The Badge Archive

GSUSA Troop Meeting Plan

Remember that every council has slightly different rules and regulations, and everything you read online that is general for all of USA should always be double checked with your local council rules and regulations.

Every troop meeting should follow a consistent Opening and Closing routine to provide structure and help Girl Scouts recognize they are at a meeting, not just a playgroup. The activities between the routines can vary based on troop goals and interests—some focus on earning badges, others prioritize fun, service projects, STEM, or crafts.

Note – GSUSA has outlined the parts of a Troop Meeting.

Troop Meeting Structure

  1. Opening Routine (5–10 min)
    • Start with a troop tradition such as a song, reciting the Girl Scout Promise, or a short reflection.
    • This sets the tone for the meeting and reminds scouts they are part of something bigger.
  2. Activity Block (Varies by Troop Goals)
    • Badge Earning:
      • GSUSA provides meeting plans for badges in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) inside MyGS. (see Registration for how to access MyGS)
      • You can also purchase badge booklets from GSUSA, which offer three activity options for each requirement.
      • Some councils and leaders have shared their own badge meeting plans, which can be found through The Badge Archive or a quick online search.
    • Retired Badge Earning:
    • Girl Scout Traditions & Fun Meetings:
      • Meetings don’t always need to focus on official badges. Any troop activity that builds skills and experiences can be considered a Fun Meeting.
      • If desired, scouts can earn Fun Patches for these activities.
  3. Clean-Up & Closing Routine (5–10 min)
    • Assign cleanup responsibilities to the scouts, reinforcing teamwork.
    • End with a friendship circle or other troop closing tradition.
    • This helps transition from meeting time back to regular activities.

For a more detailed explanation and some alternate meeting structures, see the Single Level Meeting Flow page.

Planning Your Year

To ensure a balanced program, leaders are encouraged to create a general year plan to map out troop activities. Consider mixing badge-earning meetings, tradition-focused activities, and fun learning experiences throughout the year.

Be sure to check out the Tips and Tricks article for details and suggestions.

Daisy-Specific Guidance

For younger scouts, GSUSA has outlined recommended meeting structures:

Daisy Troop (Typical One-Hour Meeting)

  • Opening (5 min) – Welcome & simple tradition
    • Song & Recite Promise (10 min) – Reinforce core values
    • Sharing time (10 min) – Scouts discuss thoughts or experiences
    • Daisy Circle Time (once a month, 10 min) – Troop decision-making
  • Program Activity (20 min) – Badge work, skill-building, or fun project
  • Clean-Up (10 min) – Instill responsibility
  • Closing (5 min) – Friendship Circle & Squeeze

Here are some specific step-by-step guides.

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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