 minutes)
Girl Scouts should always leave a place better than they found it!
6. Closing (5 minutes)
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.
Four badges or other earned awards
Be a Super Troop.
According to girl and parent feedback, the most successful Girl Scout troops have lots of variety in their Girl Scout experience! Aim to include as many of these Super Troop focus areas in your calendar plan for the year. Families can support the girls when they pick one activity to help organize with the leaders. Girl Scouts get a free patch when they complete all nine elements of a Super Troop year and their leaders complete an online survey by June 30.
Need help planning?
Council Hosted Events
See our growing list of council-hosted events organized by staff who will lead activities for girls. Many events help them earn badges and Journeys.
Field Trip & Travel Partners
These partners are eager to give girls opportunities to explore and discover new interests. Use this list to find experts to assist you in badge work or to host a fun adventure.
Resources
See the Super Troop Highlight packets for additional guidance and resources on how to be a Super Troop!
Year Plans
Use our step-by-step year plans that encourage a variety of activities—and then find the matching meeting aides in the Volunteer Toolkit.
One field trip
One overnight (Brownie grade level and higher)
One service project or Take Action project
One outdoor outing
One cookie kick-off event and participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program
One parent meeting or one family event
One STEM activity
One Girl Scout tradition
Council Calendar
October
October 1—First day of the Girl Scout membership year
October 31—Founder’s Day, the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scout Founder
• Fall Product for annual start-up funds
January
• Troop Cookie Manager training
• Attend cookie rallies, and encourage entrepreneurial goal setting to fund troop activities
• Girl Scout Cookie Program begins
April
April 1—Early membership renewal begins April 22—Girl Scout Leader’s Day
• Volunteer Appreciation Week
• GSNWGL Annual Meeting
• Leaders, caregivers, and youth complete online surveys
July/August
August 31—Fall Bucks expire
November
For a complete listing of specific dates for council events, programs, activities, and trainings, visit: gsnwgl.org. Search out independent activity ideas in the “Field Trip & Travel Partners” section and ask for girl input to build your calendar year.
• Submit nominations for Adult Awards recognition
• Organize community engagement opportunities for the holidays, like participation in local parades and service projects
December
• Cookie Dough expires
• Invite a friend to be the troop cookie manager and register to volunteer
• GSNWGL offices are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
• Camp registration opens
February
February 1—Adult Awards nominations due February 22 World Thinking Day
March
March 1—Highest Awards final project forms due March 12—Girl Scout Birthday in the USA, and part of Girl Scout Week
May
May 31—Troop Financial Reports due
• Girl Scouts of Distinction award recognition events
• Host your troop’s year-end celebrations and ceremonies
• Plan for fall and invite other girls and adults to join Girl Scouts; help with Back-to-Troop events at your school
• Update your troop meeting info with Council
June
June 30—Early membership renewal ends
• Summer camp begins
• Organize community engagement opportunities for the summer, like participation in local parades and service projects
• Host outdoor adventure activities
September
September 30—is the last day of the membership year; renew membership before this date
• Start your troop meetings for the year
• Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend
Full Circle Cycle
Summer camp
• Troop camp
• Day camp
• Sleepaway camp
• Wilderness Adventure camp
Spring reporting
• Finance report
• Membership renewal
• Leader, caregiver, youth surveys
Celebrations & ceremonies
• Bridge to next grade level
• Girl Scouts of Distinction
• Service Area banquets
• Troop year-end parties
• Adult Awards
The seasonal cycle of every Girl Scout year.
Annual troop start up
• Invite children to join
• Invite adults to help
• Set place to meet, day, and time
• Update troop bank account
• Host caregiver meeting
Making it happen
• Volunteer Toolkit
• Calendar planning
• Troop input on activities
Fall product
• Troop start-up funds option
Start Here Leader Orientation
Once you complete your orientation, you can hop into the Girl Scout Full Circle Cycle
Spring council events
• Volunteer Trainings
• Service Area support
• Council Programs
Fall council events
• Volunteer Trainings
• Service Area support
• Council Programs
Girl Scout Cookie Program
• Troop Cookie Manager Training
• Cookie Rallies
• Budgeting and goal setting
How to Fund the Fun
Our council hosts two product program opportunities for girls to earn funds for their selected activities.
The Fall Product Program 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.
Does your employer provide matching gifts for volunteer service hours?
Contact Customer Care at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org to enroll.
Our Organizational Structure
Girls & Volunteers
Girls and volunteers are the core of our organization! They work and play together to achieve their goals.
Troop or Group
Volunteer-supervised groups of girls who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Service Area
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.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Council (GSNWGL)
Independent 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 Peninsula.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
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.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Service Area
Troop
Girls & Volunteers
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes |
You are a Leader!
What’s more amazing than shaping the future with the girls of today?
