Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Co-Leader Handbook

Co-Leader Handbook

Name: Troop Number: Service Unit Number: Membership Area:

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Co-Leader Experience Map

1 2 3

Let us know you want to volunteer with Girl Scouts! Whether it’s at a Back-to-School night, a community event, or somewhere else, we want to know about your interests and skills.

6

Have a “Troop Start Up Meeting” with your Placement Specialist (up to one hour). We’ll introduce you to your area Troop Support Specialist plus assign your troop number.

Co-leaders

7

Meet with your Troop Support Specialist for a “New Co-Leader Orientation” (up to two hours).

Register as a Girl Scout member. If joining an existing troop, or you know the troop you want to join, choose it during the registration process. If you don’t have or know of a troop, we’ll help you nd one!

5

Start your online training. Watch “Welcome to Spirit of Nebraska” and “Co-Leader Basics” before meeting with Council staff (approximately 40 minutes). We will also mail you a handbook to reference throughout your volunteer training.

Successfully complete a criminal background screen. Check your inbox for an email from our trusted vendor, Asurint.

4

Secure a second co-leader for your troop. Friends or parents/caregivers of girls who wish to join your troop is the best place to start. If you can’t nd additional help, don’t worry we can assist with that!

8 9 10 11 12

Complete the remainder of your online training. Find it on our website under “Volunteer Resources.”

Set up a troop bank account with the help of your Troop Support Specialist. We’ll help you pick the most appropriate banking choice for your area and needs.

13

Hold your first troop meeting and plan your year with input from girls. Use the Volunteer Toolkit to save you precious time as you and your girls plan, organize, and manage troop activities.

Host a parent meeting. Throughout your training, you’ll get speci cs on how to host this meeting, what to say, and what to bring. Feeling anxious? Your Troop Support Specialist would love to help you plan it.

14

You are now ready to meet with girls!

Check out the available volunteer resources. We have many training opportunities, including the Volunteer Toolkit with meeting plans, communication tools, activity ideas, shopping lists, and more. Also area Facebook groups to interact with fellow Girl Scout volunteers!

YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY TO A GREAT GIRL SCOUT YEAR!

• Your Troop Support Specialist will call you periodically to check in. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or encounter issues along the way.

• Be sure to attend your local Service Unit/Volunteer Meetings to keep updated on all things Girl Scouts!

• Complete the “New Co-Leader Checklist” within one year to receive your next Girl Scout membership OR adult uniform vest for free.

may have a different experience as they get registered, but you should be about here in your training process.

Thank You for Volunteering as a Girl Scout Co-Leader!

Thank you for becoming a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader! Throughout the state of Nebraska, we serve over 10,000 girls in over 600 troops. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is only able to build girls of courage, confidence, and character with your help. We are truly indebted to you and your commitment to building future female leaders.

About This Handbook

Our organization has been around for more than 110 years, and that means we have MANY resources, tips and tricks, terminology, etc., that is overwhelming for new volunteers. With this in mind, this handbook is meant to be read and digested in sections. You do not need to know everything in this handbook before you start, we recommend you review the first chapter, “Troop Start Up,” and once you are comfortable with that material, move on to the next chapters at a manageable pace for you. However, if you are a person who likes all of the information up front, it is made available for you in this handbook. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, please reach out to your Troop Support Specialist for assistance when you have questions. We hope you find this handbook informative and exciting as you begin your new role! In this handbook, you will find:

• Chapter 1: Troop Start-Up

• Chapter 2: Troop Finances

• Chapter 3: Meeting Planning & Year Planning

• Chapter 4: Safety

• Chapter 5: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

• Appendix: Additional Resources

Your Council Staff Contacts

MEMBER SUPPORT

Hours: M–F, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (CT)

Phone: 402.558.8189

Email: MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org

TROOP SUPPORT

Name:

Phone (program into your cell phone):

Email: @girlscoutsnebraska.org

GIRLSCOUTSNEBRASKA.ORG

The Spirit of Nebraska website will be one of your biggest resources. Bookmark this website today.

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Troop Co-Leader Duties and Responsibilities

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Troop Co-Leader(s) work directly with girls, helping them to develop leadership skills on an individual and/or group basis, and handle administrative tasks of a functioning troop, and embody the Girl Scout Promise and Law (see page 49).

SUPPORT

Troop Co-Leaders receive support, guidance and encouragement from the membership staff and their Service Unit volunteers. They have access to relevant learning opportunities and materials that prepare for and support this role.

DUTIES

In conjunction with your fellow Troop Co-Leader(s):

Girl and Family-Facing Tasks

1. Work in a partnership with girls and adults to provide a girl-led environment where girls can discover themselves, connect with the others, and take action to make the world a better place through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).

2. Create an environment that is open and welcoming to all girls.

3. Follow meeting plans and badge and journey activities offered in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK), customized with additional local experiences.

4. Organize fun, interactive, girl-led activities that allow troop members to learn by doing and allow for cooperative learning that address current issues involving girls’ interests and needs.

5. Serve as a positive example for girls by modeling positive attributes such as reliability, respect for others, inclusiveness, and a positive attitude.

6. Support and encourage girls in attaining desired goals and awarads, and encourage participation in council-sponsored programs and events.

Administrative Tasks

1. Partner with other volunteers and Council staff for support and guidance.

2. Provide information regarding troop meetings/activities to girls’ parents/caregivers on a regular basis.

3. Ensure that all girls and adults attending troop meetings and events are current registered members.

4. Appoint adults to troop volunteer roles to manage all tasks of the troop, ensure that they have all training and resources they need, and submit all required paperwork on time.

5. Follow troop financial management guidelines; submit Troop Finance Report to Council yearly by June 30.

6. Remain informed about and comply with the current policies, procedures and guidelines of GSSN and GSUSA, including Volunteer Policies and Safety Activity Checkpoints.

7. Return all communications from Council staff and troop members in a timely manner.

• NOTE: The main form of communication from GSSN to troops is email. Troop Co-Leaders are strongly encouraged to refrain from opting out of emails.

8. Attend Service Unit and Council Volunteer Meetings, or send an adult representative from the troop. Pass all pertinent information along to troop members and families.

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 trainings.

3. Ability to work and communicate well with girls and adults.

4. Energetic and enthusiastic about empowering girls/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.

Troop Start-Up

We’re excited for you to start your Girl Scout volunteer journey! In this section, you will find all documents and information that are necessary to successfully start your troop.

We have additional documents and resources available to help, please see the Appendix for more information.

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

New Co-Leader Checklist

Using the suggested timeline below, complete this checklist within your first year of volunteering as a Troop Co-Leader to earn an incentive after confirming you’ll return for another year as a co-leader (see next page for all details).

FIRST 2 WEEKS

 Complete your membership registration and background screen.

 Connect with your fellow Troop Co-Leader(s), who are also registered and background screened, and make key decisions—decide when, where, and how often your troop will meet, and how you will communicate with parents/caregivers of girls in your troop.

 Attend a New Co-Leader Orientation with your area Troop Support Specialist.

 Complete your online co-leader training, found on our website under “Volunteer Resources.”

FIRST MONTH

 Get to know your resources:

• Read the rest of this Co-Leader Handbook.

• Log into the Volunteer Toolkit (or VTK) and plan your first meeting.

• Join your area GSSN Facebook group to network with fellow volunteers and council staff.

 Open your troop bank account with enough signers, submit a Bank Account Information Form, and watch the Troop Finance Webinar.

 Hold a Parent Meeting (details found on page 12).

• Recruit parents/caregivers to hold volunteer roles within the troop.

• Confirm who your First Aid/CPR trained adult will be.

• Ensure parents/caregivers complete all relevant paperwork.

FIRST 3 MONTHS

 Log into your MY GS account, confirm your troop roster, and update meeting details of your troop.

 My troop kept parents/caregivers informed during the year about meetings and activities.

 My troop has planned the majority of the Girl Scout year in the VTK, incorporating girl ideas.

 Get to know your resources:

• Review the Spirit of Nebraska website for all publications, program calendar, forms, resources, etc.

• Access gsLearn (via MY GS) and watch any relevant trainings, or trainings which interest you.

FIRST 6 MONTHS

 My troop participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and/or Fall Product Program, including:

• Submitted the Product Program Intent Form.

• All Troop Cookie/Fall Product Managers were registered and background screened.

• All Troop Cookie/Fall Product Managers completed product program training (in person or online).

 Stay in contact with your area Troop Support Specialist.

 A representative from my troop attended at least one area Volunteer/Service Unit meeting.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

 My troop observed at least one Girl Scout holiday/tradition—Juliette Low Birthday (10/31), World Thinking Day (2/22), Girl Scouts' Birthday (3/12), National Girl Scout Week (Week of March 12), Leader Appreciation Day (4/22).

 My troop completed a community service or Take Action project.

 My troop participated in at least one Council-sponsored program or event.

 My troop has taken at least one field trip away from our regular meeting place for Journey or badge work.

 My troop completed a Journey or 4 badges.

 My troop has done an activity outdoors.

 My troop renewed girl and volunteer memberships during Early Bird.

 My troop has held one additional Parent Meeting.

Submit your completed checklist within your first year of serving as a Troop Co-Leader to your area Troop Support Specialist, who will verify completion. Once verified, Spirit of Nebraska will pay for your next Girl Scout membership year or our official adult uniform vest if you stay in your co-leader role.

