Volunteer Starter Guide
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Ready, Set, Change Lives!
How to Become a Girl Scouts Volunteer
THE COMMITMENT: 1 year of making a meaningful, life-long difference in the lives of girls by serving as a troop leader.
1. Complete a Membership Registration & Criminal Background Check
Help ensure the safety of our girls.
- Go to your council’s website and choose Volunteer/Volunteer Today.
- Follow the directions sent by e-mail to complete your membership form and background check online.
- You will receive a welcome e-mail when your background check is approved.
2. Start Your Troop Leader Training
Learn about your new role and the essentials of Girl Scouting.
- Log in to Member Community “My GS” and watch the “Welcome to Girl Scouts” video.
- Spend time reviewing Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints
- Familiarize yourself with the national program of Journeys & The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for your troop’s age level.
3. Review the Volunteer Toolkit and Other Resources
The Volunteer Toolkit includes everything you need to plan and implement your Troop year.
- Go to your council specific website and choose “My GS”.
- Your username and password is the same as the Member Community.
Additional Resources:
- Troop Start Up Guide
- Volunteer Essentials
- Council Website
- GSUSA Website: gsusa.org
- Safety Activity Checkpoints
- Program Events Guide
- Journeys & The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting
- Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Sales
- Your Troop Support Specialist
- Your Service Unit Volunteers
4. Recruit Parents to Participate as Co-Troop Leaders
Introduce and welcome parents/adult volunteers to the Girl Scout experience and their responsibilities.
- Check out the get help from parents resource in Volunteer Essentials.
- Contact adults who have shown interest in helping you run your troop.
5. Prepare for and Schedule Your First Troop Meeting
Each Girl Scout meeting provides an opportunity to explore new worlds and learn new skills.
- Review the Meetings Plans in your Volunteer Toolkit and the safety information in Volunteer Essentials.
- Review your council-specific bank account information
- NOTE: All troop funds must be placed in a troop bank account.
- Set your meeting place and time, and communicate this info to parents.
- Review troop meeting safety information provided in Volunteer Essentials
6. Attend Service Unit Meetings and Connect with Other Volunteers
Service Units provide local support to troop leaders and are a great source of information on Girl Scout programs and events in your community, county, or area.
We’re here for you! Contact your council by phone or email.
