Parent Guide

Positive parental support is an essential part in unleashing your girl’s inner Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader! By choosing Girl Scouts, your future leader is a part of a larger, girl-led community of adults committed to her success -- including YOU!

Through Girl Scouting, you’ll help shape your girl’s Girl Scout Leadership Journey as she faces her fears, tries new things, and tackles challenges head-on.

Your dedication to her growth won’t go unnoticed -- you’ll be growing too! Parents who engage and volunteer have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their community with their girl!

Whether you’re new to Girl Scouting or a veteran volunteer, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida is here to provide resources, support and opportunities for all Girl Scout families.

Join Girl Scouts Step-by-Step

1. Go to www.gswcf.org/join
2. Click the "Join Now" button
3. Select "Find A Troop" and enter in your information
4. Once you find a troop, complete the process, including payment, to secure your spot!

Need assistance? Contact us!

The Basics

Membership Dues- A $25 annual membership fee, due at the time of registration, goes directly to Girl Scouts of the USA and pays for the various services it provides to councils, development of program materials, and activity insurance.

Supplies- Your Girl Scout’s troop might collect dues to pay for activity supplies, field trips, uniforms, service projects and more. Participating in the Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Program can help finance her troop’s activities! Girls can wear a sash, vest, tunic, or Girl Scout T-shirt as her uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at the Girl Scout Shop!

Grade Levels- Any girl in grades K–12 can join the fun at Girl Scouts. Whether you want to be part of a troop, sign up for exciting series or events, explore the outdoors, or travel the world, each age level has something for you. Girls are placed in the appropriate grade level according to her school grade.

Financial Assistance

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida is committed to providing every girl, everywhere with the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting, regardless of financial background. Financial assistance is available to cover membership dues, books and uniforms, and summer camp fees.

How to apply for Financial Assistance:

Summer Camp- Applicants will need to register for their session (selecting financial aid in payment) and then complete the Campership Application Form.
Membership- Applicants will need to complete their registration and select Financial Aid during payment.
Uniform and Books- complete this form to apply for financial aid for your Girl Scout's uniform and books.

Unleash her inner leader -- and yours!

Ultimate Adventure at Girl Scout Camp

Start your G.I.R.L.'s ( Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)™ Girl Scouting Journey with an outdoor adventure! She’ll explore nature, develop problem-solving skills and make lifelong memories. See different ways your Girl Scout can camp!

Girl Scout Summer: Staying Safe and Healthy Throughout the Fun

It’s that time of the year again: dips in the pool, bike rides along the trail, s'mores around the campfire. Your camper is unleashing her powers in the great outdoors; meanwhile, we’re making sure she is safe, healthy and happy.

With the rising temps, more time spent in the sun and increase in pesky bugs, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida understands the importance of providing a safe environment where your Girl Scout can explore and grow! Our members’ health and safety is our top priority, which is why we incorporate strategies to ensure girls and adults stay hydrated and cool in the heat, use proper skin protection, and wear bug repellent. We’re dedicated to making sure nothing hinders your girl’s summer adventure!

Camp

At Girl Scouts we believe the value of the outdoor experience in a girl's life is beyond measure. When a girl spends time in nature she learns cooperation and team building as she develops the skills needed to grow into a leader of courage, confidence and character. Girls can attend camp programs with or without their troop.

Girl Scout Camp
Girl Scouts operates four campgrounds in west central Florida:

Camp Dorothy Thomas (Riverview)
Camp Indian Echo (Hudson)
Camp Wai Lani (Palm Harbor)
Camp Wildwood (Wildwood)

Know the Facts About Camping

Because of Girl Scouts...

71% of girls tried an outdoor activity for the first time

71% of girls improved an outdoor skill

48% of girls helped other girls do an outdoor activity

29% of girls overcame a fear of an outdoor activity.

Her Girl Scout Experience

Every year, you'll receive two publications that highlight all the cool opportunities Girl Scouts offers!

Look for the Program Events and Family Guide in your mailbox each fall, with information on upcoming programs and events. Girls can attend programs with or without their troop.
The Summer Camp Guide hits mailboxes in January and showcases our exciting Girl Scout Summer Camps!

And don't forget the GS Family Connection guide which is packed with helpful info on badges and patches, different ways your Girl Scout can participate, and how to reinforce what she's learning.

Raising Awesome Girls

Girl Scout's Raising Awesome Girls blog offers straightforward, realistic and proven parenting advice from G.I.R.L. expert Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D., Developmental Psychologist.