CoLeader Basics Guide
Thank You for Volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader! We’re excited to have you on board! As a Girl Scout volunteer, you’re building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’ve created this guide just for troop co-leaders, with helpful advice on getting your troop going, learning Girl Scout lingo and leading with confidence! Whether you have been a Girl Scout since grade school, or if this is your first introduction to our organization, we hope this guide will provide you with useful information for your journey as a troop co-leader. As you start your Girl Scout journey, remember as a troop co-leader, you can structure your troop in a way that works best for you. Think about the following items while reviewing this guide: • Troops can be structured by grade level, or co-leaders may choose to facilitate multi-level troops with girls of different grade levels combined into one troop. • Determine the frequency of your meetings and the meeting/activity schedule. Use the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) to help you through this process. Most troops meet twice per month, but you can choose a schedule that works best for you. • Your meeting space should be somewhere safe, clean, and secure that allows all girls to participate. Some great meeting space ideas include schools, churches, libraries, or community centers. • Remember, Girl Scouts is designed to be girl-led. Talk to the girls and parents about what they’d like to get out of Girl Scouts this year. • Think about how you want to guide. Do you want to run every troop meeting? Consider rotating the responsibility with the different members of your troop. A parent/caregiver and girl could team up to lead one meeting. • Consider supply costs. Does your troop need to charge monthly or annual dues to help off-set costs? Will you charge families per activity? It’s important to talk with parents about financial expectations up front. Assign a parent volunteer to help manage troop finances. • Keep everyone in the loop. Make sure parents know when and where your activities will be and how they can help. You can send parent emails directly through VTK to troop adults. • Have fun! Thank you for creating a supportive environment that encourages successful futures for all girls! Yours in Girl Scouting,
Your Spirit of Nebraska Membership Team Page 2
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Support Staff Member Support – Available to answer question from volunteers and parents by phone or email. Phone: 402.558.8189 or 800.695.6690
Troop and Service Unit Info
Email: MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org Five Digit Troop #:
recruitment Specialist – Works in your community recruiting girls and adult volunteers. Contact Name: Email:
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org
Placement Specialist – Places girls in troop, completes registrations, assigns troop numbers. Contact Name: Email:
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org
Troop Support Specialist – Provides information and support to troop co-leaders. Contact Name: Email:
Membership Area: West Central Northeast Southeast East Central Service Area Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/groups/GSSN...
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org
Service Unit Number:
retail office Associate – Contact for Juliette Boutique/Girl Scout merchandise orders. Contact Name: Email:
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org
Product Program Specialist – Provides training/materials for Girl Scout Product Programs. Contact Name: Email:
Service Unit Manager:
New Leader Mentor:
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org
Program Specialist – Organizes and facilitates council-sponsored programs. Contact Name: Email:
Phone: @girlscoutsnebraska.org Page 3
recruitment Specialist – Works in your community recruiting girls and adult volunteers.
Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scout Promise
Girl Scout Uniforms and Grade Levels Uniforms are an important part of the Girl Scout experience. They connect girls to Girl Scout traditions, display their accomplishments, and create memories that last a lifetime. We encourage Girl Scouts to purchase a vest or sash to display their badges and patches. Use parent meetings to discuss which uniform elements your troop wants to purchase. Visit one of our Juliette’s Boutique shop locations to purchase uniforms, starter kits, and more! Or shop online 24/7 at www.GirlScoutsNebraska.org/shop.
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 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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Daisy Grades K-1
Brownie Grades 2-3
Junior Grades 4-5
Cadette Grades 6-8
Senior Grades 9-10
Ambassador Grades 11-12
Find where to place insignia for each grade level on our website under What Girl Scouts Do > Grade Levels.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is the core of who we are. In Girl Scouts, girls follow a path to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place—all within the safety of an all-girl environment where girls take the lead, learn by doing, and learn cooperatively. We are focused on achieving the following five outcomes through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Five Outcomes of the GSLE Sense of Self Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
Positive Values Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others. Challenge Seeking Girls learn to take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes. Healthy Relationships Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively. Community Problem Solving Girls 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.
