By Christy Philemon, Recruitment Director

The start of a new year is often a time when many set new goals and resolutions for the year ahead. As we kick of the new program year here at Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines, we thought we’d share the top 10 tips for troop leaders to help you get a fresh start for the year ahead. Drumroll please…

10. Rain or Shine, always have a back-up plan. Regardless of whether it’s an activity for a troop meeting or a volunteer on standby to be a chaperone, having a back-up plan is important to keep the fun going!

9. Get your troop parents involved. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Seriously. Encourage others to get involved and ask to parents to help with activities, lead a special meeting, and join their girls on events or trips.

8. Track your money wisely. The Annual Financial Report is a simple spreadsheet that works wonders. It will help you track your troop’s finances throughout the year. And the best part – at the end of the year, your report is already completed. J

7. Be prepared. A Girl Scout is always prepared – and organized! And did you know Trapper Keepers are back in? No matter your folder, be sure to keep all appropriate forms on hand at all times necessary in whatever fashion fits best for you.

6. Attend Service Unit Meetings. Get social with other volunteers and troop leaders while you learn what’s happening in your local area. These meetings are usually held monthly and are intended to provide support for all leaders in your area, so take advantage.

5. Schedule early. Scheduling your meetings in advance will help both you and your families plan their calendars accordingly. And be sure to involve your girls in planning!

4. Have fun! Regardless of whether you and your troop waiting for a meeting to start, working on a badge, or completing a service project, always keep the energy alive and exciting. Girl Scout songs are a fun way to pass a car ride and engage girls in a time-honored Girl Scouting tradition.

3. Never hesitate to ask for help! Girl Scouts promise to help people at all times – and this includes our adult Girl Scouts as well. Your membership director and service unit manager are always available for help, and other volunteers as well.

2. Set a goal to achieve with the girls. The goal can be something like selling a certain amount of cookies to earn enough money for a trip or everyone completing activities during a meeting in order to earn a badge.

And our #1 Top Top is:

1. Be Flexible. Realize that no matter how well organized or well planned, unexpected things will happen that take you off course. And that’s ok. No matter the path, know you are helping to guide and support girls as they develop new skills and grow into strong, confident leaders.

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place may not always be a simple task, however, sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. We hope you these little tips help you and your girls follow the fun and have a great Girl Scout year!

Want to get in on all the fun? Become a Girl Scout volunteer and use event code 367F22 when registering to be entered to win an iPad!