You’re on an incredible journey, with a chance to hone your own leadership style and achieve more than you thought possible! All you need to do is give guidance, encouragement, and share your unique spirit with the girls. You’ll be helping them find success and adventure. In Girl Scouting, leadership is about more than “being in charge” or having a title; it’s recognizing that you are part of a team and understanding that team’s needs and interests.
Leadership is teaching Girl Scouts:
That they can do and be anything!
That they are decision-makers and should own their decisions
How to live the Girl Scout Law by modeling it for them
As a leader, see yourself as a coach who:
Advises, discusses, and cheers on your troop, not as a teacher with a planned lesson or activity, but as a mentor and coach
Ensures each member understands and can carry out their responsibilities within the troop
Encourages Girl Scouts to build their skills and their ethics
Gives more responsibilities to the girls as they grow and develop
It’s important to remember that:
You cannot know everything that your Girl Scout might ever want to learn
You’ll explore and learn alongside your girls and grow your confidence in the process
You’re not expected to know everything about Girl Scouting, but you should know where to go for information—and to ask for help when you need it
The Benefits of Being a Girl Scout Volunteer
Science shows us that volunteering is linked to many benefits! These include a sense of mattering, of purpose, and of full engagement with life—knowing that one’s activities are aligned with one’s deeply held values and “true self.” Research also shows that volunteering provides opportunities to boost social well-being through social contribution, social acceptance (trust in others), and social connectedness.
Through volunteering with Girl Scouts, troop leaders experience the following benefits:
90%
feel they make a difference in the lives of girls.
say they gain a sense of purpose volunteering with Girl Scouts. 83% make friends through their service as a troop leader. 76% become more involved in their communities. 74% feel energized all or most of the time they volunteer as a troop leader. 62% gain career or job opportunities through their Girl Scout volunteering. 20%
Source: Girl Scout Voices Count National Survey of Troop Leaders 2020
Troop Leader Responsibilities
The most important thing you’ll do as a volunteer is simply show the girls you care about them. Troop volunteers can work together to navigate the responsibilities below.
Stay in touch with council staff and service area volunteers.
Read and respond to email and phone calls and read council newsletters.
Engage with parents and caregivers.
Reach out regularly. Share schedules and troop finances. Tell stories about what Girl Scouts did during troop meetings. Invite parents to help with specific tasks often, to keep them engaged and connected. Ask caregivers for tips and guidance on how to best support their Girl Scout.
Prepare for Girl Scout safety.
Refer to Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity
Checkpoints when making plans. Keep health history forms and permission forms with you during outings.
Manage troop finances.
You can find financial advice on our website. Update your ACH form as needed with two registered, approved volunteers as signers. Document income and expenses for the troop finance report, due May 31 each year.
Guide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Model the Girl Scout Law to help children learn Girl Scout values. Follow the program materials to help them discover, connect, and Take Action. Use the three Girl Scout Processes to guide troop activities. See more on page 6.
Girl-Led: Girl Scouts at every age take an active role in deciding the what, where, when, why, and how of what they do.
Learn by Doing: Girl Scouts engage in hands-on learning through an ongoing cycle of action and reflection.
Cooperative Learning: Girl Scouts share knowledge and skills, and learn to work together on goals that can only be accomplished with the help of others.
Key Resources
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
A tool for troop leaders and assistant troop leaders to access digital program curriculum and quickly organize Girl Scout activities and year plan, so they can focus on the important part—having fun!
• Explore and customize meeting plans for Journeys, petals, badges, and awards
• Download activity guides and shopping lists
• Message and share meeting activities with troop families
• Track and share financial information
• Record attendance and achievements
• Add local events
• View the troop roster and update contact information
Access the VTK from MyGS on the council website. The VTK works best with the Chrome browser. Watch the VTK tutorials in gsLearn to learn how to use it.
Volunteer Essentials
Review this Girl Scout volunteer handbook for advice about Girl Scouts, troop management, troop engagement, creating safe spaces, product programs, and more.
gsLearn
Girl Scout online learning is available 24/7. Access gsLearn from MyGS on the council website.
Websites
National (girlscouts.org) and council (gsnwgl.org) website help you find what you need when you need it. Also see the Volunteer Collective (vc.gsnwgl.org) for activity guidance.
Safety Activity Checkpoints
The first place to look when planning for adventure. Review lists of preparation advice and safety requirements for selected activities.
Tips for Troop Leaders
Find real-world advice from fellow troop leaders who’ve been there.
Program Curriculum
The Girl Scout Handbook and dozens of badge pamphlets (print or digital versions) give guidance for each program grade level of youth membership.
Council Events & Activities Calendar
The place to register for council-hosted events, badgeearning workshops, and volunteer trainings.
Council Field Trip & Travel Partners
Our list of community organizations who support Girl Scout programming. Contact them to schedule troop field trips.
