Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join Girl Scouts?

Any girl in Kindergarten through 12th grade can be a Girl Scout. (Girl Scouts welcomes nonbinary youth and transgender boys in addition to anyone who identifies as a girl.) Girl Scouts is a great opportunity for girls to extend their friendship circle beyond their classroom; so there are more familiar faces in the cafeteria, hallways, and outside at recess! It is also a fun way to learn new things, serve their community, and develop leadership skills. 

Adults of all ages and genders are also welcome to join at any time. There are lots of great ways to volunteer with Girl Scouts, with no experience required. There are many training opportunities and you will have a chance to meet active people in your community who share your interest in helping girls develop into leaders.

I know a girl who is interested in being a Girl Scout. Is there a troop she can join in Acton or Boxborough?

YES! We have opportunities for girls in grades K-12.  Click here to get started.

How are troops formed?

Girl Scout troops are usually made up of girls from the same grade. Some troops have girls from a single school, while others have members from multiple schools.

Who leads the troops?

Adult volunteers make up each troop's leadership team. Some troops are run by a small team of co-leaders, while others use a cooperative format, with all parents taking a turn facilitating meetings. Each troop decides what works best for them and this may change from year to year.

When and where do troops meet?

This is decided by the individual troops according to the schedules of the girls and volunteers.  The earlier you get in on the troop formation process, the more input you give toward such decisions.  Most troops meet at least twice a month for 1-1½ hours.

Is each troop completely independent?

Each troop is free to decide its own schedule and activities, but you will never be alone if you need help!  The Acton-Boxborough Service Unit has monthly meetings to bring all adult volunteers together to share information and establish connections throughout our Girl Scout community.  More experienced leaders also serve as mentors to help new leaders get started.

I'm interested in volunteering. What opportunities are available for volunteers?

We are so glad you are interested and there are many roles for adult volunteers!  You can start a troop and be a co-leader of that troop (all troops require at least two leaders), or you can join an existing troop as a co-leader or assistant troop leader.

You can also volunteer to teach some specific skills or crafts to girls at a meeting or special event (such as first aid, hiking, pet care, or jewelry making for example.)  Volunteering like this can be a one-time thing or it could be for longer.  We also need volunteers to help lead the Acton-Boxborough Service Unit (including helping coordinate the cookie sale, helping with publicity, etc.).  Contact us to learn more about volunteering.

Where can I learn more about Girl Scout camp?

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts offers camps during the summer, as well as during February and April school breaks.  Summer camp has both day-camp and resident (overnight) options.  Click here for more info and to register. 

Because we live near the border between two Girl Scout councils, many AB Girl Scouts also go to camp in our neighboring council, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts.