Indian Valley Service Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
Girl Scouting -- For Every Girl, Everywhere!
The Girl
Scout
Promise
On my honor,
I will try:
To serve God
and my
country,
To help
people at all
times,
And to live by
the Girl Scout
Law.
Frequently Asked Parent Questions

1.) Where do all of these patches and badges go on my daughter's uniform?
While it differs slightly for each level of Girl Scouting, a general rule of thumb is that
official earned insignia (like Try-It's, Badges, and Interest Projects) go on the front of
the vest or sash and fun patches go on the back.  A good resource to check proper
placement of all pins and patches is the
Girl Scout Central part of GSUSA's webpage.  
Click on the appropriate age level uniform to see where everything goes!

2.) My daughter absolutely LOVES Girl Scouting.  Is there anything more she can do
beyond her troop activities?
There are lots of opportunities that exist beyond the troop.  Visit the Program link on
GSSP's webpage to check out the current Program Source.  There you can sign up as
an individual for a myriad of council events and trips. Also check out the
Studio2b
website for the latest Destination info for Girls Age 11-17!

3.) The back of my daughter's sash/vest is full.  What should I do with all these
extra fun patches?
There are many great ways to save extra fun patches!  Consider sewing them on a
blanket that she can with her to camp or putting them in a special photo album so she
can cherish them forever!

4.) Our schedule changed and we can't make it to our Girl Scout meetings
anymore. Help!
If you ever find yourself with a major scheduling conflict and your daughter still wants
to continue with Girl Scouting, just let the a member of the Indian Valley Service Unit
Team know and we will do our best to help you find a new troop that better meets your
schedule! Email us at
ivsugirlscouts@yahoo.com

5.) What in the world does "bridging" mean?
Bridging is a term that we use in Girl Scouting to refer to the transition from one level
of Girl Scouting to another.  During this transition period, a girl has the opportunity to
earn a Bridge To patch by investigating and learning about the new level of Girl
Scouting.  The whole transition period usually culminates with a Bridging Ceremony
where girls cross a ceremonial bridge to the next level of Girl Scouting.

6.) What is a Girl Scout Council?
The hierarchy of Girl Scouting is broken down as follows:
  • Girls belong to Troops
  • Troops belong to Service Units ( Indian Valley)
  • Service Units belong to Regions ( Region 5)
  • Regions make up a Council (Girl Scouts of Southeastern PA)
  • Councils make up National (Girl Scouts of the United States of America)
  • National groups are part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl
    Scouts.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania (GSSP) was formed in 1996 when Girl
Scouts of Delaware County and Girl Scouts of Greater Philadelphia came together to
form a new consolidated council. Today GSSP serves a diverse network of 4,900
adults volunteers who deliver the Girl Scout program to almost 20,000 girls in troops
and camp programs in eastern Montgomery, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

7.)  How much does it cost to be a Girl Scout?
Current membership fees for girls and adults in Girl Scouting is $10 per year.  This
covers your registration with GSUSA and your Girl Scout insurance.  None of this
money goes to the troop or the local council.

Every troop handles finances differently.  Some troops have weekly dues while others
ask for a small fee up front.  Some troops rely solely on cookie profits while others ask
parents to pay for part or all of a the troop expenses.  Please consult with your leader
regarding troop finances.

Please note that no girl should be denied the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting
because of financial concerns.  Financial Aid is available through Girl Scouts of
Southeastern Pennsylvania.

8.) How can I help out my daughter's troop?
IVSU troops are always looking for helping hands!  Please contact us at
ivsugirlscouts@yahoo.com or simply ask your troop leader what you can do to help!

9.) When do we sell Girl Scout cookies?
The Girl Scout cookie sale runs from the middle of January through the end of
February.  All levels of Girl Scouts, except for Daisies, participate in the sale.  The
cookie sale serves as an easy and successful way for troops and the council to earn
funds.  Start thinking now of potential customers!