Volunteer Essentials Volunteer Essentials 2015-16 - Updated 5/31/17 | Page 101

Looking at a Sample Troop Year

The Volunteer Toolkit is a web app that makes it easy for troop leaders to get the most out of every troop / group meeting and plan their year . To access the Volunteer Toolkit , troop leaders should click on “ My GS ” on the GSWPA homepage .
Here is just one example of how you and the girls could set up your troop year .
● Hold a parent / guardian meeting .
● Register all the girls in the troop .
● Meet together for the first time , allowing the girls to decide how they can learn each other ’ s names and find out more about each other .
● Kick off a Leadership Journey with the opening ceremony recommended in the first sample session , or a trip or special event that fits the theme . Have the girls brainstorm and plan any trip or event .
● Enjoy the full Journey , including its Take Action project .
● Along the way , add in related badge activities that girls will enjoy and that will give them a well-rounded year .
● Have the girls plan , budget for , and “ earn and learn ” in the Girl Scout Cookie Program .
● Help girls plan a field trip or other travel opportunity .
● Encourage girls to plan a culminating ceremony for the Journey , including awards presentations , using ideas in the Journey girls ’ book and / or adult guide .
● Pre-register girls for next year .
● Camp out !
● Participate in a council-wide event with girls from around your region .
● Have the girls plan and hold a bridging ceremony for girls continuing on to the next Girl Scout grade level .

Reengaging Girls

The end of the troop year doesn ’ t have to be the end of a girls ’ time with Girl Scouting , or the end of your time with girls . Some girls may no longer have time for a full-year commitment and will be unsure what ’ s next for them . Others won ’ t be able to imagine their lives without this same group of girls . Here ’ s how you can best reengage your troop :
● Some girls may want other options besides troops . That ’ s okay — Girl Scouts offers many ways to participate . Talk to girls about day and residence camp , travel opportunities and events your council may offer . Older girls , especially , enjoy these shorter-term , flexible ways to be Girl Scouts .
● Some girls will be excited to bridge to the next grade level in Girl Scouting , and will look to you for guidance on how to hold a bridging ceremony . Even if you ’ re not sure of your continued participation with Girl Scouts ( and we hope you will find lots of exciting ways to be involved , even if leading a troop no longer fits your life ), be sure to capture their excitement and work with them to a plan a meaningful bridging ceremony .
● If you plan to stay with this troop , but some girls are bridging to the next grade level , talk to your council about helping them decide how they ’ d like to continue in Girl Scouting — perhaps in a new troop , events , or travel !
● Talk to girls about earning their Girl Scout Bronze , Silver , or Gold Awards , which are opportunities for them to make a dramatic difference in their communities — and to have plenty to brag about with college admissions officers , too .
And what about you ? If you want to stay with this troop , start working with them to plan their group activities next year . And if you ’ re a little worn out but are interested in staying with Girl Scouts in other , flexible ways , be sure to let your council know how you ’ d like to be a part of girls ’ lives in the future . Are you ready to volunteer at camp ? Help organize an event ? Take a trip ? The possibilities are endless .