Youth Squad

A community service program for everyone.

Community Service Projects for Kids Under 10

Care for the community can start sooner than you think. Kids under age 10 can get in on the action, make an impact, and influence their peers to participate too. While not every community service project is suitable for young kids, there are plenty of ways kids in the “single digits” can do something significant. Give your kids a push in a positive direction and you will see how they shine as they support the community. There is always a chance to make a difference, and it can start as soon as ... continue reading...

Threatened Species Patch Program® from Youth Squad®

Our threatened species section is for groups and individuals concerned about endangered animals. Our program highlights the decline in the honey bee population. However, in the higher levels, you can choose any species that is threatened or endangered. The suggested requirements are designed to make the program fun, as well as educational and rewarding. Following along with the requirements will prepare the participant to complete the final service project. All level requirements are ... continue reading...

How to Deal with Difficult Parents

For program leaders, such as Girl Scout* troop leaders or Youth Squad® leaders, you may have to deal with difficult parents. These are the type of parents who might minimize or don't acknowledge your concerns. Furthermore, their choices or lack of action might interfere with the flow of troop activities. Whatever your case may be, there are a few important things to consider before taking action. Before you approach a difficult parent regarding a complicated situation, it's important to ... continue reading...

Easy and Last-Minute Ideas for Girl Scout* Meetings

Leading a Girl Scout* troop can be a rewarding experience. When you’re a troop leader, you have the opportunity to teach girls important life-lessons, share fun times with your daughter, and you can learn new things. These are just a few of the perks that come with being a Girl Scout* leader. But how are you supposed to balance it all? Sometimes we need some last minute meeting ideas for Girl Scouts. Like many leaders, you might have a demanding work schedule or feel consumed by other ... continue reading...

Inviting Men Into Volunteering

Volunteering is good for everyone including men: We're talking health benefits, emotional benefits... not to mention benefits to the whole community. So why do fewer men these days report spending their time volunteering? And the big question: What can we do to change it? Limiting Expectations Many men were raised with the expectation that someday they would be their family's financial provider. In this mindset, activities that didn't push them toward educational or career goals may ... continue reading...

Tips for Troop Leaders to Address Mean Girl Behaviors

It’s not uncommon for girls (or kids, for that matter) of any age to quarrel. But cliques, bullying and mean girl behaviors can be detrimental to your troop. So how can you address this once it’s happening? Or even better - prevent it from becoming an issue? As the troop leader, you’re key to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Have the Group Set Their Own Rules It’s never too early or too late to have a conversation with your group about how they want to be treating each ... continue reading...