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Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Our Council 400 miles East to West 300 miles North to South 58 Counties

Our Council Vision We are the champions of Girl Scout ambition. We raise our collective voices to emphasize the Girl Scout difference. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where Girl Scouts can discover accessible experiences designed to nurture leadership, innovation, and compassion.

Visit Us Learn more about our Girl Scout Centers and properties at gsnwgl. org.

2 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Welcome to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes! We’re so glad you’re here. It’s going to be a great year—one that’s sure to be filled with big fun, excitement, and tons of learning and growing. This guide explains the Girl Scout program and how it works to serve girls across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We’re very passionate about what we do. We welcome all girls, their families, and our volunteers who lead with their hearts. Together, we’re making an impact in the lives of girls. Thank you for joining us!

Our Organizational Structure Girls & Volunteers Girls and volunteers are the core of our organization! They work and play together to achieve their goals.

Troop or Group Volunteer-supervised groups of girls who participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Service Area A community or regional area, managed by volunteers, which supports the day-to-day work of troops within a defined geographic area. The work of service areas includes event planning, volunteer networking, troop collaboration, and raising the profile of Girl Scouts in their communities. Watch for invites.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Council (GSNWGL) Independent 501(c)3 nonprofit chartered by GSUSA operating under the direction of a local board of directors that oversees all service areas and troops within its territory. Our council covers 58 counties in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) A national organization supporting the work of more than 100 councils across the U.S. for more than 100 years. Headquartered in New York, New York.

Girls & Volunteers Troop Service Area Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Girl Scouts of the United States of America

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Need-to-Know Numbers and Names Customer Care can help with any question! Phone:

Summer Hours:*

Email:

888-747-6945

(Memorial Day through Labor Day)

info@gsnwgl.org

Phone Hours:*

Closed Fridays at noon

Monday–Thursday 8:30–5:00 CST Friday 9:00–Noon *Hours are subject to change. Visit gsnwgl.org for our most up-to-date hours.

My Go-To Staff Contact is:

Service Area Manager or Community Organizer Volunteers:

Support staff and volunteers want to see you succeed and have fun! Our council staff are ready to assist you with inviting youth to join Girl Scouts, local activity planning, and troop management advice.

Service Area Product Program Manager Volunteers:

Other names and roles:

My troop number is:

My service area is:

MyGS username is:

MyGS password is:

Single grade level or multi-level troop: Daisies (grades K–1) Brownies (grades 2–3)

Troop names and contact info: Troop Leader: Assistant Troop Leader: Troop Treasurer: Troop Helper: Troop Fall Product Manager: Troop Cookie Manager: 4 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Juniors (grades 4–5) Cadettes (grades 6–8)

Seniors (grades 9–10) Ambassadors (grades 11–12)

Let’s Get Started Get out a pencil and start writing! This workbook walks you through the six steps of starting a troop and provides you the advice you need to get the troop up and running quickly. Council staff will review the workbook with you to discuss your questions, ideas, and plans, and give lots of guidance. We want you to feel prepared and confident for a great start! Get Ready The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Page 5

Girl Scout Opportunities

Page 6

Get Set Step #1 Invite the kids

Page 16

Step #2 Invite the adults

Page 18

Step #3 Set the troop meeting schedule

Page 21

Step #4 Open the troop bank account

Page 22

Step #5 Register members

Page 27

Step #6 Host a parent/caregiver meeting

Page 28

Go! Keeping Girl Scouts Safe

Page 34

Full Circle Cycle

Page 36

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Program

Get Ready Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 7

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience What We Do

How We Do It

Who Does It

Variety of Girl Scout Activities

Three Girl Scout Processes

Supportive Adults

Discover Connect Take Action

Girl-Led Learn by Doing Cooperative Learning

Volunteers Families Staff & Helpers

Leadership Outcomes Strong Sense of Self

What Girl Scouts Get

Girl Scouts have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive identities.

Positive Values Girl Scouts act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.

Challenge Seeking Girl Scouts take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.

Healthy Relationships Girl Scouts develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.

Community Problem Solving Girl Scouts desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.

Achieve Our Mission Girl Scouts lead with courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

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Girl Scout Opportunities Troops Most Girl Scouts gather in groups called troops and each troop has an identifying number. The most common troop structure is a group from the same school, in the same grade, who typically meet twice a month. Troops with various grades are known as multi-level troops.

Individually Registered Girl (IRG), or “Juliettes” Members who are not part of a troop are individually registered and nicknamed “Juliettes.” Juliettes can participate in all Girl Scout camps, events, and activities—virtual or in-person! They work on earned awards with their caregivers and staff members’ guidance. Did you know? Juliettes are named for the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low!

Badges, Activities, & Events Every Girl Scout has their own curiosity, dreams, and talents—so when they come together to decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a danceoff, or filming a movie— they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good.

Give Back Girl Scouts help their communities, volunteering with their troop or family. When they discover an unmet need, they take action to create a solution and earn Highest Awards.

Cookies+ The Girl Scout Cookie Program® prepares our members with the business smarts they need to prepare for adventure. It’s the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world!

Camp

Travel

Whether they’re swimming in a lake for the first time, discovering the wildlife in the woods and water, or hiking through an incredible vista, every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s “I’ve got this” attitude.

Girl Scouts love to travel— from the field trips they take as Brownies to the national and global adventures they pursue as teens. Girl Scouts love exploring different places and cultures.

