Troop Co-Leader Resources

You're doing something amazing by volunteering as a Co-Leader with Girl Scouts.

Throughout the year, you'll introduce Girl Scouts to new experiences and watch their confidence and skills grow! We've compiled resources to help new volunteers get started and timely reminders for returning volunteers.

New Leaders

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Welcome to Girl Scouts! We’re so excited to have you join the Girl Scout Movement.

As a new Troop Co-Leader, you will receive continued support from dedicated staff members to guide you through your first year.

Once you’re registered as an adult member, chosen the Troop Co-Leader role, and completed your background check, please complete the New Co-Leader Confirmation Form to begin your customized onboarding and first-year support.

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The New Leader's Guide to Success is a go-to guide with information to get your troop started. Download a copy to reference whenever you have a question.

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Volunteer training is held virtually using gsLearn, Girl Scouts’ official online training platform. You can access trainings on demand when it fits into your schedule. gsLearn is accessed through your MyGS account. The first courses to complete in gsLearn are:

New Leader Orientation
Provides the basics for getting started as a troop co-leader. This course should be completed before meeting with Girl Scouts for the first time.

GSUSA Daisy/ Brownie/ Junior Grade Level Essentials
Covers the key topics related to running a successful and engaging Daisy/Brownie/ Junior troop.

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Just-in-Time Guides are step-by-step instructions provided to leaders throughout the year on important topics. The new leader series will be sent via email and can also be referenced below:

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Kick off a fun-filled troop year with the help of the Troop Leader Blueprint. This resource is perfect for first-time troop leaders who are ready to start their troop activities right away. From meeting guides and badge resources to tips for connecting with families, you’ll find just what you need for a great year.

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The Volunteer Toolkit, accessed through MyGS, is your official source for delivering easy, fun troop meetings year-round! This fully customizable digital planning tool is accessible on any computer, tablet, or mobile device and provides you with ready to go meeting plans and the resources you need to run your troop. Learn more with the Troop Co-Leader User Guide.

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New troops will need to set up a bank account to collect dues, pay for troop supplies and activities, and collect product sales revenue. Refer to the How to Open a New Troop/Service Unit Bank Account for details on opening the troop’s new bank account. Please also refer to our Authorized Account Signer Responsibilities and Financial Best Practices for more details on managing the troop's bank account.

General Resources

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Volunteer Essentials, is designed to support busy troop volunteers on the go. You can easily find what you need to get started on your Girl Scout journey and search for answers throughout the troop year.

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Fall is typically the time for Back to Troop for another year of fun and friendship! Find resources in the Back to Troop Reference Guide to help get your troop’s year off to a spectacular start!

Successful Troop Experience

Troop Intent Form (ONLINE)
Parent-Family Meeting Guide (Start of the Troop Year) (PDF)
Volunteer Toolkit Troop Co-Leader User Guide (PDF)
Badge and Award Explorer (WEB)
Leadership Awards (WEB)
gsLearn - Find the courses listed below and more in gsLearn (accessed through MyGS)!
• 2022 New and Updated Programs
• Deliverying Iclusive Programs
• Volunteer Toolkit
• Girl Scouts in the Outdoors

Finance

Bank Account Confirmation/ACH Form (ONLINE)
Bank Account Authorization Form (ONLINE)
2022-2023 Check Register Workbook (XLS)

Fall Programs & Events

Council Support Resources

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It's time to reflect on the troop's accomplishments from the year and start planning for the next year. Use the Spring Troop Wrap-Up Guide to get started.

Resources

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gsZoom

Girl Scout volunteers may purchase a specially priced Pro-Zoom account for $36 per license/per year. gsZoom licenses may only be used by Service Unit and Troop Volunteers for approved Girl Scout activities such as to:

Host service unit meetings
Host troop meetings and activities
Meet with other troop volunteers
Host service unit or troop events

To take advantage of this special opportunity for your troop or service unit:

Make sure you are a registered volunteer for the current membership year.
Review the full Zoom Licsense User Agreement .
Submit Zoom Volunteer License Request form with payment.

Volunteer resources available on MyGS

Many of your must-have tools, like gsLearn and the Volunteer Toolkit, are accessible when you log in to MyGS —always accessible via the icon on the upper right corner of our website.

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The Volunteer Toolkit is a customizable planning tool where you can find suggested meeting plans for most badges, access activity guides and badge requirements, track your Girl Scouts’ achievements, and so much more. It’s the digital planning assistant that will help you power a fun-filled—and organized—Girl Scout year.

You’ll find the Volunteer Toolkit via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

The Volunteer Toolkit isn’t just for Troop Co-Leaders!
Caregivers of girls in troops can view the troop's schedule, annual financial summary, and access resources to stay up-to-date on the great things Girl Scouts are doing throughout the year.

Caregivers of Individually Registered Girls can access the Volunteer Toolkit to guide their Individually Registered Girl Scout through her awards and badge journey, and track her achievement!

Ready to learn more?
Check out the Volunteer Toolkit trainings in gsLearn or the user guides below before you start. Click on My GS in the upper right-hand corner to login and access gsLearn and the Volunteer Toolkit.

Troop Co-Leader User Guide (PDF)
Caregiver User Guide (PDF)
Service Unit Volunteer User Guide (PDF)
Individually Registered Member Caregiver User Guide (PDF)

gsLearn

gsLearn is full of essential volunteer trainings and courses, like how to lead activities the Girl Scout way, safety procedures, and advice for guiding Girl Scouts at every grade level.

You’ll find gsLearn via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device, and it will be populated with any trainings you should view.

Looking for more helpful documents?

Check out Volunteer Essentials for topic sensitive resources.

Council News for Volunteers