So, You Said “Yes” to Leading a Troop… Now What?

Hi there, new troop leader!

First of all, congratulations and welcome to one of the most rewarding (and let’s be honest… sometimes overwhelming) adventures you can say “yes” to! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just agreed to lead a Girl Scout troop, and now you’re wondering… What in the world did I just sign up for?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ve been exactly where you are. When I first heard, “Would you like to lead a troop?” My brain immediately jumped to, “I don’t know all the badges, I’ve never planned a ceremony, and how do you even wrangle a group of energetic girls AND their parents?”

But here’s the truth I wish someone had told me: You don’t have to know everything to be an amazing troop leader. You just have to show up, be willing to learn, and create a space where girls can grow confident, courageous, and full of character. So, take a deep breath. This guide will explain exactly what you need to get started, stay sane, and even enjoy the journey!

You Don’t Have to Know It All

Let’s bust the biggest myth right away: No one expects you to be a Girl Scout encyclopedia. Not your council, not your girls, and definitely not the other leaders. We’re all winging it sometimes, trust me!

It’s easy to get caught up in questions like:

Do I need to memorize the Girl Scout Law?
What if I mess up a badge requirement?
How do I plan a whole year of meetings?

Here’s the magic of being a troop leader: It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.

Girls won’t remember if your craft project flopped or if you skipped a line in the friendship circle song. What they will remember is that you showed up, encouraged them, and gave them a safe space to explore who they are. Plus, Girl Scouts provides tons of resources to guide you. You’re never really doing this alone, even if it sometimes feels like it. So, let go of the pressure to “do it right” and focus on building connections, having fun, and learning alongside your troop.

First Steps Every New Leader Should Take

Okay, now that we’ve calmed those nerves a bit, let’s talk about what to actually do next. Here’s a simple checklist to get your troop off the ground:

1. Complete Your Registration & Background Check

2. Connect with your local Service Unit

Your Service Unit is a group of local volunteers, including experienced leaders, who support each other. These are your people, so don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or attend leader meetings. They’ve been in your shoes! Some of them even plan program events for local troops to attend, which helps lighten your load as a volunteer.

3. Attend New Leader Orientation

Most councils offer a quick training to introduce you to the basics, like how Girl Scouts works, where to find resources, and what support is available. It’s worth your time and will answer questions you didn’t even know to ask. Ask your council about on-demand virtual training, too. Girl Scouts has several helpful trainings available in gsLearn, their volunteer learning platform.

4. Explore the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

This is your new best friend! The VTK is an online platform with pre-planned meeting ideas, badge guides, and scheduling tools. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just choose the topics you’d like to teach your girls, and customize what’s already there. Girl Scouts is girl-led, so you can also make a list of topics. Have your girls vote on things they’d like to learn.

5. Gather Parent Support Early

You don’t have to do this alone (and you shouldn’t). Ask for a co-leader or helper, and get parents involved as snack coordinators, drivers, or craft helpers. People want to help. They just need to be specifically asked. A great idea is to incorporate parents in planning the year. Have them choose a topic important to themselves or their girl and encourage them to lead that meeting. This way, families rotate leading the meeting, lightening your load while keeping the girls excited and engaged.

6. Plan Your First Meeting. Keep It Simple!

Your first meeting doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. A few fun get-to-know-you games, a snack, and a basic intro to what Girl Scouts is all about will set the tone. Let the girls share what they’re excited to do this year! Plan some extra games or activities in case you need to fill the time.

How to Plan Meetings Without Losing Your Mind

Once you’re officially up and running, the next big question is, what do we do at meetings? Here’s a secret: You don’t need to plan elaborate events every time you gather. In fact, simple, consistent meetings are often the most effective (and least stressful).

Use the Tools Available

Start with the Volunteer Toolkit—it has badge-specific meeting plans ready to go. Need extra inspiration? Pinterest and Facebook groups for troop leaders are full of ideas, but beware of the comparison trap! You don’t need to compete with the “perfect” troop photos online. Your most important goal is for the girls to feel encouraged and cared for.

Sample Meeting Structure

Here’s a basic flow you can adapt:
1. Opening (5-10 min): Start with the Girl Scout Promise & Law or a simple song.
2. Activity/Badge Work (30-40 min): Follow a badge plan or do a fun activity.
3. Snack & Social Time (10-15 min): Let the girls chat and build friendships.
4. Closing (5 min): Friendship circle, announcements, and reminders.

Balance Badges and Fun

It’s great to earn badges, but don’t forget that Girl Scouts is also about fun, friendship, and community service. Mix in games, outdoor time, or a random dance party! You might also consider rotating the purpose of your meetings. Plan a badge-earning activity in one meeting, and then take a field trip or do a community service activity in the next meeting. 

Let the Girls Lead

Even Daisy-aged girls can help choose activities. Girl-led experiences empower them and make your job easier.

Managing Parents, Paperwork, and Expectations

Let’s be real. Sometimes managing parents is harder than managing the girls. Setting expectations early will save you headaches later. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way:

Communicate Clearly: Choose a main communication method (like a group chat or email list). Share meeting dates, what to bring, and important deadlines.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate: You’re a troop leader, not a superhero. Assign roles like treasurer, snack coordinator, or cookie mom/dad. People are more likely to help when they know exactly what’s needed, even if it’s as simple as setting up tables and chairs.

Money Matters

Dues: Some troops collect small dues to cover supplies.

Bank Account: Open a troop account through your council guidelines.

Product Sales: Fall product and cookie sales will fund most of your activities. Don’t stress about having everything set up right away. Your local council and service unit will notify you when it’s time to get started.

When You Feel Overwhelmed, Remember This

There will be moments when you wonder why you signed up. Maybe a meeting didn’t go as planned, or you’re drowning in cookie forms, or your group chat has 47 unread messages. When that happens, pause and remind yourself:

• You’re making a difference. Even on the messy days, you’re giving girls a place to belong and grow.
  
• It’s okay to ask for help. Lean on other leaders, your service unit, or online communities.
  
• You don’t have to do everything. Focus on what matters most: creating positive experiences for your girls.
  
• Progress over perfection. A slightly chaotic craft session is still a win if the girls had fun and learned something.

Here’s a little encouragement from leaders who’ve been there:

“I almost quit after my first year because I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. But now, five years later, I see how much my girls have grown—and I’m so glad I stuck with it.” — Jessica, Troop Leader

“We once spent an entire meeting trying (and failing) to make a campfire in the rain. The girls still talk about it as one of their favorite memories!” — Maria, Troop Leader

Conclusion: You’ve Got This!

Stepping into the role of a Girl Scout troop leader can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most meaningful journeys you’ll take. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care, show up, and take it one meeting at a time.

Whenever you need ideas, encouragement, or a reminder that you’re not alone. LeadingConfidentGirls.org is here for you!

Looking for your next step?

• Check out our Free Meeting Planner Template (coming soon!)
  
• Browse Easy Badge Activities (coming soon!)
  
• Join our Troop Leader Support Group (coming soon!)

Welcome to the sisterhood of leaders building tomorrow’s confident girls—one badge, one giggle, and one s’more at a time. 💚