Troop Leader Academy - Foundations

We hope that you can join us for one of our in-person Troop Leader Academy - Foundations training sessions, taking place across the council. Whether you’re just getting started as a troop leader, or you’re a seasoned expert, you’re welcome at these interactive training sessions all about running a Girl Scout troop.

We cover everything, from the Girl Scout Promise and Law and planning badge activities, to funding your troop, communicating with girls and parents, and more! By the end of the session, you’ll know the basics every troop leader should know, plus you’ll have a binder full of resources to help you run your troop. Check out our Event List for upcoming sessions!

Below, you’ll find links to the great resources found in your Troop Leader Academy - Foundations binder, in case you aren’t able to join us, or you need extra copies! (Documents are featured in the order that they are placed in the binder, with headers for each binder section.)

The Guidebook

Leader Guidebook - This guidebook contains tons of resources to help you on your journey as a Girl Scout troop leader!

Troop Calendar

Girl Scout Year Basics - This sheet highlights all of the “big dates” in the Girl Scout year.

Troop Calendar - This fillable sheet is where you can create a quick calendar for your troop year, with meeting dates, topics, and reminders/notes.

Troop Finances

Troop & Service Unit Bank Account Form - This form is used to open a bank account for your troop! Be sure to print three copies (one for you, one for the bank, and one for Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa).

Troop Checkbook Register - You can use this blank sheet to keep track of your troop finances through your troop bank account’s checkbook.

Troop Finance Report - This report must be filled out each year by June 30 to report on troop income and expenses. You can fill it out online, or in paper form.

Family Meetings

Family Meeting Resource Kit - This document will help you prepare for your first meeting with your Girl Scout families!

Meeting Plans

Troop Meeting Agenda - This blank document can be used as an outline to help you plan each meeting.

Badge Essentials Sheets - See our Badge Essentials Bridge page to download a handy guide for your troop’s grade level, with a full list of badges and Journeys and where you can find their requirements.

Forms

Product Program Permission Form - This form is filled out by families once per year, to give permission for their Girl Scout to participate in the Fall Program and Cookie Program.

Troop Activities Year-Round Permission Form - This form is filled out by families once per year, to provide overall permission for troop activities throughout the year, including day trips and short trips (1-2 nights). This form is also for troop leaders so they can keep girls safe and healthy during Girl Scout activities.