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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Girl Scouting?

Girl Scouts is the preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls. In Girl Scouting, girls in grades K-12, with the guidance of committed caring adult volunteers, participate in fun, exciting educational activities. Through their participation in these activities, girls develop lifelong skills, strong values, good judgment, a commitment to their community, and achieve personal successes.

What is Girl Scouts of North East Ohio's jurisdiction?

Eighteen counties make up our council: Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Tuscarawas Counties.

How is Girl Scouts of North East Ohio funded?

On an average it costs $250 per girl, to provide one year of Girl Scouting. GSNEO depends on income generated from both its membership and the community to facilitate council-wide programs and events; provide adult recruitment and training; enhance outreach opportunities and maintain the council's service centers and camp/environmental education facilities. Anyone may contribute to Girl Scouts. Special giving opportunities are available to individuals through planned giving, Tribute Funds or Memorial Gifts. Income is also generated by a variety of sources including United Way, corporate sponsorships, grants, program fees and two annual product sales campaigns.

GSNEO receives funding from four United Ways; grants; corporate and individual donors; and special annual events such as the Desserts First.

Membership

Who can be a Girl Scout?

Girl Scouts is open to all girls, ages 5 - 17, and to volunteers, both men and women, over the age of 18. All members must be willing to make the Girl Scout Promise, accept the Girl Scout Law, and pay an annual membership fee. All girls are welcome regardless of socioeconomic status or racial, ethnic, cultural, or religious background.

How can my girl become a Girl Scout member?

She registers through GSNEO. Click the Join Now button at the top of this page.

Is there a fee to join Girl Scouts?

Each member of GSUSA, girl and adult, must pay an annual $12 fee and register annually. This annual fee goes directly to Girl Scouts of USA, however, in registering as a Girl Scout adult or girl member, you are eligible to benefit from many exciting programs provided by GSNEO. The membership fee includes accident and activity insurance. Financial assistance is also available from GSNEO for membership fees.

Are there any other costs involved beyond the $12 registration fee?

Troops generally charge moderate dues to pay for supplies and badges. Special programs such as field trips or workshops are generally paid for individually. Girl are encouraged to participate in money-earning projects, such as Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program to earn additional money for troop activities such as events, trips and service projects.

How old do you have to be to become a Girl Scout?

Girls can register as Girl Scouts from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Adults working with girls can join as well. See Volunteers/Adults.

What are the various program levels in Girl Scouting?

Girl Scout Daisy: Girls in grades K-1.
Girl Scout Brownie: Girls in grades 2-3.
Girl Scout Junior: Girls in grades 4-5.
Girl Scout Cadette: Girls in grades 6-8.
Girl Scout Senior: Girls in grades 9-10.
Girl Scout Ambassador: Girls in grades 11-12.

What is a Girl Scout troop?

A Girl Scout troop is a group of girls who are either the same age or of mixed ages. They meet on a regular basis as the troop decides - be it once a week or once a month. Their meetings take place after school, in the evenings, or on the weekends.

Can my girl become a Girl Scout without being part of a troop?

There are many ways girls can take part in Girl Scouting. Depending on their free time and interests, they can register individually, for camp, as part of an interest group, or join a troop. If a girl registers individually, she may want to take part in one or two group events, like camp or a Council-wide event.

There are so many extra curricular activities for my daughter,
why join Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouts has it all! Your daughter will discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together! At GSNEO we have fun, play sports, learn about poetry, go camping and swimming, explore college campuses, donate goods for the men and women in the armed forces, explore other cultures, and help local communities. Parents like Girl Scouts because it develops their daughter's leadership skills and values such as self-confidence, courage and character.

Can I be a leader or involved with Girl Scouting if I am not a parent?

Absolutely! It is not necessary to have a daughter or other female relative in Girl Scouts. There are many girls who need adult guidance.

Is it true that if a girl does not join in the fall, she cannot join
until next year?

