Girl Scouts of the USA

 

Girl Scouts of the USA has programs for girls entering Kindergarten through Twelfth grade.  Girl Scouts meet in groups with two or more adult leaders.  They learn the GS Law and Promise – the foundations of Girl Scouting.  They can take trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities.   As girls get older, they plan their own activities, such as service projects and trips.  Girls can join Girl Scouts at any age; previous membership is not required to join Girl Scouting at the age appropriate level.

 

How can my daughter join a Lexington Girl Scout Troop?

 

If you would like to register your daughter as a Girl Scout now, for placement in a troop in the fall, go to the Council web site and print a registration form at:   http://www.ptgirlscouts.org/files/GSUSAGirl.pdf

 

Parents are strongly encouraged to register.  Adult registration forms are at:   http://www.ptgirlscouts.org/files/GSUSAAdult.pdf

 

The annual registration fee of $10 per person covers the registrant for insurance purposes and allows members to participate in GS activities.   Make checks payable to “GSPTC”. Give or mail completed forms to the Lexington Girl Scout Registrar:

 

Catriona Grieve  

3 Conestoga Rd

Lexington, MA 02421  

781-860-0306 or catrionagrieve@yahoo.com

 

If you do not have access to the on-line forms and would like a paper copy, or have questions, please call or email Catriona.

 

Other costs are minimal.  Dues are determined by individual troops and are used for meeting expenses, outings, insignia and patches.

 

 

How are Troops formed in Lexington?

 

In September, Lexington Girl Scouts hold a walk-in registration event at the Cary Library.  The date is Tuesday, September 11, 2007. This event will be publicized through the schools and in the Minuteman and other local media.

 

Troops are led by volunteer leaders, who can be parents or other interested adults.  The troop formation process begins by identifying existing troops, and volunteers who want to be new troop leaders.  After the registration event, when existing troops, and potential new troop leaders have been identified, other parents will be contacted by e-mail to set up parent meetings in October.

 

Troop leaders are required before we form new Troops!  Leaders do not need Girl Scout experience.  Free training is provided.

 

If you are unable to attend walk-in registration, you can register anytime by printing the registration forms from the web site and taking them to Catriona, or call the Registrar for a paper form.  Early registration speeds up the troop formation process.

 

 

When and where do Troops meet?  How is Troop Leadership structured?

 

Girl Scout troops in Lexington are open to any Lexington girl of the appropriate age.  Troops are not school based or restricted by the school a girl attends.

 

Troops meet in locations such as the Cary Library, Lexington houses of worship, and other public spaces.  Troop leaders, with the support of the Lexington Girl Scout Service Unit., determine meeting time and place.   The troop leaders decide meeting frequency.  The Girl Scout year runs from October to June, although some troops do plan activities during the summer. In summer and April Vacation, there is Girl Scout camp!

 

Each troop establishes its troop leadership structure at the organizational parent meeting.  Examples of troop structures are:

 

1) One primary leader, rotating assistant leaders, other parents assisting on an as needed basis

2) Two primary co-leaders, or leader and assistant leader, other parents assisting on an as needed basis

3) Cooperative troop leadership - all parents take turns leading meetings and assisting (still requires a primary coordinator / team manager)

 

Free leadership training is available for every registered Girl Scout adult.   It is required for those leading troops.

 

 

Where can I get more information about Girl Scouting in Lexington?

 

Catriona Grieve  - Lexington Girl Scout Registrar

3 Conestoga Rd

Lexington, MA 02421

catrionagrieve@yahoo.com

781-860-0306

Julie Sibert  - Lexington Girl Scout Service Unit Coordinator

30 Ingleside Rd

Lexington, MA 02420

girlscouts@juliesibert.com

781-863-2275

 

Girl Scouts, Patriots’ Trail Council   265 Beaver St., Waltham, MA 02452   781.893.6113  http://www.ptgirlscouts.org