FAQ for Girl Scout Parents

Do I have to register as a member to participate?

Every participant (girl or adult) in Girl Scouting must register and become a member of Girl Scouts of the USA. GSUSA membership dues are valid for one year. Membership dues are sent by the council to GSUSA; no portion of the dues stays with the council. Membership dues may not be transferred to another member and are not refundable. 

How can my girl become a Girl Scout member?

She registers through her local Girl Scout council. You can call a GSWPA (http://www.gswpa.org/) Service Center or attend a recruitment event in your area/school. You will be contacted by a volunteer who will work to register your daughter and to link her to the appropriate volunteer based on how she would like to participate.

Or follow this link to join now.

How much does it cost to be a Girl Scout?

Membership dues for all Girl Scouts are $15 annually. For fall of 2017, dues will increase to $25. This entire amount goes to the national organization (GSUSA) and pays for accident insurance, program development and resources. Troops may also charge dues. Each troop decides how much and how often troop dues are collected. This money stays with the troop to pay for program supplies, activities, trips, and recognitions.

Can my girl become a Girl Scout without being part of a troop?

There are many ways girls can take part in Girl Scouting. Depending on their free time and interests, they can register individually, for camp, for Pathways, as part of an interest group, or join a troop. If a girl registers individually, she may want to take part in one or two group events, like camp or a council-wide event.

Where and how often do troops meet? 

Troops typically meet at schools, churches, libraries, etc.  They typically meet once a week, every other week, sometimes once a month. This depends on the volunteers that will be working with your daughter's troop, their availability and community resources available.

How old do you have to be to become a Girl Scout?

Girls can register as Girl Scouts from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Adults can register as Girl Scouts as well.

·Daisies: Kindergarten or first grade

·Brownies: Grade 2 or 3

·Juniors: Grade 4 or 5

·Cadettes: Grade 6, 7, or 8

·Seniors:  Grade 9 or 10

·Ambassadors: Grade 11 or 12

Do I have to buy a uniform for my Girl Scout?

While not a requirement of membership, Girl Scouts at each level have one encouraged element (tunic, sash r vest) for the display of official pins and awards which will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

Daisies and Brownies have their own full uniform.  Older girls wear their own solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts in addition to their tunic, vest, or sash, Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts in high school can also wear a scarf that unites their look with the sisterhood of Girl Scouts around the world. 

Shop online at our Girl Scouts Official Online Store.