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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Favorite Girl Scout Topics!

1.  Web Site Help
Q: What browser is best to use?
Q: The text is too large/small. How do I decrease/increase the font size?

2.  Downloading Graphics
Q: Can I download the Girl Scout service mark online?
Q: How do I download PDF files? 

3.  Linking Policy
Q: Why doesn't Girl Scouts of the USA or the Tarheel Triad Council link to commercial Web sites?
Q: I want to use material from Girl Scout handbooks, LEADER magazine, and other Girl Scout copyrighted publications. How do I get permission?
Q: Do I need permission to take something from a Web site?
Q: Do I need permission to use the Girl Scout service mark on my Web site? 
Q: Do I need permission to use badges, symbols, and Try-Its on my Web site? 
Q: What is the proper use of the Girl Scout service mark?
Q: Can I use pictures appearing in LEADER magazine or illustrations from Girl Scout handbooks?

4.  Resources
Q: Is there a Web site with Girl Scout songs that I can use without permission?
Q: Can I request a listing of songs, such as graces or camp or action songs?
Q: Am I allowed to use only the words (not the music) of copyrighted songs without permission?
Q: Where can I get activity ideas?
Q: Where can I get ideas for ceremonies?
Q: Where can I find online Try-Its, badges and Interest Project awards?
Q: Can I get a list of all the awards a Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette or Senior Girl Scout can earn?

5.  Girl Scout Cookie Activities®
Q: Do we have to participate in Girl Scout Cookie® activities as a troop?
Q: Why can't Daisy Girl Scouts sell cookies?
Q: Where does the money earned from Girl Scout cookie® sales go?

6.  Parents
Q: How can I get parents to pick their children up on time?
Q: What happens if a girl doesn't bring her signed parent permission slip and she comes to the pickup point for a trip anyway?
Q: Do I need special training to take a nature walk with girls?
Q: Does a leader need first-aid training?

7.  Troop/Group Management
Q: Where can I get help with my troop?
Q: I have a girl who constantly disrupts our meetings. What do I do?
Q: The girls' families cannot afford much money for activities. What do we do, especially in the first part of the troop year?
Q: I am having problems with my co-leader. What do I do?
Q: I am the leader of my daughter's troop. How do I give her room to grow on her own?
Q: My co-leader smokes, and it bothers the girls during our troop meetings. What do we do?
Q: One of the moms who helps at troop meetings brings her little boy. He is really disruptive. What do I do?
Q: Can I count a Senior Girl Scout as an adult when preparing to meet adult/girl ratios necessary at meetings or on trips?
Q: Does a leader need to wear a uniform?
Q: What is the history of troop crests?

Web Site Help

Q: What browser is best to use?
A: You can best view this site using Netscape Navigator 3.0 or above or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or above. However, since the site does take advantage of newer technologies available in the more recent versions of the these browsers, we strongly recommend you download the latest version of the browser you prefer. We have done everything we can to accommodate viewing with other browsers. However, you may find that some pages don't look quite "right." This problem could result from differences between browsers and is not something we can control. It is especially likely to be experienced with Web browsers that are still in beta (or test) development. Please note that the proper width to view our pages is approximately 600 pixels. 

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Q: The text is too large/small. How do I decrease/increase the font size?
A: Both Netscape and Internet Explorer are capable of changing the size of on-screen text type. However, type that is turned into a graphic cannot be resized. When using Netscape: Click View on the toolbar. In the drop-down menu, you will see selections for Increase Font and Decrease Font. Click on the appropriate selection. Continue to click on your selection to increase/decrease the font size until it is suitable. When using Internet Explorer: Click View on the toolbar. From the drop-down menu, select Text Size. You will see five possible font sizes, with the current size highlighted. Select the one appropriate for your viewing.

