Girl Scout Daisy Circle
The Daisy Circle gives Daisies a chance to make decisions about their troop. Lead by the Troop Leader and generally only lasting five to 10 minutes, the girls are given two to three simple choices to choose from.
The Daisy Circle gives Daisies a chance to make decisions about their troop. Lead by the Troop Leader and generally only lasting five to 10 minutes, the girls are given two to three simple choices to choose from.
Girl Scout Brownie Ring
The Girl Scout Brownie Ring, though similar to the Daisy Circle,
grows with the now "older" girls. Girls may "brainstorm" ideas instead of being given options, and girls may lead the discussion themselves instead of the Troop Leader.
The Girl Scout Brownie Ring, though similar to the Daisy Circle,
grows with the now "older" girls. Girls may "brainstorm" ideas instead of being given options, and girls may lead the discussion themselves instead of the Troop Leader.
When someone wishes to speak, a special "Talking Signal" is used in the Girl Scout Brownie Ring. This is indicated by the girl placing the two fingers of her right hand on the floor (or table, if you are seated at a table instead of the floor).
Town Meeting
In a Town Meeting, the entire troop makes its decisions together. A Moderator is generally needed to lead group discussions. Officers such as Secretary and Treasurer may be elected if the troop feels that there is a need. This generally only works well in small groups but can work in large groups if the girls can stay on task.
In a Town Meeting, the entire troop makes its decisions together. A Moderator is generally needed to lead group discussions. Officers such as Secretary and Treasurer may be elected if the troop feels that there is a need. This generally only works well in small groups but can work in large groups if the girls can stay on task.
Executive Board
The Executive Board consists of the "officers" of the troop. They generally include a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer and job descriptions as well as duration of "office" should be agreed upon as a troop. It is important, especially at the beginning of self-government, that everyone has the opportunity to participate at some time throughout the year. The Members of the Board meet on a regular basis to decide matters for the troop based on input from the rest of the troop via a simple suggestion box at a troop meeting or other method. This system tends to work well with smaller troops.
The Patrol System
The Patrol System may be the most versatile of all the systems of government. The troop is divided into smaller units called patrols of about 5-8 girls. Each Patrol elects a Patrol Leader responsible for running their patrol meetings. An Assistant Patrol Leader is also a good idea in the event that the Patrol Leader cannot make a meeting. All troop business can be handled in these patrols. Attendance and dues can be recorded by the patrols. For any given outing, chores may be divided up with each patrol responsible for its own task.
In order for the troop to run smoothly and as a group, Patrol Leaders should come together periodically (at least once a month) to discuss troop issues and make group decisions. This is called the "Court of Honor". Each patrol gives their input to the Patrol Leader who presents their viewpoint at the Court of Honor. Also included in the Court of Honor are any other troop officers such as Secretary and Treasurer. The Patrol System can be very successful, but only if the girls are given skills with which to succeed.
The Court of Honor uses their monthly meetings to plan troop activities with a long meeting once or twice a year used for long-term planning of troop events and planning the troop yearly calendar. If you have a troop Moderator or President, this person generally presides over the Court of Honor meetings.
The Patrol System may be the most versatile of all the systems of government. The troop is divided into smaller units called patrols of about 5-8 girls. Each Patrol elects a Patrol Leader responsible for running their patrol meetings. An Assistant Patrol Leader is also a good idea in the event that the Patrol Leader cannot make a meeting. All troop business can be handled in these patrols. Attendance and dues can be recorded by the patrols. For any given outing, chores may be divided up with each patrol responsible for its own task.
In order for the troop to run smoothly and as a group, Patrol Leaders should come together periodically (at least once a month) to discuss troop issues and make group decisions. This is called the "Court of Honor". Each patrol gives their input to the Patrol Leader who presents their viewpoint at the Court of Honor. Also included in the Court of Honor are any other troop officers such as Secretary and Treasurer. The Patrol System can be very successful, but only if the girls are given skills with which to succeed.
The Court of Honor uses their monthly meetings to plan troop activities with a long meeting once or twice a year used for long-term planning of troop events and planning the troop yearly calendar. If you have a troop Moderator or President, this person generally presides over the Court of Honor meetings.