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Daisies Grades K–1 Everything you’ll do as a Daisy sparkles with that “first time ever” newness. Along the way, you’ll use your energy and spirit to help others and take pride in making the world a better place.

Brownies Grades 2–3 Brownies are excitement personified. You can’t wait to explore your world and share your interests—from bugs to ballet—with friends. Trying new things broadens your horizons and teaches you skills you can share with others. Learning to lead has never been so fun.

Juniors Grades 4–5 If there’s one thing Junior Girl Scouts have, it’s confidence. Whether you’re making posters for a canned food drive, designing a website for your cookie business, or just raising your hand in class, you’ve got something to say. You can put your skills to use improving your community—and earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award in the process.

Cadettes Grades 6–8 Girl Scout Cadettes have got this. From road trips with your best friends to organizing and livestreaming an ecofriendly fashion show, you’re sure of your abilities and use your growing independence to realize your dreams. When you research a problem in your community and take action to solve it, you can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Seniors Grades 9–10 Who’s ready to spread their wings? Girl Scout Seniors. Whether you’re learning how to change a tire or discovering how to get your dream job someday you’re on your way. You’re also making your mark on the world. When you create a plan and put it into action to make sustainable improvements in your community, you can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Ambassadors Grades 11–12 Girl Scout Ambassadors don’t just follow in others’ footsteps—they carve their own paths. Your innovative thinking, optimism, and ability to bring people together inspires everyone around you. And when you combine your passions with a plan, you can be a real world-changer. Your vision, experience, and dedication are all you need to get on the path toward becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout. 10 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Program Grade Levels Serving girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade. About Girl Scout Progression Our program moves Girl Scouts through a valuable progression of skills, abilities, and activities that change with every grade level. Progression is present in badges, Highest Awards, outdoor skills and experiences, travel, entrepreneurship, financial management and also in relationships with supportive adult volunteers. Our youngest Girl Scouts rely on volunteers to create their Girl Scout experiences, but over time, older Girl Scouts learn to make their own plans and rely on volunteers to guide them as they shape their own Girl Scout experiences.

The basic uniform includes:

Tunic, Sash, or Vest

American Flag Patch

The Girl Scout Uniform & Badges Uniforms are an important part of the Girl Scout experience to display the girls’ accomplishments and foster a sense of belonging. Girls choose one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins and earned awards, then mix and match optional pieces from the official Girl Scout collection to complete their uniform.

are official, earned recognitions that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned in every grade level. They are placed on the front of the sash or vest.

Council ID Set

Troop Numerals

Badges

Patches are emblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout activity. Patches are placed on the back of the sash or vest. Like a photo album, they are fun reminders of Girl Scout adventures.

Uniforms aren’t just for girls! Girl Scout volunteers and adult members can proudly wear adult uniforms to troop, service area, council and community events. Wear the adult uniform vest, or any Girl Scout t-shirt, fleece, hat, or tote bag.

Insignia Tab

World Trefoil Pin

Membership Pin 1. Daisy (only worn on Daisy uniform) 2. Brownie (only worn on Brownie uniform) 3. Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador, and Adult levels may choose either the official trefoil or the traditional trefoil pin

Visit girlscoutshop.com/GSNWGL for all your official Girl Scout needs!

Girl Scout Brownie vest

Adult Volunteer vest Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 11

Volunteer Agreement We’re on the same team; let’s get on the same page. We call it the Girl Scouts Movement—the power of generations of people who support our mission and desire to help our members everywhere, every day. We maintain our strength rests in the voluntary leadership of its adult members. Girl Scouts everywhere have amazing opportunities because of energized volunteers like you.

Together, Girl Scout volunteers everywhere agree to accept and apply: Girl Scout Promise and Law Safety Activity Checkpoints Girl Scout Leadership Experience Girl Scout Membership

At our council, volunteers also follow: Policies and Practices Council Code of Conduct New Leader Orientation training within two months You’ll get introduced to all these resources—and discover where to find them—in your new leader orientation and onboarding path in gsLearn. Phew—what else do volunteers agree to do? How about laugh and be a good friend to girls in your community? Part of the fun of volunteering with Girl Scouts is growing and learning right along with the girls! We are so proud of our volunteers that help girls grow, learn, and lead. 12 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

GSNWGL Code of Conduct

Role-model the right behavior. 8.

Never use illegal drugs. Don’t consume alcohol, smoke, or use foul language in the presence of girls. Do not carry ammunition or firearms in the presence of girls unless given special permission by your council for group marksmanship activities.

Create an emotionally safe space. 9.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great (GSNWGL) agrees to treat Adults are responsible for making Girl Lakes Scouting a place where volunteers withemotionally respect andas dignity and to provideProtect learning girls are as safe they are physically. theopportunities and support safety for theof volunteer position.a team agreement and emotional girls by creating coaching girls to honor it. Agreements typically encourage As a GSNWGL volunteer, I will uphold following behaviors like respecting a diversity of feelings andthe opinions; resolving conflicts constructively; and avoiding physical and expectations of my volunteer role. verbal bullying, clique behavior, and discrimination. Personally Promise and Law in all capacities Ensuremodel thatthe noGirl girlScout is treated differently. 10. with girls, caregivers, other volunteers, council staff, and other Girl Scouts welcome all members, regardless of race, community members with whom I interact in my Girl Scout role. ethnicity, background, disability, family structure, 2. Take the required pieces of training and comply with GSNWGL religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status. When policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. scheduling, helping plan, and carrying out activities, 3. Use the three Girl Scout Processes of the Girl Scout program to carefully consider the needs of all girls involved, foster an environment that is girl-led, cooperative, and involves including school schedules, family needs, financial learning by doing. constraints, religious holidays, and the accessibility 4. Responsibly manage Girl Scout funds in support of Girl Scout of appropriate transportation and meeting places. activities, maintain accurate financial records, and file finance reports with the council. Promote online safety. 11. 5. Honor the public trust in Girl Scouts and contribute to the Girl Instruct never put their fullinterests names orof the Scouts Movement bygirls holding into mind the best contact information online, engage organization, its mission, and those it serves. in virtual conversation with strangers, or arrange in-person meetings with online contacts. On group Web sites, publish girls’ first As a GSNWGLnames volunteer, I will uphold the following only and never divulge their contact principles ofinformation. interpersonal communication. Teach girls the Girl Scout Online Safety Pledge and have them commit to it. 1.

