How to Become A Girl Scout Troop/Group Leader!
Welcome to a world that invites girls to challenge themselves,
discover who they are and what they truly can become!While the girls are on their journey, YOU, the Girl Scout troop/group leader can:
- Develop your potential
- Learn new job skills
- Put your special talents to use, and most of all…
- Be a positive influence in the lives of girls.
The following steps outline how to become a troop/group leader:
Begin with the volunteer application process…
- All adult assuming a leadership role must complete a Volunteer Application. You may obtain these forms by calling the membership department at 601-582-0284 or 1-800-582-0284 or by clicking on the links above.
- Congratulations! Upon successful report from your two personal references, you have just progressed from being an applicant to becoming a real-live Girl Scout volunteer.
Next step…getting trained!
- “BLT” stands for Basic Leadership Training! Troop/group leaders are required to complete this 3-hour training. It is provided in video format in your area and is conducted by trained Girl Scout volunteers and staff. If you are unable to attend one of these trainings, it is also available in home study format. You can now be officially appointed to a one-year term as a troop/group leader and may now conduct troop/group meetings!
- BLT is a prerequisite for “Program Level Training”. Determine which of the five age levels (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, or Senior) best appeals to your skills, talents and interests and register to attend the corresponding level training. This must be done within 90 days of your leadership appointment. It ensures that you will be prepared to deliver fun, enriching and safe Girl Scout program to the girls in your troop/group. This 4-hour training is offered during the day, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of volunteers. These trainings are also offered in a home study course. .
Onward and upward…forming the troop!
- A minimum of ten girls and two adults are required to form a troop/group, however, the sky is the limit! Offering an “open” troop/group provides all girls with the opportunity to benefit from the uniqueness of Girl Scouting. Volunteers from your service unit (geographic area where your troop is located) and/or your membership executive will assist you with recruiting girls and adults, adhering to the proper girl-to-adult ratio standards, and officially registering your troop/group. Girl Scout membership registration is required of all girls and adults participating in the program. The annual membership dues are $10. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Getting started and getting help!
- Securing an appropriate troop/group meeting site is the next item on your agenda. Schools, faith-based organizations, community centers, park buildings, private homes, and meeting rooms of hospitals, government buildings, private businesses, local banks, and public libraries are some of the many meeting sites used by a troop/group. Consider the girls’ needs, the availability of the meeting site, and the leadership team’s personal time schedules when arranging for a meeting day and time. Consult with your service unit volunteers and/or your membership manager if assistance is needed.
- Prior to meeting with the girls, the leadership team hosts a Parent’s Meeting. Introduce yourself and announce your ideas for the troop/group program. Also ask parents to assist the troop/group by forming a Troop/Group committee. Committed parents and guardians are a welcome addition and can take care of the many details that enable a troop/group to operate smoothly.
Having a great time!
- Girl Scout fellowship is part of the fun for adults as well as girls. Enjoy new friendships with other local troop/group leaders by attending your monthly service unit meetings. In addition, the meetings are convenient avenues for you to learn new skills, stay abreast of Council happenings, problem solve, share ideas, and grow as a Girl Scout volunteer.
- Troop/group meetings, field trips, service projects, badge work, camping trips, product sales, career exploration, learning, discovering, laughing, sharing and much more! That’s what Girl Scouts is all about. So go ahead and have a great time interacting with the girls and being a super Girl Scout Leader!
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Click here to begin your journey
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Hattiesburg Service Center 500 N. Hutchinson Ave. Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601-582-0284 FAX 601-584-8017 Coast Service Center 1630 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 228-864-7215 FAX 228-867-9979 Meridian Service Center 307 24th Ave. S. Meridian, MS 39301 601-693-2903 FAX 601-693-8184