Achieving Outcomes Using GSLE Program Delivery Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting or Girl Scout Handbook Information about Girl Scouting and how to earn certain badges. Girls who want to earn more badges can add a Skill Building Badge Set tied to the theme of the Journey they’ve chosen. Journeys Adult and girl books that guide girls through fun and challenging experiences grouped around a theme, and that are spread over a series of sessions. Each Journey has all the important components of the GSLE sewn right in. Badges Earned when a girl masters a skill or shows increased knowledge in a particular subject. Badges are earned at every grade level and should be placed on the front of the sash or vest. Patches Symbolize participation as a troop or individual in a Girl Scout program or activity. Patches are worn on the back of the Girl Scout uniform tunic, sash, or vest.
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Membership Areas, Service Centers, and Camps Membership Areas
B
1
4 A 2
3, C
E 6 D 5
F
G
West
Southeast
Central
East Central
Northeast
N/A
Service Centers, Camps‡, and Properties 1
Ogallala* 302 W. D St.
A
Lakeview Cabin North Platte
Spirit of Nebraska Council Structure
2
Kearney* 2412 Hwy. 30 East #1
B
Hidden Oaks Cabin Valentine
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska (GSSN) Independent 501(c)3 nonprofit chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA that fundraises to manage the operations of programs, camps and other council-led activities in a 92-county region of Nebraska and Carter Lake, Iowa.
3
Grand Island 6400 Wildwood Dr.
C
Camp Cosmo Grand Island
4
Columbus 1570 33rd Ave.
D
Hilltop House Lincoln
5
Lincoln* 8230 Beechwood Dr.
E
Camp Crossed Arrows Nickerson
6
Omaha* 2121 S. 44th St.
F
Camp Maha Papillion
G
Camp Catron Nebraska City
Service Areas Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is broken down into five service areas. Service areas includes council staff members, service centers, Juliette’s Boutique shops, and camp properties. Service Units Entities governed by council policies, managed by volunteers who support the daily operation of local troops. GSSN is divided into 71 service units throughout the state.
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* Service Center includes a Juliette’s Boutique store. ‡ Select Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska camp properties are free for troop use for up to two hours.
How to Get Started as a Troop Co-Leader COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
Review the Volunteer Toolkit and Other Resources
a. To register, go to GirlScoutsNebraska.org and click on the “Adults, Volunteer Now!” button. Then click “Get Started.” Choose the “Volunteer” option and follow the registration prompts.
The Volunteer Toolkit includes everything you need to plan and implement your troop year. Additional resources can be found on our website, GirlScoutsNebraska.org.
b. We’ll let you know what your assigned troop number is. When registering, find your troop using the search function by typing in “Troop,” a space, and then slowly add your troop number until your troop populates. Then choose “Co-Leader” in the position field.
RECRUIT PARENTS TO PARTICIPATE AS TROOP FRIENDS AND FAMILY
c. Once you’ve paid your GSUSA annual membership fee, you’ll receive an email prompting you to complete a background check (CBC) to help ensure the safety of our girls. For more information on criminal background checks, view our Volunteer Policies on our website under “Forms.”
Hold a Parent Meeting to get to know your Girl Scouts and their families and ask them for support and help at troop meetings and outings. We’ve created a meeting guide and agenda for you to use, find it on our website! Prepare for and Schedule Your First Troop Meeting Each Girl Scout meeting provides an opportunity to explore new worlds and learn new skills.
d. Follow the instructions sent by email to complete your background check online.
Attend Service Unit Meetings and Connect with Other Volunteers
e. You will receive a welcome email when your background check is approved (if you do not see your approval email, check your spam folder).
Service Units provide local support to troop co-leaders and are a great source of information on Girl Scout programs and events in your community, county, or area.
START YOUR TROOP CO-LEADER TRAINING
Have Fun!
a. Learn about your new role and Girl Scouting essentials. We’ll reach out to you to schedule your New Leader Orientation.
There are so many amazing, entertaining, and enriching experiences waiting for you!
b. Complete the trainings located on our website under “Volunteer Resources > Volunteer Training > Co-Leader Training.”
