How to start a Girl Scout troop in your area
It's National Vounteer Month, and we are excited you have decided to embark on this lifechanging journey of mentoring, guiding, and inspiring the next generation of female leadership! As a troop leader, you will lead a Girl Scout troop - group of Girl Scouts and volunteers - that meets regularly. Troops set their own schedule for meetings, decide what activities they want to enjoy, and find ways to improve their community.
Free membership for troop leaders April 5-May 5!
Take advantage of our National Volunteer Month FREE membership promotion! This offer is available to the first 100 NEW troop leaders who register between April 5 - May 5. Use code NVM2025 at checkout.
REGISTERTo get started, complete these five simple steps:
- Fill out a Start a Troop form. As troop leader of your new troop, register for your extended year membership using promo code NVW2025 for payment. Note: Please be sure to enter the promo code before finalizing payment, as it cannot be applied retroactively.
- Get a troop number. A placement specialist will call you to assign you a troop number and collect any additional information about your troop.
- Complete a criminal background check. You will receive this information via email.
- Finish the required two-part online training: Volunteer Basics and GSUSA Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Training. You can access these through gsLearn via your myGS account.
Once you have completed these steps, your volunteer experience manager (VEM) will contact you with information about the next steps to get your troop up and running. In addition, the VEM will connect you with experienced volunteers in your area and direct you to valuable resources to assist you in your new role!
A minimum of two unrelated troop leaders and five girls are needed to start a troop. The recommended number of girls in a troop is 12. If you do not have enough girls or a co-leader, don't worry, we can help. We have plenty of excited girls waiting to join a troop in your area!
Visit our Become a Volunteer webpage to learn more about how to become a volunteer.
If you have any questions throughout this process, contact us at 713-292-0300 or customerservice@sjgs.org. We are happy to assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be troop leader? 
How much time is required?
Will I have help?
How much does it cost?
When/where does the troop meet?
How will I know what to do?
Girl Scout Experience boxes for new leaders!
New Girl Scout Daisy (K–1 grades) and Brownie (2-3 grades) troop leaders will receive a monthly supply box filled with step-by-step instructions and ready-to-go supplies for their troop meetings.
LEARN MORENeed more information? Contact us.
