Troop Guide
A Guide for Leading Your Girl Scout Troop
Table of Contents
Geting Started ............................6
Girl Scout Promise, Law, and Mission
Organizational Structure
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girl Scout Program
Grade Levels
Highest Awards
Learning the Ropes ...................9
Your Role as a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader
New Leader Training and Resources
MyGS
gsLearn
New Leader Training (Required)
Volunteer Essentials
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Award and Badge Explorer
The Volunteer Toolkit
A Leader's Support System .....12
Co-leader(s) and Caregivers
Service Unit
GSMW Council Staff
Keeping Girls Safe ....................13
Co-leader(s) and Caregivers
Service Unit
GSMW Council Staff
Working With Caregivers ........13
Family Connections
Caregiver Meetings
Building Your Troop Volunteer Team
Troop Volunteer Roles
Starting the Adventure ............15
Elements of a Troop Meeting
Got Snacks?
First Meeting Checklist
Troop Finances ...................................16
Troop Funds
Product Programs
Money-Earning Activities
Troop Dues
Financial Assistance
Product Programs
Fall Product Program
Girl Scout Cookie Program
Opening a New Troop Bank Account
Budget & Record Keeping
Changing Bank Signers
End of Year Financial Reports
Fraud
“Welcome! Girl Scouts of Montana and
Wyoming thanks you for embarking on the
great adventure of Girl Scouting!
Your commitment as a Girl Scout Volunteer
will provide a foundation of confdence,
experience, respect, and courage that stays
with a young woman throughout her lifetime.
Because of you, our Girl Scouts have the
opportunity to learn what they are capable
of accomplishing and will prepare for a
lifetime of leadership, success and adventure
– together you will change the world!”
Sally J. Leep
CEO, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming
Girl Scout Calendar ............................20
Girl Scout Uniforms ............................21
Traditions and Ceremonies ................22
Traditions
Ceremonies
Girl Scout Days
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) supports adults who prepare girls to seek and
meet the challenges of an ever-changing society. GSMW agrees to treat volunteers with respect
and dignity and to protect confdential information, and further agrees to provide a position
description, learning opportunities, and support necessary for the volunteer position.
The 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.
The Girl Scout Law
GSMW is committed to high ethical standards and
we expect all volunteers to act in the best interest
of the organization and its mission. This mission
demands that we act in an ethical manner to uphold
the public trust and the values of responsibility,
integrity, openness, honesty, accountability, and
respect in all that we do in the name of Girl Scouts.
In my capacity as a GSMW Volunteer I agree to uphold these values and I will:
High Ethical Standards
•
Affrm the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
•
Take all required trainings and comply with all Girl Scout policies, procedures, and safety
guidelines.
•
Welcome girls and adults from a variety of backgrounds and include them in my group
activities.
•
Behave in a manner that models the ideals and values of the Girl Scout Promise and
Law and ensure that all verbal or written communications (including telephone
conversations, emails, texts, newsletters, electronic, and social media) do not contain
profanity or condescending remarks. I will refrain from inappropriate displays of
anger, aggression, or berating of individuals.
•
Honor the leadership of the girls and support their decisions.
•
Act responsibly when overseeing Girl Scout funds, maintain accurate records, and fle
required reports. Girl Scout funds are only to be used in direct support of Girl Scout
programs and to pay for appropriate Girl Scout expenses.
•
Not use any volunteer position for personal, political, or monetary gain.
I understand that if I do not comply with the above standards or if I otherwise act in a
way that negatively impacts the image or goals of GSMW, I may be released from any
volunteer role with GSMW.
Volunteer Agreement
and Code of Conduct
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.
*Members may substitute for the word
God in accordance with their own
spiritual beliefs.
By selecting a Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming volunteer
role and/or initiating the volunteer onboarding process, you
agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions:
•
I agree to abide by the Council’s Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct.
•
I agree to a background check in order to help ensure the safety of the girls served
through Girl Scouting. I understand that volunteering with GSMW is a privilege and
not a right.
•
I understand that I may not hold a volunteer position if I have any debt with GSMW
(whether related to cookie sales or otherwise), have committed a felony, or reside with a
registered sex or violent offender.
•
I agree to make the necessary time commitment and take the necessary training to
fulfll my volunteer role.
•
I agree to respect and maintain the confdentiality of information that I am exposed to
while serving as a volunteer. I will treat all such information as confdential. Examples
of privileged information include intellectual property, products and services
(including software), personal contact information on members and staff, fnancial
information, and health/medical information.
•
I agree to comply with the policies and operational procedures outlined in Volunteer
Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints in addition to any specifc procedures
applicable to any role which I may accept.
Welcome to the Troop Guide. Within this book, you will fnd tips, council policies and
procedures, and everything you need to know to have a successful Girl Scout year!
