Engaging Girl Scouts and Families

Engaging Girl Scouts by Level

Creating the kind of environment in which Girl Scouts are unafraid to try new things and to be who they want to be starts with you! By meeting them where they are, you’ll help them develop the leadership skills they’ll use today and in the future.

Understanding Healthy Development in Youth toggle arrow

It sounds simple, but just being attentive to what Girl Scouts are experiencing as they mature is a big help to them—and to you, as you guide and mentor them! You’ll experience different joys and challenges with each Girl Scout level; below are some guidelines for meeting Girl Scouts’ needs and abilities at different grade levels. Keep in mind that these guidelines reflect neurotypical experiences.

Girl Scout Daisies
At the Girl Scout Daisy level (kindergarten and first grades), many Daisies…	This means…
Have loads of energy and need to run, walk, or play outside.	They’ll enjoy going on nature walks and outdoor scavenger hunts.
Are great builders and budding artists, though they are still developing their fine motor skills.	Encouraging them to express themselves and their creativity by making things with their hands, if they are able. They may need assistance holding scissors, cutting in a straight line, and so on.
Love to move and dance.	They might especially enjoy marching like a penguin, dancing like a dolphin, or acting out how they might care for animals in the jungle.
Are concrete thinkers and focused on the here and now.	Showing instead of telling, for example, about how animals are cared for. Plan visits to animal shelters, farms, or zoos; meet care providers, or make a creative bird feeder.
Are only beginning to learn about basic number concepts, time, and money.	You’ll want to take opportunities to count out supplies together—and, perhaps, the legs on a caterpillar!
Are just beginning to write and spell, and they don’t always have the words for what they’re thinking or feeling.	That having them draw a picture of something they are trying to communicate, or picking from images of feelings, is easier and more meaningful for them.
Know how to follow simple directions and respond well to recognition for doing so.	Being specific and offering only one direction at a time. Acknowledge when they have followed directions well to increase their motivation to listen and follow again.

Girl Scout Brownies
At the Girl Scout Brownie level (second and third grades), many Brownies…	This means…
Have loads of energy and need to run, walk, or play outside.	Taking your session activities outside whenever possible.
Are social and enjoy working in groups.	Allowing them to team up in small or large groups for art projects and performances if they would like to.
Want to help others and appreciate being given individual responsibilities for a task.	Letting them lead, direct, and help out in activities whenever possible. Allow them as a group to make decisions about individual roles and responsibilities.
Are concrete thinkers and focused on the here and now.	Doing more than just reading to them about the Brownie Elf’s adventures. Ask them questions to gauge their understanding and allow them to role play their own pretend visit to a new country.
Need clear directions and structure and like knowing what to expect.	Offering only one direction at a time. Also, have them create the schedule and flow of your get-togethers and share those at the start.
Are becoming comfortable with basic number concepts, time, money, and distance.	Offering support only when needed. Allow them to set schedules for meetings or performances, count out money for a trip, and so on.
Are continuing to develop their fine motor skills. Most can tie shoes, use basic tools, begin to sew, and the like.	Encouraging them to express themselves and their creativity by making things with their hands, if they are able to. They may need some assistance, however, holding scissors, threading needs, and so on.
Love to act in plays, create music, and dance.	They might like to create a play about welcoming a new student to their school or to tell a story through dance or creative movement.
Know how to follow rules, listen well, and appreciate recognition of a job well done.	Acknowledging when they have listened or followed the directions well, which will increase their motivation to listen and follow again.

