Question 1

How do I join as a leader?

Accepted Answer

Please sign up here and we will be in touch:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkBGQz5rwFORmI9itGJczpeZyqepMrCd_sZ0QMBq2zz4PLuw/viewform

Question 2

What does a Girl Scout Leader do?

Accepted Answer

You will work with a co-leader and other volunteers to run a troop. This includes:
- Choosing a time, location and frequency for troop meetings.
- Planning meetings and field trips.
- Keeping a financial record of troop expenses.

Question 3

Do I have to be a parent to be a troop leader?

Accepted Answer

No. We welcome all interested adults, ages 18 and older, to apply as Girl Scout volunteers. Girl Scouts is volunteer-driven, and we need everyone's help! We currently have Girl Scout leaders who are community leaders, senior citizens, college students and others who don't currently have daughters who are Girl Scouts.

Question 4

How much time does it take to be a troop leader?

Accepted Answer

The troop leader decides how often meetings take place, as well as when meetings take place. Troops can meet weekly, bi-monthly or monthly; after school, in the evenings or on weekends.

Question 5

How long am I committed to being a Girl Scout leader?

Accepted Answer

The commitment is one year. Typically our leaders continue to work with a Troop year-to-year.

Question 6

Is volunteer training provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Web-based, self-study and face-to-face trainings are available throughout the calendar year.

Question 7

What if I was never a scout?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem! We offer training, resources, meeting plans and mentorship from experienced leaders.

Question 8

Will someone be helping me start a Girl Scout troop?

Accepted Answer

As a volunteer, you can count on help from a variety of people. Staff from your area will be available to answer questions, help recruit girls and assist with finding a meeting place, if needed. Local volunteers from your community, organized into a service unit are also key to getting your troop off the ground. These local volunteers are often great examples of the good things that Girl Scouts accomplish. Regular service unit meetings are held throughout the school year, so there are many opportunities to meet other Girl Scout volunteers in your area, as well as interface with your membership specialist.

Question 9

How much does it cost to join Girl Scouts, and where do finances come from to start a troop?"

Accepted Answer

The annual fall product program and Girl Scout Cookie program support troop finances, and all troops are strongly encouraged to participate in these programs to generate troop funds. You can also ask for dues from your member to help cover costs, until you have funds from cookie or fall product sales.

Question 10

Who decides how many girls are in a troop?

Accepted Answer

Our council sets the minimum per troop at 12 girls. Each troop has 12 girls, if there are interested girls. Troops can choose to grow above this, if they have additional leaders trained.

Question 11

Does Girl Scouts run background checks on volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Protecting our girl members is a top priority, and screenings and background checks are integral parts of our due diligence process and procedure.

Question 12

Do I have to become a registered Girl Scout to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, adults who work with girls as troop leaders or co-leaders must register as Girl Scout members. Registration is easy with our online system. Financial assistance is available.

Question 13

What help will parents give?

Accepted Answer

There are many roles that parents can play in assisting troop leaders. Parents can help with regular meetings, organize the fall product or cookie sales, drive girls to and from field trips, serve as First Aid/CPR trained adults on trips, manage the troop treasury, etc. If you can ask, parents can do it!

Hopewell Valley Leaders