Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get My Daughter in Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts are organized by local volunteers throughout the Council. Please fill out and submit this form.

Where Can I Get Girl Scout Cookies?

Girl Scout Cookies are sold locally between late February and early April. Cookies are $3.00 a box.

The best way to get your cookies is from a local Girl Scout. If you don't know a Girl Scout there are other ways to get your hands on your favorite once-a-year treat.

You can find Girl Scouts out in the community at many local businesses conducting booth sales on the weekends during the sales period.

What ages of girls are included in Girl Scouting?

Girl Scouting is composed of different age levels that take girls from kindergarten (5 years old) all the way through high school (17 years old).

Since levels are broken up by age and not skill level, girls are welcome to join Girl Scouts at any age. As girls progress in Girl Scouts they gain new skills and competencies, so the longer a girl sticks with it the more she has to gain.

There are many opportunities for girls at every age level to learn, have fun and expand their horizons. The Girl Scout age levels are:

Daisy Girl Scouts (Kindergarten)

Brownie Girl Scouts (1st - 3rd grades)

Junior Girl Scouts (4th - 6th grades)

Cadette Girl Scouts (7th - 9th grades)

Senior Girl Scouts (10th - 12th grades)STUDIO 2B (an alternative for 11-17 year old girls)

Are uniforms required in Girl Scouts?

No, uniforms are not required for participation in Girl Scouting. Girls are encouraged to wear a uniform or Girl Scout clothing for visibility and to demonstrate their Girl Scout spirit. Some troops choose to purchase uniforms, others make troop t-shirts, still others leave that decision up to the individual. A girl is always welcome to participate in Girl Scouting whether or not she chooses to have a uniform. The Girl Scout membership pin is actually a uniform component itself and can be worn with or without other uniform pieces.

How often should I expect my troop to meet?

Many troops meet every week. However, troop meetings are based on the availability of the meeting place and the schedule of the adult leaders and the girls. It is not unusual for troops to meet every other week, once a month, or on another schedule that is suitable to that particular group.

How many badges should my daughter earn each year?

The purpose of earned awards is for girls to explore and achieve new skills and knowledge. It does not matter how many awards girls earn. What is important is the quality of the experience. The number of awards earned will depend upon several factors including how often the troop meets and what interests the troop has. Some troops may not be interested in earned awards and may choose to focus on other opportunities. The design of the individual troop will be based on the needs and interests of that troop¹s girls. Every troop will be, and should be, unique.

How much does Girl Scouts cost?

Girl Scout membership fees are $10 per year - that fee goes directly to Girl Scouts of the USA and does not stay with the local council. Most troops also collect dues or program activity fees to support their needs. Participation in Girl Scouting should not be expensive for girls and their families.

Girl Scout troops may also do money-earning projects, such as the Girl Scout Cookie Sale, to earn money for program opportunities. Through participation in troop money-earning activities girls gain valuable skills in teamwork, goal-setting and money management.

In total, around $300 - $400 is spent annually to support Girl Scouting for each. This amount includes expenses incurred by parents as well as troop expenditures and the Girl Scout council budget.

No girl will be denied membership in Girl Scouting due to financial needs.

I have questions about my daughters troop. Who do I ask?

Your fist step is to communicate with your daughter's troop leader. Ask the leader to meet with you when it is convenient for both of you. Ask her to share the goals of the troop and how those goals fit into the Girl Scout program. Ask her to explain why certain policies and procedures were put in place. Ask whatever is on your mind - your daughter's troop leader is a great resource for you. She is volunteering her time to ensure that your daughter and the rest of the troop members have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting.

If you have concerns, share them with her, remembering that your concerns may be unique to you and your family. Offer solutions for how you can help address the situation. Finally, ask her how you can help support the troop.

Remember the leader is a volunteer willing to give her free time to work with girls. If after your discussion with the leader, you find that you need additional assistance then call the Girl Scout office at 1-800-233-4845.

Where can I look with my daughter to find out different opportunities in Girl Scouting?

We encourage parents to be involved in their daughter's Girl Scout experience. We update our website on a regular basis to ensure that girls, parents and volunteers have access to all the information they need. If you look at our website under GIRLS you will find access to information about all sorts of program opportunities. While you are here, take time to explore the site to see what all it has to offer. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to receive the most current information available.