Service Area Leader Meetings
Connect to Girl Scout volunteers in your community.
Volunteer Agreement
We’re on the same team; let’s get on the same page.
We call it the Girl Scouts Movement—the power of generations of people who support our mission and desire to help our members everywhere, every day. We maintain our strength rests in the voluntary leadership of its adult members. Girl Scouts everywhere have amazing opportunities because of energized volunteers like you.
Together, Girl Scout volunteers everywhere agree to accept and apply:
Girl Scout Promise and Law
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girl Scout Membership
At our council, volunteers also follow:
Policies and Practices
Council Code of Conduct
New Leader Orientation training within two months
You’ll get introduced to all these resources—and discover where to find them—in your new leader orientation and onboarding path in gsLearn. Phew—what else do volunteers agree to do? How about laugh and be a good friend to girls in your community? Part of the fun of volunteering with Girl Scouts is growing and learning right along with the girls! We are so proud of our volunteers that help girls grow, learn, and lead.
GSNWGL Code of Conduct
Role-model the right behavior. 8.
Never use illegal drugs. Don’t consume alcohol, smoke, or use foul language in the presence of girls. Do not carry ammunition or firearms in the presence of girls unless given special permission by your council for group marksmanship activities.
Create an emotionally safe space. 9.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) agrees to treat volunteers with respect and dignity and to provide learning opportunities and support for the volunteer position.
As a GSNWGL volunteer, I will uphold the following expectations of my volunteer role.
Adults are responsible for making Girl Scouting a place where girls are as safe emotionally as they are physically. Protect the emotional safety of girls by creating a team agreement and coaching girls to honor it. Agreements typically encourage behaviors like respecting a diversity of feelings and opinions; resolving conflicts constructively; and avoiding physical and verbal bullying, clique behavior, and discrimination.
Ensure that no girl is treated differently. 10.
1. Personally model the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all capacities with girls, caregivers, other volunteers, council staff, and other community members with whom I interact in my Girl Scout role.
2. Take the required pieces of training and comply with GSNWGL policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
3. Use the three Girl Scout Processes of the Girl Scout program to foster an environment that is girl-led, cooperative, and involves learning by doing.
Girl Scouts welcome all members, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, disability, family structure, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status. When scheduling, helping plan, and carrying out activities, carefully consider the needs of all girls involved, including school schedules, family needs, financial constraints, religious holidays, and the accessibility of appropriate transportation and meeting places.
4. Responsibly manage Girl Scout funds in support of Girl Scout activities, maintain accurate financial records, and file finance reports with the council.
Promote online safety. 11.
5. Honor the public trust in Girl Scouts and contribute to the Girl Scouts Movement by holding in mind the best interests of the organization, its mission, and those it serves.
Instruct girls never to put their full names or contact information online, engage in virtual conversation with strangers, or arrange in-person meetings with online contacts.
Girl Scout Promise
As a GSNWGL volunteer, I will uphold the following principles of interpersonal communication.
On group Web sites, publish girls’ first names only and never divulge their contact information. Teach girls the Girl Scout Online Safety Pledge and have them commit to it.
Keep girls safe during money-earning. 12.
1. Behave in a manner that exemplifies the ideals of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
2. Ensure that all written and verbal communications do not contain profanity or condescending remarks (including phone, email, text, social media, etc.).
3. Refrain from inappropriate displays of anger, aggression, or berating of individuals.
4. Maintain truthfulness in all communications, including owning my opinions and respecting that they may differ from others and/or council policy.
Girl Scout cookies and other council-sponsored product sales are an integral part of the program. During Girl Scout product sales, you are responsible for the safety of girls, money, and products. In addition, a wide variety of organizations, causes, and fundraisers may appeal to Girl Scouts to be their labor force. When representing Girl Scouts, girls cannot participate in money-earning activities that represent partisan politics or that are not Girl Scout–approved product sales and efforts.
I understand that if I do not comply with the above standards or if I otherwise act in a way that negatively impacts the image or goals of GSNWGL, I may be released from my volunteer role. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out for guidance and support for your unique circumstances. Contact us at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org.
Girl Scout Volunteer
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. *Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Girl Scout Law
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.
Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion
Girl Scouts is for everyone, and that’s why we embrace Girl Scouts of all abilities and backgrounds with a specific and positive philosophy of inclusion that benefits everyone. Each Girl Scout—regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, physical or cognitive ability, sexual orientation, primary language, or religion—is an equal and valued member of the group, and groups reflect the diversity of the community.
We believe inclusion is an approach and an attitude, rather than a set of guidelines. Inclusion is about belonging, everyone being offered the same opportunities with respect, dignity, and celebration of their unique strengths. It’s about being a sister to every Girl Scout. You’re accepting and inclusive when you:
• Welcome every Girl Scout and focus on building community. Show care by learning each person’s name with correct pronunciation, caregivers included! Use a warm and friendly tone, and consistently greet each community member when they arrive. Say goodbye to each person by name as well.
