How to Be a Troop Leader

Scout leaders train today's girls to be tomorrow's leaders.

Girl Scout Troop leaders do more than serve cookies and pass out badges, they are role models for the next generation of women. Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. As the first troop leader, she supported the girls in her charge as they pushed the boundaries of women at the turn of the century. Today, according to the Girl Scout website, there are more than 800,000 adults leading more than 2 million girls.

Instructions

1. Contact your local Girl Scout council. There are more than 100 councils across the United States. Check with a local school, or on the official Girl Scout website for your local chapter.

2. Fill out the volunteer form and provide two references. You must be at least 18 years old and have friends, family or co-workers who can attest to your good character.

3. Pay the $12 national dues.

4. Participate in new leader training. Each council has its own method for new troop leader training. Some councils offer online courses, others offer classes for all new leaders together.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a wide range of ways to lead Girl Scout troops. Some require a year-long commitment, while others require a summer commitment. Check with your local council for a leadership position that best fits your schedule.

References

• Girl Scouts of Central Texas: Become a Volunteer
• Girl Scouts: Flexible Ways to Volunteer
• Girl Scouts of Western Washington: For Troop Leaders
• Girl Scouts: Who We Are Facts

Resources

• Girl Scouts: Council Finder