A lot of people equate leadership with “being in charge” or having a title. In reality, anyone can be a leader. It’s about recognizing that you are part of a team and understanding that team’s needs and interests. Here’s how you’ll do that with your troop!
Your Role as a Girl Scout Volunteer 
Your Responsibilities as a Girl Scout Volunteer
Planning for Your First Troop Meeting
Girl Scout Troop Size
Knowing How Many Volunteers You Need
Girl Scout groups gathering in person or virtually must follow these guidelines:
- At least two unrelated, registered, background-checked adults must be present and actively supervising. Youth leaders cannot take their place.
- At least one of the adults must be female.
- The two required adults must not be related or live in the same household.
Adult supervision rules apply to all Girl Scout activities, including meetings, trip/travel, camps, events, and activities. There are no exceptions. Report any deviation from this policy to your council.
Note: Invited or additional participating adults can be related, but they cannot replace the two unrelated leaders.
Determine the minimum number of adult chaperones needed:
- Adult-to-youth ratios vary based on participants’ ages and the type of activity.
- Group meetings require fewer adults; refer to the “Group Meetings” column in the table below.
- Outings, activities, camping, and travel require more supervision. Refer to the “Events, Travel, and Camping” column in the table.
Count all children (Girl Scouts or not) in supervision ratios unless they’re under the constant care of their own parent/guardian who is not acting as a chaperone.
Here are some examples on utilizing the chart: If you’re meeting with 17 Daisies, you’ll need three volunteers, at least two of whom are unrelated (in other words, you and someone who is not your sister, spouse, parent, or child), and at least one of whom is female. This is determined as follows: for up to 12 Daisies you need two volunteers, and one more volunteer for up to six additional girls. Since you have 17 girls, you need three volunteers (2+1). If, however, you have 17 Cadettes attending a group meeting you need only two unrelated volunteers, at least one of whom is female, since the chart shows that two volunteers can manage up to 25 Cadettes.
In addition to the volunteer-to-girl ratios, please remember that adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority defined by your state if it is older than 18.
Safety in Girl Scouting
Registering Girls and Adults in Girl Scouting
Adding New Girls to Your Troop
Creating an Atmosphere of Acceptance and Inclusion
Getting Support for Your Troop
Troop Management Tools and Resources
Take Advantage of Learning Opportunities
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