Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage my email preferences (subscribe/unsubscribe)? toggle arrow

To receive or stop communications from Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey for members of your household, log into MyGS, select My Household in the left navigation panel, find the household member whose preferences you wish to change and click Edit Profile, then scroll to the bottom of the page to adjust Communication Opt-Ins. Note that if youth members opt out of communications, you, as the caregiver, will not receive any general communications related to the youth’s membership, such as notices for special programs for a specific Girl Scout level or rewards opportunities.

Unsubscribe: If you no longer wish to receive any general emails from GSCSNJ, you may adjust your communications preferences by logging into MyGS, selecting My Profive in the left navigation panel, and adjusting your Communication Opt-Ins at the bottom of the page. Please be aware that opting out of emails will stop delivery of ALL emails, including notices for upcoming events, notice of special offers, general survey invitations, and council updates such as information about the cookie program.

Unsubscribing will not stop delivery of any transactional messages that are a critical part of GSCSNJ membership. For example, if you registered for one of our programs, you would still receive an email confirming that you had registered, even if you unsubscribed from our general emails. Unsubscribing from GSCSNJ general emails also does not unsubscribe you from GSUSA emails, and vice versa.

Resubscribe: If you have unsubscribed and wish to resubscribe again later, follow the steps outlined above to opt in to communication. If you are not receiving email and believe you should be, contact Customer Care at customercare@gscsnj.org.

How can I get the best support from Customer Care? toggle arrow

Our Customer Care team is here to help you.

Contact us at customercare@gscsnj.org to request support. This opens a trackable support request in our system that is monitored every business day.
We can also be reached via phone Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and from September to June on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at 856-795-1560.
We can help you best if you group related issues into one support request and submit separate requests for unrelated issues. For example, if you need to check the status of your criminal background check AND ask a question about your Girl Scout’s fall product sales, please send in separate emails. You can handle both questions at the same time if you call.
When you email or reply to customer care, don’t cc anyone else. Every time someone besides you replies that email thread, a new support request opens in our system. This creates confusion and slows our response time.

How do I use the Event List or Event Calendar to find events? toggle arrow

The Event List and Event Calendar have the most updated information on current program events and training available for registration.

The Event List provides a list of all events in a list view, by date. You can use the Advanced Search feature to filter events by date, program level or focus category. To use the Advanced Search, you will need to put in a date range first, then select any filters you would like, then click search. A list of events that meet your criteria will populate for your review.

The Event Calendar shows you all events, by date, in a calendar view.

What are the steps to register for an event/training using the Event List or Event Calendar? toggle arrow

To register for an event using the Event List:

Select the event you would like to register for and click on the name of the event in green to see additional information.
Select Register Now
You will need to sign in to your MyGS account in order to complete the registration for the event or training. If the event registration is through a third-party vendor, you will be directed to that vendor’s site to make your purchase.

To register for an event using the Event Calendar:

Select the event you would like to register for and click on the name of the event on the calendar.
A box will pop up with a short description of the event. Click on the name of the event in green to see additional information.
Select Register Now
You will need to sign in to your MyGS account in order to complete the registration for the event or training. If the event registration is through a third-party vendor, you will be directed to that vendor’s site to make your purchase.

Need more help? Contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or email at customercare@gscsnj.org.

How do I register my troop for an activity online? toggle arrow

With gsEvents, registering your troop is easy!

Find the event you want to register for.
Select the number of girl and adult spots needed for everyone you want to register.
Click Log In or Add Events if you are already logged in.
Under Assign Attendees, select “My troop member) and choose the first attendee from the dropdown list. Note: If you are registering members from both your household and your troop, you must select “My troop member” and register all participants from your troop list rather than your household list. The selection cannot be changed during the registration.
You will enter information and select a payment method for each registrant.
Click Submit Member Details.
Review your cart, check the box to agree to the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and click Add Payment Details.
Enter payment information and click Submit Payment.
Please remember to print your itemized receipt for your financials at the end of the year.

If you need assistance, please contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org.

How do I cancel an event registration? toggle arrow

We request two weeks written notice for cancellation of any program or training event, so that the spots can be open for others to register.

All cancellations are subject to a $5 cancellation fee per registrant, unless otherwise stated on the event page. If the event requires a deposit (for example, summer camp) the deposit is non-refundable, and no refunds will be processed within 30 days of the camp session, without the submission of a Doctor’s note. Some larger events, or events where we are purchasing tickets on your behalf, will have their own cancellation fees, which are stated on the event page.

The events says that there are waivers that need to be completed. How do I find these? toggle arrow

To see all waivers required for an event:

Log in to MyGS
Click the yellow My Account button at the top right
Click on My Events in the left navigation menu.
Click on the event to bring up additional details.
You will see a section titled Additional Documentation that will have links to the required waivers and paperwork.

How do I pay the balance due for an event? toggle arrow

To pay the balance due for an event:

Log in to MyGS
Click the yellow My Account button at the top right.
A balance due notice will pop up across the screen.
Click Pay Now.
Enter the amount you’d like to pay towards each outstanding line item.
Follow the steps to complete the payment.

I accidentally added an event or extra person that I don’t need. How do I clear it out of my cart? toggle arrow

If you are still in the Add Your Details screen, scroll to the bottom and click Remove Participant located in the center of the screen between the Submit Member Details button and the cart total.

If you have already submitted member details, click Review Cart or enter your cart by clicking the trefoil at the top right of the My Account screen, and then clicking Review Cart. Under the registrant’s name, you can click Remove. A pop up will appear asking if you are sure that you want to remove the event. Click Yes, I’m Sure

I’m having some trouble with gsEvents. How can I get help? toggle arrow

If you are experiencing trouble finding events or registering for events in gsEvents, please check out this list of common tech support questions. If you concern is not here, or you continue to have difficulty, contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org.

I’m searching for an event in gsEvents and it is saying that there are no events that match my search.

First try refreshing your screen. If no events populate, try adjusting your search filters or expending your search radius. If you are still not seeing events, please clear your cookies or try a different browser. You can also find all GSCSNJ upcoming events on your Event List or Event Calendar.

I’m registering for an event and the Add Payment Details or Submit button is greyed out.

Make sure that you check the box accepting the Girl Scout Promise and Law at the bottom of the screen. Once that box is checked, the Add Payment Details or Submit button should turn green and allow you to click it.

I’m trying to register my Girl Scout/a Girl Scout from my troop for an event. I see their name in the dropdown, but they are greyed out and I cannot select them.

If you see a Girl Scout’s name in the dropdown and it is greyed out and/or it says inactive, this means that the Girl Scout does not meet the criteria for registration for that event. Their grade level may not match the grade levels required for registration, or their membership may not be up to date. Check their information in My Account. If there is an error in the profile, please contact Customer Care.

I’m in my MyGS account. How do I get back to search for events, or see the event I was trying to register for?

The easiest way is to click the Girl Scouts service mark at the top left of the screen and then select Find Events. You can also go back to the Event List or Event Calendar link and press Register Now.

I’m a leader and I am trying to register my troop members for an event. However, I am only seeing the members of my household. Why can I not see my troop members?

This can happen for a variety of reasons:

Your troop leader role is not currently active. You can check on this in My Household. If you see that your role is not active, you can renew your role. If that is not the problem, contact Customer Care for assistance.
You already registered one participant for the event using the My Household dropdown. If this is the case, you will need to cancel all participants and start the registration over, selecting all participants from the My Troop Member dropdown.
There is an issue with your account not syncing correctly between systems. If your role is active and you have not yet registered a household member for that event, please contact Customer Care to let us know that you are an active leader who cannot see their troop on gsEvents. We will submit a ticket to GSUSA to fix the error. If you are worried about spaces in the event filling up while we get that fixed, check with your co-leader to see if they have access to register all troop members, ask individual caregivers to register their Girl Scouts, or call us at 856-795-1560 and we can assist you.

Service Center & Shop Hours toggle arrow

View our Girl Experience Center & Shop hours here.

How do I know what uniform and uniform pieces to get my new Girl Scout? toggle arrow

Typically, a troop selects the uniform pieces they wish to wear (for example, sash versus vest) and determines whether Girl Scouts will wear full uniform or only certain uniform pieces.

If you have specific questions regarding uniform pieces, the GSCSNJ staff are very knowledgeable and carry everything needed for each level of Girl Scouting. The shop offers shipping, and orders can be placed over the phone or via email at chshop@gscsnj.org. There is also an online shop through GSUSA in New York.

Do the GSCSNJ shops carry Girl Scout t-shirts and other items besides uniforms? toggle arrow

Yes. The shop carries the full line of core items, like uniforms and badges, and they also carry Girl Scout and GSCSNJ t-shirts, accessories, and gifts. Depending on the season or the Girl Scout calendar, the shop carries items to compliment experiences. For instance, in the summer, the shops offer fun camp kits. During cookie season, the shop carries cookie selling support items such as cookie t-shirts, cookie booth items, yard signs, buttons and other tools to help Girl Scouts reach their sales goals.

When I buy online, does that money benefit only GSUSA? toggle arrow

The online shop sales also benefit the Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ council and help fund programs in our council. However, specific GSCSNJ items can only be found in our shops.

How do I register for Summer Camp? toggle arrow

Prior to registering for summer camp, please make sure to fully review the Summer Camp brochure.

Registration for summer camp will be on the gsEvents platform. More details will be available over the winter.

What forms do I need to complete before camp? toggle arrow

You will receive an invitation to complete CampDocs for all campers who are registered for summer camp. All CampDocs must be completed prior to your camper’s arrival at camp. Sleepaway camp does require a health form to be completed by a doctor.

If a session is full, can my camper get on a waitlist? toggle arrow

Unfortunately, no. Our registration system does not currently handle waitlists for events such as summer camp. If there is a session you would like to attend, you can check back periodically to see if any cancellations have occurred, and there are spots available in the session you want to register for.

Is there financial assistance for Summer Camp? toggle arrow

Yes. If you need financial assistance for your camper to attend summer camp, please complete the Council Cares form and submit the financial information requested per the instructions on the form.

Council Cares forms should be complete and submitted by May 1. After that date, the applications will be reviewed and awarded if funds are still available.

What is the cancellation/refund policy? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ requires written notification for all cancellation requests. Cancellation requests received more than 30 days before the start of the camp session will be refunded minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Cancellation requests received less than 30 days prior to the start of the camp session are not eligible for a refund of any fees paid unless there is a medical reason for the cancellation and a note from a medical provider is provided. All requests can be sent to customercare@gscsnj.org.

If, for any reason, the camp is officially closed due to severe weather conditions, emergency repairs, etc. (may be on a last-minute basis), an alternate date or full refund will be offered.

No refund will be issued if camp is not officially closed and a camper chooses not to participate for any reason.

Does my camper need to be a Girl Scout to attend camp? toggle arrow

Yes. If your camper is not a registered Girl Scout, they will need to purchase a Girl Scout membership prior to registering for camp. New members may join through the Join Page, or during their registration for Summer Camp.

Can I register my camper for a camp session that is designated for Girl Scouts older/younger than they are? toggle arrow

No. Camp Directors and staff carefully designate session grade levels depending on what the session content will be and badges that will be earned as well as the length of the activities in that session. The gsEvents registration system will not allow you to register a camper for a session that does not match the grade level in their Girl Scout profile. If your camper’s grade level is incorrect in their profile, please contact customercare@gscsnj.org immediately to have it corrected.

What special precautions are taken to deal with the summer heat? toggle arrow

With proper hydration, campers have a safe, enjoyable Summer Camp experience. Staff encourage all campers to drink plenty of water throughout the day. All program areas have access to shade.

Campers swim at least once each day and have down time where they can rest in buildings with air-conditioning . At times, campers can play water games or play in sprinklers.

I have Girl Scouts in my troop of various religions/no religion. How can I accommodate them when saying the Girl Scout Promise? toggle arrow

To accommodate Girl Scouts of varying faiths in saying the Girl Scout Promise, volunteers are responsible for being sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of all members and making sure that everyone in the group feels comfortable and included in Girl Scouting. Individual members may omit the word “God” or substitute the word “God” with whatever word is applicable to their spiritual beliefs, but, like the Pledge of Allegiance, the official Girl Scout Promise includes the word “God” in both its spoken and written form.

What is GSCSNJ’s discrimination policy? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts and volunteers cannot be excluded from membership or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, marital or socioeconomic status, disability, or age. Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization. Girl Scouts of Central and Southern NJ is committed to having its membership reflect the diversity of population groups within its jurisdiction.

How do I register as a new member? toggle arrow

Can you tell me more about the cost, duration and benefit of registering as a Girl Scout? toggle arrow

Girl Scout membership dues are paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scout members receive all the benefits of being a member of a national organization, including the ability to participate in all national and regional programming and basic liability insurance coverage while participating in all approved Girl Scout activities. All members (youth and adult) pay membership dues annually. Annual dues for each year are $25 and the Girl Scout year runs from October 1 through September 30. Girls pay an additional $15 fee to Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ for their membership, which helps to cover the costs of training adult volunteers and covering the cost of the background check required to volunteer with Girl Scouts.

Additionally, Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ offers council events that members can enjoy with their troop or as individuals. Visit our Event Calendar to learn more.

Extended Year Membership toggle arrow

Beginning April 1 of each year, new members may purchase an Extended Year Membership. The Extended Year Membership is valid for the remainder of the current Girl Scout year and for the entire next membership year; the cost is $35 for adults and $56 for girls.

Only new members may purchase Extended Year Membership – this means it is available to youth and adults who have not been Girl Scouts in the past.
When registering online, the Extended Year Membership is available April 1 through July 31.
Girl Scout youth members must be going into grades K-12 in the fall and must be at least four years old to purchase this membership.
Girl Scout youth members entering Kindergarten in the upcoming fall will be able to choose Pre-K as their school grade when purchasing Extended Year Membership between April 1 and July 31. Note: Pre-K is not a program grade level; Pre-K indicates the youth’s grade in school
Those who purchase Extended Year Membership may officially participate in Girl Scout activities starting on April 1.

If I register online, how does my girl get placed in a troop? toggle arrow

When you register for Girl Scouts online, you will be asked to enter your zip code and the available troops in that area will be displayed for your selection. These troops may be established or may still be forming, needing more youth members or adult volunteers to complete the troop. If a troop you select has a troop leader, you should be contacted shortly by that troop leader to get started. If you can’t find a troop that works for your family, you can still complete the registration process by selecting Apply to Participate Without a Troop or Apply to Start Your Own. You will be contacted by a council staff member to help you find the right troop for your family or assist you in setting up a new troop.

What is the minimum age/grade for joining Girl Scouts? toggle arrow

Any girl in grade K-12 can join Girl Scouts. The earliest they can join is in kindergarten. Incoming kindergarteners may join Girl Scouts as early as April 1 of their pre-K year, by registering for Extended Year Membership.

Do I need to register every year? How do we register? toggle arrow

Yes, all members (youth and adult) participating in Girl Scouts must register annually and individually pay the annual membership dues, except those adults who are lifetime members or who are working in a temporary advisory or consultative capacity. To renew membership, go to www.gscsnj.org and click on MyGS. For a new membership, go to www.gscsnj.org and click on Join for girls and Volunteer Now for Adults.

I want to know if there is a troop available before I register. toggle arrow

We encourage you not to wait until there is a troop before you register. When you register for Girl Scouts, you can choose the troop that will best suit your family. During the registration process, you will be taken to the participation catalog which lists all the troops available near your zip code. If the listing shows that adult volunteers are needed, this means that we still need adult volunteers before we can form the troop. Consider signing up as a volunteer and helping out with the troop. You can register yourself as an adult to start the process of becoming a member and being approved as a volunteer. In fact, we encourage all adults to participate with the troop in some capacity for the best experience for all.

I have requested financial assistance for membership. What happens next? toggle arrow

Financial assistance is offered for membership for all applicants. Register as a member and select Financial Assistance as the payment method. Your request will be reviewed and approved for membership by a council staff member. If you need additional assistance, you will need to complete the Council Cares form and submit it along with your financial information per the instructions on the form.

What materials will my Girl Scout need to begin their Girl Scouting experience? toggle arrow

Supplies needed to being a Girl Scouting experience include, at a minimum, a Girl Scout vest or sash (usually determined by the troop), the identification for the vest or sash, an Insignia Tab and the Girl Scout membership pin and WAGGS pin, and a copy of the handbook. GSCSNJ starter kits are a great value and have everything needed for a uniform to begin the Girl Scout experience. Starter kits are available at the council shops.

How do I renew a membership? toggle arrow

To renew a membership, log in to your myGS account. You will be able to renew memberships for all members of your household or members of your troop. For renewal resources, visit the Renew page.

How do I register or renew my troop members? toggle arrow

The parents must register new members to Girl Scouts. Have the parent go to www.gscsnj.org, and click on Join Now. They can register their girl to Girl Scouts and select your troop to participate with. If there is no room or the troop is not on the catalog, have them register without a troop, and send an email to customercare@gscsnj.org and request that the girl be transferred into your troop.

To renew troop members, log into your myGS account and go to My Account, then My Troops in the left navigation. Under Member Details, check the boxes on the left of each person you wish to renew. Alternatively, if all troop members are renewing, check Select All at the top of the girl and adult rosters. If you are unsure if someone is planning to return, leave the check box blank. If you know that someone is definitely not planning to return, you can check Not Returning next to their name. Scroll to the top of the Member Details section and click on the green Renew button to continue to the payment screen.

Are there instances when a membership can be refunded? toggle arrow

Once a member pays the annual Girl Scout membership fee, the dues are paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and are not kept by GSCSNJ.

GSUSA policy only allows for refunds to be made if 1) the wrong registration year has been chosen, or 2) a duplicate membership has been purchased for a member.

Membership dues cannot be transferred.

All requests for refunds for membership must be made the same membership year that the membership was purchased and cannot be processed after the membership year has ended. Please allow time for processing when submitting a request.

Refund requests must be made in writing to customercare@gscsnj.org.

