Best Practices for Girl Scout Troop Parent Communication

As a Troop Leader, one of the most important aspects of running a successful troop is maintaining clear and consistent communication with parents. Whether you're organizing meetings, planning events, or simply keeping everyone in the loop, effective communication ensures that everything runs smoothly.

Here are some tips from a veteran Troop Leader to keep parents engaged and informed!

Establish A Singular Communication Channel

From the get-go, make sure parents know how and where you’ll be communicating important information. Whether it’s through email, a private Facebook group, a messaging app like Remind or Band, consistency is key. Choose a platform that’s easy for everyone to use and stick with it.

Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to access and use these channels, especially for those who might not be as tech-savvy.

Since not everyone may have social media, make sure you choose a channel that everyone is comfortable with.

Set Communication Expectations Early

At the beginning of the scouting year, hold a parent meeting to discuss expectations, troop policies, and the communication methods you’ll be using. This is the perfect time to lay out the troop’s goals for the year and discuss events that will take place.

Most importantly, make it clear how often they can expect to hear from you and what kind of information will be shared as well as what communication you expect back from parents.

Providing a written handbook or a simple one-page guide with all this information can be a helpful reference for parents throughout the year.

Be Consistent with Updates

Regular updates are crucial to keeping parents informed and engaged. A weekly or bi-weekly update can work wonders in ensuring everyone is on the same page. This is important as the year goes on and girls' schedules become more hectic.

In your communication make sure to include important dates, upcoming events, reminders, and highlights from recent activities. Consistency helps parents plan ahead and reduces last-minute scrambling.

Be Clear and Concise

When communicating with parents, clarity is key. Keep your messages straightforward and to the point. If you’re providing instructions for an event, use bullet points or numbered lists to break down the steps.

Not ALL information should be communicated to the group. So if you need to communicate something complex or sensitive, consider picking up the phone or meeting in person to ensure everyone understands.

Involve Parents in the Troop

Keeping parents in the loop isn’t just about sharing information—it’s also about getting them involved. Whether it’s helping with cookie sales, driving for field trips, or leading a badge activity, parent involvement can make a big difference. Use your communication channels to share opportunities for volunteering and make it easy for parents to sign up.

Communication with parents is the backbone of a well-run Girl Scout troop. It's how both you and your scouts will get the most out of the Scouting year. By establishing clear channels, setting expectations, and fostering a collaborative environment, you can ensure that parents feel informed, involved, and invested in their daughters’ scouting experience. Remember, when parents and leaders work together, everyone benefits—especially the girls.