Posted on Aug 23, 2021

Starting up a new troop? Welcome to the sisterhood!

The next Girl Scout Year is quickly approaching, and we want to help you prepare your new troop. Use the list below to make sure you know what steps need to be completed.

Paperwork and Training for Leaders

  • Complete Volunteer Application and Background Check in CouncilAlignMENT
  • Complete your own Adult Registration (Remember 2 leaders per troop receive free membership!)
  • Attend New Leader Training
  • Complete Youth Protection Online Training
  • Select someone to attend your free CPR/First Aid and Camping Skills 1 and 2 Trainings

Troop Setup for Parent/Guardian Meeting

  • Choose meeting day, time, and location
  • Have adults complete Girl Membership Registrations
  • Complete any additional Adult Membership Registration
  • Have adults complete Gift to Girl Donation or collect donation at the meeting
  • Reach out to your Regional Executive if you need help with registration or Gift to Girls donations
  • Collect Health History Forms (one per girl and adult – keep this for your records!)

Troop Level Volunteers Needed from Parent Meeting

  • Assistant Leader
  • Cookie Parent – training for cookie parent in early December
  • Treasurer – handles troop finances, may be on the bank account
  • Camping Volunteer – Optional

Setting Up Troop Finances

  • Decide which branch you will open your account at who the co-signers will be
  • Turn in Personal Information Sheet to Regional Executive & go into Pinnacle to officially open the account
  • Apply for Tax Exempt Form (it’s quicker to take it downtown and do in person)
  • Financial Forms are due to the Regional Executive on May 1st – keep all receipts/bank statements

Troop Meetings

  • Badge Requirements or Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting
  • Journey Books – 3 different Journeys in book form per Girl Scout level
  • Join the GSMIDTN Community Facebook group and any service unit level social media groups
  • Ask other leaders for ideas, look on Pinterest, or ask the girls

Camping

  • Three Girl Scout camps in Middle TN – register or reserve property on CouncilAlignMENT
  • Must complete Camping Skills Training
    • Any online camp trainings
    • Camping Skills 1
    • Camping Skills 2 (needed for some properties or if you’ll be doing outdoor cooking)
    • Each troop receives one free Camping Skills 1 and 2 Trainings

Resources