Full Name: 5-Digit Troop #:

Reward Choice (choose one):  Girl Scout Membership

 Girl Scout Official Adult Vest Size (XS–5X available):

Area Troop Support Specialist: Date:

PLEASE NOTE: Once these items have been completed, you are more than 75% of the way to earning your Honor Troop status. Review the remaining requirements on our website (search “Honor Troop”), and have your troop earn this prestigious award.

Successful vs. Adequate Troops

As a Girl Scout volunteer, you fill important roles in your girls’ lives: fearless leader, empowering role model, and innovative event organizer, among others.

Your interests and life experiences make you the perfect person to be a partner for girls, creating a safe environment where they can come together, identify issues they care about and work with one another to resolve them.

We want you to be successful in your role as a Girl Scout volunteer as your troop has fun and experiences all that Girl Scouts has to offer. We encourage you to review the different factors that girls and troop volunteers use to describe a troop that has excelled or merely just survived.

SUCCESSFUL TROOPS ADEQUATE TROOPS

TROOP CO-LEADERS

2/3 of Troop Co-Leaders know each other beforehand.

Troop Co-Leaders do not know each other beforehand.

WHY? Do you know someone you work well with, is great with girls, or adults, or administrative tasks, and believes in the Girl Scout mission. Then look no further! Prior knowledge of another adult’s personality and skill set helps ensure that the troop has volunteers with complementary skills.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT

100% hold a parent meeting to begin the year.

50% hold a parent meeting to begin the year.

WHY? Kicking off each year with a parent meeting sets the troop up for success. Outlining clear expectations, building a team, and engaging parents is a great way to start. When parents are involved, leaders have support, the troop has a plan, and girls benefit!

CO-LEADER TIP!

There are many different ways to define whether a troop is successful or not. If your girls are happy, that is the most important part. If you want advice on bettering your troop, talk to your Troop Support Specialist or other Troop Co-Leaders.

SUCCESSFUL TROOPS

TROOP SIZE

ADEQUATE TROOPS

12 Girl Scouts 15+ Girl Scouts

WHY? This size enables girls to form deep relationships and the opportunity to work cooperatively with different personalities. Larger troops can still be successful, if the troop leadership has a plan for engaging girls and keeping them on point.

TROOP ACTIVITIES

50-60% of time focused on badges, outings, community service, and council events; 100% go overnight camping.

Overly focused on badges; few are doing overnight camping or Journeys.

WHY? It’s important for girls to explore a wide variety of things Girl Scouts offers. They will gain important skills including STEM, the outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship.

COOKIES

Average 25% of troop time during the year.

Average 55% of troop time during the year.

WHY? It’s great to focus on selling cookies to fund troop activities and teach entrepreneurial skills, but a Girl Scout should remember there are many other activities to also take part in. This includes earning badges, going on exciting trips, and exploring the outdoors.

GIRL-LED

Girl Scouts make their own decisions and plan the troop’s activities.

Troop Co-Leaders direct most or all of the activities.

WHY? Progression charts, including one for being girl-led, help demonstrate how to have the girl’s input grow as they do. See page 53 for more information.

Getting Adults Involved in Your Troop

Running a quality Girl Scout troop requires the involvement of ALL parents/caregivers, and asking them for help early in the year will help take pressure off of the Troop Co-Leaders. Here are some tips to get more adults involved in your troop:

SAFETY AND SUPERVISION: Girl Scout troops and groups are required to abide by a volunteer-togirl ratio for girls’ safety and the safety of participating adults. Stressing the importance of this ratio can help parents see an immediate volunteer need in the troop, and is an easy way to get parents more involved. See the “Safety” chapter of this handbook for these volunteer-to-girl ratios.

TROOPS IN COMPLIANCE: Girl Scout troops must have at least two registered girls plus two unrelated adults in the Troop Co-Leader role (at least one who is female) who are registered and background screened to be considered compliant. To ensure that your troop can participate in all aspects of Girl Scouts, ensure that this is step is completed quickly.

ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION: 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. Adults who attend two or more troop meetings should become registered as an Adult Support volunteer and complete a background check for the safety of girls and the troop.

WORK AS A TEAM: 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.

INVITE PARENTS: 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. While at the event, encourage parents to network with one another. Parents who are friends with other parents in the troop will be more likely to attend events in the future.

STAY IN CONTACT: Once per month, send an email or newsletter that shares upcoming events and asks for parent volunteers. Be specific on how many volunteers you'll need and what they will do. Create a troop Facebook group where parents may share photos, stories, or activity ideas. It’s a great, interactive way to stay in contact with troop parents plus an easy way to share Council information.

First Parent Meeting Guide

New and returning troops are encouraged to hold a parent meeting at the start of each new Girl Scout year! Start your year on a positive note with parents by fostering good communication and teamwork.

WHY

To meet and touch base with parents face-to-face. Establish expectations and decide where parents will help and share how they can be engaged in the troop.

WHEN

Parent Meetings can be a separate meeting or at the beginning or end of a troop meeting. If possible, have an older Girl Scout present (Council staff can help arrange this) to do an activity with the girls during the meeting. If not, have a coloring page, word search, or small activity for the girls to do.

BE PREPARED

A parent meeting can be challenging, especially for a first-time co-leader. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska has many resources to help you:

 First Parent Meeting Checklist: Use this as your meeting agenda, to keep you on track, and as a reminder for everything you may need to cover (see page 14).

 Parent Involvement Form: Troops with family engagement are more successful than troops that don’t. Use this form (see page 16) to encourage the family of your girls to volunteer.

 Health History/Activity Permission Cards: Keep on hand for the safety of girls during Girl Scout meetings and events.

 Pricing Information: On Girl Scout uniforms and insignia.

 Family Guide: Resource for families to learn about Girl Scouts and our program.

 Annual Program Book + Girl’s Guide to Summer Fun: To help plan your Girl Scout year. These will be mailed to each Girl Scout household after membership is purchased.

 Girl Scout Staff: You might not have answers to all questions coming from parents, but Spirit of Nebraska staff are here to help you.

DECISIONS TO MAKE WITH FELLOW CO-LEADER(S)

 Meeting Frequency: Most troops meet twice per month but you can choose a schedule that works best for you.

 Meeting Location: 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. Meetings should not take place in a private residence.

 Supply Costs: Your budget will evolve as you begin planning your year with the girls and fellow volunteers. Go into your parent meeting with a general idea on how the troop will be funded—charge dues or have the families pay per activity.

 Troop Structure: The recommended way to structure a troop is to have two co-leaders that split the work and lead girls in a single grade level. Determining which co-leader takes what tasks (working with girls, administrative work, etc.) is up to you. You may also consider rotating the responsibility with the different members of your troop. A parent/caregiver and girl could team up to lead one meeting. There are multiple ways to structure a troop, and they require additional adults to ensure

stability and functionality. If you would like to learn more about different troop structures, talk to your Troop Support Specialist.

 Communication: Decide how best to communicate with your parents (email, text, Facebook, etc.).

 Parent/Caregiver Support: What do you need from troop parents to be successful? Starting the year off with clear expectations is beneficial for everyone. Will you require at least one parent/ caregiver to register as a member and attend troop meetings?

OUTCOMES

Before ending the meeting, evaluate if you have covered your agenda. Do you have…

 Additional adult volunteers to help?

 Meeting dates and times discussed and decided upon?

 Parents are aware of the decisions you’ve made, and are in agreement with troop dues and communication style?

 All girls registered and their Health History/Activity Permission Forms completed?

First Parent Meeting Checklist

This Parent Meeting will help you set expectations and recruit adult help. Use this checklist as an agenda for your meeting to get to know the girls and parents/caregivers in your troop, and to recruit volunteers for your troop committee. Starting off the year with good parent communication will likely yield better parent involvement.

I. BEFORE THE MEETING, WITH YOUR FELLOW CO-LEADERS

 Complete New Leader Orientation with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska staff

 Have decisions made on important troop matters (see previous pages)

 Invite girls, parents/caregivers, and other family members

 Ensure you have enough paperwork for all families: Health History/Activity Permission Form, Family Guides, and Parent Involvement Form (see page 16)

 Send a meeting reminder text/email 1-2 days prior

 Plan a craft/interactive activity for girls or request Program Aide assistance (find more info online)

II. DURING THE MEETING

A. WELCOME

 Co-leader introductions (share why you chose to lead the troop!)

 Parent and girl introductions

 Recite the Girl Scout Promise and Law (see page 49)

 Girls to work on craft/activity; parents meet

B. PAPERWORK

 Health History/Activity Permission Form (filled out at this meeting)

 Phone/email contact list

 Meet My Girl Form

C. TROOP BASICS

 Time, place, and frequency of meetings

 Troop number

 Review Troop Co-Leader responsibilities:

• Being a role model and guide for the girls

• Ensuring safety

• Managing troop organization and communication

 Review parents/caregiver responsibilities:

• Ensure girls regularly attend and participate in troop meetings

• Provide assistance/support to the troop as needed; follow through with volunteered tasks

• Pick up and drop off on time

• Read/reply to communications from troop volunteers in a timely manner

• Respect troop volunteers’ time and boundaries

D. FINANCIALS

 Troop Funds

• Badges/recognitions

• Troop supplies and activities

 Parent Costs

• GSUSA membership dues

• Troop dues (how much, how often; decided by you and your troop)

• Supplemental funds (other future expenses such as trips, snacks, supplies, etc.)

