Ways to Volunteer

As a Girl Scout troop leader or community volunteer with GSSNE, you’ll introduce Girls in Rhode Island, 13 communities in southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, CT to new experiences that show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined.

You’ll be their cheerleader, guide, and mentor, helping them develop skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Imagine the smiles, the excitement, the memories made - those are the moments you’ll share at Girl Scouts! Whether you can give a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, volunteering with Girl Scouts is flexible and fun.

VOLUNTEER TODAY

Already have a Girl Scout in your family? Use these easy-to-follow instructions to add a volunteer yourself or other family members as Girl Scout volunteers.

Are you the first in your family to join? Register here.

Troop Volunteer Roles

Troop Leadership Team

Collaborate with a co-leader (an unrelated, fully-trained adult) to guide and mentor a group of girls as they make new friends and discover their personal leadership. Work with other caring adults to organize regular troop meetings; choose the meeting time, frequency, and location, and follow the steps below to become a troop co-leader. Check out the Troop Leader Learning Progression to get an idea of how we set you up for success!

Become a Troop Co-Leader
- Become a Girl Scout by completing your online membership registration
- Already have a Girl Scout in your family? Add yourself or other family members as Girl Scout volunteers through your MyGS account.
- Are you the first in your family to join? Register here
Complete your National Background Screening (once membership is complete, check your inboxes for an email from our partners VERIFIED VOLUNTEERS/STERLING containing a link to the national background screening). If you live or volunteer in Massachusetts, you must also complete the CORI. Background screens are valid for three years and must be completed through GSSNE’s service provider.
Sign up for troop leader training, starting with three easy steps:
1. Successful Leader Learning Series: This step-by-step online orientation on gsLearn will give you all the information and confidence needed to start a troop including the required forms, safety procedures, policies, procedures, & standards for meetings, finances, and activities.
2. Girl Scout in the Outdoors: Learn the importance of getting girls outside where they can explore, discover and connect with the world around them
3. Troop Finances: Learn best practices in managing a troop bank account including record-keeping, policies and standards, dues, annual reports, reaching troop financial goals, and filing end-of-year reports.

Troop Support Volunteer

Assist with driving, activity planning, snacks, money management, first aid, or other tasks necessary to keep the troop running smoothly.

Already have a Girl Scout in your family? Add yourself or other family members as Girl Scout volunteers through your MyGS account.

Are you the first in your family to join? Register here.

Troop Treasurer

Oversee and maintain the troop’s finances. Serve as a co-signer on the troop’s bank account and submit an annual troop financial report.

Already have a Girl Scout in your family?Add yourself or other family members as Girl Scout volunteers through your MyGS account.

Are you the first in your family to join? Register here.

Troop Cookie Coordinator

Coordinate the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program for your troop and guide girls as they learn entrepreneurial skills. Organize cookie booths, manage inventory and money, and then experience the girls’ excitement when they reach their individual and troop goals.

Already have a Girl Scout in your family? Add yourself or other family members as Girl Scout volunteers through your MyGS account.

Are you the first in your family to join? Register here.

Then, complete the online Troop Cookie Coordinator agreement.

Service Unit Volunteer Roles

A service unit is a community of girl and adult members in a city, town, or group of towns. Service unit team volunteers are the key liaisons between GSSNE staff and local troops within a community. Volunteer roles include:

Service Unit Manager: Manage the service unit’s membership (girls, caregivers, and volunteers) throughout the troop year by coordinating regular meetings and events, promoting and communicating council initiatives and objectives, and providing guidance and support to service unit members.

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Community Recruitment Champion: Promote membership in the service unit through the recruitment and retention of girls and volunteers.

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Program Ambassador: Promote programs and activities outside of the troop. This includes council programming, parades, and local special events that girls can take part in individually, as a troop, or as a service unit.

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Product Program Coordinator: Operate the Fall and Cookie Product Programs in adherence to GSSNE guidelines and policies found in GSUSA’s Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints. Become familiar with Product Program products, procedures, deadlines, girl and troop recognitions, and encourage troop participation.

Cookie Program Resources for Volunteers

Fall Product Program Resources
Outdoor Advocate: Promote outdoor activities like troop camping, hiking, and outdoor days that girls can take part in individually, as a troop, or as a service unit. Guide troop volunteers in Outdoor Progression and encourage adult trainings. Promote the fun of summer camp!

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New Leader Mentor: In partnership with the service unit team, the New Leader Mentor will provide local context, connections, information, and support to new leaders.

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Council Volunteer Roles

Camp Host: Serve as a council ambassador to troops camping at GSSNE’s Camp Hoffman. Provide hospitality from welcome to checkout, keep camp safe, and help to ensure a positive outdoor experience for campers. Camp Hosts also conduct scheduled tours of the Sarah Hazard Nomer Museum at Camp Hoffman.

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Museum Docent: The Sarah Hazard Nomer Museum at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI houses an extensive collection of Girl Scout memorabilia including vintage uniforms, camp memorabilia, and a medal awarded to Kit Hammett by the Greek government. It is at this museum in Nomer's name that people may learn about the beginnings of Girl Scouting in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Docents provide scheduled museum tours and programming to Girl Scout troops and groups. Additionally, the museum welcomes project-based volunteers to scan, sort, and archive our many artifacts.
Volunteer Recognition Committee: Review nominations for annual council-wide volunteer recognitions.