Getting Started | Girl Scouts

Raise your hand. Accept the challenge. Embrace your bold.

If you can dream it, you can do it. The only question is, what’s next?

Here is a guide to what your Girl Scout can expect in the next few weeks as she kicks off her new Girl Scout journey.

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If you have joined an existing troop, a troop volunteer will be reaching out to discuss troop meeting information over the next two weeks. If your girl is being placed into a newly formed troop, you’ll need to attend the Troop Formation Meeting. A staff member will reach out via email with meeting information.

During this meeting, we will be asking for parents and caregivers to volunteer to become your troop’s co-leader! Not ready to take the lead? There are many other roles needed for a troop to be successful.

Co-Leader: Work with a group of girls and mentor them as they make new friends and develop connections that will last a lifetime. (Minimum 2 required.)

Treasurer: Maintain the troop checking account, keep accurate records, and communicate financial information with troop members and council.

Fall Product Coordinator: Coordinate the annual Fall Product Program at the troop level. You’ll receive training and then guide the troop through the program.

Cookie Coordinator: Coordinate the annual Cookie Program at the troop level. You’ll receive training and then guide the troop through the program.

Helper: Provide extra support to the troop as needed. Work with girls at troop meetings, drive girls, coordinate field trips, supervise cookie booths, or other support as needed by troop volunteers.

To become an approved Girl Scout volunteer, adults need to complete a membership registration and agree to a background check. Processing, approval, and training can take up to 30 days, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from your co-leaders about meeting as a troop right away.

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While your Girl Scout is diving into the Changemakers Patch Program and making her way through the Activity Magazine, our team is hard at work getting her new troop leaders onboarded and trained.

Here is a timeline of what a troop co-leader’s onboarding looks like and how it can impact when a troop can have its first meeting.

NOTE: All troops are required to have two co-leaders to get started.

Day 1-7
Troop co-leader registers as an adult member of Girl Scouts and completes criminal background check.

Day 7-21
Troop co-leaders completes online training to learn how to lead a troop.

Day 21-30
Troop co-leader reaches out to troop members and schedules first troop meeting.

If you don't hear from your troop co-leader at the end of this timeframe, please contact us.

All About Girl Scouts Patch Program & Activity Magazine toggle arrow

Keep an eye on your mailbox over the next few weeks! Your Girl Scout will be receiving her first fun patch and activity magazine. These girl-led activities will introduce her to the Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scout Law, and badges she can earn with her troop, or on her own!

At Girl Scouts, every girl and volunteer has the power to change the world. Get ready for fun and adventure, because you are going to make the world a better place—today and for the next generation.

No need to wait for your fun patch to arrive, get started now!

Resources

Patch Program Requirements (PDF)
Complete steps with links on earning their first Girl Scout fun patch.

Girl Scout Law Craft (PDF)
Girl Scout Promise & Sign Craft (PDF)
Badge Design (PDF)
Girl Scout Activity Sheets (PDF)
SWAPS (PDF)

Stay Connected toggle arrow

There is a lot going on at Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons. Don’t miss out on the fun! Below are several ways to learn about Girl Scouts and discover all the opportunities that are waiting.

Girl Scouts Connected Email

Don’t miss out on programs and council updates near you! Each month, we send out our Girl Scouts Connected Program Newsletter via email that highlights all the programs in your area along with important news and updates. We also send emails periodically with important program dates, deadlines, and retail promotions.

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Member Connect Facebook Group

Get important updates from council and connect with other volunteers and members within our council. Ask questions, share stories, and connect with others as you continue your Girl Scout journey.

Council News

From registration deadlines and retail promotions to program highlights and upcoming events, stay up-to-date on all things Girl Scouts with Council News.

"Sprout into Girl Scouts" Free Event toggle arrow

Calling all new Girl Scouts in grades K-5! Join us virtually to kick of your Girl Scout adventure with a bang by exploring all the opportunities available. Learn about Girl Scout traditions, including the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and traditional songs. Girls will also get a head start on earning the Space Science Badge and receive step-by-step instructions to finish the badge at home.

Important: All sessions will include the same activities.

Daisy (K-1)

Date	Registration Deadline
Tuesday, September 29	9/15/2026
Thursday, November 5	10/22/2026
Monday, December 7	11/23/2026
Tuesday, January 12	12/29/2026
Thursday, February 18	2/4/2027
Monday, March 22	3/8/2027
Tuesday, April 20	4/6/2027
Thursday, May 20	5/6/2027

Brownies (2-3) / Juniors (4-5)

Date	Registration Deadline
Tuesday, October 6	9/15/2026
Thursday, November 12	10/29/2026
Monday, December 14	11/30/2026
Tuesday, January 19	1/5/2027
Thursday, February 25	2/11/2027
Monday, March 29	3/15/2027
Tuesday, April 27	4/13/2027
Thursday, May 20	5/6/2027

Find Other Events

Start her adventure now by finding an event that interests your Girl Scout. Girl Scouts can register and attend any event on their own. Use the advanced search to find events near you and search options to find events by date, location, or program level.

Participate in Product Programs toggle arrow

You don’t have to wait to join a troop to participate in the cookie program! Earn money for your upcoming adventures and fun rewards while learning new skills.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program isn’t just about selling cookies—it’s about developing skills and learning new things! Girl Scouts participating in the program learn invaluable skills that they’ll need to succeed throughout their lives.

Goal Setting - Set personal sales goals.
People Skills - Learn to talk, listen, and work with different kinds of people.
Business Ethics - Keep promises to customers and give back to the community.
Money Management - Learn to handle money.
Decision Making - Decide how to spend the money earned.

Participation Options

If you just joined or haven't been placed in a troop, you can still participate in the cookie program. Below are a few options to get started.

Option 1: Online
Girl Scouts explore online sales by using their Digital Cookie site to set and share their goals, learn how to create a marketing video, and promote their business. Orders placed online can be shipped directly to the customer. Note: Only option available if starting the program after January 9.

Option 2: In-Person and Online
Girl Scouts get hands-on experience building people skills while interacting with customers. Customers can include just friends & family or holding a cookie booth in their community. Girl Scouts can have cookies on-hand or use an order card.

Ready to learn more?

Reach out to your troop leader for information on how to get started. If you haven't been placed in a troop complete the intent form and we will help you get started.

For a more detailed look at the cookie program, visit the Cookie Resources for guidelines, materials, and promotions.

Girl Scout Basics

Get to know Girl Scouts better with these basic introductions.

Activity Zone

Ready to try something new? Find tons of activities to do on your own.

Uniforms

Your Girl Scout uniform shows how much you’ve accomplished.