GS Program Levels| Opportunities for Girls in GS| Becoming a Member| Opportunities Available for Adults in GS| Financial Assistance

In order to access any of these forms, you must have the FREE Adobe
Acrobat Reader (vers.5.0) installed on your computer.

Forms for Membership
Adult Registration Form
Girl Registration Form
Forms for Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer Reference Form

Girl Scout Program Levels

Daisy Girl Scouts (Ages 5-6 or Grades K-1)
Daisy Girl Scouts are the youngest members of the Girl Scout family. They explore nature and the world around them through adult-supervised play and group activities. These activities teach Daisy Girl Scouts social skills. They learn to share and care.

Brownie Girl Scouts (Ages 6-8 or Grades 1-3)
Brownie Girl Scouts explore their communities while pursuing Try-Its! patches. They learn about setting goals and going for them. Brownie Girl Scouts also learn lots of other new and exciting things, including how to work with others and make new friends.

Junior Girl Scouts (Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-6)
Junior Girl Scouts explore their talents, career options and the arts. They go to fun places and do fun things. Junior Girl Scouts pursue patches and badges through a wide variety of activities.

Cadette Girl Scouts (Ages 11-14 or Grades 6-9)
Cadette Girl Scouts explore the world through activities designed to build leadership skills. They expand their knowledge of the world through travel and other international efforts. Cadette Girl Scouts apply their skills to work to achieve the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Senior Girl Scouts (Ages 14-17 or Grades 9-12)
Senior Girl Scouts put their leadership skills to work while going for the Girl Scout Gold Award. They use management skills to work with other Girl Scouts. Senior Girl Scouts also explore career choices.

Adult Girl Scouts (minimum age 18)
Girl Scouting adults partner with girls in various activities which reflect the values, leadership and diversity Girl Scouting is known for. Adults in Girl Scouting are provided free, professional training to maximize the use of their special talents.

Opportunities for Girls in Girl Scouting

Troops and Groups -

• Girls between the ages of 5 and 17 are organized into troops that reflect the five program age levels (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior).
• Adult leadership is structured by providing a leader and assistant leader.
• Girl planning and girl and adult partnership is out using a form of troop government (Brownie Ring, Patrols, Steering Committee and Town Meetings).
• Troop/Group program focuses on the age level programs outlined in the handbooks and additional program materials should be enhanced by use of local program resources and materials that reflect the needs and interest of girls.
• The most structured way of approaching Girl Scout program is through the troop and use of the badge work, interest patches, leadership, challenge, and other progressive learning experiences that troop.
• The council aids leaders and troops by providing training, resources, assisting in the organization of troop committees and sponsors.

Individually Registered Girls -

• Girls between the ages of 5 and 17 register independently from a troop or group.
• Girls participate in all council sponsored events and service unit activities.
• Adult leadership is provided by the parent or guardian.
• An adult accompanies the girl to the events and activities unless otherwise stated in the program offerings.
• Individually Registered Girl program focuses on the age appropriate activities in the handbooks and additional program materials should be enhanced by use of local program resources and materials that reflect the needs and interest of girls.
• The girl and her parent/guardian determine the level of participation.
• The council aids parents and girls by providing training resources and assisting in the organization of programs designed for individually registered girls.

Interest Groups -

• Girls who share a similar interest and are between the ages of 5 and 17 register and participate in activities in a group setting.
• Interest groups may be a limited age range of girls or multi-age level group with various degrees of readiness.
• Adults provide leadership as consultants to share with girls their interests.
• Girl planning is done during group sessions.
• The program is determined by the girls and adults in the group.
• The council provides training for consultants and coordination of the groups program.

Classroom Girl Scouts -

• Girls between the ages of 5 and 17 are organized into groups that meet during the school day as a part of their classroom activities or the girls may meet in the afternoon during aftercare programs.
• Adult leadership is provided by an employee of the school, after-care program or designated volunteer involved in the school program.
• Classroom Girl program focuses on the age appropriate activities in the handbooks and additional program materials should be enhanced by use of local program resources and materials that reflect the needs and interest of girls.
• The council aids the volunteers by providing training resources and assisting in the organization of programs designed for classroom Girl Scouts.

