This page is to give a general overview into the world of Girl Scouting. 

On this page you will find information on the following

* Welcome
* Girl Scout Program
* Membership and Troop Dues
* Uniforms
* Volunteer Opportunities
* Getting Involved with the Troop
* Cookie and QSP Programs
* Troop/Group Camping
* Girl Programs and Summer Camp
* Adult/Leader Training
* Adult Recognition
* Financial Assistance

Dear Parents or Guardians,
This section is to inform you about Girl Scouts, what to expect with it and answer any questions you may have.

Girl Scouting was founded on March 12, 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. She believed that any girl who persevered could enter a profession such as medicine, aviation and science and rise to a level of distinction and accomplishment. Juliette formed girl Scouts to help girls reach their goals. Membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah to 3.7 million girl and adult members world-wide.

Girl Scouting in the USA is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) which is a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.

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

The Girl Scout Program

The long term outcome for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is that girls lead with courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. To reach this long term outcome, the 3 keys are 1. Discover, as sense of self and their values 2. Connect with others 3. Take Action to make the world a better place.

All levels of Girl Scout programs are adapted to meet the developmental, educational, emotional and social needs and interests of girls. Girls have the option to participate in Girl Scout programs in Groups, Troops, or as individual members called Juliettes.
Groups are comprised of girls with common interests who meet on a long-or short term basis to pursue special activities. Groups may combine girls from more than one program age level.

Troops are the foundation of Girl Scouting. A Troop usually consists of girls from the same program age level who meet on an ongoing basis, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Girls in a Troop may be from one or more grade level.

Don't have time to be in a troop well there are other Pathways your daughter can persue

CAMP PATHWAY
If she likes to Camp she can participate in Camping events that council has to offer go to www.gswny.org for more info

SERIES PATHWAY
If she has limited time this might be good for her, contact us or council at www.gswny.org for more info

TRAVEL PATHWAY
If she likes to Travel she can participate in trips that council has to offer go to www.gswny.org for more info

                                            Girl Scout Levels

    Daisy Girl Scouts...
...are the initial level of Girl Scouting. Named for Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low, Daisies are in kindergarten and first grade (around ages 5–7).  Daisies earn the Promise Center and Petals, which focus on the Girl Scout Law and are placed on the front of the tunic in a daisy design. They may also earn or receive fun patches for the back of their uniform, which consists of a light blue tunic, a blue membership disk, and the Daisy Pin. They use the Daisy Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting along with the Three Journey Series "Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden, Between Earth and Sky, and 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals",  may camp only with a parent present.  Daisies can also earn National Proficiency Badges, a Journey Summit Award Pin, My Promise- My Faith Pin and a Safety Award Pin.

                                                          PDF avail. below


  Brownie Girl Scouts...
...are girls in second and third grades (around ages 7–9). Their uniform consists of a brown vest or sash, with green membership disks, and the Brownie Pin. Brownies go by the Brownie Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting book along with Three Journey Series books "Brownie Quest, WOW! Wonders of Water and A World of Girls".  Badges the girls earn are the National Proficiency Badges, the Journey Badge Sets, and they can also earn additional Skill Building Badges through three different sets (five badges in each set) which coordinate with the Journeys.    Brownies can also earn the following pins- Journey Summit Award, My Promise- My Faith and a Safety Award (these requirements can be found in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting books.

                                                     PDF avail. below



 Junior Girl Scouts...
...are girls in fourth and fifth grades (around ages 9–11). The Junior Girl Scout uniform is a green vest or sash with yellow membership disks. Junior Girl Scouts are the first level to wear the official Girl Scout Pin on their uniform. They go by the Junior Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting book along with Three Journey Series books "Agent of Change, Get Moving, and aMuse". Badges the girls earn are the National Proficiency Badges, the Journey Badge Sets, and they can also earn additional Skill Building Badges through three different sets (five badges in each set) which coordinate with the Journeys. The following pins can also be earned- Journey Summit Award, My Promise- My Faith and a Safety Award (these requirements can be found in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting books.  Juniors may also work on other awards including the Leadership Award, Junior Aide, and the Junior Girl Scout Signs and are eligible to earn the Bronze Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting available at this level. 

                                                          PDF avail. below


    Cadette Girl Scouts...
...are girls who are in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades (around ages 11–14).  Cadettes earn Interest Projects, and wear khaki sashes or vests as uniforms, along with white membership disks. Cadettes go by the Cadettes Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting book along with Three Journey Series books "aMaze!: The Twists and Turns of getting Along, Breathe, and MEdia". Badges the girls earn are the National Proficiency Badges, the Journey Badge Sets, Leadership in Action Badges, and they can also earn additional Skill Building Badges through three different sets (five badges in each set) which coordinate with the Journeys. Cadettes can also earn the following pins- Journey Summit Award, My Promise- My Faith and a Safety Award (these requirements can be found in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting books.  Typically Girl Scouts at this level are encouraged to assume leadership roles within Girl Scouts, such as assisting in leading and coordinating service unit or association events. Cadettes are eligible to earn the Silver Award, which is the highest award available to girls at this level.   
       
