How to start a Girl Scout troop in your area
A Girl Scout troop, or a group of Girl Scouts and volunteers that meet regularly, is one of many ways to participate in Girl Scouting. Troops set their own schedule for meetings, decide what activities they want to enjoy, and find ways to improve their community.
It only take a few steps to change girls' lives
We have many resources and an eager team of staff and volunteers to help you become a troop leader and get your troop started! Just follow these steps:
- Fill out the Start a Troop form.
- Be ready for our Placement Department to contact you to receive your troop number.
- After you receive your troop number, complete your membership registration as the troop leader for that troop.
- Agree to a criminal background check. You will receive a request via email.
- Complete your Volunteer Basics and Youth Protection Level 1 online trainings. These courses are available through your new MyGS account.
A troop needs a minimum of two unrelated troop leaders and five girls to get started. The recommended number of girls in a troop is 12. Don’t have enough girls or a co-leader? No worries, 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.
Coming soon: We have something exciting and new for Daisy troop leaders! Starting in August 2024, new Girl Scout Daisy (K–1) troop leaders in participating councils will receive a monthly supply box filled with step-by-step instructions, and ready-to-go supplies. To learn more, visit the Girl Scout Experience boxes page.
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?
Need more information? Contact us.