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Role Description
Co-Leader Duties and Responsibilities The Troop Co-Leader works directly with girls, helping them to develop leadership skills on an individual and/or group basis. The Troop Co-Leader has the enthusiasm and ability to facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through troop participation. Your Support Team Troop Support Specialist (TSS), SU New Leader Mentor Duties 1. Work in partnership with girls to organize girl-led activities that allow troop members to learn by doing and allow for cooperative learning. 2. Partner with other volunteers and council staff for support and guidance. 3. Provide information regarding troop meetings/activities to girls’ parents/guardians on a regular basis. 4. Project a professional image and serve as a positive role model, both in actions and words. 5. Share knowledge, experience and skills with a positive and flexible approach, allowing girls to Discover, Connect and Take Action. 6. Create an environment that is open and welcoming to all girls. 7. Ensure that all girls and adults attending troop meetings and events are currently registered Girl Scouts. 8. Meet all requirements in Safety section of Volunteer Guide and Safety Activity Checkpoints. 9. Follow troop financial management guidelines. Submit Troop Finance Report to council by June 30. 10. Appoint Troop Fall Product Manager and/or Cookie Manager and submit Product Program Intent Forms. 11. Attend Service Unit and council Volunteer Meetings or send an adult representative from the troop. 12. Encourage girls to participate in council-sponsored programs. 13. Return all communications from council staff and troop members in a timely manner. •
Please note: To ensure Troop Co-Leaders get the support they need, these volunteers are strongly encouraged to refrain from opting out of emails. By opting out, you will stop receiving monthly newsletters, program announcements, and other important information for you and your troop.
Requirements 1. Maintain adult Girl Scout Membership for current membership year with satisfactory completion of background screening process. 2. Completion of all required Troop Co-Leader training. 3. Ability to work well with girls and adults. 4. Energetic and enthusiastic about empowering girls and adults to build courage, confidence and character. 5. Recognize the value of diversity within the community and encourage mutual respect and understanding among all people. 6. Represent Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska in a positive way.
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Girl Scout Volunteer Resources The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) – Your First Co-Leader Resource The VTK is an online tool that allows you to... • Create Your Member Profile
• Manage Your Troop
• Plan Your Annual Meeting
• Update Contact Information
• Communicate with Parents
• Schedule Your Activities Calendar
• Renew Members
• Inform Parents About Finances
• Access Badge-Earning Resources
My Troop tab
Resources tab
Explore tab
• View and Edit Roster (Click Girl’s Name to Open)
• Meeting Plans for All Grades • GSUSA/GSSN Forms and Resources
• Explore Badges and Journeys to Create a Custom Year Plan
• Edit Contact Information • View Girl Achievements and Attendance • Renew Memberships • Send Emails to Parents/Families
Finances tab • Input Finances • Track Finances • Submit Yearly Troop Finance Report and May Bank Statement Online • View Archived Troop Finance Information
• Links to Resources and Videos
• Explore Pre-Selected Year Plans
Meeting Plan tab
Year Plan tab
• View Badge Requirements • View Meeting Overview and Activity Plan
• Review Badge Requirements • Specify Meeting Dates and Locations
• Access Material Lists (Download or Print)
• Add a Meeting or Activity (custom or council-sponsored).
• Send Custom Reminders to Families • Track Attendance and Achievements
• Change Order, Delete, Add, Replace, or Combine Meetings • See Past Years’ Plans
• Access, Print, or Add Meeting Aids • Edit Agenda or Time Allotted • Add or Remove Agenda Items Page 9
Volunteer Resources – Your Secondary Co-Leader Resource Our website, GirlScoutsNebraska.org, is your portal to: • Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) Information
• Safety Activity Checkpoints
• Program Calendar
• Co-Leader Training
• Troop Leader Blueprint
• Social Media Links and Graphics
• Outdoor Training
• Spirit of Nebraska Forms
• Flier Templates
• First Aid and CPR Training
• Spirit of Nebraska Publications
• Additional Miscellaneous Resources
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Co-Leader Training
Spirit of Nebraska Forms
Spirit of Nebraska Publications
Program Calendar
Girl Scout Safety Guidelines Every adult in Girl Scouting is responsible for the physical and emotional safety of girls, and we all demonstrate that by agreeing to follow these guidelines at all times. 1. Follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints Instructions for staying safe while participating in activities are detailed in the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Read the checkpoints, follow them, and share them with other volunteers, parents, and girls before engaging in activities with girls. Find Safety Activity Checkpoints for troop activities on our website under “Volunteer Resources > Support Materials > Safety Activity Checkpoints.” 2. Arrange for Proper Adult Supervision of Girls Your group must have at least two unrelated, approved adult volunteers present at all times, plus additional adult volunteers as necessary, depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of girls. Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must be background screened before volunteering. One lead volunteer in every group must be female. Please refer to your troop roster in MY GS to ensure what adult members are registered with your troop and have current background checks. 3. Get Parent/Guardian Permission When an activity takes place that is outside the normal time and place, or a topic is discussed that could be considered sensitive, advise each parent/guardian of the details of the activity and obtain permission for girls to participate. The Health History/Activity Permission Form is on our website under “Forms.” 4. Report Abuse Sexual advances, improper touching, and sexual activity of any kind with girl members are forbidden. Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse of girls is also forbidden. Suspected child abuse must be reported immediately to Spirit of Nebraska management and the proper authorities according to state law.
