What is Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is more than an activity—it’s a Movement dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Why do girls love being Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is a way of life that brings out the best in your girl, even in the most challenging of times. While they’re learning about STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, Girl Scouts are also discovering new ways to make their family and community stronger, kinder, and better for everyone.
How does it work? What’s a “troop”?
Groups of Girl Scouts, called troops, typically meet weekly or every other week for an hour or two. Guided by adult volunteers, troop members choose the hands-on activities and projects that excite them, try new things, and cheer each other on. Together, they earn badges to reflect their successes and show the world what they’re made of.
What’s the goal?
Making sure girls are given the opportunity to reach their full potential by developing values and skills that will lead them to happier lives.
When can I get started?
If your girl is ready to let her best self shine and start creating the world she wants to see, she’s ready to be a Girl Scout today. A Girl Scout membership is $25—plus any applicable council fees. A Girl Scout membership year starts on October 1 and lasts until September 30 of the following year, but you can get started early by joining or renewing your membership in April each year.
What is the minimum age/grade for joining Girl Scouts?
Any girl in K-12 grade can join Girl Scouts. In order to join, a girl must be at least five years old and in kindergarten. We are so excited that parents are interested in getting their daughters involved right away and can’t wait to have them as brand-new Daisies once they are old enough to join!
Does Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania offer financial assistance for membership registration?
Absolutely! Towards the end of the registration process, you will be able to select the financial assistance option for any girl membership.
What is your membership fee refund policy?
Our membership fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred from one year to the next. If you move your membership can transfer with you.
Besides the membership fee, what other costs should I budget for?
Additional costs may include uniforms, certain activities, and certain events. We offer financial assistance for more than just the membership fee. Feel free to contact our customer service department for more details on this assistance at 800-248-3355.
What materials will my girl need to begin her Girl Scout experience?
In order for your girl to have the best experience, we suggest obtaining a sash or vest, a membership pin, and her troop numbers! We also have great starter kits that will have everything needed for her to begin her Girl Scout experience! Please visit our shop page to check out the starter kit and other great items.
Am I required to register as a volunteer for my girl to participate?
Registering as a volunteer is not required in order for your girl to participate, however, we highly encourage you to participate! Many girls express that a highlight of their Girl Scout experience is being able to spend more time with their parent or guardian. Also, if you wish to participate in activities such as troops events or meetings, you must be a registered and background-checked volunteer.
How do I start my own troop?
We are so excited you want to start a new troop! We cannot wait to help you get started. Fill out our New Troop Request Form and someone from our membership team will help you get started.
How often do troops meet?
The troop meeting frequency depends on what the troop agrees on and the availability of the volunteer troop leaders and parents. Most of our troops meet one day a week, every other week.
The length of a troop meeting depends on a number of factors including the age of the girls, availability of volunteers, and meeting space. An average troop meeting is 90 minutes.
Many troops choose to take a break over the summer due to family vacations, schools not being available for meetings, etc., while other troops continue to meet. The decision to meet in the summer months is based on the availability of the leaders, girls, and space. Girl Scouting is a year-round program, and troops are encouraged to continue meeting over the summer months.
How do I find a troop near me?
To search for an available troop near you, type your zip code into our troop locator and scroll through the available options. If you can’t find a troop in your area, reach out to our customer care team at 800-248-3355 or customercare@gswpa.org and we can connect you with staff that can help.
Have more questions? Curious what makes Girl Scouts the best leadership development program for girls in the world?
Contact us at customercare@gswpa.org or 800-248-3355 and we can answer your questions.
