Start the Girl Scout Year Strong: Resources, Adventures, and What’s Ahead

 

A new Girl Scout year is here, and that means fresh adventures, new friendships, and plenty of opportunities to make memories together. Whether you're leading your very first troop meeting or kicking off another amazing year, we've rounded up a few resources to help make planning simple, fun, and stress-free.

Start Strong with Resources That Make Planning Easy


Every great troop year starts with a plan, and you don't have to create one from scratch.

The "For Volunteers" page is packed with helpful tools to support you throughout the year, from troop meeting ideas and planning resources to uniform information and Girl Scout Shop essentials that help your troop shine. Take advantage of some great upcoming promotions on girlscoutshop.com: From 8/26-9/1: Get free shipping on all orders* with code: FREESHIPBTT26

Looking for an easy roadmap? Troop Year Plans take the guesswork out of planning with ready-to-use meeting guides filled with badge activities, service projects, outdoor adventures, and more. They're customizable, available in print or online, and even include multi-level and bilingual (Spanish) options for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops.

Leading a brand-new Daisy or Brownie troop? You may be eligible for complimentary Girl Scout Experience Boxes delivered right to your door. Each monthly box includes meeting scripts, supplies, and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories together. Welcome Boxes begin shipping in August 2026, so now is the perfect time to get your troop ready.

As you plan your year, don't forget to check your local council's resources, including Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints, to help every adventure be a safe one.
 

Fill Your Calendar with Adventures


There are plenty of exciting programs waiting for your troop and their families in case you need a bit of inspiration for your first few meetings.

The Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge makes it easy to spend more time outside with 50 fun activities that can be enjoyed almost anywhere, from neighborhood walks to local parks. Download the free activity sheet and see just how much adventure is waiting right outside your door.

Then, celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend this September by exploring your favorite state park through hikes, self-guided adventures, stargazing, watersports, and more. Grab the free passport activity sheet, earn a patch, and don't forget your water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and buddy.

This is also a great time for Girl Scout Juniors and Ambassadors to start thinking about Leadership Awards. With Journeys retiring on October 1, 2026, Leadership Awards now serve as the pathway toward Girl Scouts' Highest Awards, giving girls more flexibility to discover their interests, strengthen leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their communities.

Get Excited for What's Next


The Girl Scout experience is growing alongside today's girls.

Guided by research, feedback, and the experiences of Girl Scouts, families, and volunteers, exciting updates are on the way that will make discovering programs and planning adventures even easier, while keeping the heart of the Girl Scout experience exactly the same. Starting in spring 2027, a whole new wave of updated programs and a brand-new digital Program Library are on the way, creating even more ways for Girl Scouts of all ages to explore what interests them most.

Want a sneak peek at what's ahead? Explore what's next to learn more about the future of Girl Scouts and all the exciting adventures still to come.

Here's to a year filled with discovery, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.

Happy back-to-troop season!

* August 26th - September 1, 2026, Free standard shipping on most orders with code FREESHIPBTT26. Excludes: customization fees, gift certificates, and ships from council merchandise. Shipping/handling and sales tax charges are determined by merchandise total prior to discount. Offer available on girlscoutshop.com. Offer is not valid on prior purchases. Upcharges for expedited and international shipping apply. Offer ends September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy Meeting

Take a breath during cookie season with these easy ideas for a Girl Scout Valentine's Day meeting.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The holiday season is over. There is still a whole lot of winter that has to happen before the warmer spring season arrives. Your troop is stuck indoors…unless you are selling Girl Scout cookies at booths on the weekends. If you want a break from focusing on cookies, why not plan a fun Valentine’s Day meeting that does not require a lot of planning.

Easy Girl Scout Valentine's Day Meeting

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know how much I love to plan and organize.  Now is the time to start thinking about a Valentine’s Day craft if your meeting falls near the holiday.  Yes, I know that it is also World Thinking Day on February 22nd, as well as Twos Day, but newer and younger troops may not be celebrating this year. Plus, in case you are not aware, you can celebrate WTD any time of year, not just in February.

Your Valentine's Day meeting can be done in three simple steps.

1. Read a Story

There are so many wonderful Valentine's Day books for kids. Here are just a few.


Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy Meeting 

With illustrations by the well-loved Tedd Arnold of Fly Guy fame, this story is sure to incite giggles.


Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy Meeting



The book was written an illustrated by the popular duo Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. A crowd pleaser at any age!

Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy Meeting



Written and illustrated by Felicia Bond, see what Cornelia Augusta does the day it rains hearts.

2. Do a Craft

For this easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy meeting, you can do a fun craft using a ready made craft kit. Here are just a few. 

Easy Valentine's Day Craft



Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Meeting




Easy Valentine's Day Girl Scout Daisy Meeting


3. Make a Treat

Because Council rules vary, your girls may not be able to eat their Valentine's Day treat while at your meeting, and that is fine. Have plastic bags and/or foil to wrap up whatever you are making and the girls can eat their treat at home.