Girl Scout Juniors
At the Girl Scout Junior level (fourth and fifth grades), many Juniors…	This means…
Want to make decisions and express their opinions.	Whenever possible, allowing them to make decisions and express their opinions through guided discussion and active reflection activities. Also, have them set rules for listening to others’ opinions and offering assistance in decision making.
Are social and enjoy working in groups.	Allowing them to team up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities, if they would like to.
Are aware of expectations and sensitive to the judgments of others.	Although it’s okay to have expectations, the expectation is not perfection! Share your own mistakes and what you learned from them and be sure to create an environment where they can be comfortable sharing theirs.
Are concerned about equity and fairness.	Not shying away from discussing why rules are in place and having them develop their own rules for their group.
Are beginning to think abstractly and critically and are capable of flexible thought. Juniors can consider more than one perspective as well as the feelings and attitudes of another.	Asking them to explain why they made a decision, to share their visions of their roles in the future, and to challenge their own and others’ perspectives.
Have strong fine and gross motor skills and coordination.	Engaging them in moving their minds and their bodies. Allow them to express themselves through the written word, choreography, and so on.
Love to act in plays, create music, and dance.	They might like to tell a story through playwriting, playing an instrument, or choreographing a dance.
May be starting puberty, which may include beginning breast development, skin changes, and weight changes. Some may be getting their periods.	Being sensitive to their changing bodies, possible discomfort over these changes, and their desire for more information or total avoidance of the topic. Create an environment that acknowledges and celebrates this transition as healthy and normal for them.

Girl Scout Cadettes
At the Girl Scout Cadette level (sixth, seventh, and eighth grades), many Cadettes…	This means…
Are going through puberty, including changes in their skin, body shape, and weight. Many also will be starting their menstrual cycles and have occasional shifts in mood.	Being sensitive to the many changes Cadettes are undergoing and acknowledging that these changes are as normal as growing taller! They need time to adapt to their changing bodies, and their feelings about their bodies may not keep up. Reinforce that, as with everything else, people go through puberty in different ways and at different times.
Are starting to spend more time in peer groups than with their families and are very concerned about friends and relationships with others their age.	That many will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities as well as tackling relationship issues through both artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. If you’re noticing a pattern of isolation for any troop member, check in with them—are they content to work solo, or are they being excluded?
Can be very self-conscious, wanting to be like everyone else but fearing they are unique in their thoughts and feelings.	Encouraging them to share, but only if they are ready. At this age, they may be more comfortable sharing a piece of artwork or a fictional story than their own words. Throughout the activities, highlight and discuss differences as positive, interesting, and beautiful.
Are beginning to navigate their increasing independence and expectations from adults at school and at home.	Trusting them to plan and make key decisions and allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Girl Scout Seniors
At the Girl Scout Senior level (ninth and tenth grades), many Seniors…	This means…
Are beginning to clarify their own values, consider alternative points of view on controversial issues, and see multiple aspects of a situation.	Asking them to explain the reasoning behind their decisions. Engage them in role-play and performances, where others can watch and offer alternative solutions.
Have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills and are able to plan and reflect on their own learning experiences.	They are more than able to go beyond community service to develop projects that will create sustainable solutions in their communities. Be sure to have them plan and follow up on these experiences through written and discussion-based reflective activities.
Spend more time in peer groups than with their families and are very concerned about friends and relationships with others their age.	They will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities. They’ll also want to tackle relationship issues through both artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. Alter the makeup of groups with each activity so that they interact with those they might not usually pair up with.
Frequently enjoy expressing their individuality.	Encouraging them to express their individuality in their dress, creative expression, and thinking. Remind them frequently that there isn’t just one way to look, feel, think, or act. Assist them in coming up with new ways of expressing their individuality.
Feel they have lots of responsibilities and pressures—from home, school, peers, work, and other sources.	Acknowledging their pressures and sharing how stress can limit health, creativity, and productivity. Help them release stress through creative expression, movement, and more traditional stress-reduction techniques.
Are continuing to navigate their increasing independence and expectations from adults at school and at home.	Trusting them to plan and make key decisions, allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Girl Scout Ambassadors
At the Girl Scout Ambassador level (eleventh and twelfth grades), many Ambassadors…	This means…
Can see the complexity of situations and controversial issues—they understand that problems often have no clear solution and that varying points of view may each have merit.	Inviting them to develop stories as a group and then individually create endings that they later discuss and share.
Have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills and can adapt logical thinking to real-life situations. Most will recognize and incorporate practical limitations to solutions.	They are more than able to go beyond community service to develop projects that will create sustainable solutions in their communities. Be sure to have them plan and follow up on these experiences through written and discussion-based reflective activities.
Spend more time with peers than with their families and are very concerned about friends and relationships with others their age.	They will enjoy teaming up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities. They’ll also want to tackle relationship issues through artistic endeavors and Take Action projects. Alter the makeup of groups with each activity so that they interact with those they might not usually pair up with.
Frequently enjoy expressing their individuality.	Encouraging them to express their individuality in their dress, creative expression, and thinking. Remind them frequently that there isn’t just one way to look, feel, think, or act. Assist them in coming up with new ways of expressing their individuality.
Feel they have lots of responsibilities and pressures—from home, school, peers, work, and other sources.	Acknowledging their pressures and sharing how stress can limit health, creativity, and productivity. Help them release stress through creative expression, movement, and more traditional stress-reduction techniques.
Are continuing to navigate their increasing independence and expectations from adults—at school and at home—and are looking to their futures.	Trusting them to plan and make key decisions, allowing them to experience “fun failure,” which is learning from trying something new and making mistakes.

Engaging Families

You want your Girl Scouts to have fun, be inspired, take healthy risks, and learn about themselves and the world—that’s why you’re a Girl Scout volunteer! Parents and caregivers want the same thing for their children, but getting families to pitch in and play an active role in the troop while enhancing the experience for their Girl Scout and themselves can be tricky for many volunteers. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Kick the Year Off Right by Engaging Parents and Caregivers toggle arrow

Parents and caregivers will feel most connected to the troop when you are proactive in engaging them early on. Express your desire for them to play an active role in troop life, and how that can contribute to the connection, joy, and sense of pride the Girl Scouts feel. At the same time, recognize that not all families have the same capacity to be involved for various reasons (don’t take it personally!). Be open with parents about your hopes for their involvement and listen to what can work for them.

What Is a Parent/Caregiver Meeting? toggle arrow

It’s the first meeting that starts each troop year—and whether you’re leading a new or returning troop, it’s a valuable meeting.

Why hold this type of meeting? Kicking off each year with a parent/caregiver meeting sets the troop up for success. Outlining clear expectations, building a team, and engaging parents in the Girl Scout experience is a great way to start off on the right foot. When parents are involved, leaders have support, the troop has a plan, and troop members benefit! The meeting helps:

Families understand what Girl Scouting can do for their child.

Families and leaders identify ways they’ll work as a team to support the troop.

Families and leaders agree about what the troop pays for and what families pay for individually.

You fill key troop positions—you never know which parent will make an awesome assistant leader or troop cookie manager.

Families know how the troop will communicate things like upcoming events or schedule changes.

Families learn about uniforms, books, and other important basics.

For more tips on working with troop families, check out Girl Scouts’ Tips for Troop Leaders hub.

Tips for Engaging Families in Your Troop toggle arrow

Just ask! Many parents want to help—they just haven’t been asked. Be clear about what you need, and don’t worry if someone says no. Follow up later—they might be available next time!

Explain the “why.” Helping out benefits the whole troop and strengthens the bond between Girl Scouts and their caregivers. It’s a meaningful way to show support.

Discover talents. Ask what people enjoy and what they’re good at—event planning, social media, budgeting, etc. Matching tasks to interests makes volunteering fun and sustainable.

Keep it simple. Find out how much time someone can give. Even 15 minutes a week can make a difference—like organizing snack schedules or carpools.

Include families in the fun. Host a few family-friendly events during the year—like a holiday open house or a “reverse meeting” where Girl Scouts lead the adults in an activity.