Who can purchase a Lifetime Membership and what are the benefits and advantages of a Lifetime Membership? toggle arrow

Lifetime Membership is available to any individual who accepts the principles and beliefs of the Girl Scout Movement, pays the one-time Lifetime Membership fee, and is 18 years of age or older.

Lifetime Membership dues support the Lifetime Membership Endowment Fund, which helps to fund Girl Scouts’ programming. When you sign up as a lifetime member, $25 of your contribution automatically funds a year of membership for a Girl Scout in an underserved community in your area. Lifetime Membership fees are generally considered tax-deductible.

As a Lifetime Member, you will receive:

A lifetime membership card and pin
Invitations to special GSUSA events
Monthly Girl Scout Network newsletter.
10% discount off Girl Scout merchandise purchased online at girlscouts.org.

The type of Lifetime Membership are:

Lifetime Membership – available to anyone 18 years of age or older $400
Young Alumni Lifetime Membership is available to currently registered Girl Scout Alums 18-29 years of age at the time of purchase and to currently registered volunteers with ten or more years of service.

How is a membership transferred from one troop to another within GSCSNJ? toggle arrow

As long as the troop is on the catalog, you can log in to your MyGS account and select Change Participation next to the name of the person you are changing participation for, you will select the troop you would like to transfer to, and when the transfer is approved by the council, your transfer will be complete to the new troop.

Leaders who wish to transfer girl(s) into their troop, and Service Unit Team members, should use the Member Data Correction Form which is located on the Forms page of our website.

How can I make a request to transfer a membership to a different council? toggle arrow

Log in to your MyGS account and update your address under My Profile. You will need to update it for each member of your household. After that, select Change Participation next to the name of the person you are moving to a new troop in your new council, you will need to do a search for troops in your area by putting in your zip code and selecting from the troops available. This will move the member, and any non-members in the household to the new council. You will have to do this process for each member.

Do Girl Scouts run background checks on their volunteers? toggle arrow

Yes. Protecting our members and the Girl Scout Movement is top priority, and screenings and checks are integral parts of our due diligence process and risk management policy. Background screening is the process of authenticating the information supplied by an applicant. At Girl Scouts, the screening of volunteers includes background checks, which are performed by Sterling Volunteers, an independent, third-party agency.

How does someone get a criminal background check completed? toggle arrow

Criminal background checks (CBC) are integrated fully into our council membership database. Choosing a volunteer role (ex. Troop leader or troop support volunteer) during the registration process will initiate our registration system to automatically check for an eligible, unexpired background check on file. If one is not found, the system will authorize Sterling Volunteers to send the volunteer an email invitation to complete a CBC.

If an adult requires a background check and did not initially register as a volunteer, they should log in to their MyGS account and add a volunteer role, such as Troop Support Volunteer for their troop, to their profile. This will trigger the background check process through the system.

When the background check is due to expire (every 3 years), then they will receive an invitation to complete a new background check.

What is covered in a criminal background check? toggle arrow

Background checks, conducted by Sterling Volunteers, consist of:

Advanced Criminal History Record Locator Search
Government Watch List Search
50 State Department of Justice Registered Sex Offender Search

How often are criminal background checks required? toggle arrow

GSCSNJ requires an updated background check every 3 years for volunteers.

How long does it take for a criminal background check to be approved? toggle arrow

Once an invitation to complete a background check is addressed by a volunteer, our third-party background check vendor generally takes an average of one to five business days to complete the background check report. In certain special circumstances, the process can take longer. Always allow yourself several weeks before a criminal background check is needed to get it completed.

What volunteer trainings are offered online vs. in-person? toggle arrow

Online education allows for volunteers to complete their required training on their own time. The online training platform, gsLearn, allows volunteers to access training opportunities from GSCSNJ as well as GSUSA.

However, there are certain training events that require hands-on learning to be effective. These include CPR/First Aid and Troop Camper Certification. We offer opportunities to do these trainings multiple times throughout the year. These opportunities can be found on our Event Calendar or Event List when available. Other volunteer training, such as New Leader Orientation are offered online, at specified times through our Events Calendar.

Additionally, GSCSNJ has opportunities for volunteers to come together, learn new skills, share ideas, network and complete some training requirements.

What is gsLearn? toggle arrow

gsLearn is the official Girl Scouts online, on-demand training forum. Learners can complete training when and where works best for them. By adopting the gsLearn platform, GSCSNJ and other Girl Scout councils now have access to nationally consistent training content and can also host their own training resources on the same site.

Where can I find gsLearn? toggle arrow

gsLearn can be found by logging in to your MyGS account. Once logged in, select My Account and then click gsLearn from the left-hand navigation.

Who has access to gsLearn? toggle arrow

Every registered adult member with a completed membership registration can access gsLearn. If your membership status is set to payment pending, unresponsive, ineligible, or opted out (chose to halt the membership process), you will not have access to gsLearn. If you do not renew your membership for the next Girl Scout membership year, you will lose access to gsLearn on October 1. Please be sure to renew your membership prior to October 1 each year to avoid disruption.

I am a registered adult member and I don’t have access to gsLearn. What do I need to do? toggle arrow

All registered adult members whose membership status is active, should have access to gsLearn. If you are having trouble, please contact Customer Care.

Why don’t I see anything in the content library when I log into gsLearn? toggle arrow

If you are a new member and do not see any courses in the content library, this is because your account was just activated. The system is now in the process of setting up your account as a general learner. Please wait approximately 30 minutes for the system to set up your account and populate the content library and then try again. You should be able to see our Welcome to gsLearn course on your Learner Dashboard. Please take this course prior to any other courses. All the other available courses and learning paths should now be in the content library. If after 30 minutes you still need assistance, please contact Customer Care.

Is gsLearn mobile-friendly? toggle arrow

gsLearn is mobile responsive, which means it will resize the screen and adjust the experience to work on your phone or tablet.

I am taking the training on my tablet or on a smaller screen and I can’t see the entire screen at once, what do I do? toggle arrow

If you are unable to see a training in its entirety on your screen, you will want to zoom out your view temporarily. On Google Chrome, hold down the Ctrl, Shift, and “-“(minus) keys to zoom out until you can see the whole screen. When you are done with the training, hold down Ctrl, Shift, and “+” keys to zoom back to 100 percent.

How do I know what courses are required for me? toggle arrow

We have built a learning path specifically for troop leaders. This learning path is required to be considered a trained troop leader and should be completed within three months of taking on this role.

We have also created courses for Troop Treasurers, and strongly recommend taking these courses in this role. We are currently working on creating additional learning paths and will announce more details as they are available.

You can also find many new courses developed by GSUSA and GSCSNJ. Feel free to check them out! Everything can be found in the content library. If you are unsure which courses you need to take for your role, you should contact your membership staff and they can assist you.

Can I take any courses I want? toggle arrow

Yes, you may take any course you want in gsLearn. You might want to explore courses meant for other volunteer roles that might interest you. However, if you require specific training for your role, we recommend completing that training first. We are adding new courses all the time, so be sure to check both the courses and learning paths in the content library regularly.

What is the gsLearn content library? toggle arrow

The gsLearn content library is where you can find all the courses and learning paths that have been created. If you are looking for a learning path, simply select the content library on the left. All of our content will display, with learning paths at the top, followed by courses. You can scroll through the list or use the search criteria on the left if you are looking for something specific.

Once you find what you want to take, select the learning path or course, and it will be added to your learner dashboard.

What is the difference between a course, a module, and a learning path? toggle arrow

In gsLearn, courses are comprised of modules, which are smaller units of learning, sort of like a chapter in a book. The course is the book, and the modules are the chapters. A learning path is a collection of courses that have been curated and assembled specifically for a certain volunteer role, like a troop leader or a service unit volunteer.

What happens if I need to stop in the middle of a module? toggle arrow

If you need to exit a module before you are complete, that is fine. This is one of the best things about gsLearn. All you need to do is click Exit in the upper right corner. You can click on Home to go back to your dashboard and Log Out.

When you are ready to start up again:

Log back into MyGS and go to gsLearn.
Select the course from your dashboard. It will open, displaying all your modules, completed and incomplete.
Select Continue this Course. The module you were working on will start where you left off.
If you were working in a learning patch, you can select Continue the Learning Path and it will continue with the module in the course you were working on.

The completion percentage will display on the right. For a standalone course, the completion percentage will show 100 percent when you have completed the course. However, when working in a learning patch, the individual courses will have their own completion percentages, but the learning path will only show 100 percent complete when all the courses in the learning path have been completed.

What is the TOC button for? toggle arrow

While you are taking a course, you may notice a TOC button in the playbar at the bottom of the screen. TOC stands for Table of Contents. If you click on it, you will see all the slides in the module. Each one you have completed will be marked with a check. If you feel the need to go back a few slides to listen to something again, use the TOC button and select that slide. It will automatically start to play.

If you need to refresh your memory for a course you have taken in the past, you can go back to it, find the module you need, and click on it. Then select Review Content, click on the TOC at the bottom, and select the section you want to review.