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5. Be Prepared for Emergencies Work with girls and other volunteers to establish and practice procedures for emergencies related to weather, fire, lost girls/volunteers, and site security. Always keep handy a well-stocked first-aid kit, girl health histories, and contact information for girls’ families. 6. Travel Safely When transporting girls to planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities that are outside the normal time and place, every driver must be an approved adult volunteer, over the age of 18 and have a good driving record, a valid license, and a registered/ insured vehicle. Insist that everyone is in a legal seat and wears her seat belt at all times, and adhere to state laws regarding booster seats and requirements for children in rear seats. 7. Ensure Safe Overnight Outings Prepare girls to be away from home by involving them in planning, so they know what to expect. Avoid having men sleep in the same space as girls and women. During family or parent-daughter overnights, one family unit may sleep in the same sleeping quarters in program areas. When parents are staffing events, daughters should remain in quarters with other girls rather than in staff areas. 8. Role-Model the Right Behavior Volunteers should treat all girls, parents, staff, community members, etc. civilly and respectfully. Inappropriate conduct is not tolerated. 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 Spirit of Nebraska for group marksmanship activities.
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9. Create an Emotionally Safe Space Adults and volunteers 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 group 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. 10. Ensure That No Girl is Treated Differently Girl Scouts welcomes 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. 11. Promote Online Safety Instruct girls never to put their full names or contact information online, engage in virtual conversation with strangers. Girls should never arrange in-person meetings with online contacts, other than to deliver cookies and only with the approval and accompaniment of a parent or designated adult. On group websites, 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. 12. Keep Girls Safe During Money-Earning Activities 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.
Girl Scout Supervision Understanding How Many Volunteers You Need... Girl Scout groups are large enough to provide a cooperative learning environment and small enough to allow development of individual girls. Please refer to the following chart for GSSN guidelines on troops. Whatever the activity, from camping to cookie sales, adult supervision is required regardless of the grade level of the girls. Your group must have at least two troop co-leaders who are unrelated, registered, background screened, and trained adult volunteers, and at least one of them must be female. Additional adult volunteers may be necessary, depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of girls. Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old, registered as an adult, and must be background screened according to GSSN policies.
Events, travel, camp
TROOP or group MEETINGS
Volunteer-to-girl ratio
D (K-1)
B (2-3)
J (4-5)
C (6-8)
S (9-10)
A (11-12)
Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls:
12
20
25
25
30
30
Plus one additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:
1–6
1–8
1–10
1–12
1–15
1–15
6
12
16
20
24
24
1–4
1–6
1–8
1–10
1–12
1–12
Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls: Plus one additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:
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Tips to Get Adults Involved in Your Troop
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Encourage participation
Invite parents
Ask them in person, and they are more likely to say “yes.” Together we can all do more! Ask parents to share what they are comfortable doing—what their skills are, or what they do for a living? There’s a job for everyone and people love to feel valued in specific ways.
When the girls have planned an activity or event that is close to home, invite the parents to meet at the event. Parents want to see what their girls are up to and will often stay to help.
Work as a team
Stay in contact
From the beginning, include parents and girls in planning, setting annual goals, giving feedback, and include them in girl activities so they achieve goals together. Be sure to recognize parent support— those who feel appreciated are more willing to continue to help.
