NEW LEADER FAQs

Must I be a parent in order to be a troop leader?
No. The Girl Scout organization is "volunteer driven" and we need everyone's help. We currently have community leaders and even senior citizens who don't have daughters in the organization. We can't build leaders without your help.

How much does it cost to join Girl Scouts and where do the finances come from to start a troop?
The annual membership fee of $10 goes to Girl Scouts of the USA where it is used for program development, activity insurance for all members, and management support to councils. It is the girls and leaders who determine the dues which will be used to pay for troop activities and supplies. In order to have funds for the startup of your troop treasury, the Moccasin Bend Council sponsors a fall product sale. Troops who participate receive 20% of the proceeds. In addition, the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale in the winter is another way for your troop to earn more funds.

How much time will it take to be a troop leader?
The troop leader decides how often to meet. This can be weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. The troop leader also determines the day, time and location.

I wasn’t a Girl Scout. What do I need to know?
The Moccasin Bend Council is here to serve as a resource of information and materials. Training is provided to help new leaders and assistant leaders to understand the Girl Scout philosophy. This training covers materials and information needed to begin the troop meeting process, and where to go for help.

Where can I find ideas on what to do with girls?
What makes Girl Scouting unique is GIRL PLANNING. Girls are to be guided and supported by leaders in planning their program for the troop year. Your richest resources are the Leader’s Guide for your troop's age level and the accompanying handbook! These tools and Safety-Wise are the best guides.

Who finds the meeting place?
Your council membership representative, service unit manager and organizer will assist you in locating a meeting place. These places can be churches, schools, community centers, etc.

What help will parents give?
Ask your parents to help with driving or chaperoning field trips, being a ‘helper’ by telephoning, filling out paperwork, picking up supplies, or keeping your other children during the troop meeting. They can also assist you by signing up for certification courses such as first aid and camping or taking on roles of troop product sale manager or registrar. Do not try to do everything yourself. Seek help.

Why is volunteering worth my valuable time?
The rewards of being an adult volunteer are both direct and indirect. Some 85% of leaders we surveyed said they receive rewards they don't typically get in their daily lives. Rewards such as a sense of giving back, making a difference in a girl's life, contributing to the community, event management and training that has benefits in other parts of life. No matter what your background or experience, it's never too late to be a Girl Scout.

You may download a volunteer application or contact us at: 423-877-2688 or 800-446-2472 or pormond@mbgsc.org

Download:

Workshop Schedule

Workshop Reservation Formownload Trainin
For more information on workshops,
e-mail pormond@mbgsc.org or call
423-877-2688 or 800-446-2472.

Supplies

Rocks for a fire ring
(Animal Crackers)

Tinder: twigs and leaves smaller than a pencil (coconut)

Kindling: twigs and sticks at least the size of a pencil, if not larger
(pretzels)

Fuel: logs and big wood
(Tootsie Rolls)

Water
(Kool-aid)

Steps

1. Dig a circle the size of a camp fire. Keep the grass in tact and lay to the side. Make sure you are in an area with no over-hanging branches. If you can see the sky, you are okay.
2. Lay the rocks in a circle to enclose the fire ring.
3. Place the kindling in the center to form an A-frame.
4. Sprinkle the tinder on the inside of the A-frame.
5. Light the tender and add tinder as needed until the kindling starts to burn.
6. Add the fuel to the fire one at a time, taking care not to put out the fire.
7. When finished, sprinkle the water on the fire to put it out. Do not pour on the fire—this will cause smoke and may scatter the fire.
8. Continue to sprinkle and rake the fire until the fire is put out. When you can place your hand above the fire area and feel no heat, the fire is out.
9. Replace the hunks of grass on the circle so that it looks like you never built the fire.