Q: What are the requirements to be a Troop Leader?
A: A Girl Scout troop leader needs to be a responsible, caring adult who has a desire to enrich young girls' lives. You will need to register and be subjected to a background check. This is to protect the well being and safety of our Girl Scouts. In addition, you will participate in approximately 9 hours of training. These training courses will prepare you to work confidently with girls and allow you to develop connections with other Girl Scout volunteers. If you are interested in being a leader, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Audra Smith at (562) 421-8456 ext. 211 .

Q: Do I have to have a daughter in the troop to be a Troop Leader?
A: No. Our leaders range in age from college students to senior citizens, and have a wide range of backgrounds, interests and professions. Most are employed. Men can also serve as leaders of troops/groups along with two adult females. If you want to help girls, are 18 years of age or older, accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and complete our background screening and attend all required trainings you can serve as a troop leader.

Q: Can men be leaders?
A: Any responsible, caring adult 18 years or older may serve as a troop leader. If a man chooses to become a troop leader, he will need to have at least one, non-related female co-leader. Also at overnight trips, men will need to have their own sleeping facilities and their own restrooms available.

Q: What do I need to do in order to have a background check?
A: Background checks apply to those adults that are going to be actively involved with a Girl Scout troop. This means any adult who will be attending a meeting, driving girls to and from places and those who will be attending any events. To apply for a background check, please contact the Council Office at (562) 421-8456 ext. 211.

Q: When can I apply for a background check?
A: You can apply for a background check any time the office is open. However, it is a good idea to call before you come to ensure that someone is available. Please contact the Council Office at  (562) 421-8456 ext. 211 for more information.

Q: What is the time commitment for leaders?
A: The time commitment for leaders is very flexible. Troops decide on their own how often they meet and for how long, based on their personal schedules and availability. Typically, troops meet every other week, but there are troops that do meet once a week. There are even troops who meet once a month. Leaders and other adult volunteers may also choose to divide up the responsibilities among themselves in order to lessen the commitment of any one person. .

Q: How many girls have to be in a troop? Is there a limit?
A: There needs to be at least five girls in the troop and two, non-related registered adults. Troop size averages about 15, but can be up to 25 girls.

Q:How often do troops meet?
A: There is no required number of hours or number of times that a troop must meet. The meeting times and schedules are usually decided upon by the troop and can be as often as weekly or as little as monthly. This design is intended to be flexible based on the troop's needs and availability.

Q:Can my troop meet at my home?
A:Yes, troops may meet at your home but you may also meet at school facilities, churches, and community centers.

Q:How do we raise or obtain money to go places?
A:The best way to raise money for a troop is to participate in council product programs. There are trainings available to get started in product sales. If additional funds are needed for troop activities, please consult your Member Services Manager.

Q:What resources and assistance is available?
A: We have the following resources to make it easier for you.

• Council-sponsored training classes are one of the greatest resources available to Girl Scout volunteers. Most classes are free; some include a nominal fee to pay for materials. Some trainings are offered on-line or in a self-paced learning format. Whether you’re looking for art/craft ideas, or are planning a backpacking trip for your troop/group and you want to be First Aid Level II qualified, Girl Scouts offers exceptional training to help with your preparation. Click here to view Training Calendar.

  Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has developed girl handbooks and leader guides for the various Girl Scout program age levels (e.g., Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts). The handbooks outline program requirements and suggest activities girls can do to obtain their petals, Try-Its, badges, interest projects. The leader guides discuss what to expect from a particular age group and give suggestions on working with girls of that program level. These resources, as well as many other GSUSA publications, may be purchased from any of our council stores. Click here to go to our Council Shop info.

  Staff Support: All troop leaders will be assigned a member of our Member Services team who will assist in guiding you though the process of becoming a leader and serve as a resource to insure your success!

  Volunteer Team Support: All troop leaders will also to a team of volunteers. These teams of volunteers are called a “Service Unit” and are led by a Service Unit Manager. Service Units are organized geographically and usually meet on a monthly basis.  Please click here for more information.

  Council Programs: A variety of programs are available throughout the year for your troop to participate in. These programs include badge earning workshops, overnight camping experiences, and a whole host of fun opportunities for girls to have a well-rounded Girl Scout experience. Please click here for more information: Program Opportunity Guide.