Start a Troop
Do you love inspiring girls to grow, learn, and shine?
As a Girl Scout troop leader, you’ll guide girls to build confidence, explore the outdoors, make new friends, and discover their strengths, all while having fun every step of the way.
A Girl Scout troop is more than just meetings, it’s a safe, supportive space where girls dream big and take action to make their world better.
And you won’t do it alone: with training, ready-to-go meeting plans, and an entire Girl Scout team by your side, you’ll feel confident and prepared to lead.
Be the role model they’ll remember forever, become a Girl Scout troop leader today!
To get started, complete these four simple steps:
- Fill out a Start a Troop form. The Girl Scout membership fee is $42 for adults and $63 for girls.
- 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.
Preview Your Year
Our easy-to-follow Troop Year Plans are available for troops of all ages! Check out the fun that awaits you and your troop.
SEE PLANS