What happens after I complete a course? toggle arrow

Once you have completed a course, a few things will happen. First, you will receive an email confirmation of the completion from gsLearn. You will also earn an achievement for this completion. Your achievements can be displayed if you select Achievement in the left pane. gsLearn will keep track of your training history.

What if I would like to take a completed course or module over again? toggle arrow

If you would like to take a completed course, or module in a course, over again as a refresher, you can find the completed course in your Completed section.

Your first step will be to click on the course. Then you will have two choices. You can either 1) Start Over: You can click on the first module and select Start Over. This will allow you to take the module over again. If you had any assessments that were scored, your score will be reset. 2) Review Content:

If you only want to review certain parts of the module:

Click on the module and then click on Review Content.
Click on the TOC button in the playbar at the bottom when the first slide displays. When you select TOC, the Table of Contents displays and you can see all of the training sections and training time lengths for the particular training module.
Select the part of the module you want to review. It will start automatically for you.
If you had any assessments that were scored, your score will be retained.

Note: At any time during a module, if you want to go back to a previous slide, you can use the TOC button and select a specific section. Your module will resume from that slide.

Can I take CPR in gsLearn? toggle arrow

CPR/First Aid courses are in-person trainings. We offer opportunities to take this training multiple times throughout the year. These opportunities can be found on our Event Calendar or Event List when available.

Why are there numbers before the courses? toggle arrow

The three-digit number (131) before many gsLearn course names or learning paths is our Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ council code. This helps GSUSA keep track of the owner/creator of each course that has been added to the system.

How does gsLearn correlate to my previous trainings? toggle arrow

gsLearn will include some courses you have already taken. However, we have added some new courses from GSUSA and GSCSNJ that will replace some of our previous trainings. The information/resources in the updated and new courses provide information not previously available or that pertain to new processes and policies. If you have additional questions about a specific training, please contact your membership specialist.

Can youth members access gsLearn? toggle arrow

GSCSNJ does not have any training currently available for youth members.

Girl Scout councils may provide access via a direct log-in link to a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador for training. Council can only provide access if the Girl Scout is a current Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador, is at least 13 years old, and, if the Girl Scout resides outside the United States, is at least 16 years old and has a separate and unique email address.

What are achievements? toggle arrow

In gsLearn, achievements are a record of course completions. From the achievements selection in the left pane on your home screen, you can display all of your course completions and download a copy of your Certificate of Completion, if so desired.

Do I need to keep a copy of my certificates? toggle arrow

gsLearn will keep your course completion certificates in your account online. You can download and print the certificate if you would like, but you are not required to do so.

When do I have to retake a course? toggle arrow

Currently, only CPR/First Aid courses require recertification. If your CPR/First Aid is expired (varies by provider, generally two years), you must take this course over again.

Will my previous training records be stored in gsLearn? Where will in-person training event records and non-gsLearn online records be tracked? toggle arrow

Relevant training records, specifically CPR/First Aid, New Leader Orientation and Troop Camper Certification are tracked in Salesforce, which is part of the MyGS account.

I’m a Service Unit team member. How do I view the gsLearn training records for volunteers in my service unit? toggle arrow

The gsLearn Summary Dashboard is available in Looker.

The SU Roster: gsLearn Summary Dashboard displays the course information for your assigned service unit and the Supplemental Learning from gsEvents.

What if I am transferring between councils? Will my learning history transfer to my new council? toggle arrow

If you have moved from one council to another, please contact your previous council and request that your gsLearn records be transferred. Learner history in gsLearn stays with the learner.

Council-specific courses vary from one Girl Scout council to another. Learners will want to take council-specific training courses that apply to their volunteer roles when transferring memberships from one council to another.

What trainings from other councils are accepted by our council? What GSCSNJ trainings are accepted by other councils? toggle arrow

GSCSNJ will accept any of the courses from other councils created by GSUSA. We will not accept outdoor training courses from other councils. You must take the GSCSNJ New Leader Orientation to be a troop leader. The same criteria above would be true for the transfer of GSCSNJ courses going to another council. GSUSA courses will always transfer. Council created courses will vary from council to council. Each Girl Scout council will have their own guidelines concerning trainings they will accept from other councils.

What if I find an error in a training? toggle arrow

While we strive for the best, if you notice an error, please contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org or click to provide feedback within the course itself. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions!

I have ideas for additional trainings! Who do I tell? toggle arrow

We would love to hear your suggestions! We are always looking to improve your training experience if we can. Please contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org with your ideas and we will share them with the appropriate staff.

What is the Troop Trip Submission? toggle arrow

The Troop Trip Form captures all pertinent information needed to document troop travel. This form is submitted by the leader between two weeks and three months prior to the date of travel.

The troop trip form is only needed for travel 3 nights or more, or if going out of the country.

What do you look for in my Troop Trip Submission? toggle arrow

The team reviews each submission to make sure that GSCSNJ has all the necessary information related to the trip or activity. In particular, they are looking at:

Appropriate adult to girl ratio
Current adult memberships and eligible/current background checks · Current Girl Scout youth memberships
Transportation Information
CPR/First Aid certifications
Appropriate training has been completed
High-risk certifications, including lifeguard certifications, if applicable. · Risk level of international destinations.

We will also look at your insurance needs and let you know if additional insurance is required.

How do I make changes to a submission after it has been submitted or approved? toggle arrow

Once you have received a reply from GSCSNJ indicating that your submission is being reviewed or is approved, you can submit any changes in a reply to that email.

Changes that can be submitted late include, but are not limited to:

Updates to your troop travel roster
Date changes for your travel
Changes to your travel destination
Additional certifications

What is a high-risk activity? toggle arrow

High-risk activities are those that, if practiced unsafely or in an unsafe environment, could cause serious injury or death to a participant or could require crisis communication if any injury occurs.

For a full list, and additional information, on high-risk activities, please refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints on our Forms page.

Some examples of high-risk activities frequently engaged in include:

Activities where water safety is involved, including swimming in large bodies of water or locations that do not have a lifeguard on staff, rafting, tubing and diving.
Activities involving large animals, including horses and livestock.
Activities involving heights, including rock walls, ziplines, high rope courses and indoor skydiving.

When do I need to provide evidence of certification for my troop’s high-risk activity? What do I need to submit? toggle arrow

If your troop is participating in a high-risk activity and the activity is not being performed at a GSCSNJ property, you will need to \verify evidence of the site’s certification for the high-risk activity you are participating in.

Proof of high-risk certification can include:

A screen shot from the facility’s website that includes verification of instructor knowledge and experience (for example, “Our horseback riding instructors have current certification from the Certified Horsemanship Association and hold a minimum of three years’ experience successfully instructing in a general horseback riding program”).
A screen shot from the facility’s website careers page (for example, lifeguard job posting for a water park).
An email from the director or manager of the facility stating that their staff have the proper certifications to guarantee the safety of the Girl Scout youth and adults participating.

What is the proper adult-to-girl safety ratio? How do I know how many adults I need for my Troop Trip Submission? toggle arrow

The adult-to-girl safety ratio is the minimum number of adults needed to supervise a specific number of Girl Scouts. It was developed to ensure the safety and health of the participants. If one adult has to respond to an emergency, a second adult is always on hand for the rest of the participants. The adult-to-girl safety ratio changes based on the Girl Scout program level and the number of participants.

To calculate how many adult volunteers you need for your Troop Travel Submission, please check the Safety Activity Checkpoints on the Forms page of our website.

My troop is planning to stay at an Airbnb, VRBO or similar private rental. What do I need to provide as documentation of liability insurance? toggle arrow

To have your Troop Travel Submission approved, you must provide documentation of liability insurance from the rental host which covers premises for commercial use, with a minimum of $1,000,000 general liability insurance.

This can include:

Screenshot from rental website where statement of $1,000,000 general liability insurance is automatically applied to property, regardless of pre-existing homeowners’ policy. (Example: statement from VRBO, “This liability policy applies to you regardless of whether you already have a homeowners’ policy. Unlike many homeowners’ policies, this policy responds when you use your home as a short-term rental, provided the reservation was processed online through HomeAway checkout.” Or statement from Airbnb, “Host liability insurance, a part of AirCover, provides Hosts with $1 million in coverage in the rare event a guest gets hurt or their belongings are damaged or stolen while they are staying at your place. People who help you host, like Co-Hosts and cleaners, are also included, so you can feel confident hosting on Airbnb.
Screenshot of the property owner’s liability insurance for their rental.
Emailed copy of $1,000,000 general liability insurance certificate from the property owner

What do I need to know to plan international troop travel, including cruises? toggle arrow

Domestic and international travel is permitted as long as the destination allows visitors from the home country/state/county/city and is not listed as a Level 4 travel risk.

Groups should check the US Department of State Travel Advisories and CDC Travel Recommendations for international destinations and cruises. Groups will need to demonstrate that the destination permits visitors from the United States and/or the State of New Jersey. Additional insurance will need to be purchased for international travel, including cruises.

Travel to destinations listed by the US Department of State as Level 4 travel risk will not be approved, regardless of whether this designation is due to COVID-19 or other factors.

Additional information for Girl Scouts traveling abroad can be found on the GSUSA travel page.

