Troop Leader Guide Book

FORMING THE TROOP
5
6
What to do first
Your first step is to join our
movement! While you work on
your checklist, have the girls
you know are joining invite their
friends to join too. Think about
the other parents/caregivers
you've met or know and invite
them to participate as a Co-
Leader or as part of your troop
team.
Keep in mind two adults must
be present during meeting
times, and at least one of those
volunteers must be female
and not related to the other
adult by birth or marriage. In
addition, the two cannot share
a household.
Troop Formation
Usually a troop is formed from
girls in surrounding areas. Many
troops have girls from different
schools who meet at a central
location. They can be made up
of girls from one level of Girl
Scouts or several levels.
Troops can range from 6 to
over 20, but the average troop
size is about 12 girls. For safety
reasons we do require additional
approved adults present to
cover supervision ratios. Citrus
Council staff can also help
identify girls in your area looking
for a troop.
Finding a Meeting
Space
Most troops meet in public,
community centered locations
– like libraries, churches, or
schools. A great way to find a
location is to ask. You never
know who has a space you
could use. As a good rule
of thumb, avoid places that
require a rental fee.
ADULT TEAMWORK
Supplies and Costs
We do not require Co-Leaders
to buy supplies for their troop.
Consider having all the parents
bring in one or two bulk items to
help build up your supply. You
can also discuss an appropriate
figure for troop dues to help
cover any additional troop
expenses.
Parents, friends, family and other members of your community
can provide time, experience and ideas, so get them involved
from the very beginning as part of your troop committee.
Your troop committee should include Co-Leaders,
Cookie Chair, Fall Product Chair, and other adults who
might help in various ways such as carpooling to
events, being the troop first-aider, providing meeting
snacks – the list is only limited by your imagination.
As a Co-Leader, you will guide the structure and girl-led
experiences of your troop - everything from when and
where to meet, how to communicate, and setting financial
expectations.
Making decisions collaboratively, with input from your committee
and the girls, will help the troop grow and flourish.