Tips for Leaders Troop Tricks Troop Management Set up a file folder for each girl. Put notes for parents here. Ask parents to check and leave notes, money, etc. for you. Have the girls sign a sheet at each meeting. Every time a girl comes to 5 meetings, she gets an inexpensive gift or SWAP. Register parents as helpers and have them complete a background check. It is easier to get done in the beginning, then you don’t have to worry when the time comes to have them help the troop. Parents should always come in with their daughter. If someone new is picking up a girl, you should be told before the meeting. Give girls a few minutes to let off steam before starting a meeting. Allow a 15 minute grace period before and after meetings, events and field trips for parents to drop off and pick up girls. Find out what the girls want to accomplish at the beginning of the year and keep in mind what your goals are as a leader. Then work towards both sets of goals with the girls’ goals as a FIRST priority. Dues/Money Help girls create a budget for the year. Even Daisies can understand how to track the money needed if you relate it to things they like – toys, blocks, etc. make great visuals. Bringing dues every meeting teaches girls responsibility and provides the treasurer with concrete knowledge of how much is in the bank account. Collecting dues twice a year may be easier for the parents as a group with less paperwork. To help cut costs, ask parents to donate supplies you may need during some of your meetings, i.e. – craft supplies, first aid, scissors, etc. Have girls set clear goals for Council-sponsored sales Adapted from Girl Scouts of NYPenn Pathways, Inc. A monthly newsletter or calendar can help remind parents and girls of upcoming events Always carry your calendar with you. Ask parents to drive; don’t keep offering to do it for every trip. Be upfront with money – costs of events, trips and crafts. Remind parents if they are past due on dues. Keep good money records should the service unit, parents or girls want to know where the money is spent. Inform the Service Unit Manager of any problems and whether they have been resolved or not. Carry permission slips with you at tall times with emergency numbers. Try to participate in service unit events. Ask parents to attend with the troop if you can’t be there. Always attend leaders meetings or send a representative. It is where you learn what is happening. You can call the girl’s parents when a behavioral problem arises. Never tell a girl you won’t tell anyone when she tells you she wants to tell you a secret. Take all your training so you are prepared. Use a kaper chart. The First 4-6 Meetings Register the girls and adults Create a Group Agreement Get to know the girls and let them get to know you Learn about Girl Scouts, Promise and Law, Quiet Sign, Motto Find out what girls want to do and help them plan it Plan a simple investiture/rededication Assemble the Troop First Aid Kit Discuss purchase of uniforms & books Have variety of fun activities, songs, games Make plans for future meetings