My troop travel roster includes non-member children that can participate in the troop’s activities. Are there any additional procedures I need to follow? toggle arrow

If your Troop Trip Submission includes non-member children that are able to participate in the activities. They should be included in your troop travel roster as non-member children. Additional accident/injury insurance will need to be purchased to cover non-members for the duration of your trip or event.

When do I need to purchase additional insurance for my troop travel or gathering? Who is covered? toggle arrow

Every registered Girl Scout member and registered adult volunteer in the Girl Scout Movement is automatically covered under the basic plan for an approved and supervised activity lasting two consecutive nights or less. You will require additional insurance if:

The event or troop travel lasts two consecutive nights or less and includes non-members.
The event or troop travel lasts three or more consecutive nights.
The event or troop travel includes international travel, including cruises, regardless of the length of the trip.

GSCSNJ requires any adult participating with a troop or attending an event as a Girl Scout adult volunteer to have a current year Girl Scout membership and a current/eligible criminal background check (CBC).

What training courses/certifications do I need for my Troop Trip Submission? toggle arrow

For information on Girl Scout training courses and requirements, please visit our website, under volunteers for training information.

Certifications typically required for Troop Trip Submissions include:

CPR/First Aid certifications typically expire two years from the date the course is taken, but this may vary by provider.
CPR/First Aid classes completed entirely online do not satisfy Girl Scout requirements for certification as they do not offer enough opportunity to practice and receive feedback on technique.
Your troop’s adult first aider is required to have both the CPR and First Aid trainings, not one without the other.

Let’s Go! 1 Out and About

This course trains volunteers to lead Girl Scouts on adventures including field trips, basic day hikes, and simple overnights in buildings with their own heat source, electricity, and running water.
This course is required for day trips and overnights in climate-controlled environments (buildings/RV Campers).

Let’s Go! 2 Food, Fire, and Fun

This course trains volunteers to build fires, cook a simple one-pot meal, and make s’mores.
This course is required if you are planning on building a campfire and/or cooking food over your fire.

Let’s Go! 3 Outdoor Skills

This course trains volunteers to expand their horizons and move out of buildings and into the outdoors. Participants will learn the eight basic camping skills, how to include the Girl Scouts in planning, budgeting, packing for an overnight trip, safety, fire-building, cooking, sanitation, and many other activities.
This course is required for overnight trips in an outdoor setting and for cooking more extensive meals over an open fire.

Let’s Go! the Extra Mile

This online course prepares the Girl Scouts and their advisers to explore beyond their local region and plan for trips that are national and even international. It provides more information about budgeting for larger trips, how to plan for accommodations and travel, and other pertinent information.
This course is required for travel more than two days and three nights, whether it’s in-state, regional, national, or international.

How do I register or renew my troop members? toggle arrow

To Register: Unfortunately, you are not able to register new members, this must be done by the parent or guardian.

To Renew: Log into MyGS, go to My Account, and then My Troops. Make sure everyone is showing, if not, you may need to click on the Show Inactive Members for the full list to populate. Under Member Details, check the boxes on the left of each person you wish to renew.

Alternatively, if all members are renewing, check Select All at the top of the girl and adult rosters. If you are unsure if someone is planning to return, leave the check box blank. If you know that someone is definitely not planning to return, you can check Not Returning next to their name. Scroll to the top of the Member Details section and click on the green Renew button to continue to the payment screen.

What does the status column mean on my troop’s roster? toggle arrow

The status column will tell you if a membership is current or not.

Current means the membership is active for the year shown.
Time to Renew means the member does not have a membership for that year.
In Progress may mean that the caregiver started the membership process but did not finish it. For adults that have selected a volunteer role, it can also mean that their background check is being processed.
Payment Pending means the member has not completed the payment.
Inactive means that the member is no longer active or no longer active in your troop

What if a member is not returning, or is unsure if they will return to the troop next year? toggle arrow

If a member is joining a different troop, you can choose to renew their membership and then have the receiving leader submit a Member Data Correction Form. If you choose not to renew their membership, leave the check box next to their name blank when you renew you other troop members.

If you are unsure if a member is planning to return, leave the check box next to their name blank when you renew your other troop members.

If you know that a member is definitely not continuing as a Girl Scout, you can check the Not Returning box next to their name. Note: Once Not Returning has been checked, the member will not be able to renew online until they contact council to reset the renew option. The Not Returning checkbox should only be selected if the member is not planning to return at all.

What if a member did not participate in the current year, but would like to participate next year? toggle arrow

If they are not currently registered and did not participate for the current year, they can contact Customer Care for assistance.

What happens after I renew the troop? toggle arrow

You will receive an itemized email receipt. The caregiver of each Girl Scout will also receive a renewal notification email, and this email will ask the caregiver to update contact information, if needed.

How can I help inspire others to renew or join Girl Scouts? toggle arrow

At the end of the renewal process, there will be an option to share on social media that you have renewed. Please help us spread the word by using this new feature! You can also connect with our membership specialist for additional ways you can help inspire others to renew or join.

Can I renew a 12th grade graduating Girl Scout as an adult or purchase a Lifetime Membership for them? toggle arrow

Current GSCSNJ Girl Scout Ambassadors who are graduating high school and/or bridging to Adult Girl Scouts can renew as adults or purchase their Young Alumni Lifetime Membership through their, or their caregiver’s, MyGS account. Once logged in, both should show as a member option if they are eligible.

If the option is not available, or you have difficulty, please contact Customer Care.

How does a new member register for my troop or how can I register a new member? toggle arrow

If a friend wants to join a specific troop, ask their caregiver to visit our Join Page. As long as the troop has openings available, prospective members will find the troop in the participation catalog. To make it easy for someone to find a specific troop in the participation catalog, make sure they have the five-digit troop number (ex. Troop12345 or Troop30216). The system will then walk the caregiver through the steps to becoming a member.

Alternately, the troop leader can log into their MyGS account, click on My Troops in the left navigation bar, choose the troop, click on the link on the bottom of the troop roster Invite Friends to join your troop, fill out the form with email addresses, and submit the request. A direct link to the troop registration page will be sent. The troop URL link can also be found in the troop catalog. After searching for the troop, you can find the URL icon above the troop number on the troop tile. Clicking the icon will copy the URL to the clipboard so it can be shared by email or text message.

One of the adults volunteered to help with my troop! How can I add their volunteer role? toggle arrow

If the adult is already a registered member and listed on your troop roster, you can add a volunteer role for them. Click on the Edit Details link to the right of the volunteer’s name. Scroll down and you will see the volunteer’s current role in the troop. Click on Add a New Role. You will then be taken to a list of volunteer roles within your troop. Select the appropriate volunteer role by marking the check box on the left. Click Next. You will then see the updated participation on the troops tab.

After the new volunteer role is added, the system will automatically check to see if there is an eligible, unexpired Criminal Background Check (CBC) on file for that volunteer. If not, the system will automatically authorize Sterling Volunteers (GSCSNJ’s third party CBC vendor) to send the volunteer an email invitation to complete a CBC. The invitation will be sent to the email address the volunteer uses for Girl Scouts.

How do I get more adults to join the troop as volunteers? toggle arrow

Because a caregiver will select a troop whose meeting date and time fits their schedules, our hope is that they will be more likely to choose a volunteer role in the troop from opportunities on display in the participation catalog. Volunteers do not necessarily need to be the caregivers of the members in the troop; however, all adult volunteers need to pass the background screening process. If adults don’t voluntarily select a role for themselves when they register online, and the troop needs leadership, service unit registrars, service unit managers, service unit data managers or GSCSNJ staff will contact them directly to offer them volunteer opportunities.

Should caregivers register as members? toggle arrow

Caregivers do not need to register for membership. However, if you plan to attend a member-only event, or if you directly participate in a troop, you will need to register for Girl Scouts. If you need to renew your membership, go to MyGS. If you are registering as a new member, visit our Volunteer page for more information on ways you can be involved.

GSCSNJ requires any adult participating with a troop or attending an event as a Girl Scout adult volunteer to have a current year Girl Scout membership and a current/eligible criminal background check (CBC).

What happens if members don’t renew by September 30? toggle arrow

Members are encouraged to renew as early as April 1 for the upcoming membership year. If members do not renew by September 30, their spots will open up and will be shown as openings in the participation catalog beginning October 1. Please consider renewing all members, even those who are undecided. Members who wait to renew between October 1 and April 1 may renew to their current troop if there are openings.

What should I do if someone says they registered for my troop, but they are not listed on my troop roster? toggle arrow

If a member insists that they are registered and are not listed on your troop roster, they may have been registered to a former troop or to another troop in your area. Contact Customer Care and we will look up the member in the GSCSNJ database to see if they are registered. If they are not registered to the right troop, we will ensure that the member is put into the correct troop.

How do I request a transfer from one troop to another? toggle arrow

All troop transfer requests should be submitted by using the Member Data Correction Form. This form is found on our Forms page of the website and will expedite member transfers from one troop to another within GSCSNJ. Please fill out this form for any and all individuals needing to be transferred.

