What is Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is more than an activity—it’s a Movement dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
While they’re learning about STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, Girl Scouts are also discovering new ways to make their family and community stronger, kinder, and better for everyone.
As Girl Scouts, they'll:
- Develop a strong sense of self
- Display positive values
- Seek challenges and learn from setbacks
- Form and maintain healthy relationships
- Learn to identify and solve problems in their community
How does it work? What's a "troop"?
Groups of Girl Scouts, called troops, typically meet monthly or every other week for an hour or two. Guided by adult volunteers, troop members choose the hands-on activities and projects that excite them, try new things, and cheer each other on. They might choose to earn badges together, complete community service projects, or go on camping trips (Learn more). Troops are youth-led with volunteer support.
Troops are a great way to meet other youth but are not required to participate in Girl Scouting. If your Girl Scout prefers an independent experience, you can learn more about going solo.
Some troops choose to meet only during the school year, but Girl Scouting is a year-round experience and troops are encouraged to continue meeting over the summer months.
What are the different types of troops? What is a Co-op Troop? What is a Welcome Troop?
In Co-Op Troops, all families are expected to volunteer and rotate the facilitation of troop meetings and outings.
Welcome Troops are starter troops that serve a specific community. These troops are run by experienced volunteers who work to help a group of new members form a troop in their community during a series of introductory meetings for parents/caregivers and youth.
What is the minimum age/grade for joining Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts must be at least five-years-old and in kindergarten to join. Girl Scouts runs through 12th grade. You can join at any age or grade. Those entering Kindergarten in the fall will be eligible to join Girl Scouts starting in the April prior to their Kindergarten year.
When can I get started?
You can start today! A Girl Scout membership year starts on October 1st and lasts until September 30th (renewable annually) but you can join at any time.
How much is the annual membership and what does it include?
The annual membership is $65 which supports the movement at the national level and provides basic accident insurance coverage for Girl Scout activities.
There is an additional $25 in council service fees that allows Girl Scouts of Northern California to support the Girl Scout leadership experience at the local level, provide affordable programming for members, and maintain camp properties.
Annual membership for youth: $90 ($65 + $25)
Annual membership for adult: $30
Financial Aid is available.
Besides the membership fee, are there any other costs?
There may be additional costs like purchasing uniforms, badges, and/or events, depending on what the troop decides. Girl Scouts is open to all youth and adults, regardless of their income. We make funds available to support Girl Scouts with their membership dues and uniforms. We also offer financial aid for adult membership dues. No income verification is required. Backround checks are currently free.
Once a troop starts participating in cookie and/or fall product sales, the troop often has enough funds to cover some of those extra costs such as badges and events.
What materials will my Girl Scout need to get started?
It is suggested that every Girl Scout has a sash or vest, a membership pin, and their troop numbers. My Girl Scout Kits, available at girlscoutshop.com or our local Girl Scout shops, are a great way to grab everything you need. It is recommended that you attend the parent/caregiver meeting or speak with the Troop Leader/Admin prior to making a purchase.
Am I required to register as a volunteer for my Girl Scout to participate?
Registering as a volunteer is not required but is highly encouraged. Some troops, particularly Co-Op troops, do expect each family to register as a volunteer with the troop. Many Girl Scouts share that a highlight of their experience is being able to spend more time with a parent or caregiver.
What kind of activities will my Girl Scout participate in?
Girl Scouts earn badges covering a variety of interests such as the different mediums an artist can work with, what it takes to become a scientist, or how to advocate for changes to make their community better. They go on outdoor adventures, learn to sail, and give archery a go. They form friendships that last a lifetime. And they do all this while making the world a brighter place.
Is Girl Scouts inclusive?
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as part of our organization’s core values. Read more on our DEIB page.
