Leader information
FAQs
what outings and trips does the annual permission form cover
The Annual Permission Form gives a girl permission to travel to, attend, and participate in activities that are:
- Within 60 miles of your regular meeting place
- Are not longer than six (6) hours
- Are not considered high risk activities as outlined in the most recent Safety Activity Checkpoints.
what about outings and trips that are further away longer than 6 hours or high risk
Kaleidoscope? Savannah? Somewhere else that’s exciting?
Traveling with your troop can be a lot of fun – exposing both your girls and YOU to wonderful adventures. But to do it properly, you do need to fill out the proper paperwork.
In general, three forms are needed for most trips:
Don’t forget to turn them in on time. Trip Applications are approved by volunteers who do have families, get sick, go on vacations, etc. If you turn your forms in late, they may not be approved in time for your trip. Deadlines are anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months before the trip and are detailed at the top of Trip Application form.
Traveling with your troop can be a lot of fun – exposing both your girls and YOU to wonderful adventures. But to do it properly, you do need to fill out the proper paperwork.
In general, three forms are needed for most trips:
- The Trip Application
- The Parent Permission Form
and - Your Troop Roster, Sleeping Arrangements, and any trip details
Don’t forget to turn them in on time. Trip Applications are approved by volunteers who do have families, get sick, go on vacations, etc. If you turn your forms in late, they may not be approved in time for your trip. Deadlines are anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months before the trip and are detailed at the top of Trip Application form.
what other details are needed when taking a trip or going on an outing
Remember, Stepping Out training is required for any overnight trip. But Stepping Out training does not permit overnights at camp grounds, outdoor cooking, campfires, barbecues, or fireplaces.
Outdoor Training Certification is required when spending the night at a camp ground, cooking outdoors, and/or building a campfire.
You must have your approved (signed) copy of your Trip Forms, including the Specific Trip Permission forms and Annual Forms, with you during the trip. If you do not, and a medical emergency occurs, the participants are not covered by Girl Scout insurance for the event.
Always remember to check the most recent Safety Activity Checkpoints when planning your trip.
Outdoor Training Certification is required when spending the night at a camp ground, cooking outdoors, and/or building a campfire.
You must have your approved (signed) copy of your Trip Forms, including the Specific Trip Permission forms and Annual Forms, with you during the trip. If you do not, and a medical emergency occurs, the participants are not covered by Girl Scout insurance for the event.
Always remember to check the most recent Safety Activity Checkpoints when planning your trip.
how many girls are recommended to be in a troop
Girl Scout troops should be large enough so girls can work in a cooperative environment and small enough so each girl can learn to stand on her own – a tricky balance.
GSUSA recommends:
Daisies: 5 to 12 girls
Brownies: 10 to 20 girls
Juniors: 10 to 25 girls
Cadettes: 5 to 25 girls
Seniors: 5 to 30 girls
Ambassadors: 5 to 30 girls
How big should YOUR troop be? No larger than you feel comfortable leading. Larger troops often break into smaller groups during meetings, smaller troops often join with another troop for larger outings. You get to decide what you are capable of handling.
GSUSA recommends:
Daisies: 5 to 12 girls
Brownies: 10 to 20 girls
Juniors: 10 to 25 girls
Cadettes: 5 to 25 girls
Seniors: 5 to 30 girls
Ambassadors: 5 to 30 girls
How big should YOUR troop be? No larger than you feel comfortable leading. Larger troops often break into smaller groups during meetings, smaller troops often join with another troop for larger outings. You get to decide what you are capable of handling.
Hosting an event
If your troop or group wants to host an event for other troops and girls to attend, you can! And you will find the Event Worksheet to be helpful during your planning. Remember to submit a Money Earning Application and turn in to your SU team.
If your event may have non-registered individuals (non-registered parents, toddlers, etc.), then you will need the Additional Insurance form.
Part of the cost of your event will go towards your service unit. We ask for $.25 per registered girl attending. This fee goes towards service unit sponsored events in order to keep costs down for our Girl Scout families.
After your event is over, you will need to fill out the Money Earning Event After Report. This is required even if your troop did not make money.
If your event may have non-registered individuals (non-registered parents, toddlers, etc.), then you will need the Additional Insurance form.
Part of the cost of your event will go towards your service unit. We ask for $.25 per registered girl attending. This fee goes towards service unit sponsored events in order to keep costs down for our Girl Scout families.
After your event is over, you will need to fill out the Money Earning Event After Report. This is required even if your troop did not make money.
Money Earning/Fundraising
Thinking about holding a troop garage sale? Or hosting a parent’s night out? In order for troops to raise money for larger and more expensive trips and projects as they get older, Girl Scouts allows troops to make money under the following conditions:
Here are links to forms you will need:
Money Earning Event Application
Money Earning Event After Report
Additional Insurance
- Money making activities may not take place during any official product sales times (i.e. Fall Nut Sale: October – November and Spring Cookie Sale: January – March).
- Troops can hold money makers if they have participated in the two most recent official product sales, selling at least 12 items each time. For example, you can raise money in late March 2020 if you have participated in the 2019 Fall Sale and 2020 Spring Sale.
Here are links to forms you will need:
Money Earning Event Application
Money Earning Event After Report
Additional Insurance
Where can I purchase Uniform's, Badges and Books?
We have a Girl Scout shop in
San Luis Obispo.
1119 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Shop Hours
Tuesday – Friday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
800-822-2427
Contact your Volunteer Support Manager, Riley Brown, if you would like to have items brought to the next service unit meeting. Orders must be placed by the 10th of the month.
You can also place an order with our Council and have it shipped to you or to the store (GSCCC Order Form).
All Girl Scout badges and uniforms can also be purchased online from the GSUSA shop.
San Luis Obispo.
1119 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Shop Hours
Tuesday – Friday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
800-822-2427
Contact your Volunteer Support Manager, Riley Brown, if you would like to have items brought to the next service unit meeting. Orders must be placed by the 10th of the month.
You can also place an order with our Council and have it shipped to you or to the store (GSCCC Order Form).
All Girl Scout badges and uniforms can also be purchased online from the GSUSA shop.
Leaders, please join our Team App (Rancho Oaks Service Unit #558) or our Facebook page( Santa Maria Valley Girl Scout events and More.... ). These are two of the primary ways we communicate with the leaders in our Service Unit.
Below are lists and links to information, suggestions, and ideas that leaders (and parents) may find helpful.
Girl Scout Essentials
Leaders Guide to Success ( for new and veteran leaders)
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Transforming Leadership Part 1- A good explanation of how girls Discover, Connect, and Take Action at different ages
Transforming Leadership Part 2– A good explanation of Girl Led, Learning by Doing, and Cooperative Learning at different ages
Service Unit Calendar Updated Weekly
We add many events offered by our Council to the Service Unit calendar. For a full listing, check Council’s calendar directly.
The Volunteer Toolkit is a digital resource that supports troop leaders and co-leaders, making the process of running a troop easier and more efficient.
Through the Volunteer Toolkit, troop leaders can:
What About Parents?
Need More Help? Check out one of these guides:
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Caregiver / Parent
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Individually Registered Member / Juliette
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Troop Volunteer
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Administrative Volunteer
- Plan the troop’s calendar year.
- Email parents with one click.
- View the troop roster, renew girls’ membership, and update girls' contact information.
- View Daisy through Ambassador Journeys and badges (to plan for troop meetings), including pre-populated tracks for younger and older Multi-Level troops (K–5 and 6–12).
- Customize meetings by troop year with other badge and Journey options.
- Explore individual meeting plans that show a breakdown of every meeting, including a list of materials needed and editable time allotments for each activity within a meeting.
- Record girls’ attendance at meetings and their badge and Journey achievements.
- Add council or custom troop events to the troop’s calendar.
- Enter the troop’s finances (depending on the council’s process).
- Easily locate resources, both national and local council, such as Safety Activity Checkpoints.
What About Parents?
- Parents can now access the Volunteer Toolkit to see what their girl’s troop is doing (e.g, meeting information and which badges and Journeys she is working on).