• Books and uniform

 Financial Aid (see page 62 for more information)

III. PARENT INVOLVEMENT

 Criminal background screen (required for troop volunteers)

 Adult Girl Scout membership

 Parent Volunteer Roles

• Customize to your needs. There’s a job for everyone and people love to feel valued in specific ways. Sending around the Parent Involvement Form (see next page) and/or sign-up sheet is a great way to gauge interest and ensure no one gets missed. Add any additional roles you need filled in the blank spaces under “Desired Roles.”

 Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

• Inform parents they may access the Volunteer Toolkit in their MY GS account, with read-only access, to see your troop meeting schedule, activities, and weekly plans (once created by the coleaders). Parents may use the plans in the VTK to follow along at home if they miss a meeting.

IV. PLAN FOR THE GIRL SCOUT YEAR

 General Year Plan

• Engages girls in planning once you start meeting for a more detailed calendar

• General timing of possible trips or events

• Possible activities throughout the year

 Product Programs

• Fall (nuts, candy, and magazines)

• Spring (Girl Scout Cookies)

 Possible Additional Fundraising

V. POST-MEETING

 Send a thank you note to parents and girls for participating; include bullet points of topics discussed

 Check in with your Troop Support Specialist (TSS) and let them know how it went (were there any questions you couldn’t answer, did you get enough parents to help, etc.)

Parent Involvement Form

NOTE: Any adult who assists with troop meetings, activities, attends overnights, transports or supervises girls, or handles money must complete a background screen and be a registered Girl Scout member.

Girl Full Name: Caregiver Full Name: Phone: Email:

DESIRED ROLE(S)

Running a quality Girl Scout troop requires the involvement of ALL parents. Please check how you and/ or other adults in your family will support your daughter’s troop.

 Co-Leader(s): Works as a team and splits functions of the troop based on skill-set, plans/assists in leading activities, communicates with parents/caregivers

 Treasurer: Manages troop bank account and prepares end of year Troop Finance Report

 Troop Fall Product Program Manager: Organizes Fall Product Program sale

 Troop Cookie Manager: Organizes Girl Scout Cookies sale

 Camp Parent: Certified camper who assists in planning/leading camping activities*

 Troop First Aider: Certified in CPR and first aid, attend trips and camping activities*

 Troop Trip Coordinator: Organizes and plans troop field trips*

 Service Project Coordinator: Organizes and plans service projects*

 Badge Coordinator: Researches and plans activities for a badge or Journey to fulfill its requirements*

 Troop Parent Helper: Helps at meetings with pre-planned activities*

 Troop Trip Chaperone: Drives and/or serves as adult helper on activities and trips*

*These volunteers should register as “Adult Support” volunteers in your troop.

SPECIAL SKILLS

 Y  N

 Y  N

Are you certified in first aid/CPR?

What talent or interest would you like to share with the troop, or do you know someone who does (i.e. STEM, outdoor activities, cooking, crafts, etc.)?

If yes, what?

AVAILABILITY

Mon-Fri Days: from – a.m./p.m. Saturdays: from – a.m./p.m.

Mon-Fri Nights: from – p.m. Sundays: from – a.m./p.m.

OTHER NOTES

Troop Finances

Managing troop finances is an integral part of being a co-leader, and following best practices for managing troop funds is essential to the success of the troop. In this section, you’ll find everything you need to open up a bank account, how much to spend and on what items, and more.

We have additional documents and resources available to help, please see the Appendix for more information.

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Tips for Troop Finances

BANK ACCOUNT

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. All troops must 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 help you pick a bank, 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 start-up 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 (see next page).

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 participate in approved money-earning activities. Please note that Daisies are not allowed to participate in additional 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. 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. Failure to adhere to these policies may impact your troop’s ability to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product programs or may be grounds to remove you from your volunteer role.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of a Girl Scout’s participation. Any member needing financial aid for participation may request it. Other financial aid is available for books, uniforms, insignia pieces, and programs. Learn more and apply for financial aid on our website by searching “financial aid.”

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

Troop Dues Guide

TOP SIX TROOP EXPENSES

GIRL SCOUT EVENTS

Community events and council-sponsored programs like World Thinking Day and Cookie Kick-Off Parties.

TROOP TRIPS

Troop adventures, attending camp, troop camping, or overnights.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Girls do service projects that are meaningful to them, like baking holiday treats for nursing home residents.

UNIFORMS

Tunics, sashes, or vests; insignia, badges, and pins earned throughout the year (see pricing for uniform pieces at the end of this handbook).

MEMBERSHIP FEE

Annual fee paid to our national organization (GSUSA) to cover the cost of fundamental services.

MEETING SUPPLIES

Pens, pencils, markers, paper, scissors, tape, glue sticks, rulers, snacks, and more.

TROOP EXPENSES BREAKDOWN

■ 64% .......................... Troop Program Expenses

■ 16% Uniforms, Badges, Insignia

■ 14% .......................... Registration Fees

■ 6% ............................ Supplies, Snacks, Misc.

DECIDING TROOP DUES AMOUNTS

Troop dues are $20-$80 (on average) each year. This will vary depending on planned activities.

LOW DUES: Parents/caregivers pay as they go for things like Girl Scout books/materials, uniforms, and troop trips.

HIGH DUES: Product program proceeds and higher dues paid up-front by parents/caregivers which cover the bulk of troop expenses.

Troop Financial Management Guide

Overview

Managing Troop/Group Finances is an integral part of being a co-leader. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska wants to partner with you to provide tools to facilitate this responsibility. Good financial management practices are essential to the girls, families of the girls, the troop, and the Council.

Per Girl Scouts of the USA’s Blue Book of Documents, all money and other assets, including property, that are raised, earned, or otherwise received in the name of and for the benefit of Girl Scouting must be held and authorized by a Girl Scout council or Girl Scouts of the USA. Such money and other assets must be used for the purposes of Girl Scouting.

They are the property of and are administered by the Girl Scout council or Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Such assets are not the property of individuals, troops, geographic units, subordinate units, or communities within a Girl Scout council.

Required, specific elements of establishing, maintaining, and closing a troop bank account may be found on our website by searching “Managing Troop Finances.”

The remaining pages of this section and additional resources online have been developed to assist you with following the troop bank account requirements, effectively managing the troop funds, and includes the following:

• The Bank Account Information Form, Troop Finance Report, Service Unit Finance Report, and Troop Disbanding Notification Procedures/Form

• Bank Account Guidelines

• Banking Institution Letter with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Board

• Board Resolution on Subordinated Unit Bank Accounts

GSUSA requires all Girl Scout councils to maintain records of all troop funds. All troop and Service Unit bank account information will be maintained and kept on file in our Finance Department at the Omaha Service Center. The Finance Department will be following up with you if these forms are not submitted by their due dates.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything regarding your troop bank account, please contact your Troop Support Specialist or the Finance Department at 402.558.8189.

Troop Finance Checklist

DUE ASAP WHEN OPENING TROOP/SERVICE UNIT BANK ACCOUNT

 Bank Account Information Form

This form is due within one week of opening a new troop or service unit account. The council has legal responsibility for all subordinated unit bank accounts. GSUSA and the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Audit Committee requires the Council to provide oversight on these accounts. The Finance Department must present this form to our banks upon their request.

Scan the above QR code with your smart device to access the secure, online version of the Bank Account Information Form. The form may also be found on our website under “Forms.”

DUE JUNE 30 EACH YEAR

 Troop Finance/Service Unit Report

This form summarizes the troop or service unit income and expenses for the year. You must also attach a copy of your May bank statement to the report. Account ledgers are strongly encouraged to be used and should be kept in your files with all deposit and expense receipts. Account ledgers or receipts are for your troop’s records and are not to be sent to the Council, unless requested. The Troop Finance Report is available on our website under “Forms” and in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK).

DUE AS NEEDED

 Bank Account Information Form (with Updated Information)

A newly signed and dated Bank Account Information Form must be submitted to the Finance Department any time changes are made to your troop/service unit bank account. These changes will include adding or changing signers on these accounts.

 Troop Disband Procedures Form

This form is used when the troop has decided to disband, and all other options have been discussed. It includes procedures and a checklist to follow. This includes what to do with troop funds, closing the troop bank account, girls that move to other troops, and what to do with property and records. The Troop Disband Procedures Form is available on our website under “Forms.”

Bank Account Guidelines

ESTABLISHING AN ACCOUNT

• Provide the financial institution with the Banking Institution Letter with the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Board Resolution on subordinated unit bank accounts contained in this packet (pages 25-26).

• The account must be set up as follows: Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Troop/Group # [Co-Leader’s Address] Council Tax ID #47-0432299

• Bank statements are to be sent to one of the volunteer signers on the account.

• At least two registered and non-related adult Girl Scout volunteers are to be listed as authorized signers.

• These signers should not be living in the same household.

• The third signer will be a representative from Spirit of Nebraska staff, usually a Troop Support Specialist serving your area (please refer to the Banking Institution Letter for specific process).

• Only one signature is required to write checks or make withdrawals.

• Debit card associated with the account is permitted.

• Credit cards or any other form of debt is not allowed.

• Submit the Bank Account Information Form to the Girl Scout Spirit of Nebraska Finance Department within one week of establishing the account.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF ACCOUNT

• Establish an effective bookkeeping system to keep track of financial activity.

• Keep detailed records of all expenses including all receipts.

• Keep detailed information for all deposits.

• Keep an organized filing system.

• Reconcile the bank statement promptly every month and retain for your records.

• A dual system is recommended; one primary signer writes checks, uses the debit card, and makes deposits and the second signer reconciles the bank statement.

• Financial records should be open and available for all troop members to review at any time.

