Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a girl join Girl Scouts?
- All girls in grades K-12 are welcome to join Girl Scouts.
How does a girl become a Girl Scout?
- To become a Girl Scout a girl must complete the membership registration form and submit it with the membership fee to a Girl Scout Service Center. Financial assitance is available.
How do I find a troop in my area?
- Contact us at 866.566.7434 and we'd be happy to help you locate a troop near you.
Are Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts the same organization?
- No, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are separate organizations, only related by our commitment to serving school-aged youth.
My daughter does not have time to be in a troop, can she still be a Girl Scout?
- Yes, once a girl registers for Girl Scouts she is able to earn awards, go to camp, attend Girl Scout sponsored events and activities, and even sell Girl Scout cookies. The requirements to join Girl Scouts are: accept the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law, and pay the annual membership registration fee. Troop membership is optional.
Can only women volunteer/be on staff?
- No, Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization committed to diversity. Anyone over 18 years of age can serve as a volunteer or staff.
Is financial assistance available?
- Yes, we are committed to providing financial assistance to all girls in need.
What are the hours of the Girl Scout Shop?
- Monday 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (except closed on Fridays 11/20-1/29/10, and the second Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where is Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore located? What are the hours of operation?
- Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore has three main service centers and several other satellite offices:
- Grand Rapids Service Center: 3275 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
- Muskegon Service Center: 1217 East River Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445
- Traverse City Service Center: 1820 Oak Hollow Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686
- Big Rapids Office: 605 South Third Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307
- Ionia Office: 2191 Harwood Rd., Ionia, MI 48846
- Gaylord Office: 116 E. 5th St., Gaylord, MI 49735
- Cadillac Office: 118 S. Mitchell St., Unit B, Cadillac, MI 49601
- Office Hours: Monday 10:30a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Tuesday -Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (except closed Fridays 11/20/09-1/29/10)
Where are the camps located?
- Camp Anna Behrens: Greenville, MI
- Camp Charlevoix: Charlevoix, MI
- Camp Little Deer: Manistee, MI
- Camp Sakakawea: Traverse City, MI
- Camp Woodlands: Alpena, MI
What does it cost to enroll my girl in Girl Scouts?
- Membership to Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is $12 per person. Membership assistance is available for those in need.
Are there any more camp openings?
- To find out about camp programs and events, contact the Program/Property Registrar at 866.566.7434
Where can I purchase uniforms, books and supplies?
- There are three shops available:
- Grand Rapids Shop: 3275 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
- Muskegon Shop: 1217 E. River Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445
- Traverse City Shop: 1820 Oak Hollow Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686
How, When, and Where can I buy cookies?
- Order taking takes place from January 23, 2010 through February 14, 2010. Cookies will be available the week of March 15, 2010. Troops and groups will be hosting cookie booths from March 13 through April 30, 2010. For more information on the cookie sale, please contact our Product Sales Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Is a uniform required?
- No, because of Girl Scouts inclusive environment, we realize that a uniform is not something the we can require Girl Scouts to wear. However, it is appropriate and encouraged to wear a casual or formal Girl Scout uniform when you are representing Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore in public or at official Girl Scout events.
What happened to my old Council? / Why did Councils realign?
- Your old council is now part of a successful legacy that includes Girl Scouts of Crooked Tree, Girl Scouts of Michigan Pine and Dunes, Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails, and eight counties from Girl Scouts of Mitten Bay. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. The 30 counties that made up the legacy councils realigned on August 1, 2008 to form a new entity called Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. The realignment process began when our Core Business Strategy began in 2004. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. recognized the need to transform to meet the changing needs of girls in our society. It's touched everything - from the uniforms Girl Scouts wear and the programs they take part in to the structure of the Girl Scout organization itself. Realignment was a large part of the process to ensure that Girl Scout councils increased their capacity to better serve the ever-changing needs of young women.
Do I have to have a daughter in Girl Scouts to be a leader?
- No way! Any adult who completes and passes a volunteer application and background check, commits to the Girl Scout program, and attends new leader introduction and training can be appointed as a Girl Scout Leader.
How do I become a volunteer?
- To become a Girl Scout volunteer, complete a volunteer application. You also need to ask references to complete a volunteer reference form. Once you have completed your application, please mail it to the address below. The Volunteer Services Department will be happy to place you with a volunteer position that meets your needs and interests.
  - Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, Volunteer Services Department 3275 Walker Ave. NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
  - Or fax to: (616) 784-8187
How old do I have to be to become a Girl Scout volunteer?
- 18 years old
Does a Girl Scout volunteer need to work directly with girls?
- You do not need to work directly with girls to volunteer for Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. Volunteers are needed to assist with marketing, communications, fund development, product sales, shop support, service unit leadership, and many more opportunities!