                                                                     PDF avail. below

        Senior Girl Scouts...
...are girls who are in ninth and tenth grades (around ages 14–16). Seniors wear the same khaki colored vest or sash as the Cadettes— however, they all wear red membership disks. The Seniors Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting book along with Three Journey Series books "GIRLtopia, Sow What?, and Mission: Sisterhood". Badges the girls earn are the National Proficiency Badges, the Journey Badge Sets, and they can also earn additional Skill Building Badges through three different sets (five badges in each set) which coordinate with the Journeys. Seniors can also earn the following pins- Journey Summit Award, My Promise- My Faith and a Safety Award (these requirements can be found in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting books.  Seniors are typically encouraged to create and lead activities for younger Girl Scouts, and to take a leadership role in organizing and assisting with Council and service unit/association events and activities. Senior Girl Scouts are eligible to earn the Gold Award. 

                                                            PDF avail. below

  
      Ambassador Girl Scouts...
... are girls in grades 11 and 12 (around ages 16–18) became Ambassador Girl Scouts, the new highest level. Ambassadors wear the same khaki colored vest or sash as Cadettes and Seniors, however, have dark blue membership disks.  Ambassadors go by the Ambassador Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting book along with Three Journey Series books "Your Voice, Your World: The Power of Advocacy, Justice, and BLISS: Live It! Give It!". Badges the girls earn are the National Proficiency Badges, the Journey Badges.  The following pins can be earned- Journey Summit Award, My Promise- My Faith and a Safety Award (these requirements can be found in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting books.

                                                                            ^{PDF avail. below}



               Juliette Girl Scouts...
...are 5 to 17 year old girls may join Girl Scouting as “Juliettes.” Girls who want to be members of Girl Scouting but are unable to participate in troop or group activities can register as an individual member known as Juliettes.  Juliettes is for Brownie through Senior Girl Scout age levels, and comes with no requirements other than Girl Scout membership. Although individually registered girls ages 5-17 can become Juliettes, the distinction is especially popular among girls ages 11-17. Tweens and teens have asked for flexibility in their Girl Scout experiences. Being a Juliette providing a menu of participation options that can be matched more closely to the girl’s time and interests. Some of today’s girls register as individuals because they were Girl Scouts as younger girls and are now looking for a new way to stay connected while not making a year-long commitment to a troop/group. Some girls may be looking for ways of mixing and matching their special interests with Girl Scout participation - for example they take part in weekend workshops, special events, leadership projects, or vacation retreats that improve their skills and meet their needs. Some girls may live in an area where there are few or no other registered girls. Whatever the reason, Juliettes adds another dimension to Girl Scouts, which helps to assure that Girl Scouting is for every girl, everywhere! 

                                                                        Adult Girl Scouts...

...are women and men 18 and older.  Adult girl Scouts are important role models for and mentors to girls.  They also have an opportunity to network with other adults and to be involved in worthwhile activities trainings, including opportunities to develop skills and to have fun.   Adults, both men and women, can join Girl Scouts also and participate as leaders or in other volunteer roles. Adults do not need to have a child in the program in order to volunteer with Girl Scouts. 

 Membership and Troop Dues

Girl Scout membership is available to any girl or adult who:
* Makes the Girl Scout Promise and accepts the Girl Scout Law;
* Pays annual membership dues and
* Meets membership standards.

Girl Scouts of Western New York are committed to providing equal access to membership for all girls and adults. National Girl Scout membership dues are $12 for the October 1st-September 30th membership year and are sent directly to GSUSA in New York City. Membership dues are not transferable to another person or refundable. Financial assistance is available, and no girl is denied access to Girl Scouting because of the inability to pay dues and fees.

Adult and Girl Membership forms click on the link below
http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx

Each Troop/Group determines the amount needed for Troop dues and whether they should be paid weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, etc. Troop dues are used for special Troop/Group activities, projects and supplies. Troops are self-supporting and participate in Council approved money-earning activities to supplement more costly Troop events, programs or Trips.

Uniforms

Uniforms are not mandatory to be a Girl Scout. Girls may wear a complete uniform, the badge sash or vest. However, certain events may require a uniform. Our neighborhood asks that the girls wear a white shirt, black pants, skirt and their sash or vest when we march in the Memorial Day Parade, placing flags at the local cemeteries, Girl Scout Sunday etc. Uniforms may be purchased at any of the Council shops listed below.

Batavia Service Center Shop -
5 Jackson Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 344-7050 / 1-888-837-6410 x7050
Fax: (585) 344-0765
Hours: Shop and Office Mon. & Fri. 8:30-4:30 Wed. 10-6 pm; Thurs. Closed; Tuesday office only 8:30-4:30. 

