All members pay $12 dues to join Girl Scouts of the USA for one year (from October 1 to the next September 30). Most troops collect low weekly, monthly, or periodic dues to help cover the costs of activities, patches, snacks and other supplies. Each troop sets a budget based on girls' goals. The entire membership fee is sent directly to Girl Scouts of the USA to support program development and services on a national level. A portion provides a basic accident protection plan. No. While many girls belong to troops, others belong to special-interest groups or are registered as individual girl members, called Juliettes. All registered members may participate in council-sponsored programs, activities and camps. She may join Girl Scouts at any age between 5-17, and be placed with girls in her grade. No. Uniforms are not required for members to participate in Girl Scout activities. There is a wide choice of uniform components, so some part of the uniform can be affordable for every girl. The uniform provides visibility and recognition for members, and also shows that girls in a group all belong, regardless of individual socioeconomic status or family circumstances. The uniform is suitable for all Girl Scout functions and should be worn appropriately. All past and present uniforms are considered official. Purchase components at our council stores or online. Girl Scout handbooks show insignia placement, or view the placement guide on GS Central. Troop leaders, like all other adults who help, are volunteers. To make sure that capable and qualified leaders are placed in all volunteer positions, we use an application process which includes a reference check and background check. For more information about becoming a volunteer, visit our volunteer section. Yes. Every volunteer position in Girl Scouting is open to qualified adult men and women over the age of 18. Because female role models are especially important to young girls, men generally serve as co-leaders, with at least one member of the leadership team being an unrelated adult female.