Behave in a manner that exemplifies the ideals of the Girl Scout Keep girls safe during money-earning. 12. Promise and Law. Girlall Scout cookies other council-sponsored 2. Ensure that written andand verbal communications do not sales are anremarks integral (including part of thephone, contain profanityproduct or condescending During Girl Scout product sales, you email, text,program. social media, etc.). areinappropriate responsible for the safety of girls, money, or 3. Refrain from displays of anger, aggression, and products. In addition, a wide variety of berating of individuals. organizations, and fundraisers mayowning 4. Maintain truthfulness in allcauses, communications, including appeal to Girl Scouts to bemay their laborfrom force. my opinions and respecting that they differ others When representing Girl Scouts, girls cannot and/or council policy. participate in money-earning activities that represent partisan politics or that are not Girl I understand that if I do not comply with the above standards or if I Scout–approved product sales and efforts. otherwise act in a way that negatively impacts the image or goals of GSNWGL, I may be released from my volunteer role. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out for guidance and support for your unique circumstances. Contact us at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org.

Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. *Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Volunteer You’ll get your chance to sign the GSNWGL Code of Conduct in gsLearn

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Get Set Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 15

Step #1 Invite the Kids Whether you’re taking on leadership of an existing troop or starting a brand new one, making personal invitations to join your troop is vital to the success of the group and reaching the ideal troop size of 12–15 Girl Scouts. Even though you’re just getting started as a troop leader, you can still be a great advocate for Girl Scouts! Share out a flyer or invitation. Our staff can help you—just ask!

Who is in my family network? Who are the parents and kids I already know who can help me get the word out?

How can I distribute my invitation to all the grade(s) my troop will serve? Ask teachers to pass along your flyers or send a message to the classroom email list.

Who are the school staff and support professionals who will help support my new troop? Let your teachers, counselors, after-school coordinators, secretary or principal know you are welcoming new members.

When can I host an information table? Set up a booth at school events or in the pick-up area. Our staff will provide materials.

Which social media options should I use? Post information on your personal social media page, school or community parent pages.

How can the kids get involved? Plan an event with them—and then ask them to invite their friends.

Which school communications can I use to reach more parents? What connections do I have to help me? Share with parent-teacher organizations, school newsletters, social media pages and more. As a parent or community member, you may have access to communication channels that council staff do not.

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Invite the Kids Worksheet Use this worksheet to list who you could invite and their response to your invitation.

Kid Name

Parent/ Caregiver Name

Grade

School/Teacher

Date I shared the Girl Scout invitation

Family's level of interest in Girl Scouting � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In � No Thanks � Tell Me More � Count Me In

Troop Tips:

1. Share the troop number 2. Be clear about which with families so they can grades the troop will register online directly to include. For example, is it your troop. Tell them to a Brownie troop just for search for “Troop 1234” for second graders, or second example. AND third graders?

3. If your troop will have more than one Girl Scout grade level, like Daisies plus Brownies, we call it a multi-level troop.

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Step #2 Invite the Adults Invite other parents, caregivers, and your friends to join you in building the troop! At a minimum, the troop needs two unrelated adult volunteers, one of whom is female, to get started. All involved adults must be at least 18 years old and need to register as a member of Girl Scouts and complete a background check prior to working with youth. One-time visitors are exempt from this but should always be supervised by a registered volunteer and never left alone with the Girl Scouts. Share the Standard Safety Guidelines (in the Safety Activity Checkpoints) with all troop volunteers to set the expectation of adult behavior around youth members and emphasize that safety is of primary importance in Girl Scouts.

Troop Roles Troop Leader

Assistant Troop Leader

Fall Product Manager

Lead the way! Troop Leaders are memory makers; they lead and guide a group of girls through Girl Scouting. They take the girls’ interests, abilities, and opinions into consideration when planning out their fun. As girls get older, Troop Leaders guide more than lead, but continue to help them grow, learn, and do amazing things!

You’ve got the troop leader’s back! Work alongside the troop leader and making memories with the girls, mentoring them as they make new friends, try new things, and explore the world.

Coordinate the annual Fall Product Program at the troop level. Manage the program and money, and then watch the girls light up when they reach their goals, learn something new, and squish the stuffed animal they didn’t buy, but earned!

Troop Cookie Manager

Troop Treasurer

Troop Helper

Coordinate the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program at the troop level. Set up cookie booths, manage inventory and money, and witness as girls turn into #CookieBossessetting goals, making sales, and earning rewards!

Got a knack for numbers? A passion for all things accounting? This role works with girls and the troop leader to keep troop finances in order. Troop treasurers work alongside the troop leader to prepare the annual troop finance report.