Buffalo Service Center Shop -
Headquarters
3332 Walden Ave - Suite 106
Depew, NY 14043
Phone: (716) 935-6035 / 1-888-837-6410
Fax: (716) 706-1359
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Wednesday)
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Friday)
1st Sat. of each month - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lockport Service Center Shop
5000 Cambria Road
Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 935-6080 /888-837-6410 x6080
Fax: (716) 434–9983
Hours: Hours: Shop and Office Mon. & Fri. 8:30-4:30 Wed. 10-6 pm; Thurs. Closed; Tuesday office only 8:30-4:30.

Shop GSWNY Online Anytime click on link below
http://www.gswny.org/pages/Shop.aspx


Volunteer Opportunities

The Girl Scouts is a volunteer-based organization with opportunities for both women and men at the Troop, Group, Service Unit, Area and Council level. As a Girl Scout volunteer, adults have an opportunity to meet new people, use their time meaningfully and share their talent and skills with both girls and adults. Many find that it is rewarding and an excellent volunteer experience.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities. Your commitment of time is dictated by your personal schedule. f you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us.


Getting Involved with Your Daughter's Troop

There are many ways you can get involved with your daughter's Troop. Parents can offer to be a driver for a day trip. You can ask the Leaders if you can assist with any Troop/Group activity when additional adult supervision is needed. You might offer to take certain training offered by the Council to provide coverage for different events, like camping or a trip out of town. How about offering a Troop demonstration of a skill you may have such as: sewing, machine maintenance, money management, share a craft or activity. You can get involved in many different ways, just ask the Troop Leader.
See attached pdf below Family Affair- Getting Involved


Girl Scout Cookie and QSP Magazine/Candy/Nut Program

The Girl Scout Cookie program is run in the spring


QSP Magazine/candy/nut program is run in the Fall  

These programs teach girls valuable skills, among them, goal setting, planning, people skills, marketing, and budgeting. They also learn business and money management, it helps them to develop leadershp skills, and shows them how to work as a team with a common goal. Girls earn patches and cummulative awards depending on the number of items sold. The troop receives a portion of the sale which stays with their troop and is used for Council programs, badges, field trips etc. Girl participation in these programs is voluntary and parent/guardian permission is required.


Troop/Group Camping

Many Troops camp while other Troops choose not to. Girls help plan the Troop's activities during the year. If a Troop/Group decides to camp, there is an application process for a campsite and special training that must be completed by an adult accompanying the Troop.




Girl Programs and Summer Camp

Every year the Girl Scout Council of Western New York offers Council-sponsored programs for any currently registered girl.

Click on the site below to view programs and registration.
http://www.gswny.org/pages/ProgramGuides.aspx


The Summer Camp Catalog is mailed to all registered Girl Scouts. Non-Scouts may also attend summer camp. Register early, as programs fill up quickly.

Click on the site below to view programs camp and registration information
http://www.gswny.org/pages/SummerCampGuide.aspx


Leaders to rent Council Property click on the link below for information
http://www.gswny.org/pages/Rental.aspx



Adult/Leader Training

The commitment at Girl Scouts of Western New York is to make sure that all volunteers have the knowledge and support to make their Girl Scout experience a fulfilling one while they are helping to develop the girls into the leaders of tomorrow.

What Classes are Required?
Classes are offered in two categories: basic and enrichment. Basic courses are mandatory for all new volunteers and enrichment courses are designed to enhance the leader's interaction with the girls (and, in fact, contribute to her / his enjoyment). Leaders and Assistant leaders go through grade level, health and safety, outdoor and specialty trainings. The intention of GSWNY is to provide adult volunteers with the training necessary to ensure quality girl programs, in a safe, protected atmosphere.

For Online trainings go to the website below
http://www.gswny.org/pages/Training.aspx


Adult Recognition

Adult volunteers provide many hours of service. They give their time and talents to others. The Council has a recognition program in place for adults who want to honor someone who goes beyond the call of duty. Anyone may nominate a registered adult for an award.

More information can be found by clicking on the site below and scroll down to the Adult Recognition Forms Section
http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx


Financial Assistance

Girl Scouts of Western New York practices to give every girl, everywhere the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting. If a girl's family experiences financial difficulty, the Council has funds to help assist with payment of membership dues and program fees.

* Council Opportunity Registration Assistance- is available to families who cannot pay the cost of membership.
Click on this site for form scroll down to Misc. Finance Forms http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx

* Assistance is also available for Troop dues. Click on this site for form scroll down to Misc. Finance Forms http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx

* Council Opportunity Fund- helps girls participate in a Troop or Service Unit activity, trip or event that they cannot afford. Click on this site for form scroll down to Misc. Finance Forms http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx

* Camperships- are available to girls who want to go to camp. If a girl wants to participate in Troop/Group camping, an encampment or summer camp, and cannot afford the entire cost, camperships are available.
Click on this site for form scroll down to Misc. Finance Forms http://www.gswny.org/pages/Forms.aspx