Troop Leader Resources

We’re here to support you!

We’ve got the resources you need to build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character.

As a troop leader, you’ll help Girl Scouts reach their full potential through new experiences and skills. Read on to learn how to start your troop, check items off your new leader checklist, plan your year, and more. After your troop is up and running, check back for information on cookies, finances, and more volunteer training opportunities.

Troop Year Planner

Check out these comprehensive year plans, perfect for every year of Girl Scouts.

Volunteer Toolkit

Find all badge plans and plan your year using the Volunteer Toolkit.

Uniform Guides

Discover where to place badges, pins, awards, and other insignia.

Cookie Central

Support young entrepreneurs through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

Additional Resources

New Leader Checklist and Troop Start-Up Resources toggle arrow

New Leader Checklist

Step 1: Register as a volunteer and complete your background check, then join the New Leader Rallyhood.

Step 2: Start your troop leader journey by attending a New Leader Orientation. This training will prepare you with the knowledge, resources, and support you’ll need from the moment you sign on as a troop leader and throughout your entire first year.

Step 3: Share amazing Girl Scout experiences by growing your troop! We have everything you’ll need to start adding new members, from sample social media posts to customizable flyers

Troop Start-Up Resources

Family Meetings toggle arrow

Working with families is an important part of being a troop leader. Holding troop family meetings gives you an opportunity to meet your troop’s families, set expectations, and recruit troop volunteers. We suggest that all troops plan on holding three family meetings a year:

Meeting #1: Kick off the troop year
Meeting #2: Prepare for the Cookie Program
Meeting #3: Wrap up and celebrate the year

To prepare for the meeting, you should pick a time and place. It could be at the same time and location as your normal troop meetings, a separate meeting dedicated to the topic, or it could even be virtual.

Check out our pre-made agendas you can use for all three family meetings!

Additional Resources

gsLearn and Volunteer Training toggle arrow

Girl Scouts River Valleys has a robust offering of volunteer trainings for you to take as you progress on your troop leader journey. From outdoor skills to group management, there is a topic for everyone!

We offer live virtual trainings and in-person trainings. Register for one (or more!) Want to learn at your own pace? Then gsLearn is perfect for you! Access gsLearn through your MyGS account. Check back often for new content.

Troop Finances toggle arrow

Each troop needs to open a bank account, track spending, and keep good financial records for your troop. Find the necessary forms and resources below, or visit Girl Scout Finances page for more information.

Rental Options for Troop Leaders toggle arrow

Girl Scouts River Valleys has beautiful and accessible properties across our council area. You can rent space for a troop meeting for free or enjoy discounted rates at one of our camps for an outdoor adventure.

Troop Year Plans for Girl Scout Troops Grades K-5

Use these plans to help guide your Daisies, Brownies, or Juniors. Discover what Girl Scouting is all about, find simple ways to explore the outdoors, or improve your community with a service project.

Learn more about what each Girl Scout level can do:

Daisies

Girl Scouts in grades K-1 learn the Girl Scout Law and money basics and visit a state park.

Brownies

Girl Scouts in grades 2-3 design a race car, learn cooking basics, and take their first hike.

Juniors

Girl Scouts in grades 4-5 try new sports, explore technology, and go horseback riding.

Troop Year Plans for Girl Scout Troops Grades 6-12

With input from your Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors, use these plans to put together your Girl Scout meetings. Participate in a national service project, build their cookie businesses, or try a new water sport.

Learn more about what each Girl Scout level can do:

Cadettes

Girl Scouts in grades 6-8 go on an outdoor trek, learn first aid basics, and more.

Seniors

Girl Scouts in grades 9-10 become citizen scientists, learn about mental health, and more.

Ambassadors

Girl Scouts in grades 11-12 travel the country, practice photography skills, and more.

Girl Scout Finances

Find helpful forms, Girl Scout banking policies, information about getting your troop finances in order, and more.

LEARN MORE

Update Your Troop Information

Let interested families know when and where your troop meets.

COMPLETE FORM

We’re here to support you!

We’ve got the resources you need to build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character.

Additional Resources

New Leader Checklist

Step 1: Register as a volunteer and complete your background check, then join the New Leader Rallyhood.

Step 2: Start your troop leader journey by attending a New Leader Orientation. This training will prepare you with the knowledge, resources, and support you’ll need from the moment you sign on as a troop leader and throughout your entire first year.

Step 3: Share amazing Girl Scout experiences by growing your troop! We have everything you’ll need to start adding new members, from sample social media posts to customizable flyers

Troop Start-Up Resources

Working with families is an important part of being a troop leader. Holding troop family meetings gives you an opportunity to meet your troop’s families, set expectations, and recruit troop volunteers. We suggest that all troops plan on holding three family meetings a year:

Meeting #1: Kick off the troop year

Meeting #2: Prepare for the Cookie Program

Meeting #3: Wrap up and celebrate the year

To prepare for the meeting, you should pick a time and place. It could be at the same time and location as your normal troop meetings, a separate meeting dedicated to the topic, or it could even be virtual.

Check out our pre-made agendas you can use for all three family meetings!

Additional Resources

Girl Scouts River Valleys has a robust offering of volunteer trainings for you to take as you progress on your troop leader journey. From outdoor skills to group management, there is a topic for everyone!

We offer live virtual trainings and in-person trainings. Register for one (or more!) Want to learn at your own pace? Then gsLearn is perfect for you! Access gsLearn through your MyGS account. Check back often for new content.

Each troop needs to open a bank account, track spending, and keep good financial records for your troop. Find the necessary forms and resources below, or visit Girl Scout Finances page for more information.

Girl Scouts River Valleys has beautiful and accessible properties across our council area. You can rent space for a troop meeting for free or enjoy discounted rates at one of our camps for an outdoor adventure.

Troop Year Plans for Girl Scout Troops Grades K-5

Use these plans to help guide your Daisies, Brownies, or Juniors. Discover what Girl Scouting is all about, find simple ways to explore the outdoors, or improve your community with a service project.

Learn more about what each Girl Scout level can do:

Troop Year Plans for Girl Scout Troops Grades 6-12

With input from your Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors, use these plans to put together your Girl Scout meetings. Participate in a national service project, build their cookie businesses, or try a new water sport.

Learn more about what each Girl Scout level can do: