Family Relationships: Becoming a Scout Leader

By Michele Blandino

With so many different types of activities available to kids, it's not surprising that many athletic teams, clubs and other organizations find themselves without the volunteer support needed to continue functioning. As a result, each year many of these organizations find themselves welcoming new coaches, leaders and other types of mentors. And unfortunately, many of these volunteers, no matter how well-intentioned, don't return for a second year.

The primary reason behind their failure to carry through on their commitments is that they failed to realize exactly what their role as a parent-volunteer would entail. Some mistakenly believe that their level of commitment would be limited to a weekly meeting, others aren't able to take the time needed away from their jobs, while still others come to the realization that they just don't like working with kids.

Certainly the requirements and commitment needed for a soccer coach will be far different from that required for someone involved with a drama club. Likewise, parents who volunteer to be a leader for their child's scout troop will be faced with a completely different set of requirements.

More than Cookies and Camping

Most people associate Girl Scouts with cookies and campouts. While this is certainly a part of the experience, it is not the only part. A big part of the Girl Scouting experience is service. As a leader, it will be up to you to make sure the girls complete the service hours needed to progress to the next level.

Training Requirements

However, before you even hold your first meeting, you will need to go through new leader training as well as a training course specific to the level (i.e. Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior) you will be working with. Each training course lasts approximately three hours and covers many of the administrative details you will be responsibile for, including the completion of permission slips, accounting for troop funds, and keeping records of the girls' accomplishments.

Depending on the council (regional headquarters) you belong to, you may be able to complete the course on a "take home" basis or even online. Check with the training staff at your council to see what options are available to you.

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders

Girls who become involved in Girl Scouting are taught to become responsible young women who are not afraid of taking on a leadership role. Obviously, this does not happen overnight. Girls who begin as Daisy Girl Scouts (usually in kindergarten) attend very structured meetings with the majority of activities planned and initiated by the troop leaders. However, as the girls progress through the various levels, they will become increasingly responsible for the planning and running of their meetings.

Time Commitments

As a result, if you become involved in your daughter's Girl Scouting experience when she is a Daisy or Brownie, you can expect to spend at least two hours preparing for each meeting. For Daisy Girl Scouts, you will need to plan activities which will enable the girls to earn their petals (the petals are worn on the girls' smocks and represent different Girl Scout characteristics), identify and carry out service projects, and find other activities to make your meetings fun and interesting.

If you will be leading a Brownie troop, you will also need to plan and carry out service projects as well as decide which "try-its" - badges - the girls will earn.

Is it for You?

In the end, making the decision to become involved in your daughter's Girl Scouting experience can be one of the most rewarding things you will do. It can also lead to hurt feelings - not only for your daughter but also for the other girls involved - if you are not fully aware of the level of commitment that will be required.

For More Information

If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a Girl Scout leader, visit your local council's website of Girl Scouts of the USA.