REQUIRED REPORTING

• Complete a Troop/Service Unit Finance Report annually.

• Attach a May bank statement.

• Ensure the Troop/Service Unit Finance Report agrees with the May bank statement.

• Submit the Troop/Service Unit Finance Report to the Girl Scout Spirit of Nebraska Finance Department by June 30 each year.

CHANGES TO THE ACCOUNT

At any time, if any of the authorized signers on the bank account change for any reason, please update the bank signature cards, complete a new Bank Account Information Form, and submit to the Finance Department within one week of signing the bank signature cards.

CLOSING AN ACCOUNT

• At any time, if the bank account is closed, follow all bank account closing procedures as outlined in Managing Troop Finances (found on our website).

• A final Troop/Service Unit Finance Report must be completed and submitted to the Finance Department with the final bank statement attached.

• If a new account is established with the funds, a new Bank Account Information Form must be completed and submitted to the Finance Department.

• If the troop is disbanding, please refer to Troop Disband Procedures (found on our website under “Forms”) for options available and proper procedures.

CO-LEADER TIP! Working with Wells Fargo? There are separate documents for all Wells Fargo banks. Find them on our website by searching “Wells Fargo.”

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Dear Banking Institution:

Girl Scout volunteers are presenting this letter to you, so they may set up a bank account with your institution. In Girl Scouting, we refer to troops, service units or other local areas as “subordinate units.” The bank accounts set by these groups are then referred to as “Subordinate Unit Bank Accounts.” These accounts are set up under the tax identification number of our Girl Scout Council, but they are used by the subordinate unit, not the Council, to conduct their own Girl Scout business.

Attached is the Spirit of Nebraska Board Resolution, which are approved guidelines for Subordinate Unit Bank Accounts. Below are instructions on how to set up a bank account for a subordinate unit.

• When setting up a subordinate unit bank account, please use the tax identification number of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. That number is 47-0432299. The accounts should be set up with Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska on the first line and Troop Number on the second line:

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

Troop/Group #

[Co-Leader’s Address]

Council Tax ID # 47-0432299

• The mailing address and phone number on the account should also be for the subordinate unit (Troop Co-Leader). That way the bank statements go to the appropriate Girl Scout volunteers and NOT directly to the Council office.

• Spirit of Nebraska requires at least two registered adult volunteers and the Troop Support Specialist (Spirit of Nebraska staff) serving that area to be authorized signers on the account.

• Spirit of Nebraska requires only one signature on checks and money withdrawals.

• Subordinate units may have a debit card connected to the account if they wish.

• Subordinate units may not use credit cards or acquire debt.

• Please have the signature card signed by the volunteers, then mail the signature card to the staff person in our office (the Troop Support Specialist) to obtain their signature, or ask the Troop Support Specialist to come into your bank to sign it.

• We do not want documents containing the Troop Support Specialist’s personal information leaving your bank with the co-leaders/volunteers. If possible, please do not pre-print the Social Security number or date of birth of our Troop Support Specialist on your signature card or other new account documents. If your system allows “on file” or something similar, that would be ideal.

If your institution requires copies of any documents (a W-9 for Spirit of Nebraska, our tax exempt letter from the IRS, or a listing of statewide Troop Support Specialists), please contact Troop Finance at troopfinance@girlscoutsnebraska.org or 800.695.6690.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Halsey Ruhl, Chief Financial Officer

3

Meeting and Year Planning

Now on to the fun stuff! Whether you already have ideas of what you’re going to do with your Girl Scout troop or if you are stressing about what to do next, we have resources available to make your job as easy as possible. In this section, you’ll find resources to help you plan the best year ever!

We have additional documents and resources available to help, please see the Appendix for more information.

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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.

1. 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 important because it breaks the ice and helps girls get excited about the meeting.

2. 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.

3. BUSINESS

(5–10 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.

4. 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 CoLeaders 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.

5. CLEAN UP

(5 Minutes) 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.

6. CLOSING

(5–10 Minutes) Just like the opening, each troop can decide how to close—with a song, a game, a story, or the Friendship Circle (found in Pocketful of Programs). As caregivers arrive, provide any important update or reminders about upcoming meetings and activities.

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

The Volunteer Toolkit (or VTK) is your one-stop shop for meeting plans, badges and Journeys, supply lists, attendance records, and more. Meeting plans are great for new co-leaders and getting requirements to earn a badge, but not all plans have to be followed word-for-word. Need to adjust an activity to make it more friendly for your troop? That’s fine! The VTK has a great scheduling tool to make it easy for parents to see what’s coming. Explore what’s available to you in the VTK within your first month of volunteering.

VTK SCAVENGER HUNT

This scavenger hunt is a part of the full Volunteer Toolkit Guide (found on our website). However, we think once you’re able to do all of the things below, you'll know your way around. But if you’re having trouble, contact Member Support for assistance.

“MY TROOP” TAB

 Find the icon to email your whole troop

 Find the icons to download and to print your troop roster

“EXPLORE” TAB

 Find a pre-selected Year Plan focused on badges for a specific grade level (not multilevel)

 Find the badge requirements for one of the badges in that Year Plan

 Select a Year Plan (NOTE: you will be able to change it if needed)

“MY YEAR PLAN” TAB

 Set dates and locations to the meetings in your Year Plan

 Add a STEM badge to your Year Plan

 Move the STEM badge to be your 3rd meeting of the year

 Delete the 5th meeting of your Year Plan

 Change the date of your 2nd meeting

 Combine two meetings into one

 Add a custom activity to your Year Plan

“MEETING PLAN” TAB

 Find the icon to download and to print a Meeting Plan

 Find what Materials you will need for that meeting

 How many Meeting Aids are available for this meeting?

 Find where to send a Reminder Email to troop meetings about this meeting

(Under the Meeting Planner)

 Rearrange the order of the 2nd and 3rd activities

 Add a 15-minute “birthday celebration” activity to the end of your meeting

 Change the Closing Ceremony to 20 minutes

 Delete the 4th activity

“RESOURCE” TAB...

 How many resources are under Trips & Travel?

 Find the Badge Explorer

COUNT UP THE NUMBER OF BOXES YOU CHECKED...

• 18 or more boxes = you’re ready to go!

• 17 or fewer boxes = give us a call and we can show you some VTK tips! Want more help? No worries! Contact Member Support at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org or call 800.695.6690.

Girl Scout Year Calendar

We’ve included days that are important to Girl Scouts, which correspond with some of our most beloved traditions. We recommend talking with your troop about these special days and what other additional holidays they would like to plan into their year (like Veteran’s Day or Random Acts of Kindness Day).

OCTOBER

Our new Girl Scout year officially begins! Please confirm that all your girls and adult volunteers are registered or renewed.

The Fall Product Program has begun. Participating in the Fall Product Program is exciting and a great way for girls to start earning money for their troop. Selling continues throughout the month; product is delivered mid-November.

Watch for easy activity ideas from GSSN for girls of all grade levels to participate in Girl Scout Spirit Week!

Join fellow Girl Scout volunteers during GSSN staff-hosted Volunteer/Service Unit meetings in October and November to learn more about the upcoming Girl Scout year.

• October 31: Founder’s Day (Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday)

• Week of October 31: Girl Scout Spirit Week

JANUARY

The Girl Scout Cookie Program starts next month! Be prepared to place your Initial Cookie Order, to have cookies in hand for the start of the sale. Sign up for cookie booths. Make sure your troop is in compliance and has two registered and background screened co-leaders, an active bank account, and at least two registered girls. Check your roster to ensure that all girls are active so they will upload into SmartCookie.

Attend a Cookie Kick-Off event hosted by GSSN or your local Service Unit. Learn tactics to have a better cookie sale. Learn more about the 5 business skills of the cookie program.

• January 15: GSSN and GSUSA Volunteer Award Nominations Due

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Give thanks and give back! The holiday season is a great time for your girls to explore the importance of giving back to their community and making the world a better place by choosing a meaningful Take Action project. Girls of all levels can participate in age-appropriate activities, such as:

• Visit a senior facility and sing with residents

• Organize a clean-up day at a local park, playground, or school

• Sew or knit hats for the homeless

• Organize a food or pet supply drive

Nominate your favorite Girl Scout volunteer for a Volunteer Award. Showing appreciation for our volunteers is a long-standing Girl Scout tradition and Girl Scouting wouldn’t be the same without them. Nominations are due January 15 each year.

FEBRUARY

The Girl Scout Cookie Program begins! Participating is easy with in-person and online only options. Sell to friends and family, go doorto-door, or set up an eye catching booth in front of your favorite store (with their permission!).

World Thinking Day is a beloved Girl Scout holiday where Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world celebrate the birthdays of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Boy Scouts, and his wife, Olave, who inspired Juliette Gordon Low to establish Girl Scouts. Girls around the world celebrate being a part of our diverse global sisterhood by participating in activities and projects with global themes.

• February 22: World Thinking Day

The Girl Scout Cookie Program starts soon! Complete a Product Program Intent Form (found on our website) and register to take cookie training (required for all Troop Cookie Managers and recommended for Troop Co-Leaders). Hold a cookie-themed troop meeting, invite parents to participate, plan goals for the remainder of the year, and work on some cookie badges.

Earning Honor Troop status is a wonderful way to engage girls in an array of activities and ensure that they’re having a well-rounded troop experience. Use the remainder of the year to finish requirements of this special award. Applications are due June 30 of each year.

