GSEM Volunteer Essentials

Food Allergies Common food allergies include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and seafood. This means that before serving any food (such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies or chips), ask whether anyone is allergic to peanuts, dairy products or wheat. Do this even if you are aware of which girls have specific allergies! Even Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies should be aware of their allergies but double-checking with them and their parents/guardians is always a good idea.

To minimize the risks involved with food allergies, volunteers can take the following steps:

• Become familiar with food allergies, especially those that account for the majority of allergic reactions in children • Before serving any food, ask whether anyone has food allergies. Even very young girls should be aware of their allergies, but double-checking with their parents/guardians is a good idea • Review the health records submitted by parents/guardians. Ask for more specific allergy information if needed, including the degree to which reactions occur and the specific symptoms the girl experiences • Develop and practice an emergency action plan for allergic reactions • Ensure cookware, bakeware, plates and other items that may come into contact with a product a girl is allergic to are cleaned properly • Have choices for all girls. If everyone has choices, no girl is singled out • Ensure that if a girl has an inhaler or EpiPen, these remain with her for quick access • Be aware of cross contamination. Do not use the same utensils for different products (e.g., do not use the same knife for peanut butter and jelly) • Inform all necessary parties of health needs. This includes assistant leaders and volunteers who develop and carry out activities and purchase supplies Registering Girls and Adults in Girl Scouting Every participant (girl or adult) in Girl Scouting must register and become a member of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). GSUSA membership dues are valid for one year. Membership dues cannot be transferred to another member and are not refundable. Preregistration for the upcoming membership year occurs in the spring. Girls are encouraged to register early to avoid the fall rush. Early registration allows for uninterrupted receipt of forms and materials from the council, helps girls and councils plan, and gets girls excited about all the great things they want to do as Girl Scouts next year. A Girl Scout’s grade level is determined by the current membership year beginning October 1. Lifetime membership is available to anyone who accepts the principles and beliefs of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, pays the one-time lifetime membership fee, and is at least 18 years old (or a high school graduate or equivalent). Volunteers with ten or more years of service can become lifetime members at the discounted young alum rate. Adding New Girls to Your Troop Growing your troop is a great way to share the power of the Girl Scout experience and there are many ways to get the word out, like hanging posters at your girls’ schools,