Building a Support Team for Your Troop

Build a team of support for the girls and the Troop Leaders.  Most people will help if you ask, and more people will help if you give them a specific task. So, don’t be afraid to ask!

Most parents want to support their daughters and the Troop, but many just don't know where to start.  So, Troop Leaders, be specific in your requests for help.  Start by posting a chart or sending an email asking for what you need and when you need it. Whether it is snacks, a craft helper (no experience required), a Troop Cookie Manager, a chaperone for a trip, a Troop Treasurer…  be specific and simple, and give an estimate of how much time it will take for the person to do the activity or tasks. If you have parents with special talents that would benefit the Troop, ask the parent if they can do a demonstration for the girls or talk about their skill or job. 

Beyond the parents, partner with older Troops or individual girls to serve as helpers or to lead some activities that they already know.  Remember, even Brownies are older than Daisies and have already learned the Girl Scout Promise and Law, or can share a song or a game they’ve learned...  Juniors and Cadettes often look up to high school girls and are eager to learn from them.

Out in the community, there will be others willing to help. For trips, knowledge and other support, community businesses and organizations are often willing to share their knowledge and love for what they do… some places to start may include the local firehouse, animal shelter, bakery, or Veteran’s Organization.

Remember, don't be afraid to ask! 

Special thanks to Joyce Wagner, Girl Scouts of Nassau County's Chief Mission Delivery Officer, for her input on this edition.