1. Start looking for other adults to help!
A troop needs at least two un-related, background check adults (one
of whom must be female) to get started, and most leaders also look for
additional help throughout the year. Troops can have more than two
leaders, and they typically have additional volunteers to help with
the Cookie Program and Fall Product sales, as well as other adults to
pitch in with snacks, field trips, and other activities.
Parents of other girls in your troop are prime candidates to help
out, but adults from the community might love this opportunity too. We
can recruit online for your troop, but people tend to have the most
fun with adults they know.
2. Pick a day, time, and location for troop meetings
It’s a great idea to start thinking about how your troop will get
together right away. You can start contacting potential venues now as
you complete your registration and onboarding to find a good meeting
space. Keep in mind:
- Most troops meet twice per month, but you can choose a
schedule that works best for you.
- Your meeting space needs
to be a safe, clean, and secure environment that allows all girls to
participate. Good options include:
- Schools
- Libraries
- Places of worship
- Community
centers and buildings
- Local businesses
3. Spread the word about your new troop!
You can talk to your daughter’s friends, your neighbors, and other
families in the community to make sure that you have a lively troop.
As a bonus, more girls usually means more adults who will be happy to
help you lead this troop.
In addition to your word-of-mouth efforts, any open girl or
volunteer spots will be listed in our online Opportunity Catalog, so
you can reach additional girls.
Our staff will work closely with you to help support the formation
of your new troop!
Troops are required to have a minimum of 5 girls. At GSHCC we
encourage troops to have 12 girls. However, we understand that every
troop is different and we will work with you to create the best
possible experience for both you and the girls in your troop!
5. Set up your troop bank account
Now that the troop has two unrelated adults identified as troop
leaders, who have completed all of the training requirements, you are
eligible to open a troop bank account.
All Girl Scout troops must have a troop bank account. Troops cannot
sell cookies or other products without a bank account. Your troop may
contribute through start-up funds, dues, product programs, money
earning projects (see Financial Guidelines). It is important to know
what your bank requires to open a Girl Scout account (501c3 IRS
Determination Letter, Girl Scout Articles of Incorporation,
Authorization Letter, etc.).
Contact your Service Unit Treasurer for additional information.