- Parents can also view the troop’s finances (depending on the council’s process).
Need More Help? Check out one of these guides:
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Caregiver / Parent
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Individually Registered Member / Juliette
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Troop Volunteer
Volunteer Toolkit User Guide: Administrative Volunteer
Recognitions and Awards
Volunteers put in many hours on top of busy schedules and hectic lives to be the cheerleader, guide, and mentor; helping girls develop crucial skills and confidence to launch them into a lifetime of leadership.
Help us recognize outstanding individuals all year round with our Adult Award initiative!
Formal Recognitions
Nominate a special volunteer for an adult recognition. These range from National GSUSA awards, Council Board-Approved Awards for volunteers, local service unit volunteer recognitions, and other volunteer recognitions. Check out the GSCCC website or the GSCCC Adult Recognition Adult Awards Guide to determine the best fit for your special person, and then submit your nomination. It's easy—just use the Award Form!
Adult Recognition Resources
Tips for Writing a Council Nomination
Adult Award Uniform Placement
Any Questions?
Please Email Tammy Jepsen, Recognitions coordinator : tammyjepsen64@yahoo.com
GSUSA National Awards
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Appreciation Pin
The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). |
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Honor Pin
For outstanding service to two or more communities. |
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Thanks Badge
The Thanks Badge recognizes a volunteer who has provided exceptional, outstanding service that benefits the total council or entire Girl Scout Movement. Thanks Badge II
The Thanks Badge II recognizes a Thanks Badge recipient who has since provided continuing distinguished service benefiting the total council that significantly surpasses the original achievement. |
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Volunteer of Excellence
Recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls in any pathway to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through use of the National Program Portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. |
Council Board Approved Awards
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The Go-Getter Award
The Go-Getter Award recognizes a volunteer who puts her/his goals into action, pursues leadership positions and perseveres through challenges. |
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The Innovator Award
The Innovator Award recognizes a volunteer who uses creativity to imagine and implement solutions. An innovator brings new ideas that benefit a troop or service unit or provides a “spark” to enhance current activities or events. |
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The Risk-Taker Award
The Risk-Taker Award recognizes a volunteer who seeks new adventures and experiences. They step outside their comfort zone to provide the best experience for girls or they take positive action on issues in the community. |
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The Leader Award
The Leader Award recognizes a volunteer who listens to opinions and feelings different from her/his own. He or she handles conflict with compassion and clear communication. A Leader works hard to bring positive change to the world and builds team spirit while bringing people together. |
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The Fund Development Award
The Fund Development award recognizes a volunteer whose outstanding service has provided financial support to the Council |
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Super Service Unit Award
The Super Service Unit Award recognizes a service unit volunteer who has gone above and beyond providing time, skills, and leadership in her/his role on the service unit team. |
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Regional Leader of the Year Award
This Leader provides girls with exceptional leadership opportunities through exemplary implementation of the girl led model. |
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Girl Scout of the Year Award
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Lead the Way
May be awarded to three registered adults in good standing per county. Nominee has gone above and beyond in any capacity during either of the Council Entrepreneurial Programs. |
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Art McLoughlin Award
Male registered adults in good standing. Consecutive contribution for 2 or more years in any capacity that supports Girl Scouts. |
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Heritage Award Pin
The Heritage Award recognizes an individuals’ exemplary service in sharing the history of Girl Scouting in the USA and Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast with its members and the community thereby furthering the Girl Scout Mission. |
Service Unit Approved Awards
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GSCCC Distinguished Leader Award
The Distinguished Leader Award recognizes Troop/Group Leaders or Assistant Troop/Group Leaders whose performance in working with girls is so outstanding that it merits recognition by the Service Unit. The Service Unit reviews and approves the nominations following its process. |
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GSCCC Distinguished Volunteer Award
The Distinguished Volunteer Award recognizes an adult in a position other than Leader, or in addition to that of Leader, for exceptional service to Service Unit or in the community on behalf of Girl Scouts. The Service Unit reviews and approves the nominations following its process. |
Girl Scout Glossary and Acronyms
Adult Volunteer Training
The Council Board of Directors requires that all volunteers attend position training to ensure they understand the duties of the position they have agreed to perform and will learn about the organization itself.