Want to work with girls? These volunteers play a big role in making the troop run smoothly. They’re an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands that allow the troop to safely explore the world around them.

First Aider

Outdoor Education

A Girl Scout First Aider is someone who knows how to stay calm, help others in an emergency, and provide basic first aid care when needed. They learn important safety skills like treating small injuries, calling for help, and being prepared to keep themselves and others safe.

A Girl Scout Outdoor Education Volunteer helps girls safely explore and enjoy outdoor experiences while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Volunteers support activities such as hiking, camping, and outdoor cooking, while promoting safety and environmental stewardship. This training is required for volunteers planning to host or supervise a campfire activity.

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What can additional volunteers do? A lot! It will help you to delegate tasks to other parents and caregivers. Most of them are looking for a specific task and a way to get involved that works for them. • Secure the meeting location • Chaperone/drive youth to field trips, outings, or special events • Find an adult to talk to the Girl Scouts about the badge skill they are working on • Shop for badges or troop supplies

• Manage some of the troop records (attendance, permission slips, finances)

• Assist with the Fall Product Program and the Cookie Program

• Send snacks to troop meetings

• Step in for you when you are ill, have a sick child, or a conflicting work commitment

• Send updates to families with pictures and announcements of troop activity

• Plan a party for special days or bridging ceremonies

• Lead a meeting, or a portion of a meeting

• Be a troop First Aider.

Choose a Volunteer Leadership Model Which leadership model will work best for you and the families joining the troop? Consider how many other volunteers step forward to help and the level of commitment they are willing to make. Traditional Troop Model

Cooperative Troop Model

Two unrelated adults lead a troop. Other caregivers volunteer to help as needed.

One adult serves as the primary contact with the council, but caregivers divide responsibility by interest and/or skill set. Caregivers rotate the responsibility of leading meetings and organizing activities.

Adult-to-Youth Ratio Chart Group Meetings

Events, Travel, and Camping

Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for every:

One additional volunteer for each additional:

Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for every:

One additional volunteer for each additional:

Daisies (grades K–1)

1–6

1–4

Brownies (grades 2–3)

1–8

1–6

Juniors (grades 4–5)

1–10

1–8

Cadettes (grades 6–8)

1–12

1–10

Seniors (grades 9–10)

1–15

1–12

Ambassadors (grades 11–12)

1–15

1–12

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Parent Helper List Most parents want to help in some small way. Use these pages to help you brainstorm lots of ways that parents/caregivers can help the troop and stay engaged. * Requires an adult membership and background check to ensure the safety of all members and the troop’s resources.

*Troop Leader: *Assistant Troop Leader: *Troop Treasurer: *Troop Helpers: volunteers who are present at most meetings and those who help as overnight chaperones, drivers, or product program helpers should all be registered members with a background check

Outdoor Education volunteer: an adult who has completed the council course in outdoor education, which includes campfire and campfire cooking safety training. This training is required before building outdoor fires and going on camping trips.

*Troop Cookie Manager: *Troop Fall Product Manager:

First Aider: an adult with a current certification in Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED, who is required for most Girl Scout activity, as listed in the Safety Activity Checkpoints.

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Step #3 Set the Troop Meeting Schedule Where should my troop meet? Troops meet in public locations—a local school, a place of worship, the library, or Girl Scout properties with available space. Choose a low-cost/no-cost option. Ensure the space is safe, secure, and clean. Consider the mobility needs of members and caregivers who require barrier-free access to the space. Some meeting places may require a signed contract. Girl Scout volunteers should NOT sign contracts in the name of Girl Scouts, unless explicit written permission is received from council staff. If the location you choose requires a certificate of liability insurance, contact Customer Care at 888.747.6945 or info@ gsnwgl.org to make the request. Likely locations are:

When should my troop meet? Every Girl Scout troop is different, but most troops meet twice a month. Some troops meet right after school and others meet in the evening or on a weekend. Other troops host one meeting and one field trip each month. Some troops meet virtually! Build a schedule that matches their age level and activity level. Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador grade levels usually set their own schedule to work around their busy extracurricular schedules. Meeting day and time:

How long should my troop meet? The Volunteer Toolkit has suggested 60-minute plans for Daisies and 90-minute meeting plans for Brownies and Juniors. Other factors that might influence your decision include the travel time to and from the meeting, the ages of the children, available locations, and the selected activity. Meeting length will probably be:

Update the troop meeting details with your council. When the schedule is set, it’s time to complete the Troop Information Update survey at gsnwgl.org. All done. Date:

Connect with your local Girl Scout staff member for advice and to review the meeting details. When the schedule is set, it’s time to update the Troop Search Catalog, also known as the Participation Catalog. The best way to submit the details is the Troop Information Update link in the Volunteer Collective (Leader Basics/Six Steps to Start/Step 3: Set the Meeting Schedule).