Stay connected. Keep communication open year-round through emails, chats, or social media. Ask families how they prefer to receive updates at your first meeting.

Let Girl Scouts teach at home. Encourage caregivers to let their Girl Scouts share what they’ve learned. This builds confidence and reinforces new skills.

© Copyright 2009–2026 Girl Scouts of the United States of America.  All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.

Creating a Safe Space for Girls toggle arrow

A safe space is where all Girl Scouts feel that they can be themselves, without explanation or judgment. As a volunteer, the environment you create is just as important as the activities they do—it’s the key to developing the sort of group that they want to be part of! Cultivate a space where confidentiality is respected, and they can express their true selves.

Recognize and Support Each Individual
You're a role model and a mentor to your troop. Since you play an important role in their lives, they need to know that you consider each of them an important person too. They can weather a poor meeting place or an activity that flops, but they cannot endure being ignored or rejected.

Give a shout-out when you see them trying their best, not just when they’ve had a clear success.
Emphasize the positive qualities that make each person worthy and unique.
Be generous with praise and stingy with rebuke.
Help your troop find ways to show acceptance of and support for one another.

Promote Fairness
They are sensitive to fairness for all. They forgive mistakes if they are sure you are trying to be fair. They look for fairness in how responsibilities are shared, in handling disagreements, and in your responses to performance and accomplishment.

When possible, ask them what they think is fair before decisions are made.
Explain your reasoning and show why you did something.
Be willing to apologize if needed.
Try to see that responsibilities, as well as the chances for feeling important, are equally divided.
Help them explore and decide for themselves the fair ways of solving problems, carrying out activities, and responding to behavior and accomplishments.

Build Trust
They need your belief and support when they try new things, and you’ll need to show that you won’t betray their confidence. Show them that you are making an effort to understand them as individuals.

Inspire them to think for themselves and use their own judgment.
Encourage them to make the important decisions in the group and ensure them that all troop members have an equal say.
Give them assistance in correcting their own mistakes.
Support them in trusting one another—let them see firsthand how trust can be built, lost, regained, and strengthened.

Inspire Open Communication
They want someone who will listen to what they think, feel, and want to do. They like having someone they can talk to about the important things happening in their lives.

Listen to them. Respond with words and actions.
Speak your mind openly when you are happy or concerned about something and encourage them to do the same.
Leave the door open for them to seek advice, share ideas and feelings, and propose plans or improvements.
Help them see how open communication can result in action, discovery, better understanding of self and others, and a more comfortable climate for fun and accomplishment.

Managing Conflict
Conflicts and disagreements are an inevitable part of life, and if handled constructively they show Girl Scouts that they can overcome their differences of opinions, exercise diplomacy, and improve their communication and relationships. Respecting others and being a sister to every Girl Scout means that shouting, verbal abuse, or physical confrontations are never warranted and cannot be tolerated in the Girl Scout environment.

GSNEO provides the Girl Scout Code of Conduct and the Parent/Caregiver Support Agreement as baseline tools to set the expectations within the troop environment.

When a conflict arises in your troop, get those involved to sit down together and talk calmly and in a nonjudgmental manner, keeping in mind that each party may need some time—a few days or a week—to calm down before being able to do this. Talking in this way might feel uncomfortable and difficult now, but it lays the groundwork for working well together in the future. Whatever you do, do not spread your complaint around to others—that won’t help the situation and causes only embarrassment and anger.

You’ll also find conflict resolution activities in some of the Journeys, such as the Amaze Journey for Cadettes or the Mission Sisterhood Journey for Seniors.

For additional best practices regarding conflict resolution, refer to GSNEO’s Volunteer Relations Conflict Management Roadmap and No Prob-Llamas: Conflict Resolution for Girls materials for each program level, all located in the Additional References section of New Troop Training->Additional References->Intro to GSNEO in gsLearn.