Blue Book of Basic Documents (The Blue Book)
GSUSA publication includes the national Constitution, by-laws, policies, and credential information.
GSUSA
Girl Scouts of the USA
GSCCC
Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast
Service Unit
An ongoing service delivery system where appointed operational volunteers support troop/group activities in a specific geographic area.
Girl Scout Sign
Three fingers of the right hand are extended to symbolize the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.
Quiet Sign
A technique used for obtaining silence at all Girl Scout meetings. This is done by raising the right hand. As others see a raised hand, they raise theirs and become quiet.
Girl Scout Volunteer
Any adult who contributes their time to a local Girl Scout council or Girl Scouts of the GSUSA. without the expectation of compensation (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses) or any other thing of value in lieu of compensation.
Safety
First-Aider
Any adult who is certified in council-approved first-aid and CPR training from a nationally recognized organization.
Safety-Wise
A GSUSA publication for adults who work with girls that outlines safety principles and supplies safety references for specific Girl Scout activities in the form of program and camping standards.
Troop / Program Glossary
Troop
A group of girls with adult leadership who meet regularly and who voluntarily join the Girl Scout movement, meet membership requirements, and follow the Girl Scout program.
Try-It
Non-competitive award that Girl Scout Brownies may receive to symbolize
participation, not performance, in selected activities. May be worn on the official Girl Scout uniform.
These are no longer available through GSUSA, but may be available through second-hand sites.
Troop Financial Report
A yearly report submitted to the council office by July 1st from troop leaders. This report documents how the troop funds were spent/managed.
Bridging
The process of moving from one program age level of Girl Scouting to another.
Buddy System
A safety practice which requires that two girls keep watch over each other.
Kaper Chart
A chart showing what job is assigned to each girl or patrol in any given project. It provides for rotation of jobs and sharing of work.
Flying Up
When a Brownie Girl Scout becomes a Junior Girl Scout, they earn the Brownie Wings insignia.
Friendship Circle
Everyone stands in a circle and each person crosses her right arm over her left, clasping hands with her friends on both sides. Once everyone is silent, one girl starts the friendship squeeze by squeezing the hand of the person to her left. One by one, moving clockwise, each girl passes on the squeeze until it travels all the way around the circle. This is often used in a closing ceremony.
Friendship Squeeze
As everyone stands silently in the friendship circle, a squeeze is passed from hand to hand until it travels all the way around the circle.
Girl Awards Girl Scout Bronze Award:
The highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.
Girl Scout Silver Award:
The highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn.
Girl Scout Gold Award:
The highest award a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador can earn.
Girl Scout Levels
Girl Scout Daisy Girls in grades K-1.
Girl Scout Brownie Girls in grades 2-3.
Girl Scout Junior Girls in grades 4-5.
Girl Scout Cadette Girls in grades 6-8.
Girl Scout Senior Girls in grades 9-10.
Girl Scout Ambassadors Girls in grades 11-12.
Girl Scout Adult Volunteer Any adult over the age of 18 years.
SWAPS
SWAPs are crafts, usually handmade, that are swapped between Girl Scouts. The acronym, SWAPs, stands for “Something With A Pin” or “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.” The best SWAPs are girl-made and come with a message tag that identifies the Scouting event, troop, girl, or purpose of the SWAP. SWAPs should also include a safety pin or pin-back. Girl Scouts pin SWAPs on hats or hand-crafted SWAP holders.
International
Girl Guide
A term used to identify Girl Scouts in many countries.
USA Girl Scout Overseas
Girl Scout troops composed of girls and adults living temporarily in other countries, usually because the girls’ families are on military, governmental or business assignments.
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
The Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is a member of the World Association. Through this membership, each girl and adult are part of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout world movement.
Product Sales
Fall Product Sale
A girl program designed to assist troops with start-up funds, offer girls recognitions and supports the council.
