Concord-Carlisle Girl Scouts

Who can join Girl Scouts?

Any girl in Kindergarten through 12th grade can be a Girl Scout. For young girls in particular, scouts is a great opportunity to extend their friendship circle beyond their classroom; so there are more familiar faces in the cafeteria, hallways, and outside at recess! It is also a fun way to learn new things, serve their community, and develop leadership skills.

Adults of all ages, both men and women, are also welcome to join at any time. There are lots of great ways to volunteer with Girl Scouts, with no experience required. There are many training opportunities and you will have a chance to meet active people in your community who share your interest in helping girls develop into leaders.

How are the troops formed?

Once there are at least six girls in the same grade (and usually the same school) wishing to join a troop, and caregivers who have volunteered to be part of the troop's leadership team, the Service Unit coordinates the formation of the troop and leader training.

Who leads the troops?

Parent volunteers make up the troop leadership team. Depending on parent interest and availability the team may be led by one or more troop leaders or be run as a co-op with all parents taking a turn facilitating meetings. Each troop decides what works best for them and this may change from year to year.

When do troops meet?

This is decided by the individual troops according to the schedules of the girls and the parent volunteers. The earlier you get in on the troop formation process, the more input you give toward such decisions. Most troops meet at least twice a month for 1-1½ hours.

Is each troop completely independent?

Each troop is free to decide its own schedule and activities, but you will never be alone if you need help! The Concord-Carlisle Service Unit has monthly meetings to bring all adult volunteers together to share information and establish connections throughout our Scouting community. More experienced leaders also serve as Girl Scout Gurus to their younger sister troops!

What kinds of activities do troops do?

While always guided by the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law, individual troops and the interests of their girls determine what specific activities they will pursue. The GS leadership curriculum, published by GSUSA has a wealth of ideas!

Is Girl Scouts expensive?

Girl Scouts USA (GSUSA) requires annual $25 membership dues. Parents are encouraged to also become members so that they can be active in the troop as volunteers, chaperones, or occasional helpers, as their schedule allows. In addition, GSEMA charges a $15/girl annual fee to supplement Council programs and facilities.

Individual troops decide on troop dues, which depend on the activities they do as well as how much money the troop earns by selling cookies each year. Troops also decide whether dues will be paid in a lump sum, in installments, or activity-by-activity. Typical Daisy dues for the first year are between $50-$75, which is enough to cover the cost of the uniform and insignia as well as buy some supplies for crafts and/or supplement activity fees.

Financial aid is readily available from both GSEMA and CCGS to cover these expenses and requests are completely confidential. The financial aid application process from GSEMA is embedded in their online registration and those eligible will have registration fees waived. For financial assistance for costs associated with troop dues/expenses, please fill out our Financial Aid Request Form or for GSEMA sponsored events please fill out this form GSEMA Program Financial Aid. Cost should never be a reason for a girl not to participate in a Scouting activity!

How do I sign up?

If you think Girl Scouts sounds right for your daughter, or you’d simply like more information, please click the "Register Now" or "Contact Us" link in the left-hand sidebar on this page and fill out the simple form it directs you to. You'll hear from one of our Service Unit team members a.s.a.p.! Hope to hear from you!

Happy Scouting!