Volunteer Essentials

Carrying Over Troop Funds to the Next Year In most cases, troop funds should be spent within the year in which they are earned and by the girls who earned them. However, when the troop has plans to use the funds the next year for a trip for example, it can carry funds over into the next year. Keep the following in mind when carrying over the money from year to year: • The majority of the troop members should be continuing in the troop • There should be a clearly defined, specific need for carrying over the money • Parents/guardians should have received a copy of the Troop Year-End Report and be informed of the plans for the funds • Troop members should be included in the decision-making process • Troop Year-End Report must be submitted to Council Financial Assistance We strive to make certain no girl is denied the Girl Scout experience. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri encourages girls and volunteers to contribute when able and to be active participants in their Girl Scout experience. Financial need-based activity scholarships are available to girls who do not have the funds to participate in a Girl Scout program. To be eligible to receive an activity scholarship, the program fee must exceed $15. Scholarships are awarded on an individual basis, and are not designed to underwrite dues or event costs for an entire troop. All details concerning financial assistance requests are kept confidential. The Activity Scholarship Application, which includes detailed guidelines, is available on the Council website. The parent or guardian must submit the completed scholarship application and program application a minimum of three weeks prior to the program’s registration deadline. Activity Scholarships may be used for girl activity fees for the following: • Council-sponsored programs/events • Resident Camp and Day Camp • District and neighborhood events/trips • destinations • Program supplies for troops serving a girl with special needs, making it possible for that girl to participate in Girl Scouting with a troop While many adult training opportunities are offered to members free of charge, there are some that do charge a fee. Financial assistance is available for courses supported and maintained by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Adult Education Department. For example, Red Cross Adult & Child CPR/AED and First Aid, Red Cross Wilderness Remote First Aid, Cooking for Crowds at Camp, Troop Camp Certification, Red Cross Basic Water Rescue and Small Craft Safety, and USA Level 1 Archery are all eligible for financial assistance. The Volunteer Assistance Scholarship Application can be found on the council website. Girls and adults who are unable to pay the $25 GSUSA annual membership dues can request financial assistance online at registration or by submitting a Financial Assistance Request for Membership Dues form with a completed membership form. For more information, contact the Answer Center at 314.400.4600.

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