Throughout this guide, you may see links to additional helpful resources. Please visit
www.gsmw.org/troopguide to navigate to these clickable links.
Terms and Conditions
Leader Checklist
Before You Takeoff
□ Register online as an adult member of Girl Scouts.
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/my-account
□ Complete a criminal background check. You will receive
email invite from noreply@Asurint.com
In Flight: Week 3-4
□ Email or call all troop caregivers to introduce yourself.
□ Host a caregiver meeting. Template available at www.gsmw.org.
□ Schedule your frst troop meeting.
Launching Your Troop: Week 2-3
□ Complete a short training online to learn about your troop co-leader role,
Girl Scouts and how to lead your Troop.
□ You will receive an email with your training assignment once your background check
is complete.
□ Explore the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) and choose a year plan. Volunteer Toolkit is
accessed through MyGS. https://mygs.girlscouts.org/my-account
□ Find your troop roster in the Volunteer Toolkit or MyGS.
□ Meet with your troop co-leader.
□ Connect with local staff support team.
□ Follow the GSMW Facebook page. www.facebook.com/GSMWcouncil
Reaching for the Stars: Week 4+
□ Hold regular troop meetings and get to know your girls.
□ Ask caregivers for help throughout the year.
□ Sign the troop up to go to events together. www.gsmw.org/events
□ Attend service unit meetings and meet local volunteers.
□ Utilize resources and other trainings to enhance your skills as a troop leader.
□ Contact us anytime you need assistance at 406-252-0488 or customercare@gsmw.org
gsmw.org | 5
The 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.
The 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.
*Members may substitute for the word God
in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Our Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage,
confdence, and character, who make the
world a better place.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
A national organization supporting
the work of more than 100 councils
across the U.S. for more than 100 years.
Headquartered in New York City.
Organizational Structure
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming
Independent 501(c)(3) nonproft chartered
by GSUSA and operating under the
direction of a local board of directors and
overseeing all service units and troops
within a specifc geographic area.
Service Unit
All Girl Scout members including
troops, girls, volunteers, caregivers,
and community members that live in a
geographic area. Service units are led by a
team of volunteers who work with council
staff to support and serve girls, troops, and
volunteers in their area.
Troops
A group of Girl Scouts supervised by troop
volunteers who meet regularly.
Getting Started
GSUSA
Council
Service Unit
Troop
Girl
Scout
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
What makes Girl Scouts truly unique? Everything is designed especially for, and is tested by,
girls! Our program centers around our research-backed Girl Scout Leadership Experience—that
is what girls do and how they do it. Activities are girl-led, which gives girls opportunities to
explore leadership roles and “learn by doing” in a cooperative-learning environment.
In Girl Scouts, girls will:
Girl Scout Program
No matter what excites your girls, they’ll fnd engaging and fun activities in the four areas that
make up the core of the Girl Scout program:
Whether they complete Girl Scout Leadership Journeys, earn badges, unleash their inner
entrepreneur, pack for their frst hike, or any combination of these activities, at Girl Scouts,
every girl has countless ways to explore our four program areas and hone the skills they’ll need
to power a lifetime of success—whatever that looks like for them.
Explore all the possibilities with the Badge Explorer tool at girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer.
STEM
Computer science,
engineering, robotics,
outdoor STEM, and
more
Outdoors
Adventure and skill
building, from the
backyard to the
backcountry, through
camping experiences
Life Skills
Civic engagement,
healthy living,
global citizenship,
communication
skills, and more
Entrepreneurship
Goal setting, decision
making, money
management,
business ethics, and
people skills
So, what does this mean for your troop? Through Girl Scouting, your girls will develop a strong
sense of self, demonstrate positive values, seek challenges, solve signifcant problems in their
community, and establish healthy relationships. These aren’t just good qualities—they’re
leadership skills that will last a lifetime!
Discover
Every activity girls tackle
in Girl Scouts helps them
discover who they are,
what they care about, and
what their talents are.
Connect
Collaborate with and learn
from other people and
expand their horizons.
This helps them care
about and inspire others
locally and globally.
Take Action
Connect with and show
care for others, they
become eager to take
action to make the
world a better place.
Grade Levels and Where Girl Scouts Can Take Your Girls
As your girls progress through Girl Scouts, they’ll learn to take the reins and make their
Girl Scout experiences their own—it’s what being girl-led is all about!
While program elements—like outdoor expeditions and entrepreneurial ventures—align across
all grade levels, Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies won’t be doing the same activities as seasoned
Seniors and Ambassadors. By building on the knowledge and skills every year, your girls’
confdence will grow and they’ll be eager to take those next steps.
Girl Scout Daisies (K-1st grade) sparkle with that frst-time
newness in everything they do. They go on trips, learn about
nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities
and so much more. Daisies can also earn learning petals.