Watch your mailbox for the Girl’s Guide to Summer Fun! Registration for summer camp opens before the holidays, so have your girls review and decide what they’d like to do. Summer camp is a great holiday gift!

MARCH

Join fellow Girl Scout volunteers during GSSN staff-hosted Volunteer/Service Unit Meetings in March and April to learn more about the finishing up the Girl Scout year.

The week of March 12 commemorates when our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, officially registered the first 18 Girl Scout members in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. Girl Scouts from across the world explore their Girl Scout heritage and show their Girl Scout pride. It’s a wonderful way for new troops to learn about our organization and for established troops to rediscover traditions. Watch your email and social media for fun participation ideas!

Make a list of girls and parents who are returning to Girl Scouts for another year because Early Bird starts next month and you don’t want to miss out on any incentives!

• March 12: Girl Scouts’ Birthday

• Week of March 12: National Girl Scout Week; Girl Scout Sabbath; Girl Scout Sunday

• March 31: Bronze/Silver Award Reports Due

APRIL

Ceremonies allow girls to pause, celebrate their growth, and connect with old traditions. Whether it’s to observe a Girl Scout holiday, commemorate earning a badge, or honor the year’s accomplishments, plan an upcoming ceremony for your troop to celebrate big Girl Scout moments—like bridging, investiture, rededication and more!

As we enter Volunteer Appreciation Month, we thank you for all you do! The very essence of Girl Scouting depends upon the contributions of volunteers like you. Let girls in your troop take time to celebrate you, your co-leaders, and all your volunteers.

Don’t forget to visit your local Juliette’s Boutique to enjoy the Volunteer Appreciation sale! Don’t have a shop in your area, give us a call and place an order with us.

Early Bird Renewal has opened through June 30 and offers tons of awesome incentives! This is when your troop and family will register for the next Girl Scout year, eliminating an important item from your busy fall “to-do” list.

• April: Volunteer Appreciation Month

• April 1: Early Bird Renewal opens

• April 22: Earth Day

• April 22: Volunteer Appreciation Day

MAY JUNE

Bridging is an important part of the Girl Scout experience. It’s when girls prepare to take the next step with Girl Scouts. Earning a bridging patch is the perfect time for girls to reflect on their past achievements and look ahead to new adventures. Whether you bridge in the spring or fall, encourage girls to plan a personalized, fun, and memorable ceremony for everyone involved—girls, volunteers, and families. Search “bridging” on our website for patch requirements, ceremony ideas, a bridging guide, and bridging kits available in Juliette’s Boutiques.

Create summer plans! Troops can keep the fun going and use their hard-earned cookie money to go on trips, troop and family camping, parades, etc.

Wrap up your year end troop paperwork. We need your Troop Finance Report, Honor Troop Application, and Early Bird Renewals. Contact your local Troop Support Specialist if you have questions about any of these items.

Join GSSN as we host two special camps over the summer:

Camporee (held every other year) is a weekend of fun for Girl Scouts from across Nebraska and the region. Plan ahead and bring activities, such as outdoor badge work or games to play and share. Other activities may include swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, archery, and horseback riding. We’ll provide a giant campfire, s’mores, and songs each night. Don’t forget to bring SWAPS!

Volunteer Retreat Weekend is a low responsibility, high fun experience for adults only!

Test your skills on our camp amenities—like archery and high ropes—without the pressure of having to watch girls. Indoor and outdoor activities are planned, and networking is a must!

• June 30: Last Day of Early Bird Renewal; Troop Finance Reports Due; Honor Troop Applications Due

JULY

Girl Scouts are active throughout the summer! Girls registered for the current year are active through September 30 and can participate in summer activities, such as meetings, field trips, troop and family camping, parades, etc.

Parade season is among us! We will appoint volunteers to be parade coordinators to serve as the main Girl Scout contact for the parade. Coordinators will assist with details and logistics with girls RSVPing their attendance. Your Recruitment Specialist can also assist with creating recruitment fliers to hand out in the parade. They may have other fun giveaways (like stickers and pencils) to hand out, too!

AUGUST

Join fellow Girl Scout volunteers during GSSN staff-hosted Volunteer/Service Unit Meetings in August and September to learn more about the upcoming Girl Scout year.

Review our training opportunities for volunteers on gsLearn. Now is a great time to complete your required co-leader trainings, including your new Girl Scout Level training if your troop is bridging to the next level of Girl Scouts.

Consider hosting a family event, such as a picnic, BBQ, or play date at a neighborhood park to help girls and families learn about our girl-led philosophy and review awards and activities for the coming year.

Start building your Girl Scout Year Plan in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK).

Grow your troop! If you are looking to add new girls to your troop, host a party where current Girl Scouts can invite their non-Girl Scout friends to have fun and learn more about Girl Scouting.

SEPTEMBER

Kick off your Girl Scout year by hosting a Parent Meeting. Prepare families for another great year by providing an annual meeting schedule, information about registration fees and troops dues, uniforms, and program resources. Be sure to ask parents/caregivers to update any girl forms. Consider making a direct ask of parents/caregivers to volunteer with your troop.

Fall Product Program starts! Earn funds for the troop’s upcoming activities and community projects.

As girls are heading back to school, this is a great time to r enew Girl Scout memberships for everyone in your troop, and before the current year membership expires on September 30.

• 3rd Saturday: World Cleanup Day

REPLACE WITH YEAR 1 PLAN (FRONT)

REPLACE WITH YEAR 1 PLAN (BACK)

REPLACE WITH NATIONAL PROGRAM PORTFOLIO (FRONT)

Safety

In Girl Scouting, the safety and well-being of girls is a top priority. This section highlights resources you’ll need to keep girls and volunteers safe and will help you understand your responsibilities as a volunteer in this regard.

We have additional documents and resources available to help, please see the Appendix for more information.

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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 any type of activity 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 on our website.

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, the activity, girls' ages, and girls' abilities. Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must successfully complete a background screen before volunteering. One lead volunteer in every group must be female.

Please refer to your troop roster in your MY GS account to ensure what adult members are registered with your troop and have current background checks.

3. GET PARENT/CAREGIVER PERMISSION

When an activity takes place outside the normal meeting time and place, or a topic is discussed that could be considered sensitive, advise each parent/caregiver 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.

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

While planning a Girl Scout field trip and other activity that are outside the normal time and place, a Troop Trip Request Form must be submitted and approved. Once approved, ensure that every driver is an active adult volunteer, over the age of 18 with a good driving record, a valid license, a registered/ insured vehicle, and completes a Driver Safety Form (both forms may be found on our website under “Forms”). Insist that everyone is in a legal seat, wears their seat belt at all times, and adheres 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. Always support and maintain an all-girl atmosphere for sleeping quarters. Men may participate only when separate sleeping quarters and bathrooms are available for their use. During family or parent-daughter overnights, one family unit may sleep in the same sleeping quarters in program 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. Do not consume alcohol, smoke, vape, 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.

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. Girls are expected to follow all troop agreements and GSSN’s code of conduct (found on our website).

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 Girl Scout Cookies and only with the approval and accompaniment of a parent/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.

13. ARRANGE FOR ADDITIONAL INSURANCE

Every registered girl and adult member is automatically covered by basic Girl Scout activity insurance. Activity insurance is required for Girl Scouts taking extended trips longer than three days and two nights plus non-members who participate in Girl Scout activities. These plans cover participants taking part in any council-approved, supervised Girl Scout activity. Contact your area Troop Support Specialist to determine which insurance is needed.

14. BEST PRACTICES FOR TAKING AND SHARING PHOTOS

Work with parents/caregivers to determine which girls should not have their picture taken. Never post photos anywhere without special permission. Do not identify the Girl Scouts pictured in any photos you print or post online without special permission from the subjects of the photos. Never identify the girl’s school, address, phone number, or locations of any Girl Scout meetings/activities with photos. When posting images online, identify trip or event locations only AFTER they have occurred (never during).

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.

VOLUNTEER-TO-GIRL RATIO

Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls:

Plus

additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:

Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls:

Plus

additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:

Guide to Managing Girl Behavior

Before addressing any girl behavior, it is important that a Troop Agreement (see page 43) is created with the girls. Additionally, a Girl Scout Code of Conduct Agreement should be reviewed and signed by the girl and parent/caregiver. After these agreements are signed, keep them in a safe place with your troop records. If either a girl or parent/caregiver exhibit behavior which breaks the Troop Agreement and/or Code of Conduct Agreement, please follow these steps in managing the behavior:

STEP 1: CORRECT THE BEHAVIOR

• Praise in public, correct in private (never in a room by yourself). This prevents the girl from being embarrassed when you point out her mistakes in front of others.

• Talk with her, not at her. Share what troop agreement or expectation was not being followed.

• Discuss what actions will be done to correct the behavior.

• Document the date, behavior, and correction for your own records.

STEP 2: TAKE A BREAK

• Ask the girl to step aside and take a break away from the group; ensure she is still in a safe space within sight of both troop volunteers.

• Share what Troop Agreement or expectation was not being followed. This may be done before or after the break, but make sure she understands the reason for the discipline.

• Briefly inform the parent/caregiver of what happened.

• Document the date, behavior issue, correction, and length of the break for your records.

• You may repeat this step as needed if it continues to be effective and the girl is learning/growing.

STEP 3: MEET WITH HER PARENT/CAREGIVER

If the behavior does not improve, repeat Step 2, and set up a time for the Troop Co-Leaders to meet privately with the parent/caregiver(s)*.

1. Remind the family of the Girl Scout Conduct Agreement and the Troop Agreement. Explain that all girls in the troop worked together to create the troop agreement.

