We will continue to offer Zoom licenses for troops and Service Units to meet virtually when needed through July 30, 2022. Cost is $36 for the year. Even if troops are meeting in person, it can be a useful resource for preparing for meetings, or when weather or other circumstances causes schools to close. It is also an option to host service unit Leader Meetings virtually at certain times throughout the year.
Leader Resources
Find every resource you need as a Girl Scout volunteer!
Volunteer Essentials: is a great reference to all topics relating to the Girl Scout Program, including policies, procedures, and information about troops, safety, travel, camp, activities, and more.
Activities in the Community. Troops have the opportunity to schedule flexible events with community partners. We have many individuals and organizations in our council ready to share their unique skills with your girls.
Safety Activity Checkpoints: provides great information when planning activities for girls. This resource will let you know what activities are approved and tips for keeping girls safe. NEW Virtual Troop Meeting SACs.
New Leader's Guide to Success: everything you need to know about leading a troop in one handy document.
Troop Information Update: keeps our Girl Scout team informed on when your Troop meets. This way, new girls will know if your troop has openings!
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Zoom Licenses for Troops
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Resources for New Troops
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Troop Finances and Fundraising
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Field Trips and Troop Travel
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Girl Scout Traditions
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Keeping Girls Safe
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While working with girls and learning new skills is fun and rewarding, assuming responsibility for other people’s children means that some level of risk management and due diligence are involved. There are several resources we use to help you minimize risk and keep girls safe.
Your Troop is required to have:
- At least two unrelated, approved volunteers present at all times, plus additional volunteers as necessary, depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of girls
- Any adult that is supervising girls must be an approved volunteer and be at least 18 years old
- One Troop Leader in every group must be female
Volunteer-to-girl ratios show the minimum number of volunteers needed to supervise a specific number of girls. These supervision ratios were devised to ensure the safety and health of girls. Please refer to the ratio chart below.
Planning Safe Activities
When preparing for any activity with girls, start by reading the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints for that particular activity. Each Safety Activity Checkpoint offers you required guidelines on where to do this activity, how to include girls with disabilities, where to find both basic and specialized gear required for the activity, how to prepare yourselves for the activity, and what specific steps to follow on the day of the activity. Safety Activity Checkpoints will note if a First Aider is required as well.
Emergency Situations
Although we all hope the worst never happens, it’s important to know and follow our council procedures for handling emergency incidents. At the scene of the incident, safety is your priority. Provide care for the injured person or obtain medical assistance and then immediately report the emergency to council staff. Refer any media to council staff.
Call 800-798-0833 during business hours or call 309-764-8833 after business hours to report an emergency.
Report accidents, injuries, and illnesses which occur at a Girl Scout sponsored activity to the council office using the accident report form.
Make sure a general First Aid kit is available at your meeting place and accompanies girls on any activity. You may need to provide the kit if one is not already available at your meeting location. You must always have on hand the names and phone numbers of our council office, parents and guardians, and emergency services such as the police, fire department, or hospital.
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Honor Troops
