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  1. Get Involved
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  3. How to Start a Troop

Start a Troop

 Adult volunteer troop leader with junior Girl Scout troop in uniform vests and sashes walking outside.

Start a Troop

Do you love inspiring girls to grow, learn, and shine?

As a Girl Scout troop leader, you’ll guide girls to build confidence, explore the outdoors, make new friends, and discover their strengths, all while having fun every step of the way.

A troop is so much more than just a group, it’s a tight-knit community where girls of all backgrounds come together to share adventures, try new things, cheer each other on, and grow into leaders’ side by side. It’s where laughter echoes during campouts, friendships bloom during badge activities, and every girl feels encouraged to be her true, authentic self.

And you won’t do it alone: with training, ready-to-go meeting plans, and an entire Girl Scout team by your side, you’ll feel confident and prepared to lead.

Be the role model they’ll remember forever, become a Girl Scout troop leader today!

LET'S GO!
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If you’re ready to be a champion for Girl Scouts and help them grow their courage, resilience, and can-do spirit, you’re ready to be a troop leader.

Girl Scout troop leaders are a dynamic and diverse group, and there’s no one “type” of volunteer. Whether you’re a recent college grad, a parent, or a retiree—really, people of any gender with a sense of curiosity and adventure who are 18 or older and have passed their council's screening process—your unique skills and experiences and your mentorship can open your Girl Scouts’ eyes to a world of possibility.

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After becoming a member of Girl Scouts, you can choose your troop leader volunteer role through your Girl Scout account at MyGS. You’ll complete some trainings to help you succeed as well as undergo a background check before meeting with your Girl Scouts.

Teaming up with a co-leader or troop volunteers, you’ll decide where and when troop meetings take place, and then you’ll set up a meeting with your troop families to talk about things like meeting logistics and the roles they can play in troop life.

Girl Scout leaders are supported every step of the way. Your local Girl Scout council is always available, as well as fellow volunteers in your community, to help you throughout your troop leader experience. And there are lots of resources available, including advice for working with your troop and how-to’s for leading badge activities.

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