Responsibilities of Girls
Girls who learn about and practice safe and healthy behaviors are likely to establish lifelong habits of
safety consciousness. For that reason, each Girl Scout is expected to:
● Assist you and other volunteers in safety planning.
● Listen to and follow your instructions and suggestions.
● Learn and practice safety skills.
● Learn to “think safety” at all times and to be prepared.
● Identify and evaluate an unsafe situation.
● Know how, when, and where to get help when needed.
Knowing How Many Volunteers You Need
Whatever the activity, from camping to cookies sales, adult supervision is required regardless of the
grade level of the girls. The table below has been developed to show the minimum number of volunteers
needed to supervise a specific number of girls (councils may also establish maximums due to size or
cost restrictions). These volunteer-to-girl supervision ratios were devised to ensure the safety and
health of all girls taking part in the activity. For example, if one volunteer has to respond to an
emergency, a second volunteer is always on hand for the rest of the girls. It may take you a minute to get
used to the layout of this chart, but once you start to use it, you’ll find the chart extremely helpful.
Note: Each troop/group must have a minimum of 2 unrelated approved troop leaders, at least one of
whom is female,* who are currently registered members, have completed the Volunteer Approval
Process and have completed any required training pertinent to specific activities. Unrelated adult
volunteers are those who do not have any familial or familial-like relationships.
*If the activity involves an overnight stay, male volunteers will be required to stay in separate quarters
and therefore cannot be counted in the ratio for that time period of the activity.
The Volunteer Approval Process includes:
● Register as a members of GSWPA
● Select a volunteer role
● Complete the volunteer screening process