NO! Girls participate in Girl Scouting in many different ways and at many different times during the year. Girls join when they are interested and when it fits their schedules.

How old does a girl have to be to join Girl Scouts?

Girls who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall up to girls age 17 are all eligible. A parent or guardian must give consent for her participation and complete a membership registration form to enroll her in the program.

Everything is so expensive these days, how much does it cost to join?

The annual national membership fee is $12. Each troop determines the amount of their own dues which pays for troop program, badges, and supplies. Troops supplement their income with money earning activities, such as the Cookie and Fall Product Sales programs.

If my daughter chooses to be in a troop, will her friends
be in the same troop?

It depends. Troops are organized when there are girls from the same school or same town who can meet at the same time and day of the week. Sometimes friends are not in the same troop because their schedules are different. A Girl Scout troop is also an opportunity for your daughter to meet new girls and develop new friendships.

Parent/Guardian FAQs

Does my Girl Scout need books?

Girl Scouts recommends having books because they were designed to enhance the experience-a lot of the information needed to participate fully is included in the books.

Where can I get the books?

You can buy books and awards books through GSNEO's Council Shop. Sometimes, groups use their funds to purchase books for members, or girls who have moved up in grade-level pass their books down to younger members. Ask your local library if they have copies on hand that can be checked out.

How can I help my Girl Scout with her experience, including the Girl Scout Gold Award®, Girl Scout Silver Award®, Girl Scout Bronze Award®, etc.?

Be a sounding board for ideas and actions, but let her make decisions and take action on her own. Help her by encouraging her to do her best and providing an environment where she feels she can succeed. If she asks you to take a role in the project, you may do so, but only under her direction. Visit Girl Scouts' Highest Awards in Girl Scout Central for additional information.

Camp

How can I register my girl for Girl Scout camp?

Summer Camp Guides are available each year in the spring. This publication lists all the summer camping opportunities available for girls. To register for summer camp or any Girl Scout program, click on the Programs/Calendar for program and the Camping button to review opportunities for your Girl Scout.

Do camp counselors receive special training?

Camp staff receive extensive training from GSNEO before camp season starts. All local Girl Scout councils must follow Girl Scouts of the USA guidelines, as outlined in its safety publications, as well as comply with applicable state laws. All resident camps of GSNEO are American Camp Association accredited. GSNEO hires staff members based on their skills and job experience.

Girl Scout Cookie® Activities

Does my Girl Scout have to sell cookies?

Participation in this Girl Scout program activity is voluntary. However, girls tell us selling Girl Scout Cookies is fun. Girls practice life skills such as teamwork, money management, and entrepreneurship. This activity provides GSNEO with revenue to support Girl Scouting in local communities, including a portion that goes back to the Girl Scout troop/group selling the cookies. Customers purchase great cookies and know they are supporting the girls in their area.

What role do I have in Girl Scout Cookie activities?

A parent/guardian can help her/his girl by:

Giving permission for her to sell Girl Scout Cookies.
Attending the cookie activity training for her troop/group.
Helping her set and meet her personal goal(s) and her groups' goals.
Helping her observe all safety rules and guidelines outlined in materials sent home by GSNEO.
Helping her understand that you will be working with her in a supportive role; adults, however, should not assume sole responsibility for selling cookies.
Helping to network with colleagues so that she can contact co-workers and family members to purchase cookies.
Providing transportation to cookie events or special sales areas, like those at the mall or outside a grocery store.
Providing a safe place for the money collected, as well as frequent drop-offs of money to the cookie manager.
Paying for any cookies eaten at home.
Supporting the national Girl Scout policy that Girl Scout Cookies may not be sold on the Internet by anyone at any time (see Can I purchase Girl Scout cookies online?).

Where does the money earned from Girl Scout Cookie sales go?

The best way to understand where the money goes is by picturing a cookie. A piece of the cookie goes to pay the baker for making the product. Another piece goes to the GSNEO to support Girl Scouts in its area, and a third piece goes directly to the group selling the cookies.

