The Badge Archive

GSUSA – Year Start Meeting

As the school year begins, Girl Scout troops come together for their first meeting of the season, often called the Beginning-of-the-Year Kickoff or Year Start Parent Meeting. This event serves as a vital opportunity to complete administrative tasks, plan the year ahead, and rekindle the spirit of scouting within the troop.

Option 1: A Meeting with Families

Some troops choose to invite parents and guardians to this kickoff, making it an efficient way to complete necessary paperwork and involve families in key decisions. This format typically includes:

  • Council Paperwork & Registration: Ensuring every scout has updated health forms, council membership, and permissions.
  • Scout Voting on Badges & Activities: Troop members have a say in what badges or journeys they will focus on for the year.
  • Family Votes (if needed): Some troops hold votes on topics like troop dues, behavior expectations, or major decisions requiring parental input.
  • Parent Engagement: Giving families an overview of upcoming plans and discussing how they can support the troop.

Option 2: A Troop-Only Kickoff

For troops that prefer a scout-led celebration, this meeting is focused on engagement, tradition, and fun. Common elements include:

  • Investiture & Rededication Ceremonies: Welcoming new scouts into the troop (investiture) and reaffirming the commitment of returning scouts (rededication).
  • Bridging Ceremony (if applicable): Celebrating scouts who are advancing to a new level.
  • Badge & Activity Voting: Scouts decide on their goals and priorities for the upcoming year.
  • Themed Party & Fun Patch: A festive way to recognize their participation, reconnect with friends, and set the year’s tone.
  • Scout Law Reflection: Encouraging scouts to recommit to living by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

No matter the format, the Beginning-of-the-Year Kickoff is a special event that lays the foundation for an exciting year of growth, friendship, and adventure. Whether it’s structured for administrative efficiency or centered on scout bonding, this first meeting sets the stage for success!

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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