The Girl Scout Warren Twp Leadership Team is thrilled that you have become or are considering becoming an Adult Volunteer Girl Scout Leader,Co-leader or Parent Volunteer in the Warren Service Unit! Being a Girl Scout Volunteer is an exciting opportunity for both you and the girls!!!!!
The Leaders Guide along with this web site will guide New Leaders through the first phases of your new adventure with special emphasis on administration not covered in the Getting Started Council training. For Continuing Leaders, there may be some helpful information!
Once your troop is established, there are many resources in the Service Unit, (e.g. New Leader Roundup, Leader meetings, Mentors, Service UnitWeb Site, and Facebook Group), Girl Scout Central Indiana trainingworkshops and resources, and general resources on the web to help make troops successful!!! You are not alone and will do great!
Let's get started!
First you will need to look at Girl Scout 101 for the most important of training.
Then please watch Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is a leadership development program for girls; girls learn leadership skills by "doing" while you (the Leader) facilitate using the "Discover,Connect and Take Action" philosophy.
Anew troop requires a minimum of 2 adults* plus 5 girls (3 girls Cadette through Ambassador). Adults Volunteers must pass a background check and complete Getting Started Training before working with a troop.
Troops can start at any time of the year and Girls/Adults can join at any timeof the year at any age. Our service unit has created troops at theDaisy through Ambassador Levels at all times of the year.
Girl Scout levels are based on school grades:
Daisy: K - 1st Grade
Brownie: Grades 2 - 3
Junior: Grades 4 - 5
Cadette: Grades 6 - 8
Senior: Grades 9 - 10
Ambassador: Grades 11 - 12
*Adults must be unrelated and one must be female. Please look up therequired ratio of adult to girls for your actual numbers attendingmeetings and events in the Girl Scout Volunteer Guide and Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Where do I fit into Girl Scouts and how am I supported?
Girl Scouts has multiple levels starting at the Service Unit (SU) which is a local group of volunteers through an internationalnon-profit organization called WAGGGS
As a Troop Leader your direct support is at the local Service Unit (SU) level.A SU provides various resources including an informational monthlyLeader Meeting typically the last Tuesday of each month during theschool year, sponsors and communicates local girl-run events, fieldtrips, and badge workshops, and provides various training/resources fornew and experienced leaders.
SU monthly meetings are a greatway to network with others in the Girl Scouting Community, contributeto your own ongoing learning, come up with solutions for your troop andgain support when you need it!
Easy peazy - you are always supported!
Do I have to do this alone?
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!
Infact, Girl Scout Central Indiana requires a minimum of two(unrelated) adult leaders and encourages enlistment of parentalsupport in troop administration and at meetings.
How do I start a new troop?
Registrationis the process of requesting to be a member of Girl Scouts and paying an annual membership fee. Girls and Adults register by submitting a Girl or Adult Membership Form (or register online) along with the annual registration fee. (Note: Membership year is October 1st through September 31st regardless of when you join. Registration fee starting in 2014-2015 academic year is $15/year.)
Adult Leaders additionally submit a Volunteer Application (typically on-line)and authorize a background check. Upon completion of the background check, applicants are contacted to complete a screening and schedule the Getting Started Training.
Upon completion of the background check, screening and Getting Started Training, a troop can be formed. A troop number and registered girls are assigned to your troop.
How are troop finances managed?
How does a troop afford fun events like field trips, camping and travel?
The answer is simple... using a combination of girl dues, special fees, cookies sales and other "money earning" revenue. Through goal setting and budgeting, troop leaders help girls plan to fund mostof their troop expenses so that Girl Scouting remains affordable foreach girl and her family. For families who might otherwise be unable toafford fees, financial assistance is available to help cover some costs -.
Note, the Troop Treasurer positionis a wonderful opportunity for a busy parent to support the troop.Parent commitment requires minimal time and can be completed at theparents' leisure, e.g. balance the account monthly, reimburse expenses,deposit dues, etc.
What can my troop do? What can a Girl Do?
Are you thinking"Golly Ghee...what did I get myself into? Leading a troop? What am Igoing to with all these girls??? Have I lost my mind!?! "
NO WORRIES - Your local Council and Service Unit have many ideas and support just for you!!!!
Troop Activities, Events, Community Service and Earned Awards
- Journeys, Badges and Awards
- Ceremonies &Traditions
- Community Service and Take Action Projects
- Programs and Events
- Camping for troops and girls!
Fundraising
- Council Product Sales - Cookie Sales
- Council Product Sales - Fall Product
- Troop Money Earning Projects -Random Fundraisers
How do we know the girls are safe?
Girl safety is paramount!
- Health and Safety (including girl/adult ratios)
- Suspected Abuse
- Handling Emergencies
- Procedures for Accidents
- Incident Reports
- Permission and Travel Forms
- Transportation Requirements
There are many forms and obligations to ensure the safety of the girls; however, it is all worth it as you enjoy your troop meetings and specific events!
THANK YOU FOR BEING, OR CONSIDERING BECOMING, A GIRL SCOUT LEADER!!!