If you have more cookie-related questions, email cookies@gsneo.org.

Adult Volunteers

How can I become a Girl Scout volunteer?

Contact GSNEO at 800-852-4474 or email training@gsneo.org. They'll happily talk with you about volunteering.

What type of learning opportunities are available before working with girls on my own?

GSNEO offers basic learning opportunitites. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to take first-aid training. GSNEO offers ongoing training through service units, volunteer meetings, and topic-specific workshops.

What can I do to help the adult volunteer working with the girls directly?

Talk with your girl's adult volunteer and see what type of help she needs. Extra adults are always needed for trips and special events, as well as for Girl Scout Cookie activities.

I have so many commitments already, why should I get involved?

You can play a significant role in a girl's future by helping her grow into tomorrow's leader. How much time can you spend? Do you want to work with adults or girls? Which skills can you share/develop/enhance? If you have special talents, skills or interests such as--outdoor cooking, crafts, or face painting--that you may enjoy, wish to pursue or teach to others, the challenges and rewards are here for you at GSNEO.

Who will be the adults working with my daughter?

It could be you and another parent in the troop or it could be adults from the community. All potential troop and activity leaders complete an application, provide references, are background checked and complete GSNEO training for their positions.

What do Girl Scouts do?

Girls decide what they will do with the guidance of their adult leadership. It could be rock climbing, collecting food for a local food pantry, or staying overnight at a mall lock-in! Whatever it is, the activities will assist girls in strengthening their values, learning how to relate to others, developing skills and giving service to their community.

I don't want to be the troop leader, but I do want to assist in
Girl Scouting. Can I?

YES! If you would like to work directly with your daughter's troop, there are several ways to participate. You could participate in activities, help conduct meetings, make arrangements for trips, gather supplies for activities, or teach a particular skill. Girl Scouting cannot happen without the help of caring, responsible adults!

If my daughter is not placed in a troop will there be Girl Scout
activities she can do?

If your daughter cannot be immediately placed in a troop and she is interested in participating as an individually registered Girl Scout, there are activities available. She can participate in council events. She can also complete activities found in the GSNEO Faces & Places Program and Training Guide.

I was a registered Girl Scout last year. Do I have to
register again this year?

Yes, Girl Scouts must re-register each year for the upcoming membership year. Take advantage of Early Bird specials by re-registering between the months of April and July, or specials between the months of August and October.

Does my Girl Scout troop have to meet every week?

No. Girl Scout leaders/advisors may set days and times with their girls and their parents that best suits the girls. Meetings can be scheduled weekly, every other week, or even monthly.

Uniforms

Do I have to buy a uniform for my Girl Scout?

The GSUSA National Board updated the Girl Scout uniform policy as of October 2008 to reflect the changing needs of our members and transformation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girl Scouts at each level have one required element (Tunic, Sash or Vest) for the display of official pins and awards which will be required when girls participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

For girls in grades Kindergarten through 12th, the unifying look includes wearing a choice of a tunic, vest, sash for displaying official pins and awards, combined with their own solid white shirts and khaki pants or skirts. Girl Scouts in high school can also wear a scarf that unites their look with the sisterhood of Girl Scouts around the world. For adult members the unifying look of the uniform is a Girl Scout official scarf, or tie for men, worn with the official membership pins, combined with their own navy blue business attire. Girl Scouts at the Daisy and Brownie levels will continue to have a full uniform ensemble available.

Where do I place pins and badges on the uniform?

See the Where to Place Insignia on a Girl Scout Uniform in Girl Scout Central. A couple of hints:

Some insignia come in iron-on format, but not all. Check and see before you iron them. Non-iron-on awards will melt if they are ironed.
The insignia tab is a great tool. Membership pins can be placed onto it and then be removed easily when the uniform needs to be cleaned.

