Information for Families
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The Girl Scout Promise and Law are shared by every member of Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Promise is the way Girl Scouts agree to act every day toward one another and other people, and the Law outlines a way to act towards one another and the world.
The Girl Scout Parent Promise
On my honor, I will try
To encourage my Girl Scout Daughter
To support our Girl Scout Group,
And to obey the Girl Scout Parent Law.
Girl Scout Parent Law
A Girl Scout Parent understands the true purpose of Girl Scouting.
A Girl Scout Parent gets their daughter to and from meetings on time.
A Girl Scout Parent knows a troop is a team effort.
A Girl Scout Parent sees the job through to the end.
A Girl Scout Parent sets a good example at all times.
A Girl Scout Parent is enthusiastic and cheerful.
A Girl Scout Parent does not consider the leader a baby sitter.
A Girl Scout Parent brings troop problems to the leader first.
A Girl Scout Parent always does his or her part willingly.
A Girl Scout Parent is aware that Girl Scouting is for all girls.
Honor a Volunteer
Is there a Girl Scout volunteer who has made a difference in your child's life? Now is the time to show them you appreciate their presence! There are many ways to honor a leader or a volunteer in a troop. You can nominate her or him for a national award, or a council award such as the Outstanding Leader Award. Or you might want to thank your favorite leader or volunteer with a special recognition of your own. Leader Appreciation Day is April 22 and offers the perfect chance for you to say thank you and show this leader s/he has made a difference in the lives of girls. But remember that you don't have to wait until April 22 to show your appreciation!
Parent FAQ's
How much does it cost to be in Girl Scouts?
All members pay $12.00 annual membership dues. The Girl Scout year runs from October 1 - September 30. Beyond the membership dues paid each year, the troop may set a dues amount to be collected weekly, monthly, or periodically to help cover the costs of activities, patches, and supplies for the troop. Each troop sets its own budget based on the goals of the girls in the troop.
What is the $12 Registration fee/Membership dues for?
The entire $12 membership fee is sent directly to Girl Scouts of the USA. GSUSA uses the membership fees to support program development and services on a national level. No part of the fee remains with Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Council or Troy-Miami East. A portion of the membership fee paid by every registered member is used to provide a basic accident protection plan.
Does my daughter have to join a troop?
While many girls do belong to a troop, many others belong to special-interest groups or are registered as individual girls (called Juliettes). All registered members may participate in Girl Scout sponsored programs, activities and camps.
My daughter has never been a Girl Scout before. When is she too old?
A girl must be willing to abide by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and be in kindergarten through her senior year in high school to be a Girl Scout (or aged 5 to 17).
Are Girl Scout activities safe?
All Girl Scout activities are designed to comply with Girl Scouts of the USA's strict safety standards. The security of girls is our highest priority, and safety is a primary focus of the orientation and training we provide to adult volunteers.
Does my daughter have to have a uniform?
Uniforms are NOT required for members to participate in Girl Scout activities, although registered members are entitled to wear them. Girl Scouts wear uniforms to show their pride in belonging to a movement whose mission is held in high regard by the American people. There is a wide choice of uniform components, so that some part of the uniform can be affordable for every girl. The uniform provides visibility and recognition for members, and helps all girls in a group to show they belong, regardless of individual socioeconomic status or family circumstances. It is suitable for all Girl Scout functions and should be worn appropriately. Uniforms are available for purchase from the council's Boutique for Girls or on-line. Any uniform, past or present, is considered official.
Where do I put all the pins and patches my daughter receives?
All of the handbooks show insignia placement. You can also download an Insignia Placement Guide at Girl Scout Central.
How are troop leaders chosen?
Troop leaders are volunteers. To ensure the placement of capable and qualified leaders in all positions, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio uses an application process which includes a reference check and background check as part of the volunteer placement process. The volunteer process includes recruitment, selection, placement, training, recognition and position evaluation of volunteers.
Can men serve as troop leaders?
In keeping with our values of diversity and inclusiveness, every volunteer position in Girl Scouting is open to qualified adult men and women over the age of 18. Because female role models are especially important to young girls, men must serve with at least one member of the leadership team being an adult female.
What is a troop treasury and how is it used?
A troop treasury is the money that belongs to the members of the troop as a whole. Money can be earned from troop dues, fees collected for things like membership, activities, and uniforms, proceeds from council sales (fall product and cookie sales), and other troop fundraisers. The members of the troop decide how to spend the money earned each year and very little, if any, should be carried over to the following year (except for older girl troops that may be saving for a large troop trip). As their skill level permits, girls should be involved in the troop's financial aspects: collecting and recording dues, creating deposit tickets, balancing the checkbook, creating budgets, helping prepare the annual troop financial report, and writing checks to be signed by an adult. (Daisies are not permitted to handle money so this should be left up to the adult advisors.)
Troops are required to submit to the council an annual financial report by July of each year showing all money taken in and all money spent. Girls and their families can request a copy of this report from the troop leader.
What are the different levels of Girl Scouting?
Girl Scouts has six program grade levels designed to meet girls' developmental, educational, emotional, and social needs as they grow:
- Daisy Girl Scout (grades K-1)
- Brownie Girl Scout (grades 2-3)
- Junior Girl Scout (grades 4-5)
- Cadette Girl Scout (grades 6-8)
- Senior Girl Scout (grades 9-10)
- Ambassador Girl Scout (grades 11-12)