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Step #4 Open the Troop Bank Account Prepare for two account owners/signers. Date completed: We all want to know your troop’s hard-earned money is in safe hands. Typically, one bank account owner is the Troop Leader and the other is the Troop Cookie Manager, the Assistant Troop Leader, or the Troop Treasurer. Identify another trusted adult to have joint access to the account. • Are they registered Girl Scout members with a role in your troop? • Have they completed a background check? • Are they related to you? If so, stop! The two signers cannot be related, married, or partnered. Account owners/signers will probably be:

Choose a bank. Date completed: What’s a convenient bank or credit union for you and your co-leaders to use? Council staff will also make recommendations of banks that work well with Girl Scouts. Search for no-fee banking. Many banks will waive fees if you sign up for online banking and discontinue paper statements. Banks I could use include:

Before you open an account, know this: troop accounts are nonprofit (not personal or business) accounts jointly owned by your troop and GSNWGL. Therefore: • An IRS W9 form is not required to open the account. • Do NOT put your social security number on the account. However, some banks may ask for your social security number for identification purposes. • It’s helpful to bring all account owners/signers to the bank when you open the account. And everyone should bring a valid photo ID. Dates we can all meet at the bank:

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Open an account and document it properly. Date completed: • Give the banker the Federal ID number and contact info (below), and the corporate resolution document (in this workbook). • Your account must be titled like this: Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Troop #### • Use your home address for the mailing address and your email for the email contact for the account, so that monthly statements and other bank communication go directly to you—not the Girl Scout office. • Get a debit card. • Decide if you want to purchase checks. Keep the information on your checks short and simple; do NOT include your name, address, or the council’s address. Here’s an example: Line 1: Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Line 2: Troop #### • Ask the banker for an account verification letter (see example in this workbook) to confirm the account title, account type, account number, routing number, and the account owners/signers on the account. Request it be faxed to the council’s finance department (see contact info). Bring this workbook with you to the bank; it contains the information you need to open a troop or service area bank account: • Corporate resolution • Bank letter verification example • Council Federal ID: 39-1016314 • Council’s controlling account owner: Colleen Bennett, Chief Financial Officer • Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes ATTN: Finance/ACH 4693 N. Lynndale Drive Appleton, WI 54913 Fax: 920.734.1304

Complete the council’s ACH authorization form and mail or fax it (do not email) to GSNWGL. Date completed: For our non-profit tax status and audit needs, you must submit your troop bank account information to keep on file at the council office. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House. It’s an electronic network for financial transactions. The council can use ACH to pull money from your troop account for product sales or payment for a property rental. It is also used for deposits to refund your troop or to pay for financial assistance that is requested. The council will rarely send you a check, to save you a trip to the bank!

IMPORTANT! Whenever the account information changes (for example, when volunteers are added or removed as signers, or if you move the account to a different bank), you must submit an updated ACH authorization form with a voided check or account verification letter from the bank (see example in this workbook). Email is not a secure way to send account data due to potential internet security risks, so send it via fax or stamped mail.

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Download the troop finance log and set up a receipt storage file. Date completed: Use the Troop Finance Log template right away to start recording all troop income and expenses. Find it on our website. Aim to update the log monthly when your bank statement is posted. It makes submitting the required year-end troop finance report faster and easier. Safely store all paper and electronic receipts. Troop Tip: Avoid using cash, if possible, and keep all receipts when you do. Use debit cards. Make deposits promptly.

Monitor the troop account balance often. Date completed: ongoing When Girl Scouts dream big, they earn big money. Be aware of the possibility of theft or misuse of funds, which is the troop’s responsibility. Be transparent; share the Troop Finance Log with families at least twice a year; council recommends December (after Fall Product) and May (after Cookie Program).

Notes and questions

Questions? Contact us! Phone: 888.747.6945 Email: info@gsnwgl.org

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Talk to Families About Finances We want to help every family participate in Girl Scouts! Caregivers and volunteers may contact Customer Care at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org with questions about financial assistance in four areas.

Membership

Events & Camp

One of the first questions families ask is “how much does it cost to be a Girl Scout?” Because we are a volunteer-driven organization, and thanks to amazing volunteers like you, our annual membership fees are reasonable.

We all learn by doing. Get your Girl Scouts out of their normal routine and challenge their abilities with hands-on, expert-led events, day camps, sleepaway camps, or wilderness trips. They can sign up individually or with friends.

Financial aid is available for membership fees. Caregivers may request financial aid at the time of membership registration.

Financial assistance is available for a variety of council-hosted program events and camps. Caregivers may request financial aid at the time of registration.

Uniforms Uniforms are a fun and important way for the girls to feel part of something special, just like a sports team or music ensemble uniform. Badges and patches on a Girl Scout uniform demonstrate what girls have learned and experienced in Girl Scouts! Suggested uniform pieces cost approximately $40–60 per child. Financial aid is available for uniforms and includes a Girl Scout sash (tunic for Daisies), American flag patch, and the GSNWGL council ID patch. Troop Leaders submit a form on behalf of families.

Troop Dues Most new troops either ask for donations of basic materials or they collect troop dues to purchase them. Dues in our council typically range from $25–$50 per child. Financial aid for troop dues is available to new members only. Troop Leaders submit a form on behalf of families. Moving forward, plan for Fall Product Program and Cookie Program profits to cover future troop expenses of badges, patches, program event fees, and supplies.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 25

Please mail monthly bank statements to the troop leader’s home address, not the councilbank office. mail monthly bank monthly Please mailPlease Thank you. leader's to thetotroop statements statements the troop leader’s council the not address, home home address, not the council office. you. Girl Scouts of the Northwesternoffice. GreatThank Lakes, Inc. Thank you.