GirlSports -

• Girls between the ages of 5 and 17 register and participate in a sports program.
• Membership can be determined by the interest of the girl.
• Girls who like to play sports may belong to a Girl Scout sports league: basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer.
• Girls who like sports may participate in a sports clinic.
• GirlSports programs focus on age appropriate activities.
• The council collaborates with other youth serving agencies colleges and universities for use of facilities and recruitment of volunteer coordinators and volunteer consultants

Activity Centers -

• Girls between the ages of 5 and 17 register and meet at an activity center (Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc. Residential Housing, YWCA, etc.) participate in a wide range of activities.
• Agencies collaborate to carry out parts of the program that are common to their specific emphases.
• Girls pick and choose the activities they want to participate in.
• A staff member is assigned to be the coordinator and meets with the groups at least twice a month.
• The council provides resources (staff, program supplies, nutritious snacks, etc) to ensure the success of the group.

  ---

Opportunities Available for Adults in Girl Scouting

The strength of the Girl Scout Movement rests with the more than 2,000 adult volunteers in the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council. The girl/adult partnership in Girl Scouting varies from one volunteer role to another.

A Girl Scout Adult has accepted the principles and beliefs of Girl Scouting, as stated in the preamble of our constitution, paid the annual or lifetime dues, and has met applicable age/education standards. A Girl Scout adult must be older than 17.

Adults volunteer and participate in Girl Scouting in a wide variety of roles extending from direct service to girls to more administrative or professional work. Take a look at some ways to get involved..

TROOP and GROUP ROLES

Bookkeeping Assistants assist the leaders and girls with record keeping and financial reports.
Child Care Providers care for leader's and co-leader's children so they are free to attend troop! group activities and/or training events.
Emergency Contact Persons make themselves available to contact parents of girls and other adults in the event that it becomes necessary to do so during a troop/group activity.
Leader Substitutes work with the girls if the leader or assistant leader is absent.
Product Sales Chairs compile and check calendar and cookie orders from girls in troop/group, distribute the products and collect money.
Reservations Chairs locate sites, such as parks, museums, churches, etc., as needed for troop/group activities and make necessary reservations.
Special Projects Chairs assist the troop/group with special projects, such as putting on a play, preparing food for a large group, planning and budgeting for an overnight trip, etc.
Telephone Chairs maintain a current list of troop! group members and their phone numbers in order to get in touch with parents, girls or other troop/group committee members in case of emergency or change of plans.
Transportation Chairs arrange for adequate transportation for troop/group trips.
Troop/Group First Aiders attend troop/group activities requiring first aid coverage. This must be an adult who is currently certified in First Aid, Adult CPR and Infant/Child CPR. It could also be someone who has more advanced medical training, such as a physician, nurse or emergency medical technician.
Troop/Group Leaders and Assistant Troop/Group Leaders, in partnership with girls, plan and participate in a variety of activities which reflect the values, leadership and diversity Girl Scouting is known for. Each troop/group in Girl Scouting has a committee which is made up of three to six adults willing to devote their time and skills to helping the troop/group leaders. Possible troop/group committee positions include.
Troop/Group Representatives act as a liaison between the troop/group and the service unit sponsor, attending activities of these groups as needed.

SERVICE UNIT JOBS

Service Unit (geographical divisions) are made up of the troops within that area. Each one has a group which manages the operations of the service unit. Each service team consists of:

SummerProgram Director lead a team of volunteers to plan and implement a day camp or other service unit event.
Product Sales Manager compile and check calendar and cookie orders from troops and ensure appropriate documentation is submitted to the Girl Scout council.
Recruiter work to increase girl and adult participation in Girl Scouting and the service unit.
Secretary keep the records of the service unit, including meeting minutes, and handles any correspondence.
Individually Registered Girls Liasion works with girls who are registered Girl Scouts, but who are not in a GirlScout Troop/Group. The Liasion also assists the Council in its effort to provide programs designed specifically for the Individually Registered Girl Scout.
Service Unit Manager manage the group of volunteers in the service unit responsible for developing and managing Girl Scouting within the service unit.
Treasurer interpret and maintain the financial records within the service unit.
Troop or Group Consultant serve as mentors to leaders to help with troop/group planning, trips, etc.
Troop or Group Organizer facilitate the membership registration of troops, groups and other individuals not involved in a troop/group.