2. Describe all incidents that have occurred in sequence.

3. Keep the conversation open, calm, honest, and respectful.

4. Discuss how you will work together to ensure their girl has a positive experience in Girl Scouts:

• Ask for help from the family—is a parent/caregiver or other trusted adult able to attend meetings with their girl until the behavior improves?

• Ask how the family may help their girl recognize the expectations in the Conduct Agreement and Troop Agreement.

• Assure the family you look forward to working with their girl.

• Assure the family you will keep in touch with them about their girl’s behavior.

5. Document the meeting date, talking points, the family’s response to the discussion, and next steps for your records.

STEP 4: CONTACT YOUR SERVICE UNIT OR COUNCIL STAFF FOR SUPPORT

• If the behavior does not improve, repeat Step 2, and contact your Service Unit Manager and/or Troop Support Specialist for assistance as needed.

• Contact the parent/guardian(s) to decide the next step of action.

*If parent/caregiver(s) are unwilling to comply with a request to meet with the troop leaders or address your concerns, contact your Troop Support Specialist.

Creating a Troop Agreement

The purpose of a Troop Agreement is to support volunteers in facilitating a discussion with girls about appropriate conduct and behavior during Girl Scout activities. Creating a Troop Agreement will establish clear expectations and should be used along with the Girl Scout Code of Conduct Agreement. Complete the following steps with your troop to guide girls through creating your own Troop Agreement.

STEP 1: WHAT IS A TROOP AGREEMENT?

• Share with the girls that a Troop Agreement is a document created together by the troop with guidelines for behavior which every troop member agrees to follow.

• Share that a Troop Agreement helps ensure everyone feels safe and has fun at Girl Scouts.

• A new Troop Agreement should be created each year for growth, development, and new members.

STEP 2: REVIEW THE PROMISE, LAW, AND CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT

• Review the Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scout Law, and the Code of Conduct Agreement (page 42) with girls.

• Ask the girls what words or phrases they like in the Promise and Law? How does it feel to be friendly? Helpful? What things would you do if you were considerate? How does it feel when someone is being friendly, helpful, and considerate toward you? etc.

STEP 3: BRAINSTORM IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN TROOP AGREEMENT

• Ask the girls to give examples on how they should behave at troop meetings.

• Share the platinum rule: “Treat others as they would like to be treated.” Ask the girls what they think that means. How should you treat others at troop meetings?

• Brainstorm ideas for your Troop Agreement. Topics could be created for your meeting space, materials, how to treat others, arriving/leaving, etc. Each girl should have a chance to share. If girls are talking over one another, consider using the Girl Scout talking sign (place hands out on the floor/table in front of them), or use a talking stick/piece (where only the person holding the stick/special object is allowed to speak). Change negative statements into “can do” positive statements. For example: change “don’t talk when others are talking” to “listen when others are talking.”

• As a troop, choose at least five items for your final Troop Agreement. Examples include:

• Live by the Girl Scout Law

• Work together

• Be a good listener

• Be a friend, not a bully

• Support one another

• Use resources wisely (avoid wasting food, supplies, or time)

• Leave the space cleaner than you found it (a Girl Scout tradition)

STEP 4: CREATE A TROOP AGREEMENT POSTER

• On poster board, use markers, decorations/stickers, etc. to create your Troop Agreement poster.

• Girls may work as a group or take turns writing each agreement on the poster.

STEP 5: SIGN THE TROOP AGREEMENT POSTER

• Once the poster is complete, review consequences for breaking the Code of Conduct Agreement.

• Have each girl sign her name on the Troop Agreement poster.

• Display the poster at each troop meeting along with the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Girl Code of Conduct Agreement

Troop #:

I understand that my attitude and behavior are important to my success and the success of others in my troop. I agree to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the following:

I will:

1. Follow the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law as listed in this Code of Conduct.

2. Follow the rules that are made to protect others and myself and to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.

3. Treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect.

4. Be considerate of the feelings of others.

5. Be respectful of my Girl Scout co-leaders. I will not argue or call them names while under their supervision. I will ask questions calmly, and if disappointed, I will express my opinion respectfully.

6. Not bully or abuse (hit, slap, spit, or any other unwanted touch) my Girl Scout sisters. I understand that violence will not be tolerated, and my parents will be notified as well as the parents of any girls involved.

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.

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.

7. Remember that others have ideas and thoughts, which may be different from mine, and that their ideas and thoughts are just as important as mine. I will not make fun of the ideas and thoughts of others. I will try not to offend anyone else with my thoughts and ideas.

If I do not abide by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, troop leadership may:

1. Ask me to adjust my behavior to be in alignment with agreements.

2. Remove me from the activity to review agreements and discuss steps to correct my behavior.

3. Request my parent/caregiver to assist with resolving the issue.

4. Request my parent/caregiver to attend future meetings and trips.

5. Seek Council assistance regarding my behavior and may recommend an alternate activity for me. I agree to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law and display appropriate conduct at all times.

Girl Signature: Date:

Troop #:

Parent/Caregiver Code of Conduct Agreement

Our Mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. To do this, we strive to create a fulfilling and safe environment for everyone, modeled from the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Please sign this document, pledging to help build a positive and encouraging environment for every girl.

I will:

1. Show a genuine interest in my girl’s participation in Girl Scouts so I will reflect on the Girl Scout Promise and Law and be a positive role model for the girls.

2. Support volunteers working with my girl to create a positive and enjoyable Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all. I will make every effort to attend required Parent Meetings and adhere to parent deadlines.

3. Ensure that my girl’s behavior follows the Girls’ Code of Conduct.

4. Submit requested permission slips, dues, and/or materials on time, ensure that my girl is prepared for Girl Scout activities, and drop off/pick her up on time.

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.

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.

5. Communicate any concerns I have directly with the volunteer responsible for the activity in which my girl is participating in private (not in the presence of girls or other parents). I will follow the GSSN process of handling conflicts at the lowest level if we are unable to agree on a resolution.

6. Not initiate or participate in gossip or negative statements about Girl Scouting and will refrain from behavior that may undermine the leadership of a Girl Scout activity or the troop/group. Should I have a complaint or problem, I will share a suggested solution.

7. Follow safety guidelines for all activities and guarantee a high-quality environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. I will refrain from their use at all Girl Scout events.

8. Recognize that Girl Scouting is girl-led and will uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law by demonstrating positive support and respecting the opinions and goals of all the girls.

9. Support Girl Scouts' efforts to provide an environment of acceptance for all girls and their families by asking my child to treat others with respect, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic/public assistance status, national origin, or any other protected status.

10. Acknowledge there are a variety of ways to participate in Girl Scouting. If I or Council staff feel a different participation option would better fit my girl, staff will assist in engaging her in those activities.

I understand that my behavior directly impacts my girl’s ability to participate in a troop/group or other Girl Scout activities. I will honor this agreement so that my daughter may have a highquality Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Parent/Caregiver Signature: Date:

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Girl Scout Promise, Law, and Mission Girl Scout Uniforms and Grade Levels

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.

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.

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

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.

DAISY Grades K-1

BROWNIE Grades 2-3

JUNIOR Grades 4-5

CADETTE Grades 6-8

SENIOR Grades 9-10

AMBASSADOR Grades 11-12

Visit one of our Juliette’s Boutique shop locations to purchase uniforms, starter kits, and more! Or shop online 24/7 on our website.

See uniform placement in the Appendix.

* Individuals may substitute the word “God” appropriate to their own spiritual beliefs. Chapter 5: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

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 GSLE.

Five Outcomes of the GSLE

1. SENSE OF SELF

Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.

2. POSITIVE VALUES

Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.

3. CHALLENGE SEEKING

Girls learn to take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.

4. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.

5. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

50 | Co-Leader Handbook

Four Pillars of the GSLE

While she may be exposed to these topics at school, in other youth programs, or even on her own, in Girl Scouts she will experience them in a unique way that puts her on a path to a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. And because our program is girl-led, girls decide what they will do, together.

1. STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH)

She will discover that STEM can help her make the world a better place! Girl Scouts who participate in girl-focused STEM programs:

• Become better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and inspirational leaders

• Get better grades, earn scholarships, and pursue more lucrative career paths

2. OUTDOORS

Today’s technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. But as a Girl Scout, she will create her own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature And that is great news—because when Girl Scouts get outside, they:

• Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges

• Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall

3. LIFE SKILLS

Girl Scout badges, beginning with Civic Engagement and expanding to Healthy Living, Communication Skills, Practical Skills, and Global Citizenship, form the foundation of activities for personal growth.

Whether it’s by staying healthy, developing strong relationships with family and peers, advocating on behalf of others, protecting our environment, or exploring careers that can truly change the world, Girl Scouts gain the inspiration and skills needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and take the lead.

4. ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important (and exciting) part of the Girl Scout experience –providing tons of learning opportunities for girls and beyond-delicious cookies for our awesome customers! It’s a win-win.

Whether girls go door-to-door, set up booths, or sell cookies online, they are preparing for a bright future. See page 52 for more information about the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

CO-LEADER TIP! Over 90% of the programs the Council plans focus around these four pillars. If you are unsure where to start planning your meetings, start with anything in these categories. Chapter

Product Program Sales

Five Skills + Financial Literacy

Each year, troops have two opportunities to participate in council-sponsored money earning activities: the Fall Product Program and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Each of these programs offer girls and troops the opportunity to earn funds to power their Girl Scout adventures, as well as rewards to keep girls engaged and motivated. Through their participation in product programs, girls are able to launch their very own businesses while learning important life skills along the way:

There are also Cookie Business badges and curriculum available to help troop volunteers guide girls in setting goals, deciding what to do with earnings, and how to successfully run their cookie business.