If a conflict persists, be sure you explain the matter to your GSNEO volunteer support team, your Community Support Coordinator (CSC). If the CSC, other staff member, or supervisor cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily (or if the problem involves one of the parties listed), the issue can be taken to the next level of supervision and, ultimately, to your council Volunteer Relations team if you need extra help.

Communicating Effectively with Girls of Any Age toggle arrow

Make sure your words and intentions create connection with members. Keep in mind how important the following approaches are.

Listen. Listening to them, as opposed to telling them what to think, feel, or do (no “you should”) is the first step in building a trusting relationship and helping them take ownership of their Girl Scout experience.

Be Honest. If you’re not comfortable with a topic or activity, it’s okay to say so. No one expects you to be an expert on every topic. Ask for alternatives or seek out volunteers with the required expertise. Owning up to mistakes—and apologizing for them—goes a long way.

Be Open to Real Issues. Outside of Girl Scouts, members may be dealing with issues like relationships, peer pressure, school, money, drugs, and other serious topics. When you don’t know, listen. Also seek help from your council if you need assistance or more information than you currently have.

Show Respect. Girl Scouts often say that their best experiences were the ones where adults treated them as equal partners. Speak to them respectively to reinforce that their opinions matter and that they deserve respect.

Offer Options. Members’ needs and interests change and being flexible shows them that you respect them and their busy lives. Be ready with age-appropriate guidance and parameters no matter what they choose to do.

Stay Current. Show members that you’re interested in their world by asking them about the TV shows and movies they like; the books, magazines, or blogs they read; the social media influencers they follow; and the music they listen to.

Remember LUTE: Listen, Understand, Tolerate, and Empathize. Try using the LUTE method to thoughtfully respond when a member is upset, angry, or confused.

Listen. Hear them out, ask for details, and reflect back what you hear; try “What happened next?” or “What did they say?”

Understand. Show that you understand where they are coming from with comments such as, “So what I hear you saying is…” or “I understand why you’re unhappy,” or “Your feelings are hurt; mine would be, too.”

Tolerate. You can tolerate the feelings that they just can’t handle right now on their own. Let them know that you’re there to listen and accept how they are feeling about the situation. Say something like: “Try talking to me about it. I’ll listen," or “I know you’re mad—talking it out helps,” or “I can handle it—say whatever you want to.”

Empathize. Let them know you can imagine feeling what they are feeling with comments such as, “I’m sure that really hurts” or “I can imagine how painful this is for you.”

Remember you don’t have to solve their problems for them or have all the answers. Ask them what they would like to do about the situation and how you can support them.

Addressing the Needs of Older Girls
Let these simple tips guide you when working with teenage Girl Scouts:

Think of yourself as a “guide on the side”—a partner, a coach, or a mentor, not a “leader.”
Ask them what rules they need for safety and what group agreements they need to be a good team. When they take the lead in establishing group rules, they’re more likely to stick to them.
Understand that they need time to talk, unwind, and have fun together.
Ask what they think and what they want to do.
Encourage them to speak their minds.
Provide structure, but don’t micromanage.
Give everyone a voice in the group—understanding that “speaking up” may look different for each person. For some, it might mean sharing their ideas in front of the entire group; for others it could mean submitting a written response or contributing as part of a group.
Treat them like partners.
Don’t repeat what’s said in the group to anyone outside of it (unless necessary for their safety). See “Report Concerns” below to understand the guard rails.

When Sensitive Topics Come Up toggle arrow

It’s an amazing feeling when your Girl Scouts put their trust in you—and when they do, they may come to you with some of the issues they are facing such as bullying, peer pressure, dating, athletic and academic performance, understanding their own identity, and more. Some of these issues may be considered sensitive by families who may have opinions or input about how, and whether, Girl Scouts should cover these topics with their troop.

Girl Scouts welcomes and serves youth and families from a wide spectrum of faiths and cultures. When they wish to participate in discussions or activities that could be considered sensitive—even for some—put the topic on hold until you have spoken with the parents and received guidance from your council.