Downloading Graphics

Q: Can I download the Girl Scout service mark online?
A: No. You will need to request and receive permission from GSUSA to use the service mark. If they give you permission to use it, you will receive the proper format for your specific needs. For guidelines and information on submitting requests for permission to use the service mark, select About Us from the main menu bar on the Girl Scouts of the USA Web site. Next, select Girl Scout Service Mark from the menu on the left side. Follow instructions for agreement of terms and completion of the permissions form. GSUSA will review your request and will notify you of their decision.

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Q: How do I download PDF files? 
A: Several documents on the Web site are encoded in Portable Document Format (PDF) instead of HTML. To read these files on your computer, you’ll need to first download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. 
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Linking Policy

Q: Why doesn't Girl Scouts of the USA or the Tarheel Triad Council link to commercial Web sites?
A: Girl Scouts of the USA is a not-for-profit organization and cannot, therefore, endorse any commercial or profit-making product or service. We do not link to commercial Web sites, since to do so may imply endorsement. Exceptions are made when the commercial site adds substantially to the effectiveness of the information provided on this site.

Q: I want to use material from Girl Scout handbooks, LEADER magazine, and other Girl Scout copyrighted publications. How do I get permission?
A: Complete the Request for Permission to Reprint GSUSA Copyrighted Material form enclosed in GSUSA’s Guide to Copyright and Permissions booklet and submit it by fax to (212) 852-8080. You can also e-mail your specific request or concern to trademarks@girlscouts.org.

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Q: Do I need permission to take something from a Web site?
A: Yes. You can e-mail the webmaster of the site and ask if the material is protected by copyright. If so, then request permission.

Q: Do I need permission to use the Girl Scout service mark on my Web site? 
A: Yes, you do need permission to include the service mark on your site. For guidelines and information on submitting such usage requests, select About Us from the main menu bar on the Girl Scouts of the USA Web site. Next, choose Girl Scout Service Mark from the menu on the left side. Follow instructions for agreement of terms and completion of the permissions form. GSUSA will review your request and notify you of their decision as soon as possible.

Q: Do I need permission to use badges, symbols, and Try-Its on my Web site? 
A: The use of official insignia (all of which is trademarked) is highly restrictive. You may submit your plans for proposed use to trademarks@girlscouts.org.

Q: What is the proper use of the Girl Scout service mark?
A: Many rules and regulations govern the use of the service mark. GSUSA’s published Graphic Guidelines outlines these procedures. To review the guidelines, please contact the Council. You may also e-mail GSUSA at trademarks@girlscouts.org.

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Q: Can I use pictures appearing in LEADER magazine or illustrations from Girl Scout handbooks?
A: No, Girl Scouts of the USA does not give permission for use of illustrations, photographs or artwork from its publications.

Resources

Q: Is there a Web site with Girl Scout songs that I can use without permission?
A: No. Before using any Girl Scout songs, you should check to determine their copyright status. If a song is copyrighted, you cannot use it without permission.

Q: Can I request a listing of songs, such as graces or camp or action songs?
A: No, such a listing is not available. If you want to use songs in a certain category, then you must be specific about the title of each one in your request to GSUSA. 

Q: Am I allowed to use only the words (not the music) of copyrighted songs without permission?
A: No, copyright laws cover both the words and music of a song. Permission must be granted.

Q: Where can I get activity ideas?
A: You can find ideas: 
· In leader's guides, Girl Scout handbooks and award books 
· In LEADER magazine 
· At leader-training workshops and area meetings 
· From other leaders 
· On GSUSA’s Just 4 Girls and Just for Volunteers web site pages 
· The Council website: www.tarheeltriad.org
Also try the public library and your local Girl Scout council library. And don't forget the troop/group members themselves, parents, and Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts in leadership training.

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Q: Where can I get ideas for ceremonies?
A: Ceremonies in Girl Scouting is a great resource, available at your local Girl Scout council library, and through the Girl Scout Online Shopping Mall. You might find special ideas at leader-training and other workshops, your council resource center, and area meetings. Also use the Ceremony Planning Aid form with your troop/group and browse through Ceremonies on GSUSA’s Just 4 Girls pages.