Once a month, send an email or newsletter that shares upcoming events and asks for parent volunteers. Be specific on how many volunteers you need and what they will do.
Six Steps to a Fabulous Girl Scout Meeting Organizing your meeting is easy with the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK). The simple guide below will give you the framework for how a typical troop meeting runs. The VTK will help you fill your meeting with specific activities and timelines. Start Up (5 minutes) Plan an activity for girls to work on before the meeting begins. It can be simple – coloring pages, journaling or talking with others. This part is so important, because it breaks the ice and helps girls get excited about the meeting. Opening (5–10 minutes) The opening focuses the meeting and allows girls to start the meeting. Each troop decides how to open their own meeting – most begin with the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and then add a simple flag ceremony, song, game story or other ceremony designed by the girls. Business (5–10 minutes)
Clean up (5 minutes)
This is the time to let girls take attendance, plan their upcoming meetings, collect dues, make announcements, decide what council or service unit events they would like to attend and which badges they would like to earn. Consider using this as practice for girls in doing the research and coming prepared to present. Not only will this help the meeting run more smoothly, but it also builds transferable skills, which the girl can take past their Girl Scout years.
Closing (5–10 minutes)
Activities (30 – 45 minutes) Activities will depend on what the girls want to do in their troop and how they want to spend their time. Work towards earning badges or completing Journeys. Again, this portion of the meeting should be heavily girl-led with troop co-leaders offering support on the side. It may feel like you’re not doing as much as you should, but trust us, you will be amazed at how capable the girls can be.
Girl Scouts should always leave a place cleaner then they found it! They might even enjoy the tradition of a kaper chart (chore chart), so that everyone takes turns at each responsibility.
Just like the opening, each troop can decide how to close – with a song, a game, a story or the Friendship Circle. As caregivers arrive, provide any important update or reminders about upcoming meetings and activities.
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Troop Travel Progression Girl Scouts is a great place to learn how to plan and take trips! Traveling is built upon a progression of activities and girl-led processes. Girl Scout Daisies, for example, can begin with a discovery walk planned by the leaders. By the time the girls are Cadettes or older they are able to plan their own national and international travel!
Get your travel feet wet! Walk to a nearby garden, or take a short ride to a firehouse or other local spot. Girls choose the location.
Take an allday trip! Girls choose a nearby location and activity—like a badge step and plan lunch.
Start with one night, maybe at a camp or museum. Girls plan the location, activities, and meals.
Spend three to four nights somewhere a few hours from home. Girls plan most of the details, like activities and lodging.
Travel the country! Trips often last a week or more. Consider visiting historical sites, museums, or national parks.
Travel the world! These life-changing trips usually take one to three years to prepare. Girls plan their entire trip.
Independent Trips
International Trips
National Trips
Regional Trips
Overnighters
Day Trips
Local Field Trips
Troops are strongly encouraged to go through the progression process together.
Older girls with travel experience can travel independently with councilsponsored trips or GSUSA’s Destinations program.
Before taking any troop trip, please review the Troop Trip Request Form, located on our website under “Forms,” for requirements for each level of travel progression. Please note: all troops and travel require at least one First Aid/CPR trained adult to be in attendance.
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Tips for Troop Finances Bank Account All troops should establish a bank account with two unrelated adult signers for collection of optional troop dues, payment of troop supplies and activities and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Your Troop Support Specialist will assist you when opening your troop bank account and will be the third signer on the account.
Troop Dues Many troops decide to collect troop dues as a way to help provide startup funding for troop activities and supplies. These could range from $1$2 per meeting, to $30-$40 for the entire school year paid all at one time. It’s completely up to each troop to decide what works best for them.
Money-Earning Activities The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the primary money-earning activity for a troop. The Fall Product Program (nuts, candy, and magazines) is also a great easy way to earn troop startup funds. If a troop participates in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they may also opt to participate in approved money-earning activities. See “Troop Money-Earning Activity Request” on our website under Forms.
