Troop Planning Resources

Planning Resources for Troop Leaders

Everything you need for a successful troop year.

As a troop leader, you’ll help Girl Scouts reach their full potential through new experiences and skills. Read on to learn how to start your troop, check items off your new leader checklist, plan your year, and more. After your troop is up and running, check back for information on cookies, finances, and more volunteer training opportunities.

New Leader's Guide

Your adventure starts here, with step-by-step checklists to support you along the way.

Troop Leader Training

Get the tools, like gsLearn and the Volunteer Toolkit, to keep your troop going strong.

Troop Year Planners

Get the tools you need to organize troop meetings and help you thrive.

Troop Budget Planner

Use this new tool to estimate your troop’s annual budget, including income and expenses, based on planned activities.

GET NOW

Volunteer resources available on MyGS

Many of your must-have tools, like gsLearn and the Volunteer Toolkit, are accessible when you log in to MyGS—always accessible via the icon on the upper right corner of our website.

MyGS

Manage and view your troop roster, register for events, renew the memberships of your troop for the next year, and access must-have tools, like gsLearn and the Volunteer Toolkit, via MyGS—always accessible via the icon on the upper right corner of our website.

gsLearn

On gsLearn, find essential volunteer training and courses from your council, like how to lead activities the Girl Scout way, safety procedures, and advice for guiding Girl Scouts at every grade level.

You’ll find gsLearn via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device, and it will be populated with any training you should view.

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) toggle arrow

The Volunteer Toolkit is a customizable planning tool where you can find suggested meeting plans for most badges, access activity guides and badge requirements, track your Girl Scouts’ achievements, and so much more. It’s the digital planning assistant that will help you power a fun-filled—and organized—Girl Scout year.

You’ll find the Volunteer Toolkit via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

Use Troop Year Planners to guide you through each meeting

Ready to plan your troop year? Our age-appropriate troop year plans are the best tool for first-year troop leaders to get started with Girl Scouts without getting overwhelmed. The entire year is mapped out—just follow along to help your Girl Scouts complete badge activities, improve their communities, and explore the world around them.

Daisies

Girl Scouts grades K-1 learn the Girl Scout Law, money basics, and visit a state park.

Cadettes

Girl Scouts grades 6-8 go on an outdoor trek, learn first aid basics, and more.

Brownies

Girl Scouts grades 2-3 design a race car, learn cooking basics, and take their first hike.

Seniors

Girl Scouts grades 9-10 become citizen scientists, learn about mental health, and more.

Juniors

Girl Scouts grades 4-5 try new sports, explore technology, and go horseback riding.

Ambassadors

Girl Scouts grades 11-12 travel the country, practice photography skills, and more.

Multi-Level

Girl Scouts grades K-5 explore their community, world, and creative side.

Multi-Level

Girl Scouts grades 6-12 grow their leadership abilities and build entrepreneurial skills.

Additional troop resources

Volunteer Essentials toggle arrow

Volunteer Essentials

Volunteer Essentials is a great reference for all topics relating to the Girl Scout Program, including policies, procedures, and information about troops, safety, travel, camp, activities, and more. Volunteer Essentials includes:

All About Girl Scouts
Everything you need to know about Girl Scouts.

Troop Management
How to get started with your troop.

Managing Finances
Learn money-earning basics.

Engaging Girl Scouts and Families
Connect with Girl Scouts and get their families involved with your troop.

Creating a Safe Space for Girl Scouts
Follow Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and guidelines to keep the fun going.

Product Program
Guide Girl Scouts as they learn to think like entrepreneurs and develop business smarts through Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Programs.

Badges, Awards, and New Programs toggle arrow

Award and Badge Explorer
Explore the badges and leadership awards that Girl Scouts can earn. Filter your results by grade level and topic or create a custom plan PDF.

Council Award and Badge List
Use this resource to view all available badge, and award offerings in a single location organized by category (STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship) and age level (Daisy through Ambassador) for the 2025-2026 program year.

Highest Awards
Find Highest Award requirements, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award, in the Award and Badge Explorer and Volunteer Toolkit.

New Program Resources
There are new ways for Girl Scouts to explore their world—both virtually and in person! Check out the new badge booklets in the Volunteer Toolkit and badge introductions in gsLearn.

Girl Scout Activity Zone
Filter activities by age, grade level, and more. Want to share some service project inspiration with a Girl Scout or simply find an age-appropriate adventure for your troop? You’ll find it here.

Traditions and Ceremonies Activity Guides toggle arrow

Traditions connect Girl Scouts across the globe. They link current Girl Scouts to the trailblazers who came before them and remind them of the camaraderie that comes with the Trefoil they wear. Read up on some of Girl Scouts’ most well-loved traditions here. More info about Girl Scout traditions and ceremonies can be found in your grade level’s handbook.

Mariner and Trailblazer Troops toggle arrow

Take your troop's outdoor adventure to the next level by becoming a Girl Scout Mariner or Trailblazer Troop. These two historic Girl Scout programs provide challenging and transformative outdoor possibilities to Girl Scouts in grades 8-12 and their volunteers looking to grow their skills on water, on the trails, and in the backcountry.

Ready to get started?

Understand the roles and responsibilities of a Mariners or Trailblazers troop leader.
Read through the program guidelines and share them with your troop. These guidelines are open-ended and inclusive. They are a starting point rather than strict instructions. Let your troop take the lead and decide how they would like to shape their year!
- Mariners Volunteer Guide
- Trailblazers Volunteer Guide
Designate your troop as a Trailblazer or Mariner troop by updating your existing troop.

For questions or more information about these programs, contact us.

Troop Position Descriptions toggle arrow

Caregiver support is vital to the experience Girl Scouts have in a troop setting. Whether it's guiding activities, ensuring safety, or fostering a positive environment, adults play a key role in shaping meaningful and memorable experiences. To help volunteers understand their responsibilities and contribute effectively, we've outlined troop position descriptions that clarify each role and how it supports the overall mission of the troop.

Troop Leader Position Description (PDF)

Troop Treasurer Position Description (PDF)

Troop Cookie Coordinator Position Description (PDF)

Troop Fall Product Position Description (PDF)

Uniforms

Forms and Documents

FAQs