Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of Girl Scouting?
A: There is a $10.00 yearly membership fee that goes directly to Girl Scouts of the USA. Troop dues help to finance programs, although the troop may also earn money through the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale and the Fall Product Sale. Financial assistance is available for any girl or adult in need.

Q: Do I need to buy a uniform or other items?
A: Uniforms are optional. Many troops decorate their own shirts. Girl members will probably want at least a handbook, a pin, and a badge sash.

Q: How is Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana funded?
A: The council receives funding from a variety of sources. These include: Annual Giving, grants, endowment and investment income, camping and program fees, Girl Scout Shop income, the Cookie program, and the Fall Product Sale. United Way funds are 1% of our yearly income.

Q: What do troops do with their money?
A: Troop money belongs to the troop as a whole, not to individual persons. Troops should decide together how to spend their money, getting input from the girls and their parents. It may be spent on supplies, program fees, uniforms, books, trips, etc.

Q: How is the cookie money spent? How much do the girls/troops get?
A: Troops earn 55 cents or more on each package of cookies. A bonus system increases their earnings. Troops decide together how to spend their money.

Q: Can a Girl Scout stay in her troop when she turns 18?
A: Yes. Girl Scouts may finish out their school year as a Girl Scout in their current troop. There are a number of options for young women to remain involved in Girl Scouting as adults. They can become short-term program volunteers, consultants, or STUDIO 2B advisors, for example. Volunteer positions with traditional troops or customized groups are always available!

Q: I signed my daughter up to join Girl Scouts, but I haven't heard anything. What should I do?
A: In many areas, we have waiting lists of girls wanting to join Girl Scouts. We're simply searching for adults to be troop leaders for those girls. Contact the Membership Development Specialist at your service center, and she'll be happy to look into it for you.

Q:What parent responsibilities are there if my daughter joins a troop?
A: Running a successful troop requires a lot of attention to details. Here is what a leader will expect of a parent:

• Be considerate and on time
• Return all forms and money on time (save hours of phone calling)
• Drop off or pick up your daughter on time (save hours of waiting)
• Return phone calls promptly

Leaders also love it when parents can come to troop meetings from time to time and join in the fun, although this is not a requirement.

Q: Do volunteers have to have children to become troop leaders?
A: No. We have many volunteers from all walks of life. Some may have children or grandchildren, and some have no children. Even men over the age of 18 can become Girl Scout volunteers.

Q: Do I have to be a leader to volunteer?
A: No. There are many ways to volunteer without leading your own troop. Take a look at the 'Helping Your Girl Scout's Troop' page to see a sampling of volunteer positions. Occasionally, there are positions open on the Employment page, as well.

Q: How much training will I need?
A: The amount of training depends on which volunteer position you accept. Leaders usually take about 7 hours of training. For additional information on how much training you would need for the position you are interested in, call the Adult Education Specialist at your local service center.

Q: Can men volunteer?
A: Absolutely! We welcome men 18 years or older. Men can hold any volunteer position, including leader and co-leader.

Q: Do I have to be a member to volunteer?
A: Volunteers working in positions directly with girls or with money are required to become members so we can do a background check on them to assure the safety of the girls involved. Consultants and adults who volunteer only occasionally are not required to become members, though we encourage them to join. This entails abiding by the Girl Scout Promise, completing a membership form, and paying $10.00 for yearly GSUSA dues.

Q: Why do parents need to register?
A: It's very important that every adult who is going to interact with the girls in the troop be registered. When adults register, they are covered under Girl Scout insurance, and we conduct background checks for the safety of the girls.

Q: I travel a lot. Can I still volunteer from time to time?
A: Of course! Visit our 'Helping Your Girl Scout's Troop' page to see several volunteer activities which may fall within your available amount of time.

Q: As a new leader, where do I find the things I need to get started?
A: All new leaders receive printed materials and training from Girl Scouts. Leader handbooks can be purchased from the shop. As for other things to help you get started, check out Help for New Leaders.

Q: I volunteer my time; why do you ask for a donation as well?
A: Just as Girl Scouts could not continue without its volunteers, it would also not be possible without financial support. Because the council underwrites much of the cost of Girl Scouting, we need financial support from our volunteers, families and the community at large to help supply this need. For more information, please see the page for Family & Community Partnership.

Do you have a question that is not answered here? Send us a message and please include your email address so we can answer your question directly and as soon as possible.