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Volunteer Essentials
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  1. Members
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  3. Volunteer Essentials

Volunteer Essentials

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  • About Girl Scouts
  • Troop Management
  • Troop Finances
  • Engaging Girl Scouts and Families
  • Safety
  • Product Program
  • Additional Resources and Support
  • Volunteer Resources
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Welcome! 

As a volunteer, you’re not just helping—you’re inspiring. You’re a builder of community, a mentor, and a joyful guide who leads with kindness. Thanks to you, Girl Scouts of all ages will dream big, explore boldly, and make a real difference in the world. We’re so glad you’re here! 

These pages are designed to support you as a Girl Scout volunteer. From Girl Scout basics to managing your troop, we’ve got you covered! We recommend that you begin by browsing the sections below and return throughout the year to find answers to your questions as they arise. 

Download Volunteer Essentials
two girl scout juniors outside wearing junior vest uniform smiling two girl scout juniors outside wearing junior vest uniform smilingtwo girl scout juniors outside wearing junior vest uniform smiling
About Girl Scouts

Everything you need to know about Girl Scouts.

group of girl scouts looking at laptop computer with adult volunteer group of girl scouts looking at laptop computer with adult volunteergroup of girl scouts looking at laptop computer with adult volunteer
Troop Management

How to get started with your troop.

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Troop Finances

Learn money-earning basics.

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Troop Engagement

Connect with Girl Scouts and get their families involved with your troop.

young girl on skateboard at top of ramp with pink helmet elbow and knee pads young girl on skateboard at top of ramp with pink helmet elbow and knee padsyoung girl on skateboard at top of ramp with pink helmet elbow and knee pads
Creating a Safe Space

Keep Girl Scouts safe in every activity with these guidelines.

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Product Program

Guide Girl Scouts as they learn to think like entrepreneurs and develop business smarts.

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Volunteer Appreciation

You make a powerful difference. We wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you.

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Resources & Support

Additional tools to help you along the way.


New troop leader?

Are you a new troop leader? We have a resource designed especially for you. Plus, council staff and volunteer coaches are ready to help throughout your first year and beyond!


GSEP Publications & Resources

  • GSEP News is sent out monthly to all registered members on our e-mail list. Please make sure you have not opted out of emails in MyGS to ensure you receive all email communications.
  • Spark magazine is an annual publication for girls. It is published in August along with the Fall/Winter Program Guide. Spark features fun games and informative articles and is mailed out to members, but you can also download the current issue online here.
  • Summer Camp Guide is an annual publication for girls. It is published in December along with the Spring/Summer Program Guide. The Summer Camp Guide features all of the Summer Camo programs being offered at our multiple camp locations. It is mailed out to members and the latest edition will be available in December. 
  • Learning Opportunities: Check out adult trainings and fun events online.
  • GSEP Annual Report: Click here to see the latest Annual Report.

 

© Copyright 2009–2026 Girl Scouts of the United States of America.  All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.

 
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