Corporate Resolution Regarding Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. Financial Arrangements of Corporate Subunits

Corporate Resolution Regarding WHEREAS, the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (“Council”) Board of Directors is the corporate head of the Financial Arrangements of Corporate Subunits

entire organization, and WHEREAS, subunits of the Council may desire to keep finances in a designated institution, and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and the management staff maintain a fiduciary responsibility regarding all monies held for Girl Scout purposes, and WHEREAS, the Corporate Board or management may have reason to require access to subunit accounts in order to fulfill that fiduciary responsibility or to administer Council policies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. The Corporate Board of Directors authorize the troop and service unit subunits to open accounts and hold monies in a designated institution in accordance with Council policy. 2. The current Corporate Chair/President, Treasurer, CEO, or Comptroller/CFO will maintain signatorial privilege regarding access to those accounts in the event of Council policy non-compliance or inactivity. 3. Each account must bear the name “Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Troop #__________” OR “Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, ____________ Service Unit,” must be opened under Federal ID#39-101-6314, and must comply with all Council financial policies. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in addition to those opening subunit accounts, the following individuals will also be authorized to request account information, to sign any checks, drafts and orders, including credit of Girl Scouting with the institution and the institution is authorized to honor any and all checks, drafts and orders to be signed without the consent of the current signers on the accounts, and Council may close the accounts at any time and transfer the account funds to Council, without the consent of the Agent or the current signers on the Accounts: 1. Council Board President 3. CEO 2. Council Board Treasurer 4. Comptroller/CFO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each of the foregoing resolutions shall supersede all other resolutions and shall continue in force until express written notice of its revision or modification has been received by the institution, but if the authority contained in them should be revoked or terminated by operation of such law without such notice, it is resolved and hereby agreed that the institution shall be held harmless by the Corporation in so acting after such revocation or termination without such notice. I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the above is a complete, true and correct copy of certain resolutions of the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, the corporate address of which is: 4693 North Lynndale Dr., Appleton, WI 54913 which resolutions were duly adopted at a duly called meeting of the said Board held on: May 7, 2008 and reaffirmed on June 21, 2019, a quorum being present and are set forth in the minutes of the said meeting that I am the keeper of the modified; that the above named persons have been duly elected/appointed to the offices set opposite their respective names and that they continue to hold these offices at the present time; and that institution is entitled to rely on this certification until otherwise advised in writing by an officer of the Corporation. Signed this 21 of June, AD., 2019. Barb Dulmes, Board Secretary 7

26 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Step #5 Register Members Our online registration system offers the fastest and most convenient way for girls and adult volunteers to join a troop. Once you have your troop number, share it with interested parents/caregivers and they can register directly to the troop after they create an account in MyGS.

Families do this: • Visit www.gsnwgl.org, and scroll down to click on Join. • Financial aid is available for any child experiencing a financial barrier to joining.

Troop leaders see and do this: • Complete the Troop Information Update with the troop meeting schedule and details, so caregivers can find the information online. • Watch for email notifications that new members have been added to your troop (check your junk mail) and contact the family to introduce yourself and share the next troop meeting date, time, and location. • Check the troop roster often in MyGS. • Welcome the new members and caregivers at the next troop meeting.

Council staff support the troop like this: • Provide customer service to parents and volunteers with questions. • Assist troop leaders to update the online troop search catalog. • Match, screen, and place adults into volunteer roles. • Promote Girl Scouts in your area and assist you in inviting members to join!

Renewal is April 1–June 30. • Watch for instructions and renewal incentives!

Notes

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 27

Step #6 Host a Parent/Caregiver Meeting Now you’re ready to pull it all together in the Parent/Caregiver Meeting. Caregiver and volunteer surveys show us that troops who hold parent meetings every year have a higher level of satisfaction with their Girl Scout experience. Follow this agenda to ensure the most relevant information is communicated clearly. Add your own unique style to the meeting and share your excitement for Girl Scouts! For more information and planning tools, check out the “Intro Meeting” plan in the Volunteer Toolkit. You’re going to be great!

Agenda Meeting Length: 60-90 minutes

▶ Welcome and Introductions (10 mins) •

Leader introductions (share why you volunteer your time with Girl Scouts) and go over dates/times/frequency and locations of upcoming meetings

•

Have caregivers introduce themselves and share expectations for this year of Girl Scouting

▶ Discover the Girl Scout Difference (15-20 mins) •

Explain our mission as well as the Girl Scout Promise and Law

•

Discuss how our girl-led, hands-on, collaborative program helps girls take risks, dream bigger, and gain important skills—all while having fun and making friends

•

Share overview of your Year Plan—including which badges, special trips, and outdoor adventures the troop may participate in

▶ Family as Part of the Formula (10 mins) •

Explain how you’ll be engaging parents in their girls’ Girl Scout lives by keeping them in the loop on what the girls are doing and learning during each meeting

•

Encourage them to let their daughters “be the expert” at home, explaining or teaching a new skill she’s learned to the rest of the family

•

Let them know there will be special events throughout the year for families to share with their girl and celebrate all they’re achieving with the troop

▶ Get Them Hooked on Helping (10 mins) •

Secure adults to help with organizing and managing the calendar for troop snacks, the carpool schedule, and the troop phone tree or social media page-all activities that can take as little as 15 minutes per week

•

Encourage caregivers to consider other leadership opportunities listed-emphasize they’re not just welcome to lend a hand, they’re wanted

▶ Money Matters (10 mins) •

Outline costs to parents and caregivers (sash or vest and other supplies needed for the year)

•

Explain dues expectations, and how they’ll be used to support the troop

•

If participating in the Girl Scout Cookie or the Fall Product Program, explain how money raised benefits the troop, and briefly go over the five critical skills girls will develop in the process

28 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

▶ Wrap It Up (10-15 mins) •

Make sure everyone has your phone and email, knows the troop number, and has all the information about the next troop meeting (date, time, location and any supplies the girls will need to bring).

