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What are Daisy Girl Scouts?
Daisies is the Girl Scouts of the USA program for girls entering Kindergarten. Girl Scout Daisies meet in small groups with two or more adult leaders in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Primarily they learn the GS Law and Promise – the foundations of Girl Scouting. They may take trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities.
The girls can reinforce this learning by earning ‘Petals’ and receiving participation patches. Girl Scout Daisies may go on to the upper levels of Girl Scouting, known as Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.
How can my daughter join a Daisy Troop?
If you would like to register your daughter as a Girl Scout now, for placement in a troop in the fall, you can 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
An annual registration fee of $10 per person covers the registrant for insurance purposes and allows members to participate in GS activities. Make out checks to “GSPTC”. Mail or drop off 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, you can 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?
Every September, the Lexington Girl Scouts hold a walk-in registration event at the Cary Library. This year’s 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 volunteers who want to be troop leaders. After the registration event, when potential troop leaders have been identified, parents will be contacted by e-mail to set up parent meetings in October.
Troop leaders are needed before we form Daisy Troops! Leaders do not need prior Girl Scouting experience. Free training is provided.
If you are unable to attend the walk-in registration, you can still register anytime by printing and returning the registration forms from the web site, or calling the Registrar to get a paper copy of the form. Early registration will help the troop formation process get off the ground sooner.
When and where do Daisy 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. Meeting time and place is determined by the troop leaders, with the support of the Lexington Girl Scout Service Unit. Meeting frequency is also decided by the troop leaders. For example, a Daisy troop may decide to meet once or twice per month from December through June. The traditional Girl Scout year runs from October to June, although some troops do plan occasional activities during the summer. And there is always Girl Scout camp!
Each troop establishes its troop leadership structure at the organizational “parent” meeting. Examples of troop leadership teams are:
1) One primary leader, rotating assistant leaders, other parents assisting on an ad hoc basis
2) Two primary co-leaders, or leader and assistant leader, other parents assisting on an ad hoc 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?