Find My Role
Every family helps.
No one does everything.
Every family helps.
No one does everything.
Every family picks one way to help the troop for the current school year. That’s it — just one role. We take summer break to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and everyone can switch roles in the fall. Nothing is permanent, and no one is expected to do everything.
Most roles take a few hours a month, and every single one comes with a handout explaining exactly what to do. You’re not being dropped into this without a map.
Required by all councils:
Complete a background check. Every adult participating in troop activities needs to register with Girl Scouts and submit a Criminal Background Check. This is non-negotiable and applies to all councils. Your troop leader will tell you which registration option to select (Troop Leader, Friends & Family, etc.).
Submit a Health History Form for your girl. Every council requires a current health history form on file for each girl in the troop. Here’s a tip that will save you time: contact your child’s school nurse and ask for a copy of the physical that was submitted when you registered your child for school. Most of the information you need is already on that form.
Lead one badge. Each family leads one badge per girl they have in the troop. This might sound scary, but the badge booklets walk you through it — and this is actually one of the most rewarding parts of Girl Scouting. It gives every girl the experience of being the “leader’s daughter” for a meeting or two, and it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how troop meetings work. Don't worry -- we'll cover how to lead a badge in our Girl Progression section.
Required by most councils (check yours):
Youth Protection Training. Most councils require this annual online course for all adults participating in troop activities, not just leaders. It focuses on keeping our girls safe and takes about 30 minutes. Check with your troop leader or council website to confirm whether this is required in your council.
Volunteer Driver Form. Many councils require this form for any adult who may drive girls to a field trip or event. If your council uses one, fill it out early so it’s ready when you need it. Your troop leader will let you know if this applies and provide the link.
Be present at girl meetings to help with behavior, consistency, and being a familiar face the girls can count on.
Track troop dues, manage the bank account, handle reimbursements, and file the year-end financial report.
Get and maintain First Aid/CPR certification so the troop is covered for every outing and event.
Run the cookie program -- both direct sales and booth sales -- so the troop leader doesn't have to. Best when shared by two adults.
Plan 1-2 field trips per semester, handle permission slips, and coordinate with the service unit on regional events.
Be the at-home point person who starts the phone tree if something happens during an outing.
Guiude the troop through the outdoor progression -- from day hikes to eventually camping overnight.
Attend the monthly Service Unit leader meetings and report back to the troop on upcoming events, deadlines, and opportunities.
Leaders: Download the Troop Committee Roles spreadsheet to track which family has committed to which role.