Materials

Cookies
Icing
Paper plates
Paper bowls
Plastic knives
Red or pink sugar and sprinkles

One of the easiest and most fun activities that my girls did through the years is decorate cookies. If you are not a baker, go to the grocery store and buy the jumbo package of sugar cookies.

Have the icing and decorations in bowls around the table. Have the girls decorate them. Easy!

What is your troop doing for Valentine's Day?


Meet the 2026-2029 GSUSA National Board President and Board of Directors



Since 1915, the National Council Session, our triennial business meeting, has been held in many cities across the nation to discuss, debate and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. This year, the 58th National Council Session returns to Washington, DC, where nearly 1,000 Girl Scout delegates gathered to make history together.

A key event of the National Council Session is electing the National Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term, including the National Board President. We are proud to announce Telva McGruder, executive director of global body manufacturing engineering for General Motors, former National Board member and council board chair and a lifetime member of GSUSA, was elected National Board President by the National Council.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as National Board President,” said McGruder. “As a proud Girl Scout alum, former troop leader and board member, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable opportunities this Movement offers girls to tap into their power, pursue their ambitions, and transform their communities. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to accelerate Girl Scouting’s impact and shape a bold and inspiring future for Girl Scouts everywhere.”



McGruder will lead GSUSA’s 31-member National Board of Directors as it guides the Movement to meet the needs of today’s girls and families. Board members bring a range of skills, expertise and perspectives to help advance Girl Scouts’ vision for the future. Thirty percent of the 2026–2029 term board members have served as board chair of a Girl Scout council and 70% are Girl Scout alums or have experienced Girl Scouting through a friend or family member.

As we welcome Telva to her new position, we thank Noorain Khan, 2023-2026 National Board President, for her contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. We are grateful to Noorain for her dedication and enthusiasm, especially regarding her work on advancing Vision 2030 and building a bold roadmap focused on making Girl Scouting more accessible, flexible, and impactful for girls and families nationwide. Her notable efforts to support governance modernization, financial stewardship initiatives, and a growing culture of philanthropy also supported the advancement of the organization.

We are also thankful for her work to deepen collaboration across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond, strengthening partnerships with local councils and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to expand opportunities for girls both nationally and globally. As she exits her role, Noorain leaves behind an impactful leadership legacy that will continue to support the future of Girl Scouting for years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to our outgoing board members for their service and commitment to Girl Scouts,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “Their leadership has strengthened our Movement and positioned us for the future. Looking ahead, I could not be more excited to partner with National Board President Telva McGruder and our new and returning board members as we embark on the next triennium. Their collective experience, passion and commitment to girls will help propel Girl Scouts into an exciting new chapter; one that expands our reach, deepens our impact and advances our mission for generations to come.”


GSUSA’s National Board oversees the organization’s governance, legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Three non-board members of the National Board Development Committee were also elected to support the board and to identify candidates for future board vacancies. The complete list follows (*designates new members; + designates National Board Development Committee members):

Telva McGruder, President 
Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering
General Motors

Ileana Musa, First Vice President
Managing Director, Head of Sales, Private Banking Group
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association

Mary Ann Altergott, Second Vice President
Founder, The Clemont Group
Retired Principal, Edward Jones

Diane Tipton, Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer and President
Self Storage Zone

Maryann Waryjas, Secretary
President and Director
Coalition for Competition in Credit Ratings, Inc.;
Past Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer,
and Corporate Secretary
Herc Holdings Inc.

National Board Members-at-Large 2026–2029 

Diane Boettcher*
Retired
United States Navy

Beth Bovis
Senior Partner, Global Sustainability and Social Impact Lead
Kearney

Neil R. Brown*
Managing Director
KKR Global Institute and Infrastructure and Climate

Rebecca Chavez-Houck +
Community Engagement Consultant
Aspira Public Affairs, LLC
Former Member, Utah House of Representatives

Cami Gibertini*

Senior Vice President/Business Solutions
INB, A National Association

Erin Morgan Gore*+
Managing Director & Partner
Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Performance Improvement

Kira Rosoff Heller*
Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor
Bessemer Trust

Kerrie A. Hoffman*
Chief Executive Officer
Hoffman Digital

Cameron Jones*
Chief Financial Officer
National Basketball Players Association

Betsy Kamin*
Partner and Member-In-Charge, Houston Office
Clark Hill PLC

Jessie Kornberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Skirball Cultural Center

Vidya Krishnan
Chief Learning and Belonging Officer
TD SYNNEX

Ana Tavares Lattibeaudiere

Principal and Co-Founder
MTL Management

Allison Lawrence*+
Vice President, Commercial Development, Americas
Stanley Black & Decker

Robyn Ratcliffe Manzini
President
Ridge Blossom Properties, LLC

Zara Mirza*
Chief of Staff to the President and CEO
TIAA

Stephanie Neuvirth, SPHR*
Global Vice President, People and Organization (CHRO)
Mars Veterinary Health

Jake Perlman
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Information
Officer
Charter Communications

Carolyn Pittman*
Independent Director
Minerals Technologies, Inc.

