Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA has programs for girls entering Kindergarten through Twelfth grade. Girl Scouts meet in groups with two or more adult leaders. They learn the GS Law and Promise – the foundations of Girl Scouting. They can take trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities. As girls get older, they plan their own activities, such as service projects and trips. Girls can join Girl Scouts at any age; previous membership is not required to join Girl Scouting at the age appropriate level.
How can my daughter join a Lexington Girl Scout Troop?
If you would like to register your daughter as a Girl Scout now, for placement in a troop in the fall, go to the Council web site and print a registration form at: http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms/2010_girl_reg.pdf
Parents are strongly encouraged to register. Adult registration forms are at: http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/forms/2010_adult_reg.pdf
The annual registration fee of $12 per person covers the registrant for insurance purposes and allows members to participate in GS activities. Make checks payable to “GSEM”. Give or mail completed forms to:
Nancy Pollock
Membership Specialist
GSEM
1740 Turnpike St.
North Andover, MA 01845
978-689-8015 ext 6332
npollock@girlscoutseasternmass.org
If you do not have access to the on-line forms and would like a paper copy, or have questions, please call or email Nancy Pollock.
Other costs are minimal. Dues are determined by individual troops and are used for meeting expenses, outings, insignia and patches.
How are Troops formed in Lexington?
Troops are led by volunteer leaders, who can be parents or other interested adults. The troop formation process begins by identifying existing troops, and volunteers who want to be new troop leaders. After the fall registration event, when existing troops, and potential new troop leaders have been identified, other parents will be contacted by e-mail to set up parent meetings.
Troop leaders are required before we form new Troops! Leaders do not need Girl Scout experience. Free training is provided.
When and where do Troops meet? How is Troop Leadership structured?
Girl Scout troops in Lexington are open to any Lexington girl of the appropriate age. Troops are not school based or restricted by the school a girl attends.
Troops meet in locations such as the Cary Library, Lexington houses of worship, and other public spaces. Troop leaders, with the support of the Lexington Girl Scout Service Unit., determine meeting time and place. The troop leaders decide meeting frequency. The Girl Scout year runs from October to June, although some troops do plan activities during the summer. In summer and April Vacation, there is Girl Scout camp!
Each troop establishes its troop leadership structure at the organizational parent meeting. Examples of troop structures are:
1) One primary leader, rotating assistant leaders, other parents assisting on an as needed basis
2) Two primary co-leaders, or leader and assistant leader, other parents assisting on an as needed basis
3) Cooperative troop leadership - all parents take turns leading meetings and assisting (still requires a primary coordinator / team manager)
Free leadership training is available for every registered Girl Scout adult. It is required for those leading troops.
Where can I get more information about Girl Scouting in Lexington?
Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts 265 Beaver St., Waltham, MA 02452 781.893.6113 http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org