Awards

Q: Where can I find online Try-Its, badges and Interest Project awards?
A: The only official Girl Scout earned age-level awards online are the computer- and cookie-related ones found on GSUSA’s Just 4 Girls pages. Other Brownie Girl Scout Try-Its, Junior Girl Scout badges, and Cadette and Senior Girl Scout Interest Project awards are in Girl Scout age-level books. Also online are some patches given for participation in Girl Guide/Girl Scout initiatives, such as "Building World Citizenship" and "Honor the Past, Imagine the Future."

Q: Can I get a list of all the awards a Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette or Senior Girl Scout can earn?
A: Your best resources are the awards books for particular age levels.

Girl Scout Cookie Activities®

Q: Do we have to participate in Girl Scout Cookie® activities as a troop?
A: As with other Girl Scout program activities, each girl must have parental permission to sell cookies. The council has guidelines on how troops/groups raise money for their activities. Check with the council to see what its rules are, as council guidlines must be followed.

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Q: Why can't Daisy Girl Scouts sell cookies?
A: Girl Scouts of the USA's position is that Daisy Girl Scouts (who are ages 5-6 or are in kindergarten-first grade) are too young to sell products or handle money responsibly. However, we've found that once they become Brownie Girl Scouts (the next age level), they are able to do these tasks without any problem.

Q: Where does the money earned from Girl Scout cookie® sales go?
A: The best way to understand where the money goes is by picturing a cookie. A piece of the cookie goes to pay the baker for making the product. Another piece goes to the local Girl Scout council to support Girl Scouts in its area, and a third piece goes directly to the troop/group selling the cookies. 

Parents

Q: How can I get parents to pick their children up on time?
A: Help parents realize that you are volunteering your services as a leader and are not a child care facility. It is really important to make this point clear at your parents meetings. Help parents to network with one another so they can carpool and possibly alternate pickups. Suggest they find another person to pick up their children. Never leave a child at the meeting place by herself. Arrange to switch off the closing responsibility with other parents. Possibly have a drop-off point (with a relative or guardian) for girls who live on your route home. 

Q: What happens if a girl doesn't bring her signed parent permission slip and she comes to the pickup point for a trip anyway?
A: Establish the habit of checking with girls before their parents leave. If girls arrive on their own, saying their parents forgot, or they forgot, someone has to take them home or to a place where a responsible adult will watch them. Parents need to know what will happen if their girl comes without a permission slip. It will take only once for both parent and child to learn that the rules cannot be bent. Readying yourself for this contingency is very important — be sure to have additional adults at all meetings and events so you are not left responsible for taking girls home.

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Training

Q: Do I need special training to take a nature walk with girls?
A: No, but if you decide to cook a meal outdoors or stay overnight, you do need extra training. Outdoor training is enjoyable and enables you to do many fun activities, indoors and out. If you are unable to go for the training, ask one of the parents to help out by taking it.

Q: Does a leader need first-aid training?
A: Girl Scouts recommends that an adult trained in first aid be with your troop/group. The troop needs a first-aid-trained person for camping and certain other activities, as noted in Girl Scouts of the USA's Safety-Wise publication. Every troop should have a first-aid kit as well.

Troop/Group Management

Q: Where can I get help with my troop?
A: Parents, other adults, sponsors, your community, and your local Girl Scout council are great resources. So is LEADER magazine. The biggest mistake leaders make is not asking for help.

Q: I have a girl who constantly disrupts our meetings. What do I do?
A: She may be acting out for a number of reasons. You need to have a non-confrontational meeting with her. Note the behaviors that are causing a disruption and ask her to help you find a way around them. Try to check out what her interests are, and give her troop responsibilities. If the girl has no friends in the troop, you might ask your most mature girl(s) to take the lone one under her wing. Many girls who act out need ways to express their energy, much understanding, and the chance to feel part of the group. Try for some one-on-one time with the girl and be her friend. Help her to understand how she can be part of the group and focus her energy in a positive manner. Visit GSUSA’s Just for Volunteers web pages for additional resources.

