The Job Description for a Girl Scout Leader

Girl Scouts of the USA, founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, is an organization based on helping young girls build confidence and character. Grouped in small units called troops, these scouts develop a sense of belonging, have fun and make lasting friendships. The troops get involved in community service, attend sports clinics and enjoy interesting field trips. Volunteers fill the Girl Scout Leader positions acting as coaches and helping to bring these young scouts to their best.

Requirements

• Anyone can volunteer to be a Girl Scout Leader. In fact, you need not even be female. Men who wish to support the scouts in a leadership role may do so with a female co-leader. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Individuals who are new to the leadership role can take advantage of new leader orientation training offered by this organization.

Programs and Recruiting

• One of the primary duties of a troop leader is to gain an understanding of the program and the many ways young girls can grow and benefit by belonging to Girl Scouts. Recruitment is another job responsibility. Leaders need to enlist community members to committees to support various outings and activities during the year. A leader should also have training in first aid. Finding sponsors that who give financial support to troops is another recruitment activity. Some families do not have the economic means for project materials and events; therefore outside support is required.

Managerial Duties

• Organizational skills are important in performing this leadership role. Recording and monitoring the awards and badges earned by the troop is a primary job function. Leaders must also schedule meetings and activities, coordinate committee attendance at functions and plan annual activities that provide the troops with integral learning experiences.

  When it comes time to sell cookies or involve the scouts in a fund-raising activity, the troop leader becomes the project manager. She has the overall responsibility for planning and executing, developing goals and managing any subsequent issues.

Director of Fun

• What leaders can offer a young girl is the opportunity to break away from stress and trials of day-to-day life and have fun. Becoming a well-rounded individual means having a sense of team spirit and experiencing joy. Leaders plan activities that are not only learning pursuits but also times of leisure enjoyment. In the lives of some children, this may be the only exposure they have to the pure delight of play.

Communication Expert

• Troop leaders need well-honed interpersonal skills. They need to model professionalism, and teach scouts about cooperation, fairness and how to practice good sportsmanship. Leaders must also communicate effectively with parents and other members of the community. A significant part of the job involves coaching. As a troop leader, helping scouts understand the significance of teamwork and fair play is essential.