• With the support of your Service Unit and the Council Product Sales team, you will be connected to resources and support to ensure that you and your troop have everything needed for success.

• It’s important to remember that any funds earned through money-earning activities become property of the troop as a whole to further the Girl Scout experience.

• How these funds are spent must also be a girl-led decision. Troop funds may be used towards meeting supplies, badges, field trips, activities, camping, experiences, and more.

Fall Product Program

(SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER)

This is a great way to get girls and families comfortable with participating in councilsponsored money-earning activities.

• WHAT: Girls sell nuts, candy, and magazines online to family and friends.

• HOW: Customers may select to have their order delivered by the Girl Scout or directly shipped. Products delivered by girls will be shipped directly to the troop in November for distribution to girls and families.

• WHY: Troops earn a percentage of total sales to be deposited into their troop bank account.

Cookie Program

(FEBRUARY–MARCH )

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girlled entrepreneurial program in the world! The bulk of the troop’s funds are earned through girls’ participation in this program and when they truly practice the Five Skills they have learned.

• WHAT: Girls sell Girl Scout Cookies to customers door-to-door, at booths, and online.

• HOW: Family and friends support their favorite Girl Scout by purchasing cookies to help reach her goal. With the support of parents/caregivers and troop volunteers, girls may also participate in booth sales at local stores, restaurants, etc.

• WHY: Troops earn proceeds on each package of cookies sold and each girl earns rewards based on the number of packages sold.

Girl Scout Progression

The main feature of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is that it’s girl-led. That means that girls should have a say in everything they do, whether that’s picking which badge to earn or planning the entire itinerary for an international troop trip (it’s possible!). Will your newly formed Daisy troop be able to research activities, budget for supplies, and lead the meeting themselves from the get-go? It’s pretty unlikely, but that’s exactly where progression comes into play.

Progression enables girls to acquire the necessary skills to become competent leaders, fearless outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers. Girls start at a baseline (what can they do now?) and practice the skills they need to get to the next level (what do they want to be able to do?). As girls progress towards higher levels of complexity and difficulty, they’ll also take on more and more responsibilities.

Progression and a Troop Co-Leader’s Role

As a Troop Co-Leader, your role is to consider your girls’ individual abilities as you explore, plan, and guide your troop’s activities. For younger girls, that means you’ll play more of an active role in presenting choices and helping girls discover their interests. For older girls, you’ll step back to allow girls to take the lead and provide guidance and coaching when needed.

By the time they bridge to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors, your girls will be the primary decisionmakers and assume the majority of responsibility for their troop. (You’ll never leave completely, but you’ll be sitting back and marveling at the extraordinary leaders you’ve helped nurture!)

Progression in Practice

Because progression can sometimes seem fuzzy in practice, we have the following progression charts on our website:

GIRL SCOUT PROCESSES

• Girl Led

• Learn by Doing

• Cooperative Learning

GIRL SCOUT PILLARS/PROGRAMMING

• Outdoors

• Entrepreneurship

• Troop Travel Chapter 5: The Girl Scout Leadership

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

A Appendix: Additional Resources

As we mentioned already in this handbook, being an organization that is over 110 years old means we have a lot of history and a lot of resources. While you don’t need all of them as you start up your troop, you may need them as your troop ages. In this section, we have a few items included for your easy access, but also a list of resources we think you’ll eventually need and where you can find them. Still having issues finding something? Contact Member Support for assistance!

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Resources and Where to Find Them

For your ease, we’ve listed all resources, forms, and documents below. All may be found on our website by searching “Forms.” Use the chart below to find the resources located in other places. If you are struggling to find any of these resources, please reach out to our Member Support team for assistance.

TROOP START-UP

Adult Membership Registration Form

Co-Leader Handbook

Family Guide

Girl & Parent/Caregiver Code of Conduct

Girl Membership Registration Form

Health History/Activity Permission Form

Inclusion Policies

Membership Financial Aid Application

New Co-Leader Checklist

Troop Agreement

Troop Financial Aid Application

Troop Information Change Request

Volunteer Policies

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Challenging Behaviors

Co-Leader Basics Training

Explore Out Guide

Outdoor Skill Building Videos

Outdoor Training Schedule

Troop Finance Webinar

Volunteer/Service Unit Meeting Notes

Welcome to Spirit of Nebraska Training

Parent Meeting Resources

Cookie Parent Meeting Guide

End-of-Year Parent Meeting Guide

Family Guide

First/Back to School Parent Meeting Guide & Checklist

Meet My Girl Form

Parent Involvement Form

TROOP BANKING & MONEY

Bank Account Information Form

Banking Institution Letter

Money Earning Activity Eligibility Information & Quiz

Troop Dues Record

Troop Finance Report

Troop Finance Webinar

Troop Financial Management Packet

Wells Fargo Troop Account Forms

YEAR PLANNING / PROGRAMMING

Badge Explorer

Bridging Guide

Community Collaborator Guide

Girl Program Financial Aid Application

Insurance Options

My Promise, My Faith Guide

Troop Trip Request

Volunteer Toolkit User Guide

Annual Program Book

Girl's Guide to Summer Fun

SAFETY

Accident/Incident Form

Adult Attendee Health Form

Driver Safety Form

Girl Attendee Health Form

Health History/Activity Permission Form

Safety Activity Checkpoints

Volunteer-to-Girl Ratios

THE GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Cooperative Learning Progression Chart

Entrepreneur Progression Chart

Girl Scout Impact Study

Girl Scout Research Institute

Girl Scouts Outcomes Training

Girl-Led Progression Chart

Learn by Doing Progression Chart

Outdoor Progression Chart

Outdoor Readiness Quiz

Uniform Insignia Placement

OTHER TROOP FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS

Branding (Trademarks, Media Support, etc.)

Camps and Properties Brochure

Flier Templates

Honor Troop Requirements and Application

Individual Girl Member (IGM) Guide

Invite-a-Friend Postcard

Juliette Gazette (JG) Magazine

Newsletter Templates

PA & CIT Request Form

Service Unit Notebook

Social Media Toolkits

Troop Disband Procedures

Troop End of Year Review Form

Troop Transfer Process

Volunteer Appreciation Guide

Volunteer Service Record

Spirit of Nebraska

Emergency Contact Information

In the case of an emergency or serious accident, please follow the procedures listed below and contact the closest Service Center Site Director or Camp Ranger.

1. Give priority attention to care of the sick or injured.

2. Secure doctor, ambulance, police, and clergy. (Poison Control 800.222.1222)

3. A responsible person should remain at the scene. In the case of a fatality, there should be no disturbance of the victim or surroundings until police have assumed authority.

4. A responsible person should remain with girls and members if there are others at the scene.

5. Contact one of the following designated council staff. Designated staff will determine if additional staff should be contacted and will make such contact.

6. Information regarding the accident should not be shared with anyone but police and staff listed below.

7. Efforts should be made to contact all parents before a statement to the media is made.

8. If the media is involved, council-designated staff will respond.

9. Council-designated staff will arrange for additional assistance (if needed) at the scene of the accident.

SITE DIRECTORS (SITUATIONS AT AN OFFICE)

First Point of Contact: Mark Dietz Office 402.830.0992; Cell 402.669.4094

Columbus: Vicki Hanus Office 402.260.3189; Cell 402.270.2123

Grand Island: Kyla Endorf 308.382.2020

Kearney, Lincoln, and Ogallala: Mark Dietz Office 402.830.0992; Cell 402.669.4094

Omaha: Stephanie Stickels

Office 402.369.0952; Cell 402.212.5882

CAMP RANGERS (SITUATIONS AT A CAMP PROPERTY)

First Point of Contact: Mark Dietz

Office 402.830.0992; Cell 402.669.4094

Camp Catron: Jacob Beck Office 402.873.4285; Cell 402.936.3800;

Camp Cosmo: Joe Cochnar Office 308.850.1345; Cell 308.380.8108; Home 308.384.1025

Camp Crossed Arrows, Hidden Oaks Cabin, Hilltop House, and Lakeview Cabin: Jason Wallace

Office 402.317.4354; Cell 402.201.4462; Home 402.478.0454

Camp Maha: Chris Cochnar Office 402.830.0992; Cell 308.380.6649

OPERATIONS STAFF (TO ACQUIRE PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION)

Michelle Teters

Office 308.765.2609; Cell 308.249.5691

Child

Lisa Hiatt Office 402.476.7539; Cell 402.483.5445

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spirit of Nebraska Membership Areas and Properties

Spirit of Nebraska Council Structure

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska (GSSN) is an 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.

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is broken down into six membership areas (see below). Membership areas includes council staff members, service centers, Juliette’s Boutique shops, and camp properties. Service Units are entities governed by council policies, managed by volunteers who support the daily operation of local troops. GSSN is divided into 73 service units throughout the state.

Service Centers, Camps, and Properties

(1) Ogallala Service Center

302 W. D St.

(2) Kearney Service Center*

2412 Hwy. 30 East, Ste. #1

(3) Grand Island Service Center

2400 E. Wildwood Dr.

(4) Columbus Service Center

1570 33rd Ave.