Cookie Sale Program
A girl program to enhance leadership and teach life skills while earning girl recognitions, funds for the troop and general council support.
ABC
One of the two official Girl Scout Cookie bakers in the United States. GSCCC uses ABC. Other councils use Little Brownie Baker
Cookie Manager
An adult volunteer who manages and coordinates the Girl Scout
Cookie Sale within an assigned area.
Troop Cookie Manager (Cookie Mom)
An adult volunteer who manages and coordinates the Girl Scout Cookie Sale for a troop.
Council
Council Sponsored Programs
Programs for girls of various levels, supported by paid council personnel. These may be just-for-fun events or badgework
Council Shops
A council owned store where Girl Scout uniforms, insignia, and general Girl Scout merchandise may be purchased.
Service Unit
Troop Camping
A camping experience of 24 or more consecutive hours planned and carried out by a troop/group of girls and adult volunteers.
Dunk Bag
A mesh bag used when camping to store and sterilize by dunking one’s personal dishes and silverware. Emergency Contact Person
A person who will be available while your troop is away, who will know how to contact you, as well as contact parents/guardians of the girls in your troop in case of emergency or to notify of any delays or changes in plans.
Permission Form or Permission Slip
An authorization signed by parent(s) or guardian(s) to allow their child to participate in an activity. Required each time the troop leaves the regular meeting site.
Sit-Upon
A handmade cushion, preferably waterproof, used to sit on at a Girl Scout activity.
Girl Scout Celebrations / Holidays
Girl Scout Birthday
Celebrated March 12 to designate the first Girl Scout meeting held in the United States by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia in 1912.
Girl Scout Week
Celebrated each year during the week in which March 12 (the Girl Scout Birthday) falls. This week begins with Girl Scout Sunday and ends with the Girl Scout Sabbath.
Juliette Gordon Low
(October 31, 1860 to January 17, 1927)
Founder of the Girl Scout movement in the United States of America. Her nickname was “Daisy.” Troops and service units often celebrate her birthday on October 31st.
Thinking Day
February 22, the birthday of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. (Lord Baden-Powell was the founder of the Scouting movement, Lady Baden-Powell was the World Chief Guide.) Celebrated as the day Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world spend time thinking about the worldwide movement and send silent “hellos” to their counterparts around the globe.
Insignia
Insignia
All pins, patches, badges, or other awards worn on the Girl Scout uniform.
Interest Project Patch
Also referred to as IP awards, Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassadors interest patches require girls to do activities. These are no longer available through GSUSA or GSCCC, however can often be found on second-hand sites.
Participation Patches
A fun patch that may be given to girls following a Girl Scout experience. All levels of Girl Scouting are eligible to receive them.
Proficiency Badges
The proficiency badges in the Girl Scout Badge Books encourage girls to gain knowledge, learn and improve skills, explore careers and make a difference in their communities. Badges are official uniform insignia.
Journey Badges
Similar to old IP awards, these are earned by all levels of Girl Scout. There are a series of activities a girl must do to earn these awards.
Religious Awards
Programs created and administered by various religious groups to encourage girls to grow stronger in their faith. Created by religious groups themselves, not GSUSA, but is recognized by GSUSA and may be worn on the official uniform.
World Association Pin
The membership pin of WAGGGS, worn by all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in member countries.
Ceremonies
Investiture
The formal troop ceremony held to welcome someone into Girl Scouting for the first time.
Re-dedication
A ceremony in which an individual renews the Girl Scout Promise and reviews the meaning of the Girl Scout Law. This ceremony may be held when new members are invested or at a separate ceremony some time during the year.
Scouts Own
A special ceremony created by a troop around a theme.
Need to purchase badges, patches or uniforms for your troop?
You can either shop online at www.girlscoutsccc.org or you can visit our region's store located at:
1119 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo.
Store hours are: Tuesday - Friday 12 pm - 4 pm.
You can either shop online at www.girlscoutsccc.org or you can visit our region's store located at:
1119 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo.
Store hours are: Tuesday - Friday 12 pm - 4 pm.