COUNCIL VOLUNTEER JOBS

Many other roles exist outside of the troop/group committee or service team. Some of those include:
Board Members serve as the Girl Scout Council's chief policy-setting body. The board is elected by Council delegates, which are elected representatives from each association within the Council's jurisdiction.
Chaperones volunteer to provide supervision and guidance to girls at Girl Scout events and activities.
Committee Members serve on task groups to plan special events or discuss issues affecting the operation of the Council. Some examples of committees are for the annual golf tournament, finance or adult recognition.
Delegates are elected representatives who elect the board of directors and vote on other Council issues and policy.
Event Coordinators plan and implement special events at the service unit or council level to encourage girl-adult participation. Some examples of events might include sweetheart dances, international teas, photography courses, recognition ceremonies, etc.
Fund Development Coordinators are adult volunteers who are responsible for promoting and interpreting the Council's Family Partnership Campaign to members in the Service Unit as directed by Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council, Inc.
Mentors utilize their area(s) of expertise to provide guidance and advise to girls for various projects.
Speakers go out into the communities to speak and present information about the Girl Scout Program to other groups and organizations, such as civic clubs.
Special Interest Presenters share their occupation, hobby or skill with girls at various events or to assist with various badge work.
Trainers are individuals who conduct courses to ensure professional growth of other adults and are certified as trainers by completing the Train-the-Trainer course.

The time commitments for these volunteer roles varies. Volunteers may commit to either short and/or long-term positions. There are endless opportunities for those who want to spend an hour, day, week or even a year or more.
**For more specific information on any of these opportunities, please contact the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council, Inc. at 1-800-428-3991.Adult volunteers are provided low to no cost professional training for positions. The training teaches personal and professional skills, which help adults utilize their special talents to help "girls grow strong."

Becoming a Member...

Girl Girl Scout Membership -
Membership in Girl Scouting entitles girls to participate in Girl Scout program activities and other Girl Scout sponsored events, with adults serving in a leadership capacity. Both girls and adults are entitled (but not required) to wear the appropriate uniform and insignia, and to be covered by Girl Scout Activity Accident Insurance. In addition, adult members receive the Girl Scout Leader, the official Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. magazine and Trailblazer, the official newsletter of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council, Inc.

Active membership as a Girl Scout adult is granted to any person who:

• accepts the Girl Scout Promise and Law and other principles and beliefs as stated in the Preamble of the Girl Scout Constitution (see Blue Book of Basic Documents).
• pays the annual membership dues.
• is at least 18 years old.

Active membership as a Girl Scout is granted to any girl who:

• makes the Girl Scout Promise and accepts the Girl Scout Law.
• pays annual membership dues.
• meets the applicable membership standards (i.e. Daisy Girl Scouts are ages 5-6 or grades K-1). Girls and adults will not be denied active participation in Girl Scouting because of race, ethnicity, creed, disability, national origin or socioeconomic status.

Registration Procedures
The Girl Scout membership year is from October 1 to September 30. Registration forms for girls and adults are available from the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council. Troop/Group leaders are responsible for registering all girl and adult members of a troop or group.

Membership Dues
The yearly membership dues are for national membership and insurance coverage through Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Membership dues do not remain at the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council. The Council relies on fund raising efforts, such as the annual Girl Scout cookie sale, and funding from area United Ways for the majority of its operating revenue. The remainder comes from program fees, equipment sales, camp fees, annual giving campaigns, grants and investments.

Financial Assistance

Direct Assistance Scholarships
Direct assistance is financial aid which the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council makes available to girls and adults for the purchase of membership pins, handbooks, membership registration dues, and, in some cases, for Council events.

Assistance is awarded based upon the need of the individual and the availability of funds.

Pins and handbooks provided through direct assistance are given to troop leaders who are responsible for getting them to the girl members. Membership registration dues provided by direct assistance are credited to the troop's registration.

An application for direct assistance is available from the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council Service Center. For additional information or to receive an application, contact the Council at 1-800-428-3991.

The assistance is made possible through Council proceeds from the annual Girl Scout cookie sale, allocations from area United Ways and donations to the Council's annual fund-raising campaigns.

Camperships
Camperships, fees to attend day or resident camp, are available to all Girl Scouts in the 15-county area served by the Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council who could not otherwise afford to participate in these events. The applications, with applicable requirements and deadlines, are provided to members in the day and resident camp brochure, which is published each spring. For resident camp, a deposit is required with all program registrations. However, if the deposit hinders the application process, the fee will be waived, and the application will be processed without a deposit.

Scholarships
Colleges and universities in increasing numbers recognize the merits of the Girl Scout experience by awarding and making available scholarships and grants for Girl Scouts, especially for girls who have attained the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council offers a resource listing of colleges and universities which have notified Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. of scholarships and grants available for Girl Scouts. Senior Girl Scouts are also encouraged to check with their high school guidance counselor or with the financial aid office at the school they wish to attend for information on other scholarships that might be available for Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scouts of the Appalachian Council also offers, in partnership with Women Who Make A Difference, a scholarship to registered Girl Scouts who have completed their Gold Award.