Where do I buy uniform pieces?

You can purchase uniform pieces through the Council Shop.

Program

Do adults need to stay at the event to supervise the girls?

Unless stated otherwise in the program description, supervising adults must accompany girls at all events. The program staff members lead the activities but are not responsible for the direct supervision of girl participants. Supervision can be parents or guardians, troop leaders, or other adult volunteers. When registering as a troop, please follow the Safety-Wise ratios of girls and adults for each age level.

I want to begin work on my Girl Scout Gold Award, where can I get the information?

You can learn more about the step-by-step process to meet the prerequisites to earning this reward. All girls will be given a Gold Award Resource Guide and other required paperwork for the award. This free training is required for any girl wishing to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. Gold Award information is available at Gold programs listed in Faces & Places. Must be 14 years old to take this class. You may contact your service center for more details.

Volunteer Services

How do adults become Girl Scout leaders?

Adults interested in becoming a leader will need to fill out a volunteer application/consent form, go through a background screening, become a registered Girl Scout, and take the on-line volunteer orientation.

What kind of volunteer positions does Girl Scouts have?

Adult volunteers can work with girls and be troop facilitators or mentors; they can work with other adults or be trainers.

What is the deadline for Adult Recognition nominations
to be received at GSNEO?

Nominations must be received at the service center to be considered for the current year. Nominations can be faxed at 330-467-1901, mailed or hand delivered to GSNEO, One Girl Scout Way, Macedonia, OH 44056. Refer to Training@GSNEO.org for deadline dates and additional details.

Why can't I bring my child to a Girl Scout workshop?

Workshops are learning environments that meet the needs of adult volunteers. Children, no matter how well behaved, often make concentrating difficult for participants.

What courses are required in order for me to get started as a
Girl Scout leader?

In GSNEO, we require every volunteer in a leadership position to complete Orientation, Leadership Essentials, and Welcome to Girl Scouts. All required courses must be complete within six months of appointment. Refer to Faces & Place Program Guide for more details about the recommended courses.

Finances

I need to set up a troop checking account. How do I go about it?

Visit the forms section by clicking on "forms" in the Quick Links on the left to obtain the necessary forms.

Can I get a debit card on my troop account?

Yes, the new troop policies allow troops to use a debit card for ordering shop merchandise by phone or fax. If you plan on using the debit/checkcard, the rules remain the same as any other disbursement.

How can my troop earn additional money for planned activities?

The two council-sponsored product sales include the Fall Product Sale (magazines, candy & nuts) and the Cookie Sale. Troops earn profit and girls earn incentives for participation while also funding all Girl Scout programming in Northeast Ohio. Troops may participate in council-approved money-earning activities in which the troop is the sole beneficiary of the profit after they have supported GSNEO through participation in both council-sponsored product sales. Money earning activities are defined projects done to accomplish a financial goal; council permission is required. These projects must occur only when there is a need for program funding or for basic operations, and they must be service related. Car washes, bake sales, gift wrapping, etc would be samples of service related money-earning projects. The money-earning project request form is available under forms on www.gsneo.org and should be submitted to the Director of Business Services at least 4 weeks prior to the requested start date.

Product Sales Program

When did Girl Scouts first begin selling cookies?

The tradition of baking and selling cookies by Girl Scouts dates back to the early 1920's. The Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low, began helping the first Girl Scouts learn how to raise money to achieve special goals for their troop. Since then, the Girl Scout Cookie Sale program has grown into a highly successful program that helps girls learn and practice important life skills, while earning money for Girl Scouting in their area. The first documented council-wide cookie sale of commerically baked Girl Scout Cookies was in Philadelphia in 1934. This money-earning idea had proved to be so popular with girls that by 1937 more than 125 councils had adopted the program. Today, over 300 councils participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale.

Why do Girl Scouts sell cookies?

