How Do I Become a Leader?

Welcome to a world that invites girls to challenge themselves, discover who they are and what they truly can become!

While the girls are on their journey, YOU, the Girl Scout troop/group leader can:

• Develop your potential
• Learn new job skills
• Put your special talents to use, and most of all…
• Be a positive influence in the lives of girls.

The following steps outline how to become a troop/group leader:

1. Begin with the volunteer application process.
   • All adults assuming a leadership role must complete a Volunteer Application and Criminal Background Check Authorization Form (GSSJC F-39). You may also obtain these forms by calling the Council Headquarters at (512) 453-7391 or (800) 733-0011.
   • Congratulations! Upon successful report from your the criminal background check, you have just progressed from being an applicant to becoming a Girl Scout volunteer.
   
   
2. Next step ... getting trained. (link to council training information here??)
   • "BLT" stands for Basic Leadership Training! Troop/group leaders are required to complete this 3-hour training. It is provided in video format in your area and is conducted by trained Girl Scout volunteers and staff. If you are unable to attend one of these trainings, it is also available in home study format. Home studies can be ordered online or by submitting a Home Study Registration Form to the Training Registrar (NEED LINKS FOR THESE!). You can now be officially appointed as a troop/group leader and may now conduct troop/group meetings!
   • BLT is a prerequisite for "Program Leadership Training", which provides information for leaders working with girls 5-11 years old or Daisy, Brownie and Junior program levels. This should be done within 3 months of your leadership appointment. It ensures that you will be prepared to deliver fun, enriching and safe Girl Scout program to the girls in your troop/group. This 4-hour training is offered during the day, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of volunteers. Adults unable to attend Program Leadership Training in a classroom setting can take the Daisy, Brownie or Junior home study course. For adults working with Preteens and Teens (Cadette and Senior), Teen Advisor training is available.
   • BLT, Program Leadership Training and home study kits are offered at a minimal cost to Girl Scout volunteers. A complete list of training are published on the Council's Website Event Calendar.
   
   
3. Onward and upward ... forming the troop.
   • A minimum of five girls and two adults are required to form a troop/group, however, the sky is the limit! Offering an “open” troop/group provides all girls with the opportunity to benefit from the uniqueness of Girl Scouting. Volunteers from your service unit (geographic area where your troop is located) and/or your membership manager will assist you with recruiting girls and adults, adhering to the proper girl-to-adult ratio standards, and officially registering your troop/group. Girl Scout membership registration is required of all girls and adults participating in the program. The annual membership dues are $10. Financial assistance is available upon request.
   
   
4. Getting started and getting help.
   • Securing an appropriate troop/group meeting site is the next item on your agenda. Schools, faith-based organizations, community centers, park buildings, private homes, and meeting rooms of hospitals, government buildings, private businesses, local banks, and public libraries are some of the many meeting sites used by a troop/group. Consider the girls' needs, the availability of the meeting site, and the leadership team's personal time schedules when arranging for a meeting day and time. Consult with your service unit volunteers and/or your membership manager if assistance is needed.
   • Prior to meeting with the girls, the leadership team hosts a Parent's Meeting. Introduce yourself and announce your ideas for the troop/group program. Also ask parents to assist the troop/group by forming a Troop/Group committee. Committed parents and guardians are a welcome addition and can take care of the many details that enable a troop/group to operate smoothly.
   
   
5. Having a great time!
   • Girl Scout fellowship is part of the fun for adults as well as girls. Enjoy new friendships with other local troop/group leaders by attending your monthly service unit meetings. In addition, the meetings are convenient avenues for you to learn new skills, stay abreast of Council happenings, problem solve, share ideas, and grow as a Girl Scout volunteer.
   • Troop/group meetings, field trips, service projects, badge work, camping trips, product sales, career exploration, learning, discovering, laughing, sharing and much more! That's what Girl Scouts is all about. So go ahead and have a great time interacting with the girls and being a super Girl Scout Leader.
   
   

What Can Girl Scouting Do for YOU?

• You will know that you are making a difference in the lives of girls
• You can share knowledge, experience, and skills
• You will get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction for helping to change the world one girl at a time
• You will make new friends
• You will learn new skills to share
• You will increase your leadership potential
• You will have fun
• You will increase family involvement and quality time spent with daughters
• You will get to know your daughter's friends
• You will improve the community
• You will gain work experience
• You will stay active and involved
• You will be needed
• You will build self-confidence
• You will do satisfying work
• You will meet new challenges
• You will fulfill a tradition
• You will gain recognition from others
• You will help a friend
• You will preserve the past
• You will influence others
• You will empower others
• You will be a role model for your children
• You will give back what you have gotten
• You will show that you care

Volunteer Today

Contact our service unit team at pawserviceunit@yahoo.com for more information!