•

Determine the primary communication method the troop will use (Rallyhood, text, email, phone, other).

•

Collect forms then leave time for questions, concerns, and simply to get to know people better

•

Friendship Circle, with girls. (You may choose to have the parent meeting occur at the same time as the girls’ troop meeting, to maximize everyone’s time. If you do this, it is helpful to have the two meetings in different rooms, especially for Daisy troops! Come together for the closing Friendship Circle.)

▶ After the Meeting (all year) Follow up with a thank you, then keep the conversation going all year via email, in-person chats, and/or social media, whatever way you have decided to consistently communicate with families. Updating caregivers on troop activities helps them feel more invested and gives them a chance to build on their girl’s experience at home.

Planning notes

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 29

Go! Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 31

888.747.6945 gsnwgl.org

Our troop is using Rallyhood.

Here’s how you can learn more and join us today! Rallyhood is ONE app with all the tools our troop needs for Girl Scouts. It is a safe and private digital space where we can: ▶ Share important updates ▶ Ask and answer questions ▶ Reference helpful documents, calendars, and links we use often ▶ Share photos of our Girl Scouts having fun with activities!

Download the Rallyhood app!

In the App Store

In Google Play

Create a Rallyhood account:

Accept the invitation I sent you to join our troop rally. It is called Troop _______________________.

Rallyhood is very easy to learn as you go. If you’d like to learn more, you can also try these:

Short Video Tutorials 32 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Resources Super Troop Year Plan Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) A tool for troop leaders and assistant troop leaders to access digital program curriculum and quickly organize Girl Scout activities and year plan, so they can focus on the important part—having fun! Access the VTK from MyGS on the council website. The VTK works best with the Chrome browser. Watch the VTK tutorials in gsLearn to learn how to use it.

The Super Troop Year Plan is a monthly guide created to simplify the volunteer experience with troop meeting suggestions for September through May, plus summer.

Safety Activity Checkpoints The first place to look when planning for adventure. Review lists of preparation advice and safety requirements for selected activities.

Volunteer Essentials Review this Girl Scout volunteer handbook for advice about Girl Scouts, troop management, troop engagement, creating safe spaces, product programs, and more.

Tips for Troop Leaders

gsLearn

Award & Badge Explorer

Girl Scout online learning is available 24/7. Access gsLearn from MyGS on the council website.

Use our Award and Badge Explorer tool to learn about the awards, badges, and pins Girl Scouts can earn!

Websites National (girlscouts.org) and council (gsnwgl.org) website help you find what you need when you need it. Also see the Volunteer Collective (vc.gsnwgl.org) for activity guidance. Visit girlscoutshop. com/GSNWGL for all your official Girl Scout needs!

Find real-world advice from fellow troop leaders who’ve been there.

Council Events & Activities Calendar The place to register for councilhosted events, badge-earning workshops, and volunteer trainings.

Council Field Trip & Travel Partners Service Area Leader Meetings Connect to Girl Scout volunteers in your community.

Our list of community organizations who support Girl Scout programming. Contact them to schedule troop field trips.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 33

Keeping Girl Scouts Safe When preparing for any activity with Girl Scouts, check Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints for required guidelines and helpful planning checklists. At the beginning of that reference document, find the Standard Safety Guidelines with details on:

providing adequate adult supervision

offering first aid

emergency procedures

arranging travel

selecting meeting spaces

planning sleepovers

looking out for the overall health and well-being of all members

transporting members in carpools

First Aid Advice For most activities, Girl Scouts recommends that at least one adult volunteer be CPR/First Aid/AED adult/pediatric certified. Make sure a general first aid kit is available at your group meeting place and accompanies Girl Scout members on any activity. Keep copies of members’ Health History Forms and Caregiver Permission Forms with you during activities.

Frequently Used Safety Resources Health History Form

Internet Safety Pledge

Caregiver Permission Form

Safety Tips for Product Sales

Adult-to-Youth Ratio Chart

CPR/First Aid/AED Courses

34 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion Girl Scouts is for everyone, and that’s why we embrace Girl Scouts of all abilities and backgrounds with a specific and positive philosophy of inclusion that benefits everyone. Each Girl Scout—regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, physical or cognitive ability, sexual orientation, primary language, or religion—is an equal and valued member of the group, and groups reflect the diversity of the community. We believe inclusion is an approach and an attitude, rather than a set of guidelines. Inclusion is about belonging, everyone being offered the same opportunities with respect, dignity, and celebration of their unique strengths. It’s about being a sister to every Girl Scout. You’re accepting and inclusive when you: • Welcome every Girl Scout and focus on building community. Show care by learning each person’s name with correct pronunciation, caregivers included! Use a warm and friendly tone, and consistently greet each community member when they arrive. Say goodbye to each person by name as well. • Emphasize cooperation instead of competition. • Provide a confidential, socially comfortable environment. Occasionally ask those who participate in Girl Scout programs if anything is worrying or bothering them. Be a trusted adult they can come to with their needs and emotions without judgment. Allow, but don’t require, participants to say the Pledge of Allegiance or the Girl Scout Promise and Law at meetings. • Teach respect for, understanding of, and dignity toward all members and their families. Learn about the cultures and identities in your Girl Scout community and understand and respect cultural differences. Be sure not to put anyone on the spot or ask them to educate you. Welcome personal sharing about people’s cultural traditions, languages they speak and diverse family structures. Make this kind of sharing a consistent, reliable part of your time together. • Embrace diverse gender expression by inviting each community member to share their gender pronouns aloud or on name tags. Be sure to explain that no one has to share if they don’t want to. Make this conversation matter-of-fact and use a positive tone. • Actively reach out to members and families who are traditionally excluded or underrepresented. • Learn the most valuable ways to support individual children and adults with disabilities, learning differences and/or or neurodiversity. Ask parents, “What can I do to support your child to learn/participate/feel successful in our group? • Foster a sense of belonging to this community as a respected and valued peer. • Honor the intrinsic value of each person’s life. Individual coaching is available to help volunteers with each unique circumstance. Please reach out to info@gsnwgl.org or 888.747.6945, and explore gsLearn for online courses about inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Source: Volunteer Essentials—Troop Management Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 35