Financial Reporting and Receipts To stay organized, troop leadership should use receipts to help track any incoming funds, outgoing expenses, and cookie activities. Every Girl Scout troop should report out to troop parents about finances at least three times per year. In addition, GSUSA requires all Girl Scout councils to maintain records of troop funds. According to Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska policy, troop funds are the property of the council and are to be maintained in a Girl Scout bank account. Each troop is required to complete and submit
an annual Troop Finance Report with a copy of the May bank statement, no later than June 30 of the current membership year.
Financial Aid Financial difficulties shouldn’t stand in the way of a Girl Scout’s participation. Any member needing financial aid for membership can request it. Other financial aid is available for books, uniforms, identification pieces, and programs. Request financial aid online at GirlScoutsNebraska.org under Forms.
Involving Girls in Troop Finance Decisions Making financial decisions and handling the troop money is considered an important part of the Girl Scout program. Even the youngest girls should be a part of making decisions on how their money is spent and can be given choices such as choosing between purchasing patches or other items or doing additional activities instead. The troop adults should never make financial decisions without consulting the girls in at least a general way on how their funds should be spent. Other ways to involve girls in their finances: • Create a year-long troop budget • Review troop bank account statements and assist with reconciliation • Investigate the costs of doing certain activities • Keep financial records • Assist the troop’s adult treasurer in completing the Troop Finance Report
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Girl Scout Year Calendar OCTOBER
November
December
Our new Girl Scout year officially begins!
Enjoy the start of the holiday season!
Prep for the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
•• Late September–November: Fall Product Program sales
•• Participate in Service Projects in Your Community
•• Start Working on Cookie Badges to be a Cookie Boss
•• Nominate a Girl Scout Volunteer for a GSUSA or GSSN Volunteer Award
•• Hold a Troop Meeting All About Cookies This Month
•• October 1: Recruit girls and adults to join your troop this month •• October 31: Founder’s Day (Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday)
April Volunteer Appreciation Month! Early Bird registration starts! •• April 1: Early Bird Registration Opens •• April 22: Volunteer Appreciation Day— (a special day to thank volunteers for all they do— we’ll be celebrating YOU)
Troop Tip: Complete training and share finances with parents/guardians.
May
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Troop Tip: Invite families to your troop cookie meeting, too.
June
Early Bird Registration continues.
Wrap up the year and start summer camp!
•• Renew Your Troop’s Memberships for Next Year (and get in on some great perks)
•• Celebrate the Incredible Work of our Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Earners •• Summer Camp Begins! Hooray! Who’s Excited for Next Summer Already? •• Honor Troop Application and Troop Finance Report due by June 30.
•• Visit Juliette’s Boutique during the Volunteer Appreciation sale. Troop Tip: Consider getting outdoors with your troop this month to work on badge work.
February
Happy New Year! Set some goals. Cookie Program begins!
Have your troop connect with international Girl Scout sisters!
•• Place Your Initial Girl Scout Cookie Order
•• February–March: Girl Scout Cookie Program
•• Late January: Attend an Awesome Cookie Kick-Off Party with Your Troop
•• February 22: World Thinking Day
Troop Tip: Consider planning a campout with your troop before the summer heat hits!
Troop Tip: Talk to your troop about who might be interested in resident camp this summer.
March Take action this month with Girl Scout Week! •• March 12: Girl Scouts’ Birthday •• Girl Scout Week: Look for Fun Activities for Girls to Celebrate Being Girl Scouts
•• Registration for Summer Camps and Programs Open •• Enjoy the Spirit of the Holidays
Troop Tip: Consider adding a spot for a new girl in your troop.
January
Troop Tip: Hold an endof-year party to celebrate the troop’s accomplishments & plan for summer/fall.
Troop Tip: Relax and enjoy your summer!
July Have a GREAT summer! •• Attend a Membership Rally—Learn How to Bring more Girls to Girl Scouting •• Late July: The Annual Program Book Hits Mailboxes, Check Out Council-Sponsored Programs and Events
Troop Tip: Send a letter to your girls at camp.
August
Troop Tip: Look for community engagement opportunities this month!
September
Gear up for the new year by recruiting girls and volunteers, form troops, and plan ahead!
Prep for the new Girl Scout year!
•• Ensure your Info is Correct, Update Using the VTK or Contact Member Support
•• Talk to the Girls About Their Goals for the Upcoming Girl Scout Year
Troop Tip: Connect with parents who might be interested in volunteering for the Troop Cookie Manager or Troop Treasurer role.
