Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose where I want to volunteer?

As a Young Leader you will be given several options to choose from for your volunteer placement.  YLP Coordinators use your availability, location and access to transportation methods to determine the best sites for your volunteer experience. 

Do I have to buy materials for my meeting?

All materials for your meeting are provided when you use the pre-planned activities outlined in the different sets of "Meeting Plans".   Young Leaders are expected to make copies of handouts or resource materials when needed and are expected to prepare provided materials for their meetings.  If you need additional supplies to conduct your meeting, contact your YLP Coordinator. 

How do I find a troop for my daughter?

To find a troop for your daughter, go to http://www.gscnc.org/girls/join/ and complete the online Girl Placement form.

How do I learn about future opportunities for Young Leaders?

If you are a Young Leader and have been trained, you will be contacted by your YLP Coordinator when new opportunities come available in the program and through Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital. 

If you not a Young Leader and want to be, click on Apply/Join to complete an application.  This will connect you with a YLP Coordinator who communicates new opportunities on a regular basis to all participants. 

To stay informed about future opportunities for Young Leaders be sure your YLP Coordinator has your current email address.

How do I start a troop at my school?

To start a troop at your school, call or email Alexa Thomas at 202-237-1670 x 577, athomas@gscnc.org.  She will discuss the opportunities for programs at your school and direct to you to the appropriate staff representative at Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital. 

How do I volunteer to help with my daughter's troop?

To volunteer with your daughter's troop, email your name, the name of your daugher, the name of her school and your phone number to ylp@gscnc.org.  Upon receipt of your email, a Young Leaders Program Coordinator will be in touch with you to discuss the volunteer opportunities.  For more information on becoming a troop leader, go to http://www.gscnc.org/parents/howparentscanhelp.php.

How long are the troop meetings?

Troop meetings are a minimum of 60 minutes and run for up to 2 hours.  The time scheduled for each troop depends on the requirements from the site and the availability of each Young Leader.

How many training sessions must I attend?

New Young Leaders must attend "Introduction to Leadership" before being placed at a YLP site.  Young Leaders who are returning for their second semester or second year must take "Beyond Leadership" this semester for additional age specific tools and program resources.  See the Calendar for training dates and lcoations.

How old are the girls?

Girls range in age from 5 - 17 with the majority of girls being age 7 - 11 and in grades 1 - 5. 

Is it possible to attend a site more that once a week?

Young Leaders deliver Girl Scout program at sites once a week.  Young Leaders can be placed at two sites that meet on different days ultimately operating as a leader of two troops.  If you are a Young Leader and you want to be placed at more than one site, please talk to your YLP Coordinator.

Is there a stipend?

Young Leaders are provided with a $15 stipend to attend required training.  After being placed, Young Leaders are provided with a $20 stipend for each meeting they lead during the first six weeks.  After the initial six week commitment, the stipend available increases to $30.  Stipends provide money for transportion and time spent delivering program to girls. 

The option to waive the stipend is available this semester for those students needing community service hours and or volunteer hours for a class, university organization or other curriculum requirements.

What if I was never a Girl Scout?

You can be a Young Leader even if you were never a Girl Scout.  We welcome college students of all backgrounds.  Joining Young Leaders Program can be your first experience with Girl Scouts and a great way for you to get involved with sisterhood 3 million strong.

What if my university is not participating?

If your university is not on our list, we want to hear from you.  Send your name, phone number and the name of your college or university to ylp@gscnc.org.  Young Leaders Program works with students from colleges and universities across the region by offering opportunities with our program and through the entire Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital.

What is a Young Leader?

Young Leaders are responsible for the delivery of the Girl Scout program over an initial period of 6 weeks in an identified community; additional program delivery may consist of up to 25 weeks.  Young Leaders lead and assist adult leadership through involvement with the parents and other adults during the troop meetings. Communities may include communities that have special needs, i.e. underserved areas as a result of language or economic barriers, lack of awareness regarding the Girl Scout program, or rapid growth areas.

When is my report due?

All Young Leader reports are due on the 5th of month. They can be submitted via email or by fax to 202-274-2161, Attn: YLP.

Where are the sites located?

Young Leaders Program sites are located in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County. 

Where do the girls meet?

Girls meet at schools and community centers through the District of Columbia and Prince George's County.

Will I be by myself or have a partner?

All Young Leaders are placed with at least one other Young Leader.  In many cases, three or more Young Leaders are placed at each site.  Placement depends on the number of girls in each troop in accordance with Girl/Adult ratios established by Safety-Wise.