Girl Scout Troops of all ages may now meet in private residences. Please read through this form carefully and answer all of the questions.

Please allow 3-7 business days for applicaitons to reviewed and processed.

If you have questions please contact: customercare@girlscoutsneny.org

Your service unit manager will be notified by Council when your at home meeting is approved. 

Guidelines for Girl Scout meetings and/or Activities in a Private Residence 

The safety and protection of Girls and Adults is paramount to a fun, leadership-building experience for Girls. It is essential that the volunteer understands the importance of the Girl Scout Safety Guidelines. Safety is the top priority of Girl Scouting and Girls will benefit from the safe environment that allows them to be at their best while developing critical leadership skills.

The following guidelines must be met before an approved volunteer can hold any meeting or sponsor an activity in a private residence.

• Permission to meet in Private Residence Application must be completed in its entirety and approved by GSNENY before holding a meeting or activity at a private residence.
• The private residence must have homeowner's or rental insurance that covers injuries/medical.
• All adults residing in the residence who are 18 and over must have an approved background check screening on file with GSNENY.
• Adult/Girl ratios must be met at all times. During meetings/activities, the leaders and or approved GSNENY volunteers must be present according to the recommended ratios of Girls to volunteers.
• First Aid and activity requirements as listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints must be met.
• GSNENY Policies and Procedures must be adhered to.
• Emergency evacuation plan must be created and practiced with all exit routes and kept on file with the volunteer who is holding the meeting/activity in the private residence.
• No drugs or alchohol - including tobacco use - may be used by any adult in the house when the Girls are present.
• All pets must be kept in a secure location away from the Girls. 
• If a troop moves their regular meeting location at any time, troop leadership will need to notify GSNENY of the new location. If it is to a private residence this form will need to be filled out in complete.
• If you have any questions, please contact customercare@girlscoutsneny.org 

This signature is to indicate that I am aware of and agree to comply with all standards in Safety Activity Checkpoints and GSNENY policies and procedures for meetings or activities in the home. I have read the guidelines for Girl Scout Meetings and/or Activities in a Private Residence above. I understand that only approved meetings and activities following all guidelines with registered members of GSUSA are covered by the basic GSUSA plan insurance. Damage to property is not covered.

To help ensure the safety and well-being of Girls, all adults RESPONSIBLE for Girls or money at Girl Scout troop/group meetings are required to have a current valid Girl Scouts approved background check screening on file with GSNENY. All adults present at the meeting in the same room with the Girls must have a current background check screening with GSNENY. 

Further, to help minimize risks and ensure a safe environment for girls, all adults (18 and over) RESIDING in a private residence where troop/group meetings take place are required to have an approved background check screening on file with GSNENY.

Background checks can be obtained free of charge to the adult and can be filled out here: https://girlscoutsneny.jotform.com/202725255170045 

Family members may not be in any area of a personal residence unless they are current members and have an approved background screening on file.

At troop/group family events, ceremonies, parties where each girl will have a parent/guardian/ caretaker in attendance who will be responsible for the girl, adults 18 and over do not need to have a current Girl Scout membership or approved background check screening. Instances where there is a guest speaker or presenter, the troop leadership will be responsible to ensure that the guest or presenter is chaperoned and that the adult/girl ratio is met with adults with Girl Scout membership and an approved background check screening to supervise girls in attendance.