General Troop Information

Membership as a Girl Scout is granted to any girl or adult who meets membership requirements - regardless of race, creed, nationality or socio-economic factors.

The Girl Scout membership year is from October 1 through September 30. Annual membership dues to GSUSA ($10) are paid by parents and/or product activity funds through the troop. Be sure all girls and adults are registered as soon as possible.

Offer Well-Rounded Programs
A troop’s program should cover a wide range of activities encompassing the program goals of Girl Scouting without being expensive. Be thrifty and inventive—use scraps and recycled materials. Make sure that girls help plan and make decisions.

Change of Leadership
If the leadership of a troop or group changes during the membership year, a Change of Leadership form (available from your Membership Marketing Consultant) must be completed and mailed to the council office.

Record Keeping
Record each girl’s attendance at meetings and events and troop dues. All activities should be recorded on each girl’s Individual Girl Record Sheet, which should be given to her if she moves. Record troop income and expenses on the Detailed Cash Record Sheet. Submit an Annual Finance Report to the council office as required by June 1. Keep Detailed Cash Record Sheet and all books/records and all troop supplies/equipment.  All forms are provided in the forms section.

Combined/Disbanded Troops
If a troop combines with another troop or disbands, girls and leaders, with the help of the service unit team if necessary, should make the decision as to the disposition of troop money and other assets. Leaders of a disbanding troop must fill out the ‘Disbanding Troop Form’ and return to the council. All assets of an inactive troop are given to the council to ensure assets are held until the troop is reorganized or for one calendar year. If it is not reorganized within one year, the assets will be used for to support program. In no case does the money earned by the girls for Girl Scout troops/groups become the property of individual members.