(5) Lincoln Service Center*

8230 Beechwood Dr.

(6) Omaha Service Center*

2121 S. 44th St.

(A) Lakeview Cabin

101 S. Lake Maloney Dr., North Platte

(B) Hidden Oaks Cabin

710 E. Hwy 20, Valentine

(C) Camp Cosmo ‡

2400 E. Wildwood Dr., Grand Island

(D) Hilltop House‡

1320 Hilltop Plz., Lincoln

(E) Camp Crossed Arrows

2997 County Rd. P1, Nickerson

(F) Camp Catron

609 N. 60th Rd., Nebraska City

(G) Camp Maha ‡ 17114 S. 63rd St. Papillion

Membership Areas

* Service Center includes a Juliette’s Boutique store.

‡ Some free amenities available for troop use for up to two hours (contact Member Support for reservations).

Spirit of Nebraska Structure

1. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a national organization supporting local councils.

2. LOCAL COUNCILS

Spirit of Nebraska is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit 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. SERVICE UNITS

Within Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska are Service Units— entities governed by our Council policies, but managed by volunteers who support the day-to-day operations of our troops.

The Service Unit is our boots on the ground effort to support our troops and volunteers in the area, giving us a link to the community and growing the reach of Girl Scouts.

4. TROOPS

Troops are groups of girls matched with backgroundscreened adult volunteers.

More About Service Units

Volunteers are the heart of our organization!

Service Units (or SU) generally hold monthly meetings where they share information about upcoming events and new information from GSSN and GSUSA with representatives from each troop. All troops should have someone present at each SU meeting to listen to these vital and useful updates and ask any questions they may have.

Each SU has a team of volunteers to help it run smoothly. Roles include Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Event Coordinator, Service Unit Recruitment Coordinator, Service Unit New Leader Mentor, and more. Make it a point to learn what the volunteer in each role does—you might want to volunteer for a role yourself someday. If so, let your SU know. Many hands make light work!

WHY ARE SERVICE UNITS IMPORTANT?

1. Find out about upcoming events and activities.

2. Learn from leaders who have “been there and done that.”

3. Connect with older girl troops who can help you.

4. Connect with younger girl troops you can help.

5. Get suggestions about best practices.

6. Hear first-hand about Council/GSUSA specific information.

7. Make new friends.

Financial Aid Guidelines

Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of a Girl Scout’s participation. Any girl member needing financial aid or membership may request it. Please note financial aid can only be requested by the parent/ caregiver. Contact Member Support if you need assistance. GSSN offers financial aid for the following:

Membership Fees

WHO QUALIFIES?

Girls and Troop Co-Leaders qualify for financial aid for the Girl Scouts membership fee. Adults who are not Troop Co-Leaders qualify ONLY if they have a WellCare/Healthy Blue Medicaid health plan or live in Rock County or Sherman County, NE.

HOW TO REQUEST?

Start online and create your member profile. Once you reach the payment screen for purchasing your membership, request the option “Request FA.” Within the next 24 hours, you’ll receive an email requesting that you complete a financial aid application. If you did not receive the email, search “financial aid” on our website.

IS HEALTHY BLUE YOUR MEDICAID PROVIDER?

If so, visit our website and search “financial aid” for more information about how to claim your free membership through your Healthy Blue member benefits.

Uniforms or Books

Uniforms and books are critical components of the Girl Scout experience. Financial aid for girls only may be requested for a tunic (Daisies only), vest, or sash with identifying uniform pieces (troop numbers, Spirit of Nebraska council identification patch, and a flag patch), or a Girl Scout Handbook (Daisy, Brownie, or Junior) or Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (Senior, Cadette, or Ambassador).

HOW TO REQUEST?

Request uniform or book financial aid with the Membership Financial Aid Application (see above).

Program, Camp, and Travel Fees

To give all Nebraska girls the opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, financial aid may be requested for up to 50% of council-sponsored programs, camps, and travel fees for girls. Program financial aid is NOT available for adult or siblings fees. Please be aware that deposits are NOT part of the assistance amount and must be paid for by the participant at the time of registration. You must register for the program, pay the deposit or 50% of the program fee to secure your spot, and then complete the financial aid application.

HOW TO REQUEST?

Register your girl(s) for the desired program online. Once you reach the payment screen, choose the option “Request FA.” Within the next 24 hours, you’ll receive an email requesting that you complete a Program Financial Aid Application. If you did not receive the email, search “financial aid” on our website.

Girl Scout Myth Busters

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are, and always have been, two very different organizations. Since Boy Scouts of America started recruiting girls to their program, there has been confusion and misinformation. Here are common myths and the facts.

MYTH FACTS ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS

“All ‘scouting’ programs are basically the same.”

“Girl Scouts isn’t about getting outdoors.”

“Girl Scouts is less convenient for family life since it’s not co-ed.”

Not even close. At Girl Scouts, everything we do is designed with and for girls. Most of a girl’s life is co-ed, so there are plenty of opportunities to interact in that environment.

• The all-girl, girl-led, single-gender space is where girls safely thrive. Our programs are tailored to maximize impact by teaching girls in ways they learn best.

• The single-gender environment offered by Girl Scouts creates an inclusive, safe space in which girls are free to explore their potential and take the lead without the distractions or pressures that can be found in a co-ed environment.

• In single-gender spaces, girls are more apt to take healthy risks, try new things, and take on leadership roles.

Girl Scouts build outdoor skills, go camping, and appreciate nature.

• Girl Scouts earn badges in outdoor adventure and high adventure.

• Girl Scout troop camping starts in kindergarten.

• For many girls, Girl Scouts is their introduction to the outdoors. 80% of girls said camping was their most memorable experience.*

• Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska owns and operates six camp and outdoor facilities in Nebraska and has nearly 465 acres of camp properties and outdoor space.

Girls are not an add-on or an inconvenience.

• Girls deserve the best possible opportunities, and Girl Scouts provides them. Our over 100 years of research and experience in putting girls at the center of everything we do is the proof.

Family participation is encouraged.

• Parents and other adults play a critical role to delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, both as volunteers and as supporters. Parents who are also co-leaders and other troop volunteers get the opportunity to bond with their daughters as they move through the Girl Scout program.

“Girl Scouts doesn’t have programs for adventure.”

“Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer the same science program.”

“Crafts are the only handson activity.”

“The cookie sale is just about making money.”

No way! Girl Scouts have all kinds of opportunities for adventure!

• Girls choose from age-appropriate activities including: archery, mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, zip lining, horse-back riding, winter survival, surfing, and so much more.

• Every year, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska offer adventure trips where girls can hone their expertise in outdoor and survival skills like fire-building, knot-tying, and orienteering.

• Not only do girls go on adventures, they raise the money and plan the trip, leading the experience and ensuring they are girl-centered.

Have you seen our science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs?

• The STEM interest—and confidence—gaps between girls and boys starts at age 6 and can be closed with programs that are designed for girls. Girls can earn badges in engineering, robotics, environmental science, cyber security, and space science.

• Our STEM content is timeless, helping girls develop a lifelong interest in how things work and teaching girls how to think like scientists, programmers, and engineers. Even as those fields develop, Girl Scouts will understand the fundamentals of thinking like an innovator.

• Girl Scout STEM curriculum and badge work is hands-on, problem-focused, and girl-led learning, not memorization.

Girl Scouts are makers.

• If girls want to use a sewing machine, weld, make jewelry, change a tire, or re-build a marine diesel engine, they can!

• This year, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska girls are building two tiny homes, filming and editing videos, advocating for issues they care about, designing and coding websites, building their own rafts, working with NASA experts to lead astronomy clubs, and more!

Girl Scouts do a great job at creating revenue, but the cookie program is so much more!

• As the world’s largest girl-run business, the Cookie Program gives girls an opportunity to develop expertise and confidence in goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, business ethics, and more.

• During Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska's Cookie Program, troops on average earn over $1 million to fuel adventures, awards, and community service projects.

“Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award is less impressive than the Eagle Scout Award.”

“Troops are all the same.”

“The rest of the world embraces ‘co-ed’ scouting.”

“Girl Scouts is harder for volunteers.”

The Gold Award requires completion of a rigorous project that prepares girls for a lifetime of possibility, thinking, and doing.

• Gold Award Girl Scouts identify an issue in their community, develop a plan, lead teams to develop a sustainable solution to the issue, and practice skills in advanced planning, organization, and team building.

• The Gold Award is impressive to colleges and universities, and to the military, which advances Gold Award Girl Scouts a full rank, the same as for Eagle Scouts.

Girls help choose and plan troop activities, which makes every troop unique.

• Activities vary depending on the interests of girls and troop leaders. Most troops explore STEM, outdoors, life skills, and community service, and attend staff-led programs where they can explore their interest in sports, arts, STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure, camp, and more!

Girl-only scouting organizations are going strong. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS.org) represents 10 million girls in 150 countries.

• The two largest scouting organizations are the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. It is not true that co-ed scouting has replaced Girl Guides (or Girl Scouts)—it has not. They are merely different programs.

• Some co-ed scout programs are sectarian or require that members recognize an obligation to a specific faith. Girl Scouts is a nonpartisan, non-sectarian group, with a strong policy of inclusion for all girls.

Girl Scouts embrace challenge! (But it all depends on what you mean by “harder.”)

• Girl Scouts is flexible, girl-led, and has a wide variety of activities— and we sure wouldn’t change that! There are many planning resources and support available such as the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK), activity plans, and new leader mentors.

* Source: 2014 Girl Scout Research Institute study. Thanks to Girl Scouts of Northern California for creating the original “Myths About Girl Scouts.”