Leading Troops Through Uncertainty

Challenges in our region have led many to experience more uncertainty and instability as they plan for a new Girl Scout year. Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital recognizes that some troops may need to shift their structures and approach as they plan for 2025-2026. Here’s what Troop Leaders need to know as you plan for next year.

The process and structures of troops are flexible and adaptive to meet the needs of our youth and adult members.

Troop meetings will no longer require two Troop Leaders in attendance – while troops should have 2 Troop Leaders, those volunteers are in charge of administration, logistics, and ensuring that the troop is prepared to follow Girl Scout safety guidelines.

Meeting planning and leading can be shared amongst approved volunteers. “Approved volunteers” are volunteers who have completed their background screening, are registered members of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, and have taken a short safety training.

Troops may choose to operate in various styles: classic ‘2-leaders-in-charge’ style, co-operative style, or another way that works for you!

Troop experience not the right fit? Being an Individually Registered Member (IRM) allows Girl Scouts to complete badgework and events independently.

Safety remains our #1 priority, and certain safety policies are non-negotiable.

Girl Scout events always require 2 unrelated adults, both of whom are background checked. Events with additional youth may need additional adults. Adults should never be alone with youth.

Volunteers should understand safety policies as written in Volunteer Essentials, and should be trained for the positions they hold.

Short online training will be available for adults who are leading meetings but are not Troop Leaders.

Each troop should still have 2 Troop Leaders who handle administrative aspects of the troop and understand Girl Scout policies and procedures.

Troop Year Planners

Use Troop Year Planners to grab-and-go a series of meetings. There are year plans for every year of Girl Scouting, including for multi-level troops!

Volunteer Toolkit

Use in conjunction with Troop Year Planners to find and download meeting plans. Or for troops using a co-oeprative structure, save your year plan in Volunteer Toolkit so families can access and download meeting plans for their meetings

Template Sign-Up Sheets & Family Communications

Using a co-operative structure? Use template sign-up sheets to make meeting schedule a breeze. Sample emails and caregiver meeting agendas help families understand changes to their troop structure.

Troop Transition Toolkit

This toolkit contains a guide to changes troops might need to make, such as recruiting a new co-leader, using a cooperative structure, stepping away from roles mid-year, or merging troops.

Additional Resources to Supplement Meetings

Program Partners – For more resources about our program partners and council events check out this one-pager.

Program Kits are available for every level and have detailed instructions for the adults to be able to easily facilitate the programing

Weekend Facilitators at Camp - These programs make getting outdoors easy! Register and bring your troop, and our trained facilitators will take care of the rest.
Troop Edition goes out weekly via email on Thursdays.  It is loaded with information on fun and exciting things to do. 
Girl Scout Insider comes out twice a year, August and September.  They are always available online.

Getting Additional Help

Open to having an extra set of hands or another Troop Leader join the troop? Let us know by filling out an interest form, and if we have interested volunteers, we’ll get you connected!

Coming soon! Want to find a subject matter expert in your area to support the troop? Check out our supporters database (version 1.0) online to find a list of people who are excited to work with troops in your area!
New leader looking for a mentor? Indicate your interest to be matched with an experienced volunteer in your area. Experienced volunteer with some wisdom to share? Fill out the form as well to volunteer as a mentor!

Sister* to Every Girl Scout

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is committed to being a Sister* to Every Girl Scout, which includes supporting youth and adult members beyond just their Girl Scout experience. Let us know how we can help you and your community by emailing communityfeedback@gscnc.org.

*Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital uses the term sister inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scouting experience. You may substitute another word of your choice, such as sibling, friend, or family member.