What do girls do in Girl Scouts?
Any girl in grades K–12 can join the fun at Girl Scouts. Whether you want to be part of a troop, sign up for exciting activities, explore the outdoors, or travel the world, each age level has something for you.

Girls are placed in the appropriate grade level according to what grade they’re in at school, as shown above. Learn more about what your girl can do according to her grade level.

What is the minimum age/grade for joining Girl Scouts?
Any girl in K-12 grade can join Girl Scouts. In order to join, a girl must be at least 5 years old and in kindergarten. We are excited that parents/caregivers are interested in getting their girls involved right away and can’t wait to have them as brand new Daisies once they are old enough to join.

I would like to hear more about what Girl Scouts do. How can I find an upcoming information session?
We are hosting in-person and virtual information sessions this fall. Check out our listings to find one that works for you!

Does GSSJC offer financial assistance for membership registration?
Absolutely. Towards the end of the registration process, you will be able to select the financial assistance option for any girl or adult membership. Assistance is also available for purchasing uniforms, handbooks and for some events.

Besides the membership fee, what other costs should I budget for?
Additional costs may include uniforms, handbooks with badgework, or events, such as badge workshops or camping weekends. Many of our activities, such as horseback riding or sailing, are offered to members at a nominal cost thanks to funds generated by the Cookie Program.

What materials will my daughter need to begin her Girl Scout experience?
We suggest obtaining a sash or vest, a membership pin, and her troop numbers. We also have starter kits that will have everything needed for her to begin her Girl Scout experience. Please visit our shop to check out the starter kit and other great items.

What is your membership fee refund policy?
Our membership fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred from one year to the next. If you move, your membership can transfer with you.

Am I required to register as a volunteer for my girl to participate?
Registering as a volunteer is not required for your girl to participate; however, we highly encourage you to participate. Many girls express that a highlight of their Girl Scout experience is being able to spend more time with their parent or caregiver. Also, if you wish to participate in activities such as troops, events, or meetings, you must be a registered and background-checked volunteer.

I do not have a girl to sign up. Can I still volunteer with Girl Scouts?
Absolutely. You do not need to have a girl to volunteer with Girl Scouts. Learn more about the different ways you can volunteer.

How do I start my own troop?
The process is simple and laid out here in detail at gssjc.org/startatroop.

What is a troop?
A troop is a group of Girl Scouts, usually from the same school or neighborhood, who gather regularly to participate in Girl Scouting together. They might choose to earn badges together, complete community service projects or go on camping trips. Troops are girl-led with volunteer support.

Is being in a troop required?
No. Girls can also register for Girl Scouts and immediate begin signing up for events that are of interest to them without joining a troop. Learn more about individually registered girls.

How often do troops meet?
The troop meeting frequency depends on what the troop agrees on and the availability of the volunteer troop leaders and parents. Most of our troops meet once every two weeks.

The length of a troop meeting depends on a number of factors including that age of the girls, availability of volunteers and meeting space. An average troop meeting is 90 minutes.

Many troops choose to take a break over the summer due to family vacations, schools not being available for meetings, etc., while other troops continue to meet. The decision to meet in the summer months is based on the availability of the leaders, girls, and space. Girl Scouting is a year-round program, and troops are encouraged to continue meeting over the summer months.

How do I find a troop near me?
When you sign your girl up for Girl Scouts, you can choose the troop that will best suit your family. If the troop is forming, we will need adult volunteers in order for it to start meeting.

When you start your girl’s registration, you will be taken to the online opportunities which lists all the troops available by location. The best way to search is to search by ZIP code and then scroll through the selections until you find the school or location of the troop you want your daughter placed in.

If you want to talk through the troop options, please reach out to our Placement team. You can set up an appointment with a Placement specialist.

We just moved here from another council. How do I get my Girl Scout started with your council?
Welcome. If you need to have memberships transferred from another Girl Scout council into GSSJC, please contact your former council to initiate the transfer process. When you contact your former council, you will need to tell them GSSJC is council no. 591.

Your former council will need the following information for any member(s) transferring into GSSJC:

• Each member’s full name (indicate girl or adult)
• Date of birth
• Former home address including ZIP code
• Current home address and ZIP code
• Email address
• Current phone number (optional) 

Transfers into GSSJC from another council can take up to two weeks. If you need assistance from GSSJC with this process, please feel free to contact our Customer Service department at gssjc.org/contactus and include all demographic information listed above.

I want to learn more about what Girl Scouts do. How can I find an upcoming information session?
We are hosting in-person and virtual information sessions this fall. Check out our listings to find one that works for you!

I have more questions. Can I set up an appointment to speak with someone?
Schedule a call with one of our expert Placement specialists. They will be able to answer any questions regarding Girl Scouts, participation options and will be able to help you register.