You may use the Member Data Correction Form (MDCF) if:

You are one of the troop leaders receiving the Girl Scout member
You are a member of the service unit team that is receiving the Girl Scout member

Do not use this form if:

You are a caregiver requesting a transfer of any family member to be an Independently Registered Girl (IRG). Independently Registered Girls are members not affiliated with a troop, but are affiliated with a service unit, and complete Girl Scout activities with the guidance of their families.
You are a caregiver requesting a transfer of any family member to a different troop, as we still need to hear from the new troop leader to place your Girl Scout. Please have your new troop leader fill out this form. If there are spaces available in the troop, you can do the transfer yourself by selecting Change My Participation on the My Household screen in your MyGS account and selecting the new troop.
You are a troop leader sending a girl or adult to another troop. The receiving troop leader should fill out the form and submit it to council for completion.

How do I update an address after I, or one of my troop members, moves? toggle arrow

You can update basic contact information and the school attended for your household or troop members through the My Household or My Troops tab on your MyGS account. Just click on the Edit Profile link in your Household or Edit Details link in My Troops to the right of each member’s name.

What information is listed in the participation catalog for my troop? toggle arrow

The listing includes the distance from the middle of the zip code where the troop meets, the grade range for the troop, the meeting day, time and frequency, a description of the troop, the interests of the troop, how long it has been active, how many girls and adults are registered to the troop and how many spots are open in the troop. To edit or update the information for your troop, you can go to My Troops, click on the troop you want to update, then click on Edit meeting details. This will allow you to change most of the information. If you need to update information not available to edit in this screen, you must fill out the Troop Update Form.

How can I view open troops in the participation catalog? toggle arrow

To view the participation catalog, visit the Registration Landing Page. To see girl openings, select Find Troops. To see volunteer openings, select Volunteer.

Does the participation catalog show multi-age troops? toggle arrow

Yes. A troop listing can accommodate multiple age/grade levels.

What is the minimum and/or recommended troop size? toggle arrow

The minimum troop size is twelve Girl Scouts for Daisy, Brownie, Junior and Cadettes. Senior and Ambassador troops have a minimum of 8 Girl Scouts. Troops cannot opt-out of the participation catalog until they have the minimum number of Girl Scouts.

If you have room for more members, or you have volunteer roles that need to be filled, please fill out the Troop Update Form so that your vacancies will display in the participation catalog.

How do I update the participation catalog information for my troop? toggle arrow

A troop leader can update some information that appears in the participation catalog themselves. When you are logged into MyGS, click on My Troops in the left navigation, select the correct troop, and click Edit Meeting Details. Please update all of the information. The information will update as soon as you click Save. Meeting location, meeting day, frequency, start and end times are available for you to edit.

To update other information, including program grade, level, desired number of Girl Scouts in the troop, affiliation, and open volunteer roles, you will need to submit a Troop Update Form.

If I have an opening mid-year in my troop, how do I share the vacancy using the participation catalog? toggle arrow

The participation catalog is updated in real time, so please let us know whenever you have changes to your meeting location or troop availability by completing the Troop Update Form. All troop leaders will be asked to submit any changes by April 1 or each membership year in order for all inputs to be incorporated by out spring renewal launch. Put troop vacancies on display in the participation catalog by completing the Troop Update Form. For example, if the desired number of Girl Scouts is 12, but there are only 10 Girl Scouts in the troop, two vacancies would be displayed in the participation catalog until those spots are filled. Once spring renewal registration starts, spots for all existing members for the next membership year will be reserved until September 30.

What if I don’t know the new member who joined my troop? toggle arrow

This is, perhaps, the best part of being a Girl Scout – making new friends! Since the system is searchable by zip code, we expect that most caregivers will enroll their Girl Scouts in the area where they live or near the school they attend. When a new member joins a troop, the leader will get an email notification. The automated email will prompt the leader to reach out and welcome the new Girl Scout to the troop. This connection is really important because it serves as a warm welcome and it’s an opportunity to share important next steps, including troop meeting dates, times and location.

Can my troop opt-out of the participation catalog? toggle arrow

Yes. Troop leaders can specify if their troop is closed and will not accept additional members after they have reached their minimum number of 8 Girl Scouts. Troops that are full will not show on the participation catalog.

Can I close enrollment to my troop? toggle arrow

As long as there are two unrelated adults as the troop leaders and the troop is at the minimum number of Girl Scouts (8 girls), a troop leader can decide when to close their troop enrollment.

Can I find Service Unit volunteer positions in the participation catalog? toggle arrow

Service Unit positions are appointed positions, so they are not available in the participation catalog. You can speak to the membership specialist, or the service unit team, and ask if any opportunities are available for you to fill.

What are the steps to start a troop? toggle arrow

To get started and connect with membership staff from your area, select Create a Troop from the registration page, or contact Customer Care.

In order to start a troop, leaders must:

Be a registered member of Girl Scouts.
Complete a criminal background check.
Register and complete the New Leader Orientation.
Meet your local Service Unit Team for introductory training.

For more information, check out our How to Start a Troop page.

Can I have a multi-level troop or do I need individual troop numbers for each grade level? toggle arrow

Troops can have multiple grade levels, but Girl Scouts must participate in activities that are appropriate for their level of Girl Scouting. For example, Brownies in your troop need to work on Brownie badges and journeys, while Daisies work on Daisy petals and journeys. The appropriate adult-to-girl ratio needs to be met for the grade level of the troop.

What are the requirements for becoming a Troop Leader? toggle arrow

All potential troop volunteers are required to register as an adult member of GSCSNJ, have an approved background check on file with GSCSNJ, complete the New Leader Orientation training, meet your service unit team for introductory training, have no debt owed to GSCSNJ or troops, and support GSCSNJ and GSUSA policies and procedures.

Two unrelated leaders are required for a troop. A troop may have as many leaders as desired, but they must all have completed the same requirements. To maintain an acceptable adult-to-girl ratio, troops may also have adult members who are not required to have completed the same training as the leader, but must be registered Girl Scouts and have a cleared background check on file.

Can relatives be Troop Leaders? Can men be Troop Leaders? toggle arrow

Relatives may serve as leaders. Many families work together to help support a Girl Scout’s leadership experience. However, the troop will require that two unrelated adults are leaders, and at least one must be female. All must be registered members, have a cleared background check and complete the required training.

Men may serve as troop leaders and/or volunteers, but an unrelated female volunteer must be present at all times.

How are Troop Leaders informed of Service Unit meetings? toggle arrow

Service Units communicate meeting dates and times through a variety of avenues, such as email, text, phone calls and social media. Your membership staff will also have service unit meeting information, so please contact us if you have questions.

I am resigning from my leader position and do not have a new leader recruited, what should I do? toggle arrow

Membership staff should be informed of the Troop Leader’s decision to resign. If a replacement Troop Leader cannot be identified and there are Girl Scouts still interested in troop participation, staff, Service Unit leadership, and the resigning Troop Leader will work together to place Girl Scouts in another open troop.

The retiring Troop Leader should transfer all supplies, financial records, debit card, check book, bank account information, and materials to the new leader or Service Unit leadership. The retiring troop leader will need to either close or transfer the bank account, as appropriate.

When can a new troop start holding meetings in the Fall? toggle arrow

Up to 13 months of insurance coverage is provided for new members registered in the month of September. For a new member who has met the requirements for membership, including payment of membership dues, insurance coverage become effective the date the troop leader is identified as a leader in the GSCSNJ database. Troop leaders must complete NLO (New Leader Orientation) and SUI (Service Unit Introduction) prior to holding first parent meeting.

How long are troop meetings? toggle arrow

The length of a troop meeting depends on several factors including the age of the Girl Scouts, availability of volunteers, and meeting space. An average troop meeting is 1.5 hours.

What activities do troop meetings typically include? toggle arrow

A typical troop meeting includes: start-up, business, activities, clean-up, and closing and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where can we hold our troop meetings? toggle arrow

Troop meetings may be held at any location that provides a safe, clean, and secure environment that allows for a participation of all members. A meeting place should be free or low-cost, large enough to accommodate the whole group, available for your meeting dates/times, have toilets, be allergen free, and accessible to members with disabilities. You might consider choosing meeting rooms at schools, libraries, places of worship, community buildings, childcare facilities, and local businesses. For older troops, you can also rotate meetings at coffee shops, bookstores, and other places where they enjoy spending time.

How many volunteers must be present at every meeting/event? toggle arrow

An acceptable adult-to-girl ratio must be present at all troop activities. The ratio varies by Girl Scout level (adult-to-girl ratio table may be found in the Safety Activity Checkpoints). At least two adult volunteers must be present at all times when working with Girl Scouts members, and at least one of those volunteers must be female and not related to the other adult volunteer.

I have a Girl Scout who is behaving inappropriately or bullying during troop meetings. How should I handle this? toggle arrow

Please refer to Volunteer Essentials: Engaging Girls & Families. You may specially refer to the sections on Creating a Safe Space for Girls, Communicating Effectively with Girls of Any Age, and When Sensitive Topics Come Up. If you feel you need more support, please reach out to your service unit team or your membership specialist.

