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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
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.
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 February 29.
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.
Reach out to your troop leader for information on how to get started. If you haven't been placed in a troop, we'll reach out with further instructions within one week of joining Girl Scouts.
For a more detailed look at the cookie program, visit the Cookie Resources for guidelines, materials, and promotions.
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.
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.
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.
From registration deadlines and retail promotions to program highlights and upcoming events, stay up-to-date on all things Girl Scouts with Council News.
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.
Jump start your Girl Scout’s journey by earning troop funds to help pay for her upcoming experiences by participating in one of our product programs.