RockfordGS.com ~ FAQ

Parent FAQ

How can I help?

Parent involvement is key to a Girl Scout Troop's success. There are unlimited ways you can help your daughter's troop. And, don't forget, your help is also needed on the Service Unit level!

What is the Service Unit?

Our Service Unit, Rockford, encompasses all public and private schools in the Rockford School District. Formerly known as Neighborhood.

What is the Council?

Troops are part of the Rockford Service Unit.
Our Service Unit is part of Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore Council.
Our Council is part of GSUSA.

What does it cost to be a Girl Scout?

The registration fee for GS is $10 annually - Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. This fee goes to the national organization. None of the fee stays with the troop or our local council.
Other costs may include, uniforms and books, troop dues and event fees. Troop profits from the Cookie Sale aren't seen until April so, troops, especially new ones, might need start up money!
No girl should be denied the opportunity to be a Girl Scout due to financial circumstance. To meet that commitment, our Council has an Opportunity Fund. It is a financial assistance program that ensures that Every Girl, Everywhere has the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts. Click here for more information.

Where does my $10 registration fee go?

All of the registration fee goes to the National organization. Profit from the cookie sale, parent contributions, troop dues and other money earning stays with the troop. Since troops usually don't see cookie money profit until the end of April, you can understand why leaders ask for parent help!

What is the best way to help my daughter's troop?

There are so many ways you can help your daughter's troop! Troops need help with meetings, cookies, outings, try-its and badges, service projects, errands, telephone calls, etc. Talk with your daughter's leader and see what is most needed. The biggest reward is taking an interest and being involved in an activity important to your daughter!

What does my daughter need?

A uniform is not required to be a Girl Scout. Most girls do want a vest or sash to display their earned recognitions and fun patches. We would strongly suggest you wait to purchase a vest or sash until after your troop is formed. The girls might decide they all want the same thing! Also, you won't know your troop number yet - you will need that to purchase the troop numerals for the vest or sash.
Purchasing the age level books is a good idea. Take a trip to the Council Shop and browse! Check out the books and uniform components! When buying at the Council Shop, the proceeds stay within our Council.

Where do I buy what my daughter needs?

There are 2 ways to purchase Girl Scout supplies and uniforms.

The best way is to shop at our Council Store. This helps support our local programs.
You can also purchase many of the uniform components and books from the Girl Scouts USA's store.

Should I register as a Girl Scout?

It is a good idea! For little cost you will be covered by GSUSA insurance in case of accident!

Where does everything go on the Tunic/Vest/Sash??

Click here for the answer.

Why do we take part in the cookie sale?

Girl Scouts take part in the Cookie Sale for several reasons, the primary one being - they need the money! Since Girl Scouts is a non-profit organization, money earning can be a challenge. The cookie sale is an easy and popular way to meet money earning goals.

The money earned from cookie sales becomes a source of pride for the girls. It enables them to plan activities that they might not otherwise be able to take part in. Another important thing troops might choose to do is donate some of their profits to a charity. The girls feel so empowered when they do this.

What is a cookie parent? What are the responsibilities?

The cookie parent manages the cookie sale for your troop. Among other things, she/he attends all training, manages booth sales, and manages the money. The cookie parent must be a registered adult in Girl Scouts as they are handling troop money. For more information, see our Cookie Page.

Can Girl Scout Daisies sell cookies?

Beginning in the Fall of 2008, Girl Scout Daisies are allowed to sell cookies and Fall Product.

When does my daughter need a permission form?

Whenever your daughter's troop meets somewhere other than her regular meeting place or whenever her troop goes on any outing. In other words, if your daughter is not at your regular meeting place, you need a permission slip.

What is Thinking Day?

Very simplistically, Thinking Day is a day in February set aside for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world to "think" about each other and the world wide organization they belong to.

What is the Service Unit (Neighborhood) Campout?

Each year in the late spring, our Service Unit sponsors a campout for the troops in our Service Unit. The girls take part in crafts, songs, skits, and other fun activities. They also have a swap exchange that is a big hit! News about the campout will be made available as soon as a site is secured. It takes a lot of volunteers to make the campout a success so, think about contributing your time and talents!

Are Daisy Girl Scouts included in the Campout?

Yes. But if the Campout has an overnight, Daisy Girl Scouts are not allowed to spend the night, only the day.

What are SWAPS?

Click here for information!

What training is required to be a Girl Scout Leader?

New Leader Orientation is a Service Unit-sponsored training. It is the "nuts-and-bolts" of being a leader, and is a one-time only training.
New Leader Basics is a council-sponsored training. It is a one-time training for all new leaders and reviews the history of Girl Scouts and provides information on a general level.
Program Age Level Training is a council-sponsored training and should be taken every time a leader starts a new age level, such as Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Girl Scouts 11-17.

The above ones are the three trainings required just to be a leader. There are also two outdoor trainings that are required if to take your troop on an overnight campout. Also CPR/Community First Aid is required of one adult per troop for many away events.

Are Girl Scout Leaders paid?

While being a Girl Scout Leader has it's many rewards, a paycheck is not one of them! Girl Scout Leaders bring this wonderful program to our daughters for many reasons, the most important one being the desire to help our daughters grow strong!

How can I learn more about Girl Scouts?