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We have:
Clarification for policies and procedures
Community Service Projects
Links to resources on the world wide web
Helpful hints to keep the meetings going
Answers to your burning questions:
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Will I receive training for my position?
Yes, all leaders receive training. Required trainings like Girl Scout Orientation, Basic Leader Training and Age-level Training are offered at NO cost to volunteers. Additional trainings that are needed for certain activities i.e. First Aid/CPR, Exploring the Outdoors and Tent Camping are offered for a nominal fee.
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How often does a Girl Scout Troop meet?
Many decisions are left up to the troop leader’s discretion. For example, Girl Scouting can work around the schedule of the troop leader. We have troops that meet once a week, every other week, or once a month. Often the length of the meeting increases and the frequency decreases as girls become older and start taking on more involved projects.
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How many girls am I required to have in my troop?
As a volunteer-based organization, we expect leaders to feel comfortable in their position and do not require leaders to accept more girls into the troop than they are comfortable leading.
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Where can I hold my troop meetings?
Many troops meet at schools, but a large number meet at local churches, community centers, libraries and in homes.
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My daughter’s troop is made up of girls in second and third grade;
now the troop has 2 first graders, too. Is this normal?
Yes, a well-rounded troop exposes girls to being both the youngest and the oldest during their group experiences and allows them the opportunity to grow into the different roles. Furthermore, Girl Scouts is for every girl, everywhere and we ask leaders to remember that as a member they must not refuse a girl on the basis of disability, catastrophic illness, race, color, ethnicity, creed, national origin, or socio-economic status.
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Do I have to do everything myself?
NO! Each leader is encouraged to hold a parents’ meeting at the beginning of the troop year. At this meeting, the leaders recruit assistance from parents for the help that they need. Also, the staff at the council office and other local volunteers are wonderful sources of assistance.
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Where can I get the materials I need to run troop meetings?
Leaders are given a reference book and the GSUSA Safety-Wise at Orientation. Some Service Units keep a library of age-level books from when a troop moves up or disbands and sometimes books are donated to the council to reuse. Books and uniform components can be purchased online from www.girlscouts.org, at JC Penney and by visiting the Council Shop at 33 Jewett Place, Utica. An inexpensive way to find Girl Scout materials is by going to garage sales.
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How am I supposed to pay for all of these activities?
You’re not! The troop should support itself through dues, participation in council-wide money-earning projects and troop money-earning projects. Also, many troops secure a sponsor that is able to help absorb some of the troop’s expenses and receive in-kind donations for helping with local events. Furthermore, the council has a Special Funds account and troops can apply for money for specific needs by filling out the Special Funds Application and submitting it before one of the quarterly deadlines.
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