•• Renew Your Girl Scout Memberships
Troop Tip: Meet as a troop with a fun activity to kick off the school year, like a family picnic.
Frequently Used Girl Scouting Terms ANNUAL Program BOOK Spirit of Nebraska program listings for the whole year; published each July. The programs are council-sponsored and carried out. You do not need special permission or training to attend these events. Every registered Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scout is mailed a book. Awards Highest Award per grade level—Bronze (Juniors), Silver (Cadettes), and Gold (Seniors and Ambassadors). For more info on each individual award, search “Highest Awards” on our website. Badge/Badges Not to be confused with patches! Badges are EARNED when a girl completes a set of requirements or learns a new skill. Badges are worn on the front of the tunic, sash, or vest. Being Green An affectionate term for the dedication shown by all volunteers who believe in the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Bridging When girls move from one program grade level to the next; may include an award for the girls completing the bridging award requirements, and likely will include a ceremony. Buddy System Safety practice that groups two or three girls together to keep watch over each other in an activity (for example swimming, hiking). Girls of equal ability should be placed in the same group. Camporee A gathering of Girl Scout troops for a period of camping and common activities. There is generally a common theme at a Girl Scout camporee oriented towards building character and leadership while having fun. Community Service Making a difference in the community and practicing the values of the Girl Scout Law. It is also a way for girls to get involved with a cause they care about.
Cookie Dough Benefit earned and chosen by girls during the Girl Scout Cookie Program which may be used as payment for program fees or purchases at Juliette’s Boutique. Cookies Cookies refer to the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. This quintessential Girl Scout experience helps girls develop five important life skills—goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—that will set them up for success beyond anything they can imagine! Cookie proceeds can be used to fund trips, camp, community service projects, membership fees, troop supplies, and more! Cooperative Learning One of the three processes that make the GSLE successful. Cooperative learning was designed to promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and learning in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation as girls work together on goals that can only be accomplished with the help of others. Council Council refers to the ~85 staff members who make up Spirit of Nebraska, one of 112 U.S. councils. Day Camp Encourage girls to explore the world around them, challenge themselves, and build self-esteem while having a blast at camp. Destinations (Formerly Wider Opportunities) Travel opportunities for girls 11-17. Older girls can use their cookie proceeds to fund Destinations. Dunk Bag A dunk bag (a somewhat a misleading name but traditional) is a mesh bag (such as an undergarment bag with a closure) large enough for a dinner plate and a few other dishes to slip inside and close.
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Extra Activity Insurance All registered members are covered by the Girl Scout insurance. When you cannot ensure that all Girl Scout activity participants are registered Girl Scout members, you must then purchase extra insurance. Additional insurance is also required for trips lasting more than two consecutive days, or for international travel. Purchase extra insurance through your area Troop Support Specialist. Fly-up Ceremony The ceremony at which a Brownie Girl Scout receives Brownie Wings from her Brownie co-leader, makes the Girl Scout Promise, and receives the Girl Scout Pin from her Junior Girl Scout “sister” or the Junior Girl Scout co-leader. Friendship Circle Representing the unbroken chain of friendship among Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world, the Friendship Circle involves Girl Scouts standing in a circle, crossing their right arms over their left, and clasping hands with their friends on both sides. Girl-Led Another one of the three processes of the GSLE. As they get older, girls will do more of the leading and planning. By the time they are Senior Girl Scouts they should be doing it all on their own. By allowing girls to lead, in a safe environment, even failures can be easily learned from and leadership is developed. Girl’s Guide to Summer Fun A companion piece to the Annual Program Book containing summer activities; published each January. Every registered Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scout is mailed a book. Girl Scout grade levels Girl Scout grade levels are as follows: Daisy (K-1), Brownie (2-3), Junior (4-5), Cadette (6-8), Senior (9-10), Ambassador (11-12). GORP Stands for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, a form of trail mix. Girl Scouts have used GORP to give a different meaning to the ingredients and in Girl Scout ceremonies. For example: adding M&M’s to the Gorp mix shows that Girl Scouts come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Gorp, or Trail Mix, is also used as a snack, especially when Girl Scouts are camping or hiking.
