Volunteer Essentials
Welcome!
As a volunteer, you’re not just helping—you’re inspiring. You’re a builder of community, a mentor, and a joyful guide who leads with kindness. Thanks to you, Girl Scouts of all ages will dream big, explore boldly, and make a real difference in the world. We’re so glad you’re here!
These pages are designed to support you as a Girl Scout volunteer. From Girl Scout basics to managing your troop, we’ve got you covered! We recommend that you begin by browsing the sections below and return throughout the year to find answers to your questions as they arise.
Grow Your Troop This Fall
More girls. More friendship. More adventure.
This fall, troop leaders can help more girls discover what Girl Scouts is all about: trying new things, making friends, building confidence, and having a place where they belong.
When you grow your troop, you’re not just adding names to a roster. You’re opening the door for more girls to explore, lead, laugh, learn, and make memories together.
Why Grow Your Troop?
A growing troop means:
More girls get to experience the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
More friendships, teamwork, and troop spirit
More support for activities, adventures, and service projects
More families connected to the Girl Scout community
More girls building courage, confidence, and character
Fall 2026 Grow Your Troop Incentive
Troops that welcome new, first-time Girl Scouts between September 1 and October 31, 2026 can earn funds to support their next troop adventure.
Troops can earn:
$25 for welcoming 3–5 new, first-time Girl Scouts
$50 for welcoming 6–8 new, first-time Girl Scouts
$75 for welcoming 9–11 new, first-time Girl Scouts
New troop bonus:
Troops formed after April 1, 2026 that register 12 or more new, first-time Girl Scouts between September 1 and October 31 will receive an additional $25.
Eligibility Requirements 
Ready to Grow?
Invite a friend. Welcome a new family. Help another girl find her place in Girl Scouts.
New troop leader?
Are you a new troop leader? Please join us on Rallyhood where you’ll find important council updates (like fun activities for your troop) and opportunities to collaborate with other troop leaders. Need more support from council staff? Reach out to info@gshnj.org with your questions and concerns. We’re here to support you!
© Copyright 2009–2026 Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.
