new leaders
GSCI wants to ensure that you have everything you need to provide a wonderful Girl Scout experience for your girls. This page is designed to give you guidance on your journey as a new Girl Scout Leader. For more information and resources, check out the links below. For further assistance, please contact your Membership Specialist.
how to start a new troop
Activities for Girl Scouts would not be possible without the thousands of adults who volunteer their time to give girls the best Girl Scouting experience possible. Below is a check list to help you start a new troop.
- Complete the Volunteer Application and Volunteer Disclosure. Each volunteer must complete her/his own complete set of forms to ensure privacy. These forms will be screened and a background check performed before being appointed as a leader.
- Register and complete the appropriate adult learning session (training) for your position. This link will give you information on what is required and how to get registered.
- Set up Leader Orientation with your Membership Specialist. This is a one-on-one meeting with your Membership Specialist to go over major checkpoints to getting your troop started.
- A Troop Leader Mentor will be assigned to you by your Community Organizer or Membership Specialist. This is the person who will help you through your first year as a new leader. They will be able to answer your questions and give you tips and pointers for a successful Girl Scout year.
- Find out about your local service area meeting from your Troop Leader Mentor, Community Organizer, or Membership Specialist and plan to attend the meeting.
- Here are the next steps for getting your troop up and running. You will get additional help with these steps at your Leader Orientation and from your Troop Leader Mentor.
- Find a co-leader or assistant leader to help with leading the troop. Your Troop Organizer, Community Organizer or Membership Specialist will be able to help you.
- Your Troop Leader Mentor or Membership Specialist will help you plan a parent’s meeting to gain support from the families in your troop. This is an important first step.
- Work with your co-leader to plan your first troop meeting.
- Open a troop checking account. Each troop must have a troop bank account. This account is designed for troop use only. Two registered non-related adults must be signers on the account. Along with the two adults from the troop, GSCI’s CEO and Director of Membership must also be signers on the account. The account name must be: Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Troop XXXX.
- Complete the Authorization Agreement for Direct Payment and attach a canceled check. This form must be completed prior to Product Sales.
- Complete and collect registration forms and registration fees for girls and adults who will be in your troop. Your Troop Organizer or Membership Specialist can help you with this step.
- Work with your girls to plan year-long activities and events.
- Don’t forget to check out all the leader resources on our website.
- Be sure to sign up to receive the Monday Morning Mailing. This weekly e-newsletter will keep you updated throughout the year.
