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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.
Please Note: Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania follows volunteer-to-girl ratios that comply with Pennsylvania state laws. As a result, our required ratios may differ from those published in national Girl Scout resources.
Download Volunteer Essentials
Looking for a downloadable, searchable version? Download the PDF to easily find what you need. View the table of contents below to jump to a specific section.
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!
Check out Welcome to Girl Scouts, a guide for new leaders.
Table of Contents
- All About Girl Scouts
- Girl Scout Volunteers
- Girl Scout Grade Levels
- Inclusion
- The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
- Reflection
- Progression
- The Girl Scout Program: National Program Pillars
- Important Differences: Patches, Badges, and Awards
- Other Important Differences: Community Service and Take Action Projects
- Traditions, Ceremonies, and Special Girl Scout Days
- Highest Awards
- Girl Scout Travel
- Planning Overnight Adventures
- Safety First
- Troop Management
- Your Role as a Girl Scout Volunteer
- Your Responsibilities as a Girl Scout Volunteer
- Planning Your First Troop Meeting
- Girl Scout Troop Size
- Knowing How Many Volunteers You Need
- Safety in Girl Scouting
- The Buddy System
- Adding New Girl Scouts to Your Troop
- Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion
- Focus on Accessibility for All
- Language Related to Disability
- Registering Members with Cognitive Disabilities
- Getting Support for Your Troop
- Troop Management Tools and Resources
- Troop Finances
- Engaging Girl Scouts by Level
- Creating a Safe Space for Girl Scouts
- Engaging Families
- Girl Scout Product Programs
- Five Essential Skills
- Girl Scout Cookie History
- Where Cookie Proceeds Go
- Your Council’s Role
- Your Role
- Product Program Safety
- Selling Cookies Online
- Supervising Girl Scouts While Selling
- Preparing for Your Girl Scout Cookie Booth
- Cookie Donation Programs
- Handling Product Complaints
- Recognizing Cookie Sellers in the Media
- Know How Much You’re Appreciated
Connecting with Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania:
www.gswpa.org
800-248-3355
customercare@gswpa.org
Girl Scout Offices
Pittsburgh (Council Headquarters)
503 Martindale St., Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Offices: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Shop: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month, Sept.-May, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Edinboro Office
5681 Route 6N
Edinboro, PA 16412
Office: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Shop: Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month, Sept.-May, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Laurel Highlands Office
911 Ligonier Street
Latrobe, PA 15650
*Open by appointment only. No shop at this location.
© 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.
