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Starting a Troop

Are you excited to work directly with Girl Scouts in a troop where they'll discover new skills, make lifelong friends, and have a blast changing the world? If you answered "Yes!", then you'll absolutely love being part of your troop's leadership team!

One of the perks of volunteering as a troop leader is the freedom to choose when, where, and how often your group gets together! And guess what? Troop leaders receive ongoing resources, training, and support from council staff and local volunteers. Every troop needs incredible role models, just like you! If you want more information before jumping in, be sure to check out our New Leader's Guide to Success/Guía al éxito para nuevos líderes.

New leader drop-in sessions are an opportunity to connect with a GSEMA staff member virtually and ask your questions in real-time. Register for this free online event to ask questions, connect with your peers, and get to know your Volunteer Support Specialist.

  • Thursday, August 24, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER
  • Thursday, September 7, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER
  • Tuesday, September 19, 7:30 – 8:30 PM |  REGISTER
  • Thursday, October 12, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER
  • Tuesday, October 24, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER
  • Thursday, November 16, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER
  • Tuesday, December 5, 7:30 – 8:30 PM | REGISTER

Your First Year


Getting Started

Getting Started Checklist
Step-by-step satisfaction for getting started as a new troop leader in Girl Scouts. 

Getting Started in Leadership trainings
Log into MyGS and click gsLearn to follow this learning path that guides you through the basics of troop leadership on your own schedule. 

New Leader's Guide to Success / Guía al éxito para nuevos líderes
Printable resource guide that aligns to the Getting Started in Leadership trainings.

Girl Scout Family Connection Guide
Share this overview of what a year in Girl Scouts is like with troop families as you welcome them to Girl Scouts and your troop.

Building Your Troop Leadership Team

Troop Volunteer Roles Worksheet
Many volunteer skills, interests, and abilities are needed for a troop to be successful – use this worksheet to help you start a conversation with other adults about how they can get involved!

Host a Parent/Caregiver Meeting 
Outlining clear expectations, building a team, and engaging families in the Girl Scout experience is a great way to start off on the right foot.

Planning Troop Meetings

Troop Year Plans 
Our age-appropriate troop year plans are the best tool for first-year troop leaders to get started with Girl Scouts without getting overwhelmed. 

Volunteer Toolkit
When you’re ready to start planning your year, log into the online Volunteer Toolkit, your official source for delivering easy, fun troop meetings year-round, through your MyGS Account. Check out the VTK Troop Volunteer Guide for extra help.

Handbooks
Would you rather have something physically in your hands? You can grab printed program materials at our physical shop in Waltham or conveniently order them from girlscoutshop.org.

Growing Your Troop

Here are some strategies and resources for inviting others to join in the fun with your troop!

Talk About It 
 Get others in your community excited about Girl Scouts by sharing what you’re doing and inviting them to join you.

Online Registration Instructions
 Step by step instructions for how to register as a new Girl Scout.

Printable Fillable “Join My Troop” Flyers
Distribute and post flyers at schools and in the community (with permission). 

Share on Social
Share troop openings on social media using the images above. Here’s some sample messaging you can customize: 

I am starting up a new Daisy Girl Scout troop for future Girl Scouts in K-1 in the [COMMUNITY NAME] area, and I would love to have your family join us! Our troop will do all sorts of exciting things, from earning badges to exploring nature, going on field trips, participating in the Cookie Program, and more! To find out more, just ask for additional information at gsema.org/moreinfo.


Looking for additional support?

  • Q&A Sessions: Attend one of our New Leader Drop-In Sessions to get your questions answered live, connect with fellow leaders, and get to know your Volunteer Support Specialist. More sessions coming this fall!
  • Staff & Peer Support: Email us at customercare@gsema.org or call and leave a message at 844-306-4736.Your Girl Scout staff support team is available to answer questions big and small. And you may also have a support network of local community leadership volunteers who can show you the ins and outs of Girl Scouting in your area. 
  • GSUSA Tips: Check out GSUSA's Tips for Troop Leaders. With accessible advice and inspiring ideas from fellow leaders who've been there, troop leaders can make this troop year their best ever!
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Totally Fun. Totally You. Be a Girl Scout
Totally Fun. Totally You. Be a Girl Scout
Be a Girl Scout volunteer
Be a Girl Scout volunteer