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.
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 Cohort Training. 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
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, or it could even be virtual. We have Girl Scout Zoom accounts for troops to make meeting virtually quick and easy!
Plus, we have agendas you can use for all three family meetings!
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
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: