The Badge Archive

GSUSA – Experience Boxes

GSUSA Experience Boxes are monthly program kits designed to support new Daisy (K–1) and Brownie (2–3) troop leaders by delivering ready-to-go meeting supplies and simplified instructions directly to their door. These boxes follow the official GSUSA year plan and are intended to make leading a troop easier, especially for first-time volunteers.

Each box includes basic supplies, a meeting plan (based on the Volunteer Toolkit), and scripts to help guide troop activities. Troops typically receive a Welcome Box followed by up to seven monthly themed boxes, depending on when their troop year begins.

How to Get an Experience Box

Experience Boxes are currently available to first-year Daisy and Brownie troops in participating councils. Some councils automatically enroll eligible troops and ship boxes without needing a request. Others require leaders to opt in or contact their council directly. A few councils may not offer the program at all or may have specific requirements to qualify.

The cost of these boxes is covered by the recent increase in GSUSA membership fees, so for councils that participate, the boxes are completely free for eligible new troops.

To find out if your council participates, visit the GSUSA Experience Box page and enter your zip code.

A Brief History

Experience Boxes began as a pilot program tested by a handful of councils over the past few years. The goal was to reduce the planning burden on new leaders and improve troop retention by offering structured, low-prep meeting support. After mixed but generally positive feedback, GSUSA expanded the program in 2025–2026 to include nearly all councils and added Brownie-level boxes alongside the original Daisy kits.

Click here to see images of one leader’s experience box in 2024 for Daisy level.

Pros and Cons of Experience Boxes

Pros

  • Free for eligible new troops in participating councils.
  • Supplies and instructions delivered monthly, reducing prep time.
  • Follows the GSUSA year plan, making it easy to stay on track.
  • Great for brand-new leaders who want a structured starting point.
  • Available in English and Spanish in some councils.

Cons

  • Boxes may arrive late or out of order, occasionally skipping a badge part.
  • Supplies are basic or lower quality (e.g., off-brand crayons or scissors).
  • Instructions are very simple, which can be helpful or frustrating depending on your troop’s needs.
  • No badge choice. Troops follow the pre-set year plan.
  • Plans often still need modification to suit your troop’s size, space, or style.

What’s in the Year Plans?

GSUSA has a brief description of what is inside on their What’s Inside page.

Daisy Year Plan (K–1)

View the full Daisy Year Plan

Brownie Year Plan (2–3)

View the full Brownie Year Plan

Experience Boxes can be a helpful tool for new leaders, but like any resource, they work best when paired with flexibility, creativity, and a good sense of humor. If your troop receives them, consider them a starting point, not a strict script.

Let us know if your troop has used Experience Boxes and what your experience has been. We’d love to hear your tips and feedback!

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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Tia Kennard

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