• Emphasize cooperation instead of competition.
• Provide a confidential, socially comfortable environment. Occasionally ask those who participate in Girl Scout programs if anything is worrying or bothering them. Be a trusted adult they can come to with their needs and emotions without judgment. Allow, but don’t require, participants to say the Pledge of Allegiance or the Girl Scout Promise and Law at meetings.
• Teach respect for, understanding of, and dignity toward all members and their families. Learn about the cultures and identities in your Girl Scout community and understand and respect cultural differences. Be sure not to put anyone on the spot or ask them to educate you. Welcome personal sharing about people’s cultural traditions, languages they speak and diverse family structures. Make this kind of sharing a consistent, reliable part of your time together.
• Embrace diverse gender expression by inviting each community member to share their gender pronouns aloud or on name tags. Be sure to explain that no one has to share if they don’t want to. Make this conversation matter-of-fact and use a positive tone.
• Actively reach out to members and families who are traditionally excluded or underrepresented.
• Learn the most valuable ways to support individual children and adults with disabilities, learning differences and/or or neurodiversity. Ask parents, “What can I do to support your child to learn/participate/feel successful in our group?
• Foster a sense of belonging to this community as a respected and valued peer.
• Honor the intrinsic value of each person’s life.
Individual coaching is available to help volunteers with each unique circumstance. Please reach out to info@gsnwgl.org or 888.747.6945, and explore gsLearn for online courses about inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Source: Volunteer Essentials Troop Management
Keeping Girl Scouts Safe
When preparing for any activity with Girl Scouts, check Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints for required guidelines and helpful planning checklists. At the beginning of that reference document, find the Standard Safety Guidelines with details on:
providing adequate adult supervision
emergency procedures
selecting meeting spaces
First Aid Advice
offering first aid arranging travel planning sleepovers looking out for the overall health and well-being of all members transporting members in carpools
For most activities, Girl Scouts recommends that at least one adult volunteer be CPR/First Aid/AED adult/pediatric certified. Make sure a general first aid kit is available at your group meeting place and accompanies Girl Scout members on any activity. Keep copies of members’ Health History Forms and Caregiver Permission Forms with you during activities.
Frequently Used Safety Resources
Health History Form Internet Safety Pledge Caregiver Permission Form
Learn and Grow in Girl Scouts
Keeping activities girl-led also means that at some point, the girls will want to earn a badge or complete a project in a subject unfamiliar to you. But don’t let that hold you back! Be open with the girls when you don’t know something. Become their partner in learning more! You’ll show them that learning is a lifelong process and that with an open mind, they can overcome any challenges that come their way.
It doesn’t need to be perfect. Did an activity run over time?
Or maybe a field trip didn’t go according to plan?
Take a deep breath, roll with the changes, and have fun! The girls aren’t expecting perfection from you. Your time, attention, and guidance are the best part of your leadership.
• Explore our website to find other resources to help you on your Girl Scout journey!
• Get inspired by the real-world Girl Scout advice from fellow troop leaders who’ve been there. Read the Tips for Troop Leaders articles at girlscouts.org.
• Log in to gsLearn for online, anytime training. Check your gsLearn dashboard for courses assigned to you and the Content Library to explore any topic.
As a Girl Scout volunteer, you’ll also help families get to know Girl Scouts. You won’t feel like a Girl Scout expert at first—and you don’t need to be.
• Share the Raising Awesome Girls articles at girlscouts.org. We’re proud to stand with parents and caregivers as they raise up the next generation of girls and young women.
• Girl Scouts can individually participate in our council events and camps—even if the troop is not going as a group. Invite caregivers to enjoy the benefits of their Girl Scout’s membership and register for council-hosted events with their girl as a fun parent/child activity.
Stay In Touch
• Our caring staff will be with you every step of the way through regular check-ins, leader meetings, and emails.
• Follow us on social media to stay informed on events, news and trending topics.
• Attend Service Area meetings for mentoring advice and volunteer networking.
You’ll soon see invitations for:
• Cookie Training | held every January for troop cookie managers
• Fall Product Training | a great overview of our fall product program to get start-up troop funds
• First Aider Training | an adult & pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED course valid for two years
• Outdoor Education Training | prepares adults to teach basic outdoor skills to girls, so they can build outdoor fires and cook over a campfire
• Highest Awards Training | get guidance to coach girls to complete Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
• Other topics | various certification and interest trainings are hosted throughout the year.
We’re always ready to help.
gsnwgl.org
info@gsnwgl.org
888.747.6945
Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise
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.
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Girl Scout Law
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.
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888.747.6945
We’re talking
Girl
of course, but we’re also talking about the people who become Girl Scout volunteers. 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.