New Girl Scout Leader “Crash” List
Ames-Gilbert Service Unit 2008-2009, http://girlscouts.amesev.com/ 
Service Unit Manager	Jeannette Olson	232-8583  	okfamjro@yahoo.com 	
Registration 	Joanne Kerton	292-0463
5121 Schubert Str., Ames IA 50014	cjkerton@msn.com	
Webmaster	Karla Embleton	296-2084	embleton@iastate.edu	
Orientation	Jana Stenback	232-3637  	janazahn@iastate.edu 	
Public Relations 	Teresa Albertson	232-4555	daveteresa062098@aol.com  	
Treasurer / Insurance	Karleen Gillen	294-6785 	kgillen@iastate.edu 	
Cookie Coordinator	 			
Field Director	Rose Rysavy	1-888-342-5495	mgsc1@aol.com	

The Service Unit is composed of all local troop leaders. The Service Unit has elected officers who organize local Girl Scout events, including registration. The Service Unit Leader’s meeting happens the 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm, Northminster Presbyterian Church on 20th street in Ames (across from Fellows school).

Tentative activities for 08-09 (dependent on volunteer planners):
September			Annual Fall Campout
October			Boone Scenic Railroad “Pumpkin Ride”
November			Sing-along		
December       			Rollerskating
January 			Swimming; Collect cookie orders		
February 			Winter Adventure		
March 				Pinewood Derby; Cookies distributed, cookie booth sales
April 				Mall Overnighter; Food Drive
May				Bridging	

Web Sites:	Ames/Gilbert Girl Scouts:  		http://girlscouts.amesev.com/ 
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:		http://www.girlscoutsiowa.org, (800) 342-8389
GSUSA:  				http://www.girlscouts.org/

Checklist for new leaders:
•	Two Unrelated Registered Adults per troop, minimum (Think Cookie Person…)
•	Identify your Team (Coop Troop Operation)
•	Plan When/Where to Meet
•	Set-up Troop Bank Account (2 signatures/troop plus “Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa”)
•	Orientation Leader Training
•	Age Level Leader Training
•	Basic Out & About Leader Training
•	First Aid & CPR Training (require trained person at every meeting/activity)
•	Service Unit Meetings, 3rd Mondays at Northminster Presbyterian, 7pm

See the Fall/Winter Program Guide or Council website for training opportunities, times and registration procedures. There are also Council sponsored activities for girls and troops. Carefully check the information about each event to see if it restricted to registered Girl Scouts or allows family members, whether registration is independent (by girl) or by troop, and if pre-payment is required. Most events require the submission of a signed parent permission form, which is provided by the event organizer. 

Registration & Leader Notes:
•	National fee for each girl and adult is $10 per year.
•	Troops normally assess a $20-$25 troop fee to cover the cost of supplies, badges, etc. This is collected at the beginning of the year. Girls will be asked to bring in snacks and may be asked to provide some supplies for specific activities.
•	New Adult volunteers must complete a volunteer form (which includes a background check permission form), and submit 2 references forms along with their adult registration form (blue form).
•	Girls’ registration forms (green) and fees are turned in to the troop leader. The troop leader collects these, keep the bottom pink copy, and submits the top green paper to the Registrar along with a Membership Dues Summary form (brown form).
•	The Girl Scout Registration year runs October 1 to September 30. The deadline for Earlybird registration for the following year is approx. June 1. Please get forms in as quickly as possible. Note however that forms are accepted year round. 
•	Do not keep checks for longer than 2 weeks!
•	Only registered Girl Scouts can sell Girl Scout cookies.
•	Uniforms are optional, however most girls will want a vest or sash for their badges and insignia. These may be used for up to 3 years, so buy them large! Juniors should have a badgebook. A handbook is optional. 
•	Leaders need a leader’s manual, badgebook and handbook. The Council provides each troop with a “SafetyWise” manual during Orientation training. Other resources are available for purchase from the Council Shop.
•	Some assistance is available for girls and adults with financial need. 
•	Leader training is offered at various times in the state – see booklet or Council website. All leaders should have at least the following 4 training: Orientation, Basic Out and About, Age Level, and CPR/First Aid. Refer to the Orientation information and the “SafetyWise” book for girl to adult ratios, event planning, and general policies. Additional training is offered for travel, camp, and overnight activity preparation.

•	Troop meeting schedules are set by the leaders – typically 2x/ month for an hour or two each time. Typical activities include badge work, community service projects, crafts, outdoor activities, field trips, skill development (cooking, computers, woodwork, etc.).  Service Unit members can help you get started!