The cookie sale program is an important part of Girl Scouting. Not only does it generate money for programs and activities, but it teaches girls important life skills, such as learning to set goals, answering questions, handling money responsibly, and following through with a commitment. The wonderful thing about the cookie sale is that they raise money in a way that provides girls with a positive experience that develops character and skills.

Do all Girl Scout councils sell cookies at the same time?

Each Girl Scout council decides when the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale program will take place. Most sales are during January, February and March. The decision is based on criteria such as United Way annual campaign dates, holiday seasons, and registration times.

Why are there incentives for girls to earn?

Incentives play a role in recognizing efforts and encouraging girls individually as well as in the troop.

Do cookies sell for the same price in every Girl Scout council?

Each council decides the price of cookies and the amount of proceeds troops receive. Councils vary in size from under 1,000 girls to over 43,000 girls. Council budget needs vary in size as well. Because the needs of individual councils differ, so do cookie prices.

What is the role of parents/guardians and other family members in the Cookie Sale program?

Parents and other family members often help Girl Scouts during the Cookie Sale program. For example, they provide transportation or assist adult volunteers in conducting the sale. GSNEO encourages parents to work in partnership with their daughters so they may take full advantage of the learning experiences offered.

Insurance

The place that my troop meets needs proof of insurance.
What do I give them?

The facility is requesting a certificate of liability insurance. Contact GSNEO Central office at (800)852-4474 to request a certificate of insurance be sent to the facility. Be prepared to give GSNEO the contact's name and phone number, the full name of the facility, their complete address and fax number and whether the facility requires they be named as an additional insured.

A child or adult has been hurt at one of the GSNEO sanctioned meetings. What do I do now?

First, make sure the accident has been reported to your troop leader/advisor on an Accident/Incident Form (available in the Forms section). Secondly, request a claim form for any unpaid medical bills from your troop leader or GSNEO. Fill out the Claimant Section, page 1, completely. Return the claim form and copies of unpaid bills to your troop leader/advisor if they have not filled in their portion on page 2. Once the first two sections are completed, the form will be returned to GSNEO in Macedonia for the council's validation. Do not send the form directly to United of Omaha. No action will be taken without the council's certification. If United of Omaha has any questions regarding the claim, they will contact the adult or the parent /guardian of the injured member.

What if they receive bills later?

If future bills are received, the easiest thing to do is send them to GSNEO Corporate Offices (800)852-4474. We will check on the status of the claim, obtain the claim number and forward the bills to United of Omaha for processing.

Media/Public Relations

Who do I contact for media inquiries?

Contact the Communications Coordinator at 800-852-4474/330-864-9933 extension 0376 or via e-mail at Marketing@gsneo.org.

Can my troop use the Girl Scout logo on t-shirts or other items?

The Girl Scout logo can be used by troops on promotional items, but there are strict guidelines governing its use because it is a licensed, copyrighted, and protected trademark. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, the logo's appearance such as use of color, sizing and space around the logo, who may do the work, and what can be done with items featuring the logo. Please contact the marketing department at 800-852-4474/330-864-9933 or email Marketing@gsneo.org before using the trademark in any form.

Will my daughter's photograph be used for promotional purposes?

Possibly. Approval for photo releases is incorporated into the registration form. Your signature on the registration form allows GSNEO to use photos in publications or other media without your prior or specific consent. If you did not sign the registration form, and you see a member of the staff taking photographs, please advise him/her that your child does not have a photo release on file.

Can I talk to a reporter about the Girl Scouts?

Yes, if approached by a reporter, you may talk about the Girl Scouts but you must make it clear that you are offering your own opinion or observations, and that you do not officially represent Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. You may also refer reporters to the council's Director of Marketing and Communications or Chief Operations Officer to answer any questions you may not be able to answer. If you speak to a reporter, please be sure to get their name and who they report for. We’d like to help you promote your story. Email GSNEO at Marketing@gsneo.org or call 800-852-4474 and ask to speak to the Communications Coordinator.