The Badge Archive

Disclaimer: Rules and regulations for multi-level troops vary significantly across councils. Leaders should consult their local council to ensure compliance with guidelines related to troop structure, safety ratios, finances, product sales, and any other requirements specific to their area. The information provided in this article serves as a general guide and may need to be adapted to align with your council’s policies.

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Troop Numbers and Continuity

Service Units or councils that separate grade levels into distinct troops may assign each group a unique number. For instance:

• Troop 102 could be a Daisy troop, and Troop 101 a Brownie troop, even if both are in the same Service Unit. Girls retain their troop number as they move up levels within their respective troops.

Multi-level troops typically operate under one troop number, providing consistency and simplifying troop management. Girls retain their troop number from the time they join until they leave the troop, regardless of their level.

• For example, a troop may include Daisies to Cadettes under the same troop number.

This promotes a sense of belonging and continuity within the troop. Leaders highlighted that all girls in the troop roster use the same number, and the number does not change as they advance to higher levels.

Note that some councils discourage multi-level troops, requiring leaders to advocate for the structure. However, once approved, there can be benefits to this unified approach.

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Finances and Budgeting

Managing finances for a multi-level troop can seem daunting. Many leaders recommend maintaining a single bank account for all levels. This simplifies financial tracking and allows funds to be shared across the troop for group activities. However, you can read about multiple options for Finances in multi-level troops.

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Activities and Badgework

A major benefit of multi-level troops is the opportunity to plan activities that engage all girls while allowing for age-specific learning. Read about ways leaders have done activities in multi-level groups.

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Challenges and Solutions

We’ve asked other experienced multi-level Leaders! They’ve identified common challenges in running multi-level troops, along with practical solutions:

1. Balancing Activities for All Levels:
   Ensure meetings include activities suitable for all ages. When this isn’t possible, break into smaller groups with dedicated volunteers for each level to keep everyone engaged.
2. Financial Transparency:
   Clear communication about troop finances helps maintain trust. Whether funds are pooled or divided by level, discuss budgeting plans with co-leaders and parents to ensure alignment.
3. Coordinating Volunteers:
   Larger, multi-level troops thrive when volunteers are actively involved. Leaders suggest having at least one dedicated assistant per level to ensure adequate support.

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Additional Insights from Leaders

• Keeping It Simple:
  Some leaders point out that multi-level troops operate similarly to single-level troops, with the added flexibility to engage all ages. They note that activities can remain largely the same, with adjustments to make them age-appropriate.
• Badgework and Fun Patches:
  Leaders also encourage incorporating fun patches into multi-level troop activities. These patches allow flexibility in planning meaningful events for all ages, including activities that don’t align with official badge requirements or situations where one level earns an official badge but others do not have an equivalent option. Fun patches offer a way to celebrate participation in unique activities, ensuring that scouts of all levels feel included and engaged. Whether it’s a troop-wide hike, a crafting session, or a service project, fun patches add value and inclusivity to multi-level programming.
• Council and Service Unit Variations:
  The structure of multi-level troops can differ depending on your council or Service Unit. Leaders recommend consulting council guidelines to ensure compliance and gain approval for multi-level troops if required.
• Practical Planning:
  Leaders emphasize the importance of choosing badge activities that align across levels, where possible, and preparing for moments when interests diverge.
• The Role of Older Scouts:
  Older girls can provide invaluable leadership and mentoring, particularly during troop-wide events or community service projects. Read about ways to encourage older scouts to lead.

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Why Multi-Level Troops Work

Multi-level troops foster a strong sense of community and provide unique opportunities for mentoring and collaboration. While they may require extra effort in planning and coordination, the rewards are significant—for scouts, leaders, and families alike.

By incorporating these tips and insights, leaders can create a supportive, engaging environment where girls of all ages grow, learn, and thrive together. With thoughtful organization and teamwork, multi-level troops can provide an enriching experience for everyone involved.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

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

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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• Return to the Daisy Badge List.
• Return to the Brownie Badge List.
• Return to the Junior Badge List.
• Return to the Cadette Badge List.
• Return to the Senior Badge List.
• Return to the Ambassador Badge List.

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See Multi-Level Themes for more resources

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