When Girl Scout activities involve sensitive issues, your role is that of a caring adult volunteer who can help them acquire skills and knowledge in a supportive atmosphere, not someone who advocates a particular position.

Girl Scouts of the USA does not take a position or develop materials on issues relating to human sexuality, birth control, or abortion. We feel our role is to help Girl Scouts develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills that will help them make wise choices in all areas of their lives. We believe parents and caregivers, along with schools and faith communities, are the primary sources of information on these topics.

Parents/caregivers make all decisions regarding their child’s participation in the Girl Scout program that may be of a sensitive nature. As a volunteer leader, you must get written parental permission for any locally planned program offering that could be considered sensitive. Included on the permission form should be the topic of the activity, any specific content that might create controversy, and any action steps the Girl Scouts will take when the activity is complete. Be sure to have a form for each troop member and keep the forms on hand in case a problem arises. For activities not sponsored by Girl Scouts, find out in advance (from organizers or other volunteers who may be familiar with the content) what will be presented, and follow your council’s guidelines for obtaining written permission.

GSNEO volunteers agree to seek written parent/caregiver permission through the Sensitive Issues Consent Form prior to engaging in planned discussions or programs with girl members that may be considered sensitive (e.g. reproductive health, religious beliefs). If unplanned discussions of a potentially sensitive nature are brought up by girls, volunteers are encouraged to use their best judgement in determining whether the discussion can be postponed until parent/caregiver permission is received. If the topic is timely and volunteers find it crucial to address for the health and well-being of the troop (e.g. a girl starts her period at camp, and some of the girls are expressing fear or concern, or are sharing information), they may engage in a limited conversation and inform parents/caregivers as soon as possible.

Report Concerns
There may be times when you worry about the health and well-being of individuals in your group. Alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, abuse, depression, and eating disorders are some of the issues they may encounter. You are on the frontlines of their lives which places you in a unique position to identify a situation in which they may need help. If you believe someone is at risk of hurting themself or others, your role is to promptly bring that information to the parent/caregiver or the council so they can get the expert assistance they need. Your concern about their well-being and safety is taken seriously and your council will guide you in addressing these concerns.

Here are a few signs that could indicate someone needs expert help:

Marked changes in behavior or personality (for example, unusual moodiness, aggressiveness, or sensitivity).
Declining academic performance and/or inability to concentrate.
Withdrawal from school, family activities, or friendships.
Fatigue, apathy, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Sleep disturbances.
Increased secretiveness.
Deterioration in appearance and personal hygiene.
Eating extremes, unexplained weight loss, distorted body image/efforts to hide their body.
Tendency toward perfectionism (i.e. mistakes are considered unacceptable, unwillingness to start or try something for fear of failure, belief there is only one way to do something).
Giving away prized possessions; preoccupation with the subject of death.
Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures.
Avoidance of eye contact or physical contact.
Excessive fearfulness or distrust of adults.
Abusive behavior toward other children, especially younger ones, or animals.

Contact a staff member at your Girl Scout council to find out how to refer the girl and her parent/caregiver to experts at school or in the community. Share your concern with the girl’s family, if this is feasible.

If any volunteer reasonably suspects or reasonably believes a girl member is being abused, that volunteer should immediately report these suspicions to the Department of Job and Family Services, by calling 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453). Reports can be anonymous and should be made in the county in which the child lives or was abused. The volunteer must complete and file a GSNEO Incident/Accident Report Form. If a volunteer is uncomfortable reporting their suspicions, the Volunteer Relations team at GSNEO may assist by making the official report, as GSNEO staff are mandated reporters.

The GSNEO Incident/Accident Report Form may also be used to report any other concerns to the council, such as on-going behavioral issues within the troop. Learn more about how to address sensitive situations in She Said What?! Training. See the events calendar, and select “Adult Learning” from the right drop down menu, to find the next offering.