New Leader FAQ
Here are a collection of most frequently asked questions by new leaders, and the most appropriate answers. Whether it's a general question, or a more specific question about Membership, Adult Education, Program or Adult Recognition you should be able to find your answer here! If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact the Council and your Membership Specialist.
Again, we'd like to say thank you for all that you do in Girl Scouting!
General Questions
What are the council hours?
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What is the council’s 800 number?
(800) 341-4007 Newark Hqs.
(800) 374-9811 PRC
(888) 778-0321 CSB
What is the council’s fax number?
(302) 456-7188 Newark Hqs.
(410) 742-9506 PRC
(302) 778-0297 CSB
What is the toll-free number for GSUSA?
(800) 478-7248
Where is the National Girl Scout Headquarters?
New York City
When was Girl Scouts started?
Girl Scouts was founded in 1912.
Who started Girl Scouts?
Juliette Gordon Low
When is Thinking Day?
February 22nd each year
When is Girl Scout Birthday?
March 12th each year
When is Girl Scout Sunday?
The Sunday before March 12th
When is Girl Scout Week?
The week beginning with Girl Scout Sunday through the Saturday following March 12th.
When is Girl Scout Sabbath?
The Saturday of Girl Scout Week.
How long does it take to return a call left on voice mail?
You should receive a return call within 24 hours.
Where are the council offices located?
501 S. College Ave., Newark, DE
911 Snow Hill Rd, Salisbury, MD
100 W. Tenth St., Wilmington, DE
What is the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC)?
It is a resource library in each office containing books, videos, kits, and reference materials to supplement troop/group program and help leaders throughout the year.
Where is the Volunteer Resource Center located?
You can find a VRC in the Newark office and at the Peninsula Resource Center (PRC) in Salisbury.
Membership
Who should I contact if I am interested in starting a new troop?
Contact the council office at 800 341-4007 and give your name, address, and phone number to the receptionist. She will route your information to the appropriate Membership Specialist who will be in touch with you.
Who can I contact to get answers regarding troop/group issues?
The Service Team in your local area is your first line of support. If you cannot get an answer locally, you can contact the Membership Specialist assigned to your Service Unit.
How long does it take to place my daughter in a troop/group?
The length of time is determined by the availability of a troop/ group, which depends on the availability of adult leaders. If a troop/group is not available, you may want to consider volunteering to be a leader.
Who decides how many girls are in a troop/group? Who decides the minimum?
Troop size is often determined by the availability of meeting space and the number of adults working with the troop/group. The recommended size for a troop/group is Daisy 5-15, Brownie 10-25, Junior 10-30, Cadette 5-30, and Senior 5-30.
What happens to troop/group resources if the leader decides not to return?
The resources remain with the troop/group. If there is no one to assume leadership, all resources should be turned over to the local Service Unit.
Can family members share leadership?
Yes, as long as at least 1 unrelated adult female is always present.
Can you have girls of different age levels in the same troop?
Yes. Girls should be working on program and recognitions for the appropriate age level but can be together for parts of the meeting such as opening, closing, snack, trip planning, and goal setting.
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Adult Education and Enrichment
What training classes are necessary as a new leader?
Leadership Fundamentals (All About Girl Scouting) and the appropriate Age Level Program (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, or Cadette/Senior/Teen)
Where do I get a training registration form?
You can find a form in the Council Calendar. You can also request a form from the Adult Education Assistant in the Newark office at x7174 or you can download the Adult Training Form WORD | PDF.
How can I find out if I am registered for a course?
Confirmations for people registering at least one week in advance will be mailed. People registering after that time will be called.
Where can I get a list of classes?
You can find a complete list in the Council Calendar, or on this site.
Is there a charge for the courses?
Basic A and age level training are free. There is a charge of $25 for camp training to cover the cost of food and supplies and a $35 fee for First Aid. Payment for courses with a fee must be made at the time you register.
Can I go to a course if I am not registered?
We ask that you register. If you just go to a course there may not be space or materials for you.
Do I have to take training?
Yes. All leaders must take training within the first 6 months. It is much easier to plan and work with your girls if you have received training.
How can I become a trainer?
Contact the Adult Education Manager. She will discuss the role and expectations of trainers. You will need to complete the Train-the-Trainer course and apprentice with experienced trainers.
What is Fall School?
It is a weekend of courses in many subjects planned and implemented by a volunteer committee. It is usually held the last weekend in September at Grove Point in Earleville, MD. Learn more about Fall School here.
How can I join the Fall School committee?
Contact the Adult Education Manager. New people are always welcome to join.
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Program
What kind of financial assistance is available for me or for my troop/group?
Both grants and loans are available for individuals and troop/groups. The financial aid information is found on the girl and adult event registration forms. You can also request a financial aid form from the council office. Girls selected for Wider Ops will have information sent directly to them.
Where should recognitions be placed on the vest or sash?
The Girl Scout Uniforms, Insignia, And Recognitions is a resource that explains where to place each recognition along with pictures and descriptions. All of the age level handbooks show the proper placement of insignia for that age level. You can also look in the NES catalog to see proper placement.
Does a girl have to earn the Silver Award as a Cadette before she can earn the Gold Award as a Senior?
No. Girls can become Girl Scouts at any age level including Senior. She is eligible to earn any recognition at the level in which she is registered.
When can I send in my registration for events?
You can send it in any time up until the registration deadline or the program fills.
Can girls be added to previously submitted event registrations?
If there is still space in a particular event, there is no problem adding girls.
How can I find out if a camp site is available for a particular date?
Call the Camp Assistant at (800) 341-4007.
What camps does the council own?
Country Center in Hockessin, DE; Grove Point in Earleville, MD; Camp Todd in Denton, MD; and Sandy Pines in Fruitland, MD.
Is there a Resident camp and how do I get information on it?
Resident camp is held at Grove Point every summer. You can call (800) 341-4007 and request a camp brochure.
Are there day camps in the summer?
Some service units sponsor day camps. Contact your service team to find out if your SU or one nearby has a day camp program.
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Adult Recognition
How do I find out about adult recognitions?
Contact your service unit recognitions chair. She can share the Adult Recognitions in Girl Scouting book with you. The awards are also covered on the website under Adult Recognition. There are national awards that must be approved by the Board of Directors and awards that don’t require Board approval.
What are Board approved awards?
They are: Appreciation Pin (to recognize outstanding service to at least 1 service unit), Honor Pin (to recognize outstanding service in 2 or more service units), Thanks Badge (recognizes outstanding service that benefits the entire council or Girl Scout organization), Thanks Badge II (recognizes continued service given by Thanks Badge recipients). These are nationally designed and standard recognitions in the U.S. In addition, the council has 2 awards requiring board approval: Seagull Award (recognizes a pattern of consistent service that impacts the entire council), and Juliette Low Humanitarian Award (recognizes an adult member who has had a profound impact on the lives of girls in Girl Scouting).
What is the deadline for submitting awards for board approval?
December 1st.
What awards do not require board approval?
Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Volunteer (for a position other than leader), Years of Service (adult years of service), and Green Angel (for registered adults who support the troop/group or service unit).
What is the Leadership Development Pin and how do I get one?
The Leadership Development and leaves recognize additional training taken by volunteers. Each green leaf represents 10 hours of additional training, each silver leaf represents 50 hours, and each gold leaf represents 250 hours. You may get an application form from your recognitions chair or request one from the Newark office.
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