Same Girl Scout experience. Facilitated by staff.

We're here for you! Girl Scout Staff-Led Troops offer families a flexible new way to experience Girl Scouts through professionally facilitated troop meetings led by trained Girl Scouts of Northern California staff.

Girls enjoy the same leadership, STEAM, outdoor, entrepreneurship, and community-building experiences that define Girl Scouts — with added coordination and support designed for today’s busy families.

Staff-Led Troops are currently offered in Fremont and San Jose, with more communities on the way.

Flexible for Families

Qualified staff runs every meeting!

Everything in One Place

We take care of everything!

Connect to Your Community

Meet other families in your area!

A New Pathway Into Girl Scouts

Staff-Led Troops are an additional troop model designed to expand access and support more families in participating in Girl Scouts.

Instead of relying entirely on volunteers to coordinate troop meetings, trained Girl Scouts of Northern California staff facilitate meetings and manage program logistics ensuring girls get the full Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

This model meets families where they are, while strengthening opportunities for girls to grow in confidence, leadership, and community.

Facilitated by trained, passionate GSNorCal staff who serve as strong role models to youth in your community.
Interactive activities that make real-life connections with all four program pillars.
Hands-on, developmentally appropriate, youth-approved activities in STEAM, Outdoors, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.
Support for youth as they develop critical life skills and prepare to transition into adulthood.

In addition to offering a Girl Scout experience facilitated by GSNorCal staff, your child will participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and may have the option to attend Outdoor Adventure Campout, summer camp, and other special events and workshops throughout the year.

I'm ready to join a Staff-Led Troop! How do I register? toggle arrow

If you're ready to join a Staff-Led Troop in Fremont or San Jose, you'll complete two steps: entroll though myGS, then set up your monthly payment through ActiveNet. Follow these step-by-step instructions. Questions about the registration process? Reach out to info@gsnorcal.org.

Program Details

Fremont

Start Dates/Times: October 25, 2026
- Grades 2-3: Sundays at 9:30-10:45am or 1:00-2:15pm
- Grades 4-5: Sundays at 11:00am-12:15pm or 2:30-3:45pm
Meeting Location: Olive Hyde Program Center, 123 Washington Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

Meetings are held twice a month on Sundays with occasional Saturday dates, starting October through May. Enrolled families will receive the full schedule upon registration.

San Jose

Start Date/Times: November 1, 2026
- Grades 2-3: Sundays at 9:30-10:45am or 1:00-2:15pm
- Grades 4-5: Sundays at 11:00am-12:15pm or 2:30-3:45pm
Meeting Location: San Jose Girl Scout Office, 1310 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Meetings are held twice a month on Sundays with occasional Saturday dates, starting November through June. Enrolled families will receive the full schedule upon registration.

Enrollment & Fees

Enjoy the Girl Scout experience with guidance from trained staff members for just a $90 annual Girl Scout membership fee and $120 per month for eight months of programming! Financial assistance is available for eligible families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do families need to live in Fremont or San Jose to participate? toggle arrow

No. Families from Fremont, Newark, Union City, San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, and surrounding communities are all welcome. Troop meetings take place at our Fremont and San Jose locations.

Are these still official Girl Scout troops? toggle arrow

Yes. Girls participate in the same Girl Scout program and traditions as all Girl Scouts. Meetings and coordination are simply facilitated by trained Girl Scouts staff.

What grade levels can participate? toggle arrow

The program is open to 2nd and 3rd graders (Brownies) and 4th and 5th graders (Juniors).

What does my Girl Scout get out of the program? toggle arrow

With Girl Scouts Staff-Led Troops, your child gets access to the entire Girl Scout Program.

Discover exciting new adventures through hands-on activities and experiences not typically offered at school.
Build lasting friendships while making memories with girls from your community.
Make a difference by giving back through meaningful community service projects.
Grow as a young entrepreneur by building confidence, leadership, and business skills through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

What happens when my Girl Scout ages out of the program? toggle arrow

After the Junior level, there are many ways your Girl Scout can stay engaged with the program.

They can join a Volunteer-led troop.
Become an Individually Registered Girl Scout or Juliette where they manage their experience on their timeline.
Participate in older Girl Scout programs like Lead the Way.

Why should my child join Girl Scouts? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts helps girls build the confidence, leadership skills, and real-world experience that prepare them for success in school, careers, and life. Girl Scouts complements what girls learn in school by giving them opportunities to apply skills in real-life settings. Whether they are leading a service project, earning badges, or exploring new interests, girls gain experiences that help prepare them for high school, college, careers, and beyond.

The Girl Scout experience helps girls and gender expansive youth discover their strengths, use their voice, and build the courage to pursue their goals with confidence.

Want This Program in Your Community?

Staff-Led Troops are part of Girl Scouts of Northern California’s commitment to expanding access and creating flexible pathways for girls and families.

To bring this program to a new community, we need a few things in place:

An affordable or free meeting space
Interest from at least 12 families

We provide a staff facilitator to lead the troop. Know someone great for the role? We welcome referrals.

If your community can help meet these needs, we'd love to talk! Email info@gsnorcal.org to start the conversation.

Looking for Other Ways to Join Girl Scouts?

Find a volunteer-led Girl Scout troop or start your own, or go solo as an individually registered Girl Scout! Learn more.