What is the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)? toggle arrow

The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is an online tool designed for all program levels to support troop leaders in planning and delivering a troop meeting, which can help you lead in less time and make it easier to delegate to other volunteers. Depending on activities chosen, it supplies plans, materials needed, and even helps you schedule meetings and communicate with families to keep them involved and informed. It also makes it easy to check the calendar and schedule your troop events.

Are multi-level troops supported by VTK? toggle arrow

Volunteer Toolkit is multi-level troop friendly.

Troops that are listed as multi-level can access Volunteer Toolkit and all the badges/year plans available!

What will a member do as a Girl Scout? toggle arrow

After joining Girl Scouts, a member can participate in any of the council’s activities and events which are age appropriate. Girl Scouts will have opportunities to meet new friends, try new things, work toward badges, learn to make a difference in their community, hone business skills, explore nature, solve issues they care about, and so much more.

The Girl Scout leadership Journey programs and the Girl Scout Handbooks are the heart of the Girl Scout program. They help members learn Girl Scout traditions, earn recognitions, and have inspiring adventures that change their lives and make the world a better place. The Journeys help Girl Scouts learn about themselves and the world around them and how to take action to make the world a better place. A Girl Scout can experience these programs as an individual or in a troop that decides as a group what activities to engage in.

For more information on badges and journeys, please visit the Our Program page section of our website.

For council-led activities and events, please visit our Event Calendar.

How do I learn more about new program content from GSUSA? toggle arrow

New program content is constantly being created! To learn more about new badges and journeys, and to find answers to other questions you may have, check out the Our Program page.

How can I help individuals feel more a part of Girl Scouts and the troop? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts has a rich history, wonderful traditions, and inspiring stories for you to share with the members to help them feel more a part of Girl Scouts and the troop. These traditions include: the Girl Scout Sign, Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scout Law, Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scout Birthday, Brownie Elf Store, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scout Handshake, Friendship Circle and songs such as “Make New Friends”, the “Brownie Smile” song and “Taps”.

What does girl-led mean? toggle arrow

Girl-led means that Girl Scouts of every grade level take an active role in determining what, where, when, why and how they will structure activities, although leaders and adult members may provide guidance appropriate to their age. Girl-led processes encourage Girl Scouts to bring their ideas and imaginations into the experiences, make choices, and lead the way as much as they can.

What is the Girl Scout Handbook? toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Handbook is available for each level of Girl Scouting. It details Girl Scout history and traditions, a chart of all earnable awards, and a chart of badges available at each Girl Scout level.

When planning activities, what should be considered? toggle arrow

Please review to Safety Activity Checkpoints. These resources include information on how to plan activities within a troop meeting and travel activities outside of a troop meeting. When planning activities, please consider the abilities of each member and the progression of skills from the easiest part to the most difficult.

What is a Journey series? toggle arrow

A Journey series is a four to either week series of related activities around a theme. Journeys can also be condensed into a weekend or a week-long activity. For more information, check out Our Program page.

How can I deliver a quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience? toggle arrow

More information can be found on the Our Program page.

What can leaders do to help the troop begin their Journey for the year? toggle arrow

Leaders can start off their chosen Journey by facilitating a discussion or debate of the Journey’s theme and what it means to the Girl Scouts. Probe to find out what they are most interested in accomplishing during their time together, and then help them connect those interests to their Journey.

What is the difference between “service” and “take action”? toggle arrow

When Girl Scouts do service, they help to fulfill an immediate need. This service is a necessary response to a basic need, such as food, clothing, shelter, and care. Examples of community service projects are collecting food for a local pantry, or collecting clothing for a local homeless shelter. When Girl Scouts take action, they team up with others in an effort to solve a problem and create a long-lasting change.

When Girl Scouts take action, they seek to understand the cause of the problem and decide upon the scale and scope of their project, based on a realistic assessment of their resources. They also enlist others from the community to get involved. Take action projects always include a plan for sustainability. Examples of take action projects include fixing up an animal shelter or creating a center where children who need tutoring can always get it.

In other words, service makes the world better for some people right now. Taking action makes the world better for more people for a much longer time.

Can my Girl Scout work on badges, Journeys and awards without their troop? toggle arrow

Yes, a Girl Scout may independently work on badges, Journeys and awards without their troop or while being an Independently Registered Girl (IRG). If your Girl Scout is in a traditional troop and works on these projects without their troop, work with the troop leader to document completion of these achievements.

What are SWAPS? toggle arrow

SWAPS are “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.” They are small, handcrafted keepsakes designed to exchange with other Girl Scout members. SWAPS are the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other and promote friendship, which is why they are great for community events, camp, etc. Each one is a memory of a special event or Girl Scout sister!

What are Bridging Ceremonies? toggle arrow

Bridging Ceremonies are events during which Girl Scouts move from one program level to the next (for example: Daisies to Brownies, Juniors to Cadettes, etc.) They are usually held in the spring as the girls move up to the next level, and can be held in your meeting place, or somewhere outside where there is an actual bridge for you to use in the ceremony.

What are Destinations? toggle arrow

Destinations are regional, national, or international travel activities, events for Girl Scouts. For national events, Girl Scouts apply to, and are selected by, the sponsoring council. For international events, Girl Scouts apply to, and are selected by, GSUSA. For more information, visit the Travel page.

What is Volunteer Essentials? toggle arrow

Volunteer Essentials is a resource for volunteers which details the policies and procedures of the Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ and Girl Scouts of the United States.

Where can I find the safety guidelines for a troop? toggle arrow

Please refer to Safety Activity Checkpoints.

What are Safety Activity Checkpoints? toggle arrow

Safety Activity Checkpoints is a resource for volunteers which provides general and specific guidelines to ensure that members can participate in a safe, high quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

What should I do in the case of an emergency during a troop activity? toggle arrow

First, you should make sure that all of the participants are safe. Then you can contact our emergency number 877-539-6711. This number is also found on the key tag and Tax ID cards that were issued in your New Leader Packet.

Can volunteers who work in the healthcare field serve as first aiders? toggle arrow

Yes. Healthcare providers may serve as Level 1 or Level 2 first aiders. These include physicians, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, and emergency medical technicians.

Where can I take CPR/First Aid classes? Do online CPR/First Aid training fulfill GSCSNJ requirements? toggle arrow

GSCSNJ encourages volunteers to take advantage of the CPR/First Aid training offered by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other recognized organization approved by GSCSNJ or GSUSA. To ensure that you are in GSCSNJ compliance please request an ASHI (American Safety and Health Institute) card.

CPR/First Aid training that is available entirely online does not fulfill Girl Scout’s requirements because these courses do not offer enough opportunities to practice and receive feedback on your technique.

What type of insurance is provided by GSUSA and who is covered? toggle arrow

GSUSA provides an automatic basic accident insurance benefit for every registered member through Mutual of Omaha Plan 1. This benefit provides up to a specified maximum dollar amount for out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident while a member is participating in an approved, supervised Girl Scout activity, after the individual’s primary health insurance pays out.

GSCSNJ liability insurance defends all adults from lawsuits, as long as they obey the law and are performing duties related to Girl Scouts during supervised activities in keeping with the Girl Scout Volunteer Essential and Safety Activity Checkpoints and council policies.

There are additional insurance options that can be purchased for events or travel. To get an estimate and/or request additional insurance, contact Customer Care.

If a new member joins before the start of a membership year, are they covered under insurance? What about lapsed members? toggle arrow

Up to 13 months of coverage is provided for new members registered in the month of September. For a new member who has met the requirements for membership, including payment of membership dues, insurance coverage becomes effective the date the troop leader is identified as a leader in the GSCSNJ database.

What is involved in a bank account request? toggle arrow

The leader can contact their service unit treasurer to obtain the paperwork from the appropriate bank to do the following:

Open a bank account
Change a bank account (only to be used for changing signers)
Close a bank account (to be used for retiring troops and/or changing banks)

After completion of the paperwork, the troop volunteer will follow the directions of the SU Treasurer to complete the process. The SU Treasurer will also assist with steps to request t checks and debit a debit card for the account.

Are there different forms for troop bank accounts and Service Unit bank accounts? toggle arrow

No. The bank forms are the same for both service units and troops.

How many cards are issued for a troop and/or Service Unit bank account? toggle arrow

Two debit cards may be issued for troop and Service Unit bank accounts.

Will there be service charges toward my troop and/or Service Unit bank account? toggle arrow

GSCSNJ, as a non-profit organization, works closely with a few specific banks. Following the process shared by your SU Treasurer will ensure fees are not applied to the troop account.

What are the requirements for signers on a troop bank account? toggle arrow

All signers must be registered Girl Scouts and have a current criminal background check.
Each account must have a minimum of two signers.
Signers must not be related to one another or living in the same household.
Signers cannot have their personal bank accounts linked to their troop bank account.
The account must be titled: GSCSNJ TroopXXXXX.

