FAQs For Grown-ups

The Spirit of Nebraska council includes the whole state of Nebraska (and Carter Lake, IA), with the exception of Dakota County in northeast Nebraska. The Council is divided into eight service centers and 21 membership areas to best serve Girl Scouts in every part of the state.

The five existing councils merged as a part of a national realignment plan which is integral to the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Core Business Strategy.   The goal is to provide a more consistent and enriching Girl Scout leadership experience by providing more resources and programming opportunities for every girl.

Contact the service center nearest you and ask to speak with a membership specialist.  If you tell us the school or area for which you are trying to organize a troop, we can get you started by introducing you to the school organizer or service unit manager.

How do I buy cookies?

If you don’t know a Girl Scout, and no one visited your house or place of business, and you wish to purchase Girl Scout Cookies, check out our Girl Scout Cookie page or call the Cookie Hotline at 1.877.NEMINT4U.

Girl Scout Cookie Booths will open in mid-March.  These troop-run booths are set up in various grocery and retail stores throughout the state.  For locations and times, visit the Girl Scout Cookie page or call the Cookie Hotline.

Financially, you can put as much or as little into your troop as you would like.  Many troop leaders in Spirit of Nebraska base their spending the financial needs of the girls in the troop.  Girls can earn money for their troop by participating in product programs and there is financial assistance available for girls and troops who qualify.

As far as your time is concerned, as a troop leader you can decide how often your troop meets and how many programs to participate in. It helps to have co-leaders and helpful parents on board to lighten everyone’s load.  The great thing about being a leader is that it is such a rewarding experience, that you will enjoy any time you spend with the girls.

We provide many programs, activities and even adventure trips for you and your girls to enjoy.  Check out our program calendar to see what is going on during the next few months.  Our program book and collaborator book are online for your convenience.  You can also use your programming and membership specialist as a resource for things to do and places to go with your girls. When in doubt, call your nearest service center and someone will be happy to help you.  You can also sign up for our E-Newsletter which will be a monthly bulletin of events and activities.

There are many ways to volunteer with Girl Scouts beyond being a troop leader.  Spirit of Nebraska is looking for individuals who have talents or skills and mostly, the desire to engage girls. No matter what your interest or the amount of time you have to contribute, we will find a way for you to volunteer.

The process for becoming a volunteer can vary depending on the position and may include a background or driver’s license screen and references.

Yes. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is committed to ensuring that all girls and adults who want to participate in Girl Scout programming have the opportunity to do so.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify for needs such as girl or troop dues, leader books, programs, camps, or trips.

Postcards are sent in the mail to inform you of the status of your financial aid request.  If you have further questions, ask your membership specialist.

Product Programs are open to ALL Girl Scouts, including Daisies, but we do have deadlines for participation. Leaders must register their troops in advance for any of the Product Programs and attend training.

The Fall Product Program which includes nuts, chocolates and magazines take place in early autumn.

The Girl Scout Cookie Product Program begins in January with door-to-door sales lasting three weeks. Cookie Booths are then open in March or April.

There are specific policies for the different age levels when it comes to fundraising outside of Product Programs.  The basic rule of thumb is that troops cannot sell commercial products outside of the Girl Scout Product Programs and troops must participate in the Cookie Program to be able to hold extra money-earning events.

A Troop Money Earning Request Form must be submitted to your service center prior to the event.

We have them.  Adult awards are available at every level and within the many areas of Girl Scouting.  Many of our volunteers earn their awards because another member (or someone else) recognizes their hard work and submits their achievements through our nomination process.

We love getting photos of Girl Scouts exploring the world and making it a better place. No matter what your girls are doing, these photos are valuable to us for our publications and as a record of the Girl Scout experience. If you have questions about how to set your camera on a high resolution setting, call us. Please send your high resolution photos to marketing@girlscoutsnebraska.org or phone: 877.447.5558 x205.