1) Who can be a Girl Scout?
Any girl between the ages of 5-17 in grades K through 12 can register to be a Girl Scout. We accept new girls year round! We also encourage girls to come back who have taken a break from Scouting!
2) Why should I support my daughter's decision to be a Girl Scout?
Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities for fun and friendship while fostering the development of leadership skills and self-esteem. In Girl Scouts, girls develop their leadership potential through activities that enable them to discover their values, skills, and the world around them; connect with others in a multicultural environment; and take action to make a difference in the world.3) How much does it cost to be a Girl Scout?
Registration is $27 per year. This money goes directly to GSUSA and Suffolk County. The Troops do not keep this fee.Troops collect dues for activities such as crafts and field trips- usually the cost is $10-12 per month.
4) How many girls are in each troop?
Usually 5-20 depending on the age of the girls.
5) What is the difference between a Brownie and a Girl Scout?
A common misconception is that "Girl Scouts" are the girls that wear green. Girl Scouts have several levels broken down by grade, and they are all Girl Scouts:
Daisy Girl Scouts: grades K-1 wear Blue
Brownie Girl Scouts: grade 2-3 wear Brown
Junior Girl Scouts: grades 4-5 wear Green
Cadette Girl Scouts: grades 6-8 wear Tan
Senior Girl Scouts: grades 9-10 wear Tan
Ambassador Girl Scouts: grades 11-12 wear Tan
6) But my daughter does sports, chorus, gymnastics, etc. How can she find the time to be a Girl Scout?
Troop meetings are scheduled around the availability of the girls in the troop. Troop leaders keep other activities in mind when making the schedule, because their daughters are involved in other things as well. Most younger troops meet once a week, plus a Service Unit event/party 1x per month. Older troops meet every other week, but usually for a longer meeting time.
7) My family cannot afford to be a Girl Scout. Is there Financial Aid available?
Yes! We offer Financial Aid so that any girl can be a Girl Scout regardless of financial circumstances.
8) What about selling cookies? Doesn't my daughter have to go door to door?
Girl Scouts are no longer permitted to sell door to door. Girls are encouraged to sell the magazines, nuts and cookies only to people that they know, under adult supervision. Troops also host Booth Sales outside of CVS, Waldbaum's, etc., with leaders and adults present.
9) Why do Girl Scouts sell so many things?
We have product sales 3x a year to help fund trips, end of year parties, and financial aid.
A portion of the sales goes to the troop, the service unit, Suffolk County Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
10) How did Girl Scouts start anyway?
It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, on March 12, 1912—100 years ago. She wanted to bring new experiences and skills to the girls of Savannah. There weren't many opportunities for girls back then. She eventually expanded to other states and the Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the United States Congress on March 16, 1950. Today, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts: 2.3 million girl members and 890,000 adult members.