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GSSN Acronym for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. That’s us! GSLE The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)—the framework for defining what girls do in Girl Scouting, how they do it, and who will benefit - that was born out of years of research and development—engages girls in three key activities: discovering who they are and what they value, connecting with others, and taking action to make the world a better place. GSUSA The national office of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), located in NYC. Health History At the beginning of each troop year, co-leaders should collect the health history of each girl member from the parent/guardian using the Health History form (found on our website under “Forms.”) IGM Individual Girl Member. A girl who is not in a traditional troop. She has her Girl Scout experience with her parents at her own pace. Investiture Ceremony A special ceremony in which a NEW member makes her Girl Scout Promise, receives her membership pin, and becomes a member of Girl Scouts. Journeys Fun and challenging experiences grouped around a theme and spread over a series of sessions. Can be accessed in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK). Juliette Gordon Low The founder of Girl Scouts. Juliette’s Boutique The Spirit of Nebraska shop. We have four locations statewide and carry all the Girl Scout essentials—uniforms, badges, books, and so much more! JULIETTE GAZETTE (JG) Magazine: The official Spirit of Nebraska magazine; published two to three times per year. This digital magazine is bursting with photos and stories about Girl Scouts, who are having fun and making the world a better place. Kaper Chart A chart that divides the jobs within the troop/group. It usually rotates the jobs in some way, so that everyone experiences each job and has the opportunity for leadership.
Learn by Doing The last of the three processes of the GSLE. We ask girls to take a risk—try it out and see how it works—and try new and different things. Hands on experience.
Service Unit Manager (SUM) A Service Unit Manager leads a Service Unit. They are a volunteer who devotes precious time to bettering the lives of girls and the adults who serve them.
Member Support Serves as your first point of contact for general questions and provides an exceptional level of customer service. The Member Support team manages program and membership registration, and helps create and maintain member records. This is your go to department for any issues with your MY GS account or the Program/Event Registration System or general questions about a program. You can reach them at MemberSupport@ girlscoutsnebraska.org or by calling 800.695.6690.
SWAPS Stands for “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.” SWAPS were incorporated into Girl Scouting/Guiding as a way to introduce one Scout to another. Girl Scout SWAPS are a long-standing tradition and while they’re easy and inexpensive to make, they really allow girls to express their creativity and make new friends.
Nut Bucks Benefit earned and chosen by girls during the Fall Product Program which may be used as payment for program fees or Juliette’s Boutique purchases. Patches Patches, sometimes called “fun patches,” are GIVEN when a girl participates in an event or experience. Patches are worn on the back of the sash or vest. Placement Specialist The Placement Specialist enrolls new girls and volunteers to grow and start new troops within a geographic area. Product Sales Coordinator (PSC) Manages, coordinates and implements Product Sales in a community. Recruitment Specialist A Girl Scout recruiter on staff responsible for engaging girls and adult volunteers to grow membership. Resident Camp Encourage girls to explore the world around them, challenge themselves, and build self-esteem while having a blast at camp, lasting longer than one day. Service Unit (SU) A Service Unit is a geographical region of volunteers led by a volunteer Service Unit Manager. Each Service Unit works closely with a team of GSSN Staff to serve the girls in your region. Sit-upon Lightweight pad or mat the girls make to “sit-upon” when the ground is dirty or damp.
Travel Bucks Converted Cookie Dough or Nut Buck proceeds that can be used for GSSN travel programs or GSUSA Destinations. Travel Bucks expire five years beyond the original Cookie Dough or Nut Buck expiration date. Trefoil International symbol of Girl Guides and Girl Scouting. The trefoil represents the three parts of the Girl Scout promise. Troop/Group A peer group of girls who work together to complete Girl Scout activities. As a troop/group, they follow the Girl Scout Law and Promise. You may see “troop” and “group” used interchangeably. Troop Support Specialist Your main staff go-to. They assist in all volunteer training and troop support issues. WAGGGS World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts – the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world. WAGGGS represents ten million girls and young women from 150 countries. World Thinking Day The official Girl Scout day where girls traditionally learn about the cultures and traditions of WAGGGS member countries. This day, February 22, also commemorates the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden Powell, the founders of the Scouting Movement worldwide.
Updated June 2022
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