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Q: The girls' families cannot afford much money for activities. What do we do, especially in the first part of the troop year?
A: Many activities require little or no money. As the girls decide the kinds of projects they want to do, make a list of what is needed. Find a troop sponsor to help finance public transportation or admission fees for a field trip. Use recycled materials for projects. Involve the families and neighborhood in collecting aluminum cans for recycling to provide funds for the troop treasury. Give girls a scavenger hunt list for basic items around the house, like scissors, string, glue, pieces of fabric, and foil. Look for projects you can adapt. At a parents meeting, have a giving tree, where parents select pictures of items hanging on a tree to donate or have others donate to the troop. See if you qualify for financial aid from the council. Check out the council's guidelines for distributing the funds so you can request aid for what you need most. 

Q: I am having problems with my co-leader. What do I do?
A: For any problem with a co-leader, you need to communicate with each other. Get a clear idea of what the troop will be doing throughout the year, and divide the responsibilities. Arrange for backup if one of you gets sick or is out of town. If you are in a situation that is uncomfortable for you, chances are it is the same for her. You might even ask your service unit manager or council field executive to sit down with both of you. Problems in leadership may reflect in the girls' experience. Do not let adult hassles become an issue for girls or their families. It is a no-win situation and is the antithesis of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

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Q: I am the leader of my daughter's troop. How do I give her room to grow on her own?
A: While many mothers become leaders to be closer to their daughters, it is good that you recognize she has a need to grow on her own as well. What's most important is to treat her as you would any other girl in the troop. Family misunderstandings need to be resolved outside of the troop. When dividing up girls into groups, try to have your daughter work with another adult as much as possible. 

Q: My co-leader smokes, and it bothers the girls during our troop meetings. What do we do?
A: One of the safety guidelines in Girl Scouts of the USA's Safety-Wise publication clearly states that smoking is injurious to girls' health and that adults working with girls should not smoke at Girl Scout activities. Discuss this situation with your service unit manager if you feel uncomfortable talking with your co-leader about it.

Q: One of the moms who helps at troop meetings brings her little boy. He is really disruptive. What do I do?
A: She needs to find child care so that she can concentrate her attention on the girls when she is there. You might ask your service unit manager to recommend a Senior Girl Scout who is willing to assist with child care once a month or ask another parent for child-care help.

Q: Can I count a Senior Girl Scout as an adult when preparing to meet adult/girl ratios necessary at meetings or on trips?
A: No, an older girl should never be left alone to supervise younger girls. It is unfair to her, the girls, and the parents, who expect adult supervision. Although she may seem as mature as many adults, she is still a girl member and not legally an adult.

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Uniforms

Q: Does a leader need to wear a uniform?
A: No, but it sets an example for girls and shows that you are proud to be a Girl Scout. You may decide to be a trainer or a council delegate, or you could be asked to represent your local Girl Scout council in the community — uniforms are very appropriate for any of these activities. For adults, as well as for girls, Girl Scouts has a variety of uniform components for both active and formal occasions. 

Q: What is the history of troop crests?
A: Starting with the first Girl Guides in Savannah in 1912, each patrol or troop was named for a flower, tree, shrub, or bird as a form of identification. The first two patrols were called the White Rose and Carnation patrols, followed by the Red Rose and Poppy patrols. Each troop selected its own crest, and this emblem identified the troop. Every girl in a troop wore the same troop crest.
Girl Scout records indicate that an art teacher stenciled the first crests for Girl Scouts in 1912. Manufactured embroidered troop crests were made available in 1913, and starting in 1918, blank crests could be purchased by troops that wanted to embroider their own designs.  

[These Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs, are adapted from GSUSA’s web site]