Quick Start Checklist

Ƒ Complete required Troop Start-up Training, available on gsLearn. This training is required for all troop leaders and needs to be completed to receive a copy of your troop bank letter. This should be completed in your first 15 days as a troop leader. (For in-person opportunities connect with your Community Development Manger).

Ƒ Collaborate with co-leader. Not sure who your co-leader is, view Troop Roster on My GS. Don't have a co-leader yet, Girl Scout staff will help you find one.

• Grab a coffee/set-up Zoom meeting.

• Get to know each other.

• Talk about strengths and concerns in relations to running a meeting.

• Identify meeting location and best date and time for troop meetings.

• How often you would like to meet?

Make it Happen!

A handy troop checklist.

Here are 10 essential things you can do to make your troop year a success!

● Help the girls decide what they want to do this year in Girl Scouts. What badges, Journeys, and awards do they want to earn? What events would they like to attend?

Ƒ Connect with your Community Development Manager/Service Unit for on going support during your first year.

Ƒ Schedule a parent/caregiver meeting.

• View parent/ caregiver meeting outline, invite adults to attend meeting.

• Ask parents/ caregivers to help with additional troop volunteer roles.

• Provide ongoing communication to the parents/caregivers.

Ƒ Open troop bank account at our preferred bank, Fifth Third Bank (Check in with your Community Development Manager about opening an account at a different bank.)

Ƒ Complete your Bank Information Form at gswo.org/bankform after your account has been opened.

Ƒ Create your Year Plan in the Volunteer Toolkit.

● Host an investiture ceremony/parent meeting at the beginning of the year. Let the girls do the planning, and invite the whole family to attend!

● Start each meeting with the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Ask girls to share examples of how they have used the Promise and Law in their lives since the last meeting.

● Set a plan to earn 4 badges. Visit the Volunteer Toolkit to explore badge ideas.

● Attend a council-sponsored event to try new things and meet other Girl Scouts.

● Attend a community-sponsored event to explore your community and connect with experts.

● Complete a Girl Scout Journey, including a take-action project at the end.

● Participate in the cookie program to build to your troop budget to achieve the girls’ goals. Don’t forget about the Fall Product Program, too!

● Get girls outdoors! Do an age appropriate outdoor experience or just go for a hike in a local park or meet outside. Check out the events in this book to get you started.

● Recognize girls’ accomplishments. Host a bridging event or a court of awards ceremony at the end of the year. Invite the whole family, and let the girls take the lead.

We’re excited you’ve decided to become a Girl Scout Volunteer! Girls and volunteers are the heart of Girl Scouting, and we thank you for your commitment as a Girl Scouts of Western Ohio volunteer. You are making a lasting difference in many girls' lives—one meeting, one event, one day at a time! We’re glad you’re here. This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with your gsLearn New Leader: Troop Start-up Training to help you get started with your new Girl Scout troop.

Your Support Team

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio includes both volunteer and professional staff who provide support to service units and volunteers. Our council is divided into geographic areas called service units. Your service unit consists of girls and adults from your neighborhood and surrounding schools. It’s led by volunteers who support local leaders and organize local meetings and events to support troops.

Service Team

A service team is a group of administrative volunteers appointed by council staff and the service unit chair to support Girl Scouting in the service unit.