Know How Much You are Appreciated
What begins with Girl Scouts speaking up at a troop meeting can go all the way to speaking in front of their city council for a cause they champion—and they will have your support to thank for that. Your volunteer role makes a powerful difference. Girl Scouts wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you. Your first step as a troop leader may lead to other volunteer opportunities once this year is over.
When you’re ready for more opportunities, be sure to let your council support team know how you’d like to be a part of Girl Scouts’ lives in the future—whether in the same position or in other, flexible ways. Are you ready to organize a series or event? Take a trip? Work with Girl Scouts at camp? Work with a troop as a yearlong volunteer? Share your skills at a council office, working behind the scenes? The possibilities are endless and can be tailored to fit your skills and interests.
Volunteer Appreciation
Without our passionate and dedicated volunteers, there would be no Girl Scouting. That’s why we celebrate National Volunteer Month every April and turn up the party as we ring in National Girl Scout Leader’s Day on April 22.
Girl Scouts also celebrates National Volunteer Week, which falls during the third week of April. What can we say, we love our volunteers!
Additional Resources and Support
We know that volunteering isn't always easy, especially when you're new, so we can't thank you enough for giving your time and energy to be the mentor and role model your troop needs! Guiding your Girl Scouts—even if you're still figuring things out—is nothing short of amazing!
The important thing to remember is, you're not alone. We are in this with you, ready to help and support you at all times! Thanks again! It's going to be a great Girl Scout year!
As of February 2026, South Carolina is experiencing a large, ongoing outbreak of measles with hundreds of cases, primarily in Upstate regions.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through coughing, sneezing, or being in the same airspace as an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves.
What are the symptoms?
- High fever
- Cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes
- Rash that begins on the face and spreads downward (typically appears 2–4 days after symptoms start)
What should leaders and volunteers do during this time?
We are linking Measles & Vaccine FAQs & Best Practices for Troop Meetings and Events, created using CDC and South Carolina Department of Public Health guidance. Please take a few minutes to review the document and use it as a resource while planning meetings, overnights, and any upcoming troop activities.
This guide includes:
- A quick overview of measles symptoms and transmission
- Current outbreak context in South Carolina
- Best practices for troop meetings, overnights, and multitroop events
- Guidance for supporting immune-compromised Girl Scouts
- What to do if a girl or volunteer becomes sick during a meeting
- Reminders about health history forms and family communication
Please keep this document handy and refer to it as needed. You are welcome to share key points with families and use the content to inform any troop‑level communication.
If you have questions or need additional support in planning safe troop activities, we’re here to help. Contact us at 1-800-849-GIRL or customercare@gssc-mm.org. Thank you for your continued leadership and for creating supportive spaces for every Girl Scout!
© Copyright 2009–2024 Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.