What are the requirements for signers on a Service Unit bank account? toggle arrow

All signers must be registered Girl Scouts, have a current criminal background check, and have an active service unit level role.
Each account must have a minimum of two signers.
Signers must not be related to one another or living in the same household.
Signers cannot have their personal bank accounts linked to their service unit bank account.
The account must be titled: GSCSNJ Name of Service Unit

I am changing signers on my troop’s/Service Unit’s bank account. Where can I list the signer(s) I want removed? toggle arrow

Please note that you will do maintenance paperwork for the account, and it will take the place of any signer that was previously on the account. This means that anyone staying on the account will have to complete the paperwork, along with any new signers for the account.

My troop is disbanding and I need to close our bank account. What should I do first? toggle arrow

The first step is to complete the Troop Disbanding Form and notify your SU Manager. Any active members remaining in your troop will be transferred out with the help of GSCSNJ staff.
Once the troop is officially retired in the database, we will begin the process of closing the bank account for you.
During the processing period, the SU Treasurer will be informed of the request to close a Girl Scout bank account.
If there are still funds present in the account, they will be distributed to the new troops of any of the girls continuing with Girl Scouts, or will go to the Service Unit.
The troop treasurer will complete the final annual Troop Financial Report in the VTK and attach a copy of the final bank statement showing a $0 ending balance.

I am closing a bank account for a troop that retired before the current membership year and my signers do not have an active membership or background check. What do I do? toggle arrow

In the case of account closure, it is understood that the number of people needed to close the account may be less than when opening or changing an account.

Please contact your SU Treasurer to assist with closing the account.

Can my troop participate in additional money earning programs? toggle arrow

Yes. Troops may participate in additional money earning activities if other conditions are met. For more information, see our Troop/Group Money Earning Activity Form.

I have members transferring to other troops. Does the money they have raised go with them? toggle arrow

First guiding principle: Troop fund collected and earned by the members belong to the troop and do not belong to one individual, and should never be distributed to the individuals in any form.

Please see our Troop Finances page, and contact Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org if you have additional questions.

My troop is disbanding. What should we do with our funds? toggle arrow

When a troop disbands all funds in the bank account will follow the girls continuing in Girl Scouts.

The funds are divided by the number of girls that are registered to the troop. Funds are held in the Service Unit until the end of that Girl Scout year (September 30 th ) for any girl from the troop to continue.
Girls that are continuing – Each girl continuing will take a portion of troop funds with her to the new troop. Checks are then written to each new troop or to Council to hold for Juliette’s. Troop funds belong to the troop. If a girl from a disbanded troop transfers to a new troop, the money that follows her is now troop money. We do not have individual accounts in girl scouts.
Girls continuing as Juliette’s have access to their funds through the Council Juliette fund. They fill out the Juliette Disbursement Form (found on the Forms page).
Girls that have decided to not continue- Funds for these girls will be held by the Service Unit until September 30 th of the following year. These girls can decide to return at any time up until September 30 th and still have access to their portion of funds. (Funds are held until a girl has lapsed a year.)
Any girls not continuing- After September 30 th (the following year) these girls funds will be the property of the service unit.
All funds must stay with GSCSNJ. Funds can not be transferred to an outside council.

Reminder: When a troop is preparing to disband, leaders are not permitted to spend troop funds on purchasing the girls gift cards, or award scholarships. Leaders cannot use troop funds for anything that is not girl scout programming. Any funds left in troop accounts can only be donated back to Girl Scouts, preferably the Service Unit so funds can be used to help local girls in their Girl Scout experience (not to outside organizations).

Disbanded troops are required to submit a Troop Financial Summary in June (same time as all other troops). Leaders of troops disbanding should notify the Service Unit Treasurer of plans to disband. The troop has until September 30th of that Girl Scout year to spend funds. A final Troop Financial Summary should be submitted when all funds have been spent and the account is being closed. The Troop Treasurer and Service Unit Treasurer will work together to close the troop bank account.

May I accept donations (sponsorships) to my troop? toggle arrow

Yes. While youth are not allowed to solicit cash, service, or in-kind gifts, if a local business, community organization or individual wishes to support a troop, the leader or treasurer should fill out the Incoming Business Donation Form, and have the check sent to GSCSNJ. When received, we will deposit the monies and forward a check to the troop for the amount of the donation.

One of the adults in my troop works for an employer that offers matching gifts and volunteer service hours. How do they ensure that the funds are donated to our troop? toggle arrow

The leader or treasurer should fill out the Incoming Business Donation Form, and have the check sent to GSCSNJ. When received, we will deposit the monies and forward a check to the troop for the amount of the donation.

What are troop dues? toggle arrow

Troop dues are monetary collections which are deposited into the troop bank account for future use (for example, activities or council events). The amount collected is set by the members and leaders of a troop to be provided by members weekly, monthly, quarterly or bi-annually to finance the programs and activities of the troop. The leader will set the dues for the troop.

How do Individually Registered Girls (IRG) participate in Fall/Cookie Product Programs? toggle arrow

Individually Registered Girls can participate in product programs. Reach out to Customer Care at 856-795-1560 or customercare@gscsnj.org for more information.

What is the Fall Product Program? toggle arrow

The Fall Product Program is a council-sponsored program that combines educational activities with money earning opportunities for the troops.During the program, girls offer nuts, candy, and magazines to their customers, all of which go a long way to help troops fund awesome Girl Scout experiences.

Besides earning money, what are the benefits of participating in the Cookie Program? toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world. Girl Scouts will learn life skills such as entrepreneurship and financial literacy. By participating in the cookie program, Girl Scouts also learn the five skills of product programs: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.

Does my Girl Scout have to sell cookies? toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world. Through this program, Girl Scouts learn entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills. In addition, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn rewards through the cookie program. However, Girl Scouts and caregivers decide how they want to create their own Girl Scout experience and selling cookies is not required.

How/where do I go about getting a cookie booth? toggle arrow

Contact your Service Unit Cookie Booth Coordinator for more information on booth availability during the Cookie Program. Troops/caregivers should NOT contact any possible booth locations. All locations are obtained by the Service Unit Cookie Booth Coordinator.

What should Girl Scouts do when earning money for their troop outside of a council-sponsored product program? toggle arrow

When additional forms of money earning are needed, troops should follow the money earning guidelines found in the Troop Finances section of the website and complete the Troop/Group Money Earning Activity Form.

What can a troop leader do if a Girl Scout is not participating in the cookie program? toggle arrow

There are several ways a Girl Scout can participate in the cookie program even if they choose not to sell cookies, such as by making signs, helping with pickup and delivery, and participating in the troop’s cookie booths. It is important to remember that all troop proceeds are for the entire troop, not just the Girl Scouts who sold cookies.

What are the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards? toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Bronze (for Junior Girl Scouts), Silver (for Cadette Girl Scouts) and Gold (for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts) These are Girl Scouting’s highest awards. They engage Girl Scouts in building networks that not only support them in their award projects, but in new educational and career opportunities. For more information, visit our Highest Awards Page.

How do I get started with the Silver Award Project? toggle arrow

Complete the online Silver Award Workshop on the Highest Awards Page. Then complete the Silver Award Notice of Intent Form. Please check out the Highest Awards Page and click on Silver Award for much more information on the Silver Award process.

How do I get started with the Gold Award? toggle arrow

Complete the online Gold Award Workshop on the Highest Awards Page. Then use the resources on the Gold Award page to help you through the process of planning, implementing and submitting your Gold Award Project.

Are there scholarships available for Gold Award recipients? toggle arrow

Yes. GSUSA offers scholarships for Gold Award recipients, and many other scholarships will move you up in consideration for noting your Gold Award status.

Where can I find the paperwork for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards? toggle arrow

Please visit our Highest Awards Page. There are links to individual pages for each of these awards with the paperwork, information and links to online submissions that are required (for Silver & Gold Awards).

What are the deadlines for Highest Awards? toggle arrow

Bronze Award: Girl Scouts have until September 30 of the year they finish grade 5 to complete their project and register for the Bronze Award Completed event on the Event Calendar.

Silver Award: Girl Scouts have until September 30 of the year they finish grade 8 to complete their project and until April 1 to submit their final report to be included in the spring ceremony for award recipients.

Gold Award: Girl Scouts have until September 30 of the year they graduate from grade 12, to complete their project and until April 1 to submit their final report to be included in the spring ceremony for award recipients.

How do I get my award letter and pin? toggle arrow

For the Bronze Award, the troop leader registers the girls for the Bronze Award Completed event on the Events Calendar and prints out the confirmation of their order at the end of the process. They then take the confirmation to one of the council shops to purchase the Bronze Award Pins.

For the Silver and Gold Awards, the council will present you with your letter and pins at the Awards Ceremony, when you are eligible to attend.

Council Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Care

Event Registration

Girl Experience Centers & Retail

Summer Camp

Membership Inclusion

Membership Registration

Membership Transfers

Criminal Background Checks

gsLearn and Volunteer Training

Troop Support: Troop Travel

Troop Support: Registration

Troop Support: Participation Catalog

Troop Support: Troop Organization

Troop Support: Meetings

Troop Support: Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

Troop Support: Girl Scout Programming and Leadership Experience

Troop Support: Safety and Insurance

Troop Support: Bank Accounts

Troop Support: Finance

Product Program (Fall and Cookie Programs)

Girl Scout Higher Awards