April Cadiente Schneider+
Vice President IT, Intellectual Property Management
and General Counsel
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Joanne Sebby*
Chief Risk Officer
Fiserv

Nabiha Syed*
Executive Director
Mozilla Foundation

Nithya Thadani*
Former CEO
RAIN Stella Technologies

Mary J. Thomas*
Associate Vice President, U.S. Consumer Services and
LillyDirect Business Operations
Eli Lilly and Company

Teresa C. Younger*
Former CEO and President Ms. Foundation for Women
Founder and Principal
Msty Consulting, LLC


Non-Board, National Board Development Committee, 2026–2029

Lupe Camargo
Certified Financial Planner ™
Perspective Financial Services, LLC

Debbie Hassan +
Retired, Partner
Deloitte and Touche, LLP

Sharon H. Matthews* +
Retired, Head of Employee Relations Consulting
Wells Fargo

Congratulations to the 2026-2029 National Board Officers and the 58th National Council Session delegates for their commitment to the future of Girl Scouting and a special thank you to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital for your hospitality as the host council for this important work. Stay tuned for more excitement out of Washington, DC as the Girl Scouts Unite event celebrates our Movement with 10,000 Girl Scouts and supporters this week.






5 Free Printable Halloween Games for Girl Scout Troop Meetings

5 Free Printable Halloween Games for Girl Scout Troop Meetings Planning a Halloween meeting doesn’t have to mean creating every activity from scratch. These free printable Halloween games can help Girl Scout leaders add some festive fun to a troop meeting, Halloween party, or activity rotation—with options that can [...]

The post 5 Free Printable Halloween Games for Girl Scout Troop Meetings appeared first on Troop Leader Central.

Girl Scout Cookies Are Here—Don’t Miss a Crumb! Here’s Everything You Need to Know


The Wait is Over—2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season is Here! 🍪

Cookie lovers, REJOICE! The most delicious time of the year has officially begun—the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie® season is in full swing, and it’s time to treat yourself while supporting this generation of girl leaders. As a reminder, these aren't just any cookies — they help unbox the future for Girl Scouts everywhere, one iconic cookie box at a time.

A Lineup Worth Craving

The 2025 cookie lineup is stacked with fan-favorite flavors you know and love. Thin Mints®, Samoas®/Caramel deLites®, and Peanut Butter Patties®/Tagalongs® are all back, ready to dazzle your taste buds. But, cookie lovers, we’ve got some bittersweet news. This is the LAST SEASON you’ll be able to get your hands on Toast-Yay!® and Girl Scout S’mores®. Yep, you heard that right—they’re going out with a bang, and you’ll want to stock up before they’re gone for good.

These sweet staples have been fan favorites for years, and now’s your chance to say goodbye in the most delicious way possible. Find a local cookie booth or connect with a Girl Scout you know to snag these soon-to-be-retired flavors before they’re gone forever.

Why Girl Scout Cookies Are More Than a Treat

Sure, they’re tasty—but Girl Scout Cookies are so much more than a sweet snack. Every purchase fuels the largest entrepreneurial program in the world for girls. When you buy cookies, you’re helping girls gain life-changing skills like goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

Each box sold is an opportunity for a Girl Scout to build her confidence, courage, and character. The funds raised help power incredible Girl Scout adventures—think summer camp, service projects, and amazing travel experiences—all while developing essential entrepreneurial skills that last a lifetime. When you bite into that Thin Mint, know that you’re helping girls achieve BIG things.


📸: Event-News Enterprise

How to Support Girl Scouts This Cookie Season

Ready to stock up and make a difference? Here’s how you can join the fun:
  • Know a Girl Scout? Order directly from her.
  • No Girl Scout nearby? Use the Cookie Finder at www.girlscoutcookies.org to find a booth near you.
  • Want cookies delivered? Starting February 21, have them shipped straight to your door via www.girlscoutcookies.org
  • Stay in the loop! Text “COOKIES” to 59618 for updates on availability and exciting cookie news.
Support your local troop, savor the lineup, and grab those Toast-Yay!® and S’mores® cookies before they’re gone forever. Let’s help Girl Scouts chase their big dreams—one cookie box at a time.

Want to share the cookie love? Make sure to tag @GirlScouts and use #GirlScoutCookieSeason in all your amazing stories on social media.

Happy Girl Scout Cookie Season! 🍪

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting

If you want to take a break from regular badge work, here is a once every four years Girl Scout Leap Year meeting.

*This post contains affiliate links.

For many leaders who are in the cookie zone, the end of February may seem like a long way off. Booth sales, cookie meetings, and cookie cupboard pickups are front and center right now. Even though it is a few weeks away, it isn’t too soon to start planning your upcoming meetings.

This year, in 2024, leaders have the once every four years opportunity to celebrate Leap Year with their troop. Daisies don’t remember what a Leap Year is, as they were toddlers the last time one occurred in 2020. 

Leaders, here is an opportunity for your troop to celebrate February 29th, 2024 with this Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting resource.

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting


 
Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting



Included in this resource:

  • Leap Year trivia game
  • Movement activities
  • Thinking games
  • Recipes and other food activities
  • Future Me page
  • Coloring pages
  • All printables

What are you planning to do for your Girl Scout Leap Year meeting?