Full Circle Cycle

The seasonal cycle of every Girl Scout year.

Annual troop start up • Invite children to join • Invite adults to help

Summer camp

• Set place to meet, day, and time

Making it happen

• Troop camp

• Update troop bank account

• Volunteer Toolkit

• Day camp

• Host caregiver meeting

• Calendar planning

• Sleepaway camp

• Troop input on activities

• Wilderness Adventure camp

• Super Troop Year Plan

Spring reporting

Fall product

• Finance report

• Troop start-up funds option

• Membership renewal

• Leader, caregiver, youth surveys

er m m ll Fa

g rin p S

Start Here Leader Orientation Once you complete your orientation, you can hop into the Girl Scout Full Circle Cycle

nter Wi

Celebrations & ceremonies

Fall council events

• Bridge to next grade level

• Service Area support

• Girl Scouts of Distinction

• Council Programs

• Volunteer Trainings

• Service Area banquets • Troop year-end parties • Adult Awards

36 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Spring council events

Girl Scout Cookie Program

• Volunteer Trainings

• Troop Cookie Manager Training

• Service Area support

• Cookie Rallies

• Council Programs

• Budgeting and goal setting

Super Troop: Free Fun Patches! We are offering our troops free fun patches EVERY MONTH for participating in these activities! Follow this monthly plan of a fun-filled combination of badges, awards, field trips or travel, just-for-fun activities or parties, family outings, and skill-building challenges. Do you want the reward of free fun patches? You deserve it! And it’s a great way to celebrate troop accomplishments with your Girl Scouts and save money for your troop! You’ll follow a quick link to request the quantity. Plus! You’ll again receive a Super Troop Year Plan booklet at your Kick-Off in August with activity ideas, resources, and planning pages! September Planning and Family Kick-Off

October Field Trips and Travel

November Service Projects

December Life Skills

January Cookies and Entrepreneurship

February Girl Scout Traditions

March STEM

April Outdoor Activity or Overnight Camp

May Celebrations

Summer Nature and Summer Camp

Super Troop

*Patch designs are subject to change every year. Girl Scout Traditions and STEM theme will rotate every year.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 37

Support on the Go Support on the Go allows groups, troops, and service areas to participate in expert-led Girl Scout activities—no matter where you are. We can meet at a Girl Scout property or come to you!

Archery

Axe Throwing

Orienteering

Boating

Low Ropes

Program Aide Training

Outdoor Camp Stove Cooking

Swimming Snowshoeing

Outdoor Campfire Cooking

And More!

Volunteer Trainings

• Archery Facilitator Certification • Low Ropes Facilitator • Outdoor Education

Activity and dates are based on staff and property availability. Most activities require a minimum of 10 paid participants. Groups may purchase unused spots or partner with another group to meet minimums. All youth activities require at least one adult chaperone from the troop. Chaperones attend for free. 38 | Troop Leader Go-To Guide

Book Your Adventure

• Plan with a Pro • Red Cross First Aid/AED/CPR Certification • Higher Awards Explore Support on the Go Offerings

Start-Up Opening

Business

Six Parts of a Girl Scout Meeting Girls come to Girl Scouts to try new things, build skills, and have fun in the activities they choose. That’s really important—meetings should be fun! The outline below is how Girl Scout troops everywhere organize their meetings. It’s easy to fill in the details of the outline with the online Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) meeting planner. It helps volunteers organize the six parts of the meeting with suggested activities and time frames. If it doesn’t go according to plan, that’s ok; expect the unexpected!

1. Start-Up (5 minutes)

Activities

As Girl Scouts arrive at the meeting, they engage in a simple activity until the meeting begins, like coloring pages, journaling, or talking with each other.

2. Opening (5–10 minutes)

Girls lead their meeting opening. Most begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Some troops add a simple flag ceremony, song, game, story or other activity.

3. Business (5–10 minutes)

Troop leaders guide girls in planning their upcoming meetings and events. They take attendance, collect forms and dues, and make announcements.

4. Activities (30–45 minutes)

This is the main part of the meeting, where the girls work on earning a badge or sharing an experience.

5. Clean-Up (5 minutes)

Girl Scouts should always leave a place better than they found it!

6. Closing (5 minutes)

Clean-Up

Girls can close their meeting with a song, game, or story. Many troops close with the Friendship Circle and sing “Make New Friends.” Brief announcements and activity reminders are shared with families.

Closing Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | 39

Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Change-makers. Trailblazers. Explorers. We’re talking about Girl Scouts, of course, but we’re also talking about the people who become Girl Scout volunteers. See for yourself how empowering it is to be a role model. The best part? There’s no one “type” of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.