|
What happens to the money in the treasury if a troop merges with another troop or disbands?
Ideally, the troop should use the money in their treasury to do something as a troop before the troop disbands
so that all the girls in the troop benefit from their fund raising efforts. Under no circumstances should the money be distributed
to individual girls in the troop. If the troop merges with another troop or any of the girls transfer to another troop, any
money left in the treasury should go with the girls to the new troop. Any leftover funds may also be donated to the Service
Unit (which would benefit all Girl Scouts in a city or town) or to a charitable organization such as an animal shelter or
food pantry. In any event, the disposition of remaining funds should be the decision of the girls in the troop.
Troop Reports and Forms
When does a troop leader need to complete a Troop Activity Application form?
A Troop Activity Application form must be filled out for any troop activity that is taking place outside of
your regular meeting place. Most often these are troop day trips and/or overnight trips. The only exception to this is when
the troop walks someplace from their regular meeting place and time and returns to their regular meeting place and time for
pickup. This is often referred to as a "troop meeting walkout." A Troop Activity Application form must also be completed
for all money earning activities such as a cookie booth sale, car wash, yard sale, etc. The completed form should be submitted
to the Service Unit coordinator(s) for approval two weeks prior to the trip or activity. The pink copy of the approved form
will be returned to the troop and should accompany the troop on the event.
What additional paperwork needs to be completed to go on field trips?
Each girl must have written permission from a parent or guardian for every activity that is held at a different
place from their regular meeting location (exception: troop meeting walkouts; see answer above). This can be accomplished
on the yellow Permission Activity Form cards. If the yellow card is not available, a note is permissible containing the following
information: girl's name, trip/activity description and date, parent/guardian signature with date, and emergency contact name(s)
and telephone number(s). Permission forms should be brought on the trip along with an up-to-date Permanent Girl
Scout Troop Record/Health History form (blue card).
Where can troop leaders get additional copies of forms?
Registration forms, along with bank deposit tickets, can be obtained from the Service Unit registrar. The
Service Unit coordinator(s) maintain a supply of other forms in the Service Unit file box, which is brought to every Service
Unit meeting. Some forms are also available in the forms library at www.ptgirlscouts.org.
If the Girl Scout program year is from October 1 through September 30, why are the annual Troop
Treasury Report and Troop Status Report due in the spring?
These reports contain information pertaining to the continuation of the troop and the leader(s) and disposition
of money left in the troop treasury. This information is needed well in advance of the new program year to ensure continuity
of the troop at the start of the school year.
Troop Camping
Our troop would like to go on the citywide encampment (camping trip with many Girl Scout troops).
Does an adult from our troop need to be certified in CPR/First Aid and troop camping?
Troops that have an adult certified in troop camping and first aid/CPR would be given first preference to
attend citywide encampments. If enough troops with certified troop campers and first aiders volunteer to assist other troops
during an encampment, then these troops may attend if there is room.
Our troop would like to go on a camping trip on our own to one of the Council Girl Scout camps. Does
an adult in our troop need to be certified in troop camping and first aid/CPR?
Yes, a registered adult from your troop must be certified in troop camping and another registered adult from
your troop must be certified in first aid/CPR (they cannot be the same person). This, of course, applies when your troop
camps at a non-Girl Scout site as well.
NEW LEADER FAQs
Must
I be a parent in order to be a troop leader?
No. The Girl Scout organization is "volunteer
driven" and we need everyone's help. We currently have community leaders and even senior citizens who don't have daughters
in the organization. We can't build leaders without your help.
How
much does it cost to join Girl Scouts and where do the finances come from to start a troop?
The annual membership fee of $10 goes to Girl Scouts of the USA where it is used for program
development, activity insurance for all members, and management support to councils. It is the girls and leaders who determine
the dues which will be used to pay for troop activities and supplies. In order to have funds for the startup of your troop
treasury, the Girl Scouts of Easter MA Council sponsors a fall product sale. Troops who participate receive a percentage of
the proceeds. In addition, the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale in the winter is another way for your troop to earn more funds.
How much time will it take to be a troop leader?
The troop leader decides how often to meet. This can be weekly, bi-monthly,
or monthly. The troop leader also determines the day, time and location.
I wasn’t a Girl Scout. What do I need to know?
Girls Scouts
of Eastern MA Council is here to serve as a resource of information and materials. Training is provided to help new leaders
and assistant leaders to understand the Girl Scout philosophy. This training covers materials and information needed to begin
the troop meeting process, and where to go for help. Your Service Unit can also provide assistance. Attending
monthly leader meetings is a great place to get information.
Where
can I find ideas on what to do with girls?
What makes Girl Scouting unique is GIRL
PLANNING. Girls are to be guided and supported by leaders in planning their program for the troop year. Your richest resources
are the Leader’s Guide for your troop's age level and the accompanying handbook! These tools and Safety-Wise are the
best guides. You may also find some great links on this site.
Who
finds the meeting place?
Your council membership representative, service unit manager
and organizer will assist you in locating a meeting place. These places can be churches, schools, community centers, etc.
What help will parents give?
Ask
your parents to help with driving or chaperoning field trips, being a ‘helper’ by telephoning, filling out paperwork,
picking up supplies, or keeping your other children during the troop meeting. They can also assist you by signing up for certification
courses such as first aid and camping or taking on roles of troop product sale manager or registrar. Do not try to do everything
yourself. Seek help.
Why is volunteering worth my valuable time?
The rewards of being an adult volunteer are both direct and indirect. Rewards such as a sense
of giving back, making a difference in a girl's life, contributing to the community, event management and training that has
benefits in other parts of life. No matter what your background or experience, it's never too late to be a Girl Scout.
|