Girl Scout Brownies (2nd-3rd grade) work together as they earn
badges and explore their communities. Friendship, fun, and
activities begin at the Girl Scout Brownie meeting and move out
to the community and the wider world.
Girl Scout Juniors (4th-5th grade) are big-idea thinkers. They’re
explorers at camp and product designers when they earn their
Innovation and Storytelling badges, or even their Bronze Award.
Every day, they wake up ready to play a new role.
Girl Scout Cadettes (6th-8th grade) chart their own courses and
let their curiosity and imagination lead the way. They learn about
the power of being a good friend, gain confdence by mentoring
younger girls, and can earn their Silver Award.
Girl Scout Seniors (9th-10th grade) are ready to take the world by
storm, and Girl Scouts gives them countless ways to do it. Their
experiences shape their world, while giving them a safe space to
be themselves and explore their interests. Seniors can earn their
Gold Award and change the world in a tangible, lasting way.
Girl Scout Ambassadors (11th-12th grade) know that small acts
produce big change. While they get ready for life beyond high
school, Girl Scouts helps them take fight. They can also earn
their Gold Award and drive lasting impact in their communities.
Highest Awards
All of the skills and experiences girls gain throughout their time in Girl Scouts
set them up for special recognition through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold
Awards. Through their award projects, your girls will tackle issues close to
their hearts and make a real difference—and if they decide to pursue their
Gold Award, they’ll also be eligible for unique college scholarships and open
doors to promising career opportunities.
Learning the Ropes
Being a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader is an incredible journey along which you’ll shape the future
by working with girls today. With your guidance, encouragement, and go-getting spirit, your
Girl Scouts will be ready to embark on a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. And
along the way, you’ll hone your own leadership style and discover that you’ll achieve more than
you thought possible!
In Girl Scouting, leadership is about more than “being in charge” or having a title; it’s
recognizing that you’re part of a team and understanding that team’s needs and interests.
Your Role as a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader
(Troop Administrator/Girl Program Mentor)
Leadership is teaching girls:
•
They can do and be anything!
•
They are decision-makers and should own their
decisions.
•
They can live the Girl Scout Law every day.
As a co-leader, see yourself as a coach who:
•
Advises, discusses, and cheers on your troop.
•
Ensures each girl understands and can carry out
her responsibilities within the troop.
•
Encourages girls to build their skills and their
ethics.
•
Gives more responsibilities to the girls as they
grow and develop.
It’s important to remember that:
•
You may not know everything that the girls want
to learn.
•
You will be exploring and learning right
alongside your girls.
•
You are not expected to know everything about
Girl Scouts, but you should know where to go for
information and ask for help when you need it!
•
Council staff and your service unit volunteers
are available to help as you get started and
throughout your journey.
“To be inspired is great, but to be an inspiration is an honor.”
Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts Founder
gsmw.org | 9
New Leader Resources
MyGS is your online account where you can manage
your troop and family’s membership and access the
tools to manage your troop.
Once you are a registered member, you can log into
MyGS from the Girl Scouts Montana and Wyoming
website: gsmw.org.
In MyGS you can:
•
Manage your Girl Scout membership and the
memberships in your household and troop(s).
•
View your troop roster of girls and adult volunteers.
•
Maintain your contact information and preferences.
•
Register for exciting in-person and virtual events for
your Girl Scout, your family, or your troop to attend.
•
Access the Volunteer Toolkit and gsLearn to make
your Girl Scout volunteer experience a breeze!
MyGS
Volunteer Essentials
Volunteer Essentials is your go-to
reference to answer all your
frequently asked questions. Find it
on our website under Members.
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Safety Activity Checkpoints has
everything you need to know to be
prepared and keep your girls safe
during a range of activities outside.
Award and Badge Explorer
Use GSUSA’s Explorer tool to fnd out
about every award, badge, and pin
your girls can earn: girlscouts.org/
badgeexplorer.
gsLearn is Girl Scouts’ offcial online and on demand
training platform. Prepared leaders are confdent
leaders, and with these online courses available when
you are, you will have all the info you need to be a
great Girl Scout volunteer.
Courses include Taking Girls Outdoors, Product
Programs, and more. We encourage you to take
advantage of these on demand training courses to
expand your knowledge and skills as a Girl Scout
volunteer.
gsLearn
Required New Leader Training
All new troop leaders are required to complete the
Troop Leader Volunteer Orientation. Required training
is virtual, free, and in gsLearn (located in your myGS
account). Plan to complete this training prior to holding
troop meetings with the girls.
This 45-minute training includes the following courses:
•
Welcome to Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming
•
Safety in Girl Scouting
•
What Girl Scouts Do
•
Your First Troop Meeting
•
Troop Finances
•
Family Engagement: The Key to Success
New Leader Training