Girl Scouting FAQ's

Q. How do we sign up for Girl Scouts?
You can sign up for Girl Scouts at any of our new member events, which take place in September and October in communities throughout the council. If you are not able to attend a new member event, please complete our online interest indicator form or contact us at 419-522-0391 or 800-433-1290, and we’ll connect you to Girl Scout opportunities and activities in your community.

Q. Who can become a Girl Scout?
Girl Scouts is open to all girls aged 5-17 and all adults aged 18 and up who pay the $10 annual membership dues (financial assistance available), make the Girl Scout Promise, and accept the Girl Scout Law.

Q. What are the different levels of Girl Scouting?
Girl Scouts has four program age levels designed to meet girls' developmental, educational, emotional, and social needs as they grow:

Q. How much does Girl Scouting cost?
Annual Girl Scout membership dues are $10. In addition, girls will pay modest troop/group dues to cover the costs of activities, field trips, and materials. Financial assistance is available.

Q. Are uniforms required?
Volunteers, girls, and families decide together what is appropriate. Many girls do choose to purchase a sash or vest to display recognitions, and some members opt for a full uniform. However, uniforms are not required in Girl Scouting.

Q. What do Girl Scouts do?
The Girl Scout program is broad in scope and includes everything from high-adventure camping trips and leadership development workshops for ‘tween and teen girls to day camp, field trips, and one-day cultural, arts, and sporting events for younger girls. All Girl Scouts have an opportunity to develop skills and mark achievements by earning progressive recognitions such as badges, patches, and pins. STUDIO 2B Members have the option to earn charms, which can be worn and displayed in many ways.

Q. Are troops the only way to participate in Girl Scouts?
No. In addition to (or instead of) joining troops, today's Girl Scouts may register individually or as members of interest groups that explore everything from camping to career options. The Girl Scout program is flexible by design, and it can be delivered through small group activities, council and national events, and even international travel opportunities!

Q. Where do Girl Scout activities take place?
Troop/group meetings and other Girl Scout activities take place in locations throughout the community. We encourage volunteers, girls, and families to discuss meeting and activity locations and to select places that are convenient and comfortable for everyone. The Girl Scouts of Heritage Trails Council also owns and operates a facility for camp programs and for use by troops/groups.

Q. Are Girl Scout activities safe?
All Girl Scout activities are designed to comply with Girl Scouts of the USA's strict safety standards. The security of girls is our highest priority, and safety is a primary focus of the orientation and training we provide to adult volunteers.

Q. What volunteer opportunities are available?
Girl Scouting would not be possible without adult volunteers. In fact, 99 percent of the adults involved in Girl Scouting are volunteers. Women and men aged 18 and up are welcome and needed to serve in a wide range of volunteer positions. To learn more, ask about volunteering when you attend a new member event, complete the volunteer section of the online interest indicator form, or call us at 419-522-0391 or 800-433-1290.

Q. Are only parents and guardians allowed to volunteer?
No. Grandparents, uncles and aunts, neighbors, college students, professionals, retirees, and all other adults who care about girls are welcome and needed as Girl Scout volunteers.