Start a Troop | Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas

How to start a Girl Scout troop in your area

Girl Scout troop leaders play the roles of cheerleader-in-chief, champion of kindness, and role model for what it means to lead with your heart. And along the way, they unleash their own confidence as they discover their leadership style and deepen their connection to their communities, just as their Girl Scouts do.

In leading a troop—that is, the group of Girl Scouts you’ll meet with regularly—you not only make a positive impact on Girl Scouts today; you show them the limitless possibilities ahead of them. What begins with speaking up at a troop meeting can go all the way to speaking in front of their city council for a cause they champion, and they’ll have your support to thank for that.

With you as their troop leader, girls learn to be true to themselves, make strides towards their dreams, and share in fun-filled activities they’ll remember for a lifetime. Here’s how you can start a Girl Scout troop.

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If you’re ready to be a champion for Girl Scouts and help them grow their courage, resilience, and can-do spirit, you’re ready to be a troop leader.

Girl Scout troop leaders are a dynamic and diverse group, and there’s no one “type” of volunteer. Whether you’re a recent college grad, a parent, or a retiree—really, people of any gender with a sense of curiosity and adventure who are 18 or older and have passed their council's screening process—your unique skills and experiences and your mentorship can open your Girl Scouts’ eyes to a world of possibility.

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After becoming a member of Girl Scouts, you can choose your troop leader volunteer role through your Girl Scout account at MyGS. You’ll complete some trainings to help you succeed as well as undergo a background check before meeting with your Girl Scouts.

Teaming up with a co-leader or troop volunteers, you’ll decide where and when troop meetings take place, and then you’ll set up a meeting with your troop families to talk about things like meeting logistics and the roles they can play in troop life.

Girl Scout leaders are supported every step of the way. Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is always available, as well as fellow volunteers in your community, to help you throughout your troop leader experience. And there are lots of resources available, including advice for working with your troop and how-to’s for leading badge activities.