Volunteer FAQs

FAQs by New VolunteersEmpower Girls by Volunteering

Empower Girls by Volunteering

FAQs by Current Volunteers



Answers for Potential Volunteers

Why should I be a Girl Scout volunteer?

Volunteering with Girl Scouts is a meaningful way to give back to your community for generations. By supporting girl leadership, you are helping thousands of Central Texas girls develop the courage, confidence and character necessary to be successful leaders locally and globally. Further, Girl Scout volunteer opportunities provide adults with personal growth experiences such as public speaking, event planning, financial management and educational instruction.

Do I need to be a troop leader to be a volunteer?

No! From being a council spokesperson to organizing cookie booths, there are many volunteer opportunities. By volunteering with Girl Scouts you can build your own skills while empowering girls to be purposeful leaders.

Who can be a Girl Scout volunteer?

Any adult, female or male, who has a genuine interest in making a positive difference in a girl's life. Just become a registered Girl Scout member and decide on the volunteer opportunity that most interests you!

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is different for every volunteer and largely depends on your volunteer position. We can accommodate the busiest schedule!

What is the training program?

The council provides free, basic training to introduce volunteers to the Girl Scout program and its goals. A variety of specialized workshops for volunteers are also available. Check out our training program summary and event calendar for full details.

How much will it cost?

The basic cost includes the annual $12 membership fee. Other costs depend on your volunteer position, required trainings and chosen activities.

Who will help me?

You'll have support from experienced volunteers in your area, professional staff members, council resources and trainings, and other community resources.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Uniforms are encouraged but not required of adult volunteers. The Girl Scout pin may be worn to signify membership in the organization. Information about adult uniforms and accessories can be found at the Girl Scout shops.


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Answers for Current Volunteers

What is the adult to girl ratio for meetings?

For meetings, Safety-Wise requires two adults to every

  • 10 Girl Scout Daisies
  • 25 Girl Scout Cadettes
  • 20 Girl Scout Brownies
  • 30 Girl Scout Seniors
  • 25 Girl Scout Juniors 
  • 30 Girl Scout Ambassadors

Plus one adult to each additional

  • 5 Girl Scout Daisies
  • 12 Girl Scout Cadettes
  • 8 Girl Scout Brownies
  • 15 Girl Scout Seniors
  • 10 Girl Scout Juniors 
  • 15 Girl Scout Ambassadors

See page 69 in Safety-Wise for more information.

What is the adult to girl ratio for events, trips and campouts?

For events, trips and campouts, Safety-Wise requires two adults to every

  • 5 Girl Scout Daisies*
  • 20 Girl Scout Cadettes
  • 12 Girl Scout Brownies
  • 24 Girl Scout Seniors
  • 16 Girl Scout Juniors 
  • 24 Girl Scout Ambassadors

Plus one adult to each additional

  • 3 Girl Scout Daisies*
  • 10 Girl Scout Cadettes
  • 6 Girl Scout Brownies
  • 12 Girl Scout Seniors
  • 8 Girl Scout Juniors 
  • 12 Girl Scout Ambassadors

*Under the leadership of group leader, and with parents, guardians, or other family members participating, a Girl Scout Daisy group may participate in an occasional overnight camping experience.

See page 69 in Safety-Wise for more information.

What is the adult to girl ratio for swimming?
Number of Swimmers Lifeguards Watchers* 
1-10 1 adult 
11-251 adult 
26-352 persons, at least 1 adult.
Others may be 16 years of age or older    
3
36-502 persons, at least 1 adult.
Others may be 16 years of age or older
4

*Watchers must be at least 16 years of age.

 What First Aid courses are accepted by Girl Scouts?

Several organizations, including the Ameican Red Cross, offer Girl Scout accepted First Aid courses. For a complete list see Safety-Wise page 87.

The following healthcare providers may serve as first-aiders for Girl Scout groups: physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medic or emergency medical technician.

Who do I submit photos to for the calendar, Possibilities, etc?

Submit photos to the Communications Department. Photos that are hi-resolution, clear, show smiling girls and have good lighting are most likely to be used by GSCTX in council materials.

Where can I find a council event registration form?

Council event registration forms are in the back of Possibilities and also on our Resources and Forms web page. You can also register for many events online.

What do I do if a sensitive issue comes up in our troop?

In Girl Scouting, sensitive issues are discussed from an informative rather than advocacy point of view. Participation in these discussions is optional and each girl who participates must provide written consent from her parent or guardian. It is our position that in-depth discussion of sensitive issues and the formation of beliefs is best suited for individual family settings.

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