Having a Parent Meeting is the best way to start your Girl Scout year. Keeping the parents informed and on the same page as you goes so far in keeping your troop running smoothly. I have heard too many times from Leaders that didn't have a Parent Meeting that getting the parents involved is a struggle.
Here is the format I follow:
Introduction
I introduce myself, my co-leader and any other GS volunteer that might be there.
Why Girl Scouts?
I talk about the benefits their girl will receive by spending a year in Girl Scouts. I talk about the organization, the mission and my specific Council that they are a part of.
Pathways
I take a moment to let them know there are other options beyond the troop meetings. If my time and day doesn't work for them, I don't want them to walk away. I give them a handout that explains the different pathways, as well as one that list when other troops meet in case a different day would work better for them.
Here is the format I follow:
Introduction
I introduce myself, my co-leader and any other GS volunteer that might be there.
Why Girl Scouts?
I talk about the benefits their girl will receive by spending a year in Girl Scouts. I talk about the organization, the mission and my specific Council that they are a part of.
Pathways
I take a moment to let them know there are other options beyond the troop meetings. If my time and day doesn't work for them, I don't want them to walk away. I give them a handout that explains the different pathways, as well as one that list when other troops meet in case a different day would work better for them.
Troop Details
Now I talk about my troop specifically. I cannot lay out exactly what we will be doing, because, having older girls, it's really up to them. So I give a general overview of some options we might do, trips we might take and that we will do a Take Action project, we just don't know what yet.
This is also where I discuss registration, meeting dates, uniforms, product sales, troop dues, Cookie Dough, camp and Community Events.
Parents Responsibilities
I take a brief moment to discuss their role in ensuring their daughter gets the most out of her Girl Scout year. From making sure she attends meetings, letting me know if she won't attend, getting paperwork in on time to discussing appropriate troop meeting behavior if necessary. I remind them that I am a volunteer, that I do not have a degree in Education, so if a problem arises I will go to them for help. We are a team, the parents and the leaders, and we have to work together for the girls to succeed.
Closing
I thank them for coming and tell them I look forward to having their daughter in my troop.
Handouts
I provide:
Here are some great resources to help you with your Parent Meeting:
Parent Meeting Agenda from GS of Western Washington
Planning the First Girl Scout Parent Meeting from GS Carolinas Peak to Piedmont
Parent Meeting Outline from GS of North East Ohio
Parent Meeting Agenda from GS of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Now I talk about my troop specifically. I cannot lay out exactly what we will be doing, because, having older girls, it's really up to them. So I give a general overview of some options we might do, trips we might take and that we will do a Take Action project, we just don't know what yet.
This is also where I discuss registration, meeting dates, uniforms, product sales, troop dues, Cookie Dough, camp and Community Events.
Parents Responsibilities
I take a brief moment to discuss their role in ensuring their daughter gets the most out of her Girl Scout year. From making sure she attends meetings, letting me know if she won't attend, getting paperwork in on time to discussing appropriate troop meeting behavior if necessary. I remind them that I am a volunteer, that I do not have a degree in Education, so if a problem arises I will go to them for help. We are a team, the parents and the leaders, and we have to work together for the girls to succeed.
Closing
I thank them for coming and tell them I look forward to having their daughter in my troop.
Handouts
I provide:
- Information on the registration process
- A list of meeting dates and times
- Contact information for myself and my co-leader, as well as members of my Community Team (If a parent has an issue they cannot discuss with me, I want them to know their are others that can help them)
- Uniform placement guide
- Fall Product sales information (since we start this right out of the gate)
- Annual Permission Slip
- Health History Form
- Pathway information
- Listing of other Troops' meeting times and places
- My Councils "Parent's Guide to Girl Scouting"
Here are some great resources to help you with your Parent Meeting:
Parent Meeting Agenda from GS of Western Washington
Planning the First Girl Scout Parent Meeting from GS Carolinas Peak to Piedmont
Parent Meeting Outline from GS of North East Ohio
Parent Meeting Agenda from GS of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois