No Tolerance for Physical or Sexual Abuse
Abuse of any kind—physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual—is strictly prohibited. This includes sexual pressure, advances, improper touching, communication, or activity with Girl Scout members. Immediately report any such behavior, including incidents between youth, to council staff. Volunteers must complete the required training and follow council reporting guidelines. All incidents will prompt immediate action and law enforcement notification when required.
No Tolerance for Youth Violence and Bullying
Youth violence and bullying are strictly prohibited in Girl Scouts. Youth violence includes the intentional use of physical force or power to harm or threaten others, with bullying as a specific form. Volunteers must recognize the signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Report any such behavior to council staff immediately. For guidance, explore CDC resources on youth violence and bullying prevention:
Child Abuse and Mandated Reporter
All states and U.S. territories have laws that identify persons who are required to report suspected child abuse to an appropriate agency. Therefore, if you witness or suspect child abuse or neglect, whether inside or outside of Girl Scouting, always notify the appropriate council staff immediately. Also follow your council’s guidelines for reporting your concerns to the proper agency within your state. Volunteers must take council-approved abuse prevention training that includes resources on reporting in their area. For more information, please review these available resources:
Adult-to-Child Communications
Adults are not permitted to make one-to-one contact with youth members in person, by phone, email, social media, text, IM, chat, etc. There should always be at least one other supervising adult or parent involved when contacting youth members.
Appropriate Behavior
Adult volunteers must uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law. When with Girl Scouts or representing the organization, refrain from:
- Consuming alcohol
- Smoking or vaping
- Using foul language
- Breaking laws (e.g., texting while driving, trespassing)
Drugs and Alcohol Policy
- Volunteers and adults may not purchase, use, or be under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or impairing medications during Girl Scout activities, while conducting Girl Scout business, or in the presence of youth members.
- Alcohol or substances that impair judgment must not be used near youth members or before Girl Scout activities.
Events with Alcohol
- Alcohol may be served to adults of legal age at events where no youth members are present, with approval of the council’s board of directors or chief executive officer.
- Girl Scouts may attend events at venues where alcohol is sold (e.g., stadiums or theaters) if alcohol is consumed elsewhere, away from youth members.
Firearms and Weapons Policy
Firearms and weapons are prohibited at all Girl Scout activities and on Girl Scout–owned or –leased properties, except in specific cases when they are:
- Carried by a law enforcement officer
- Held by council-authorized property staff
- Used by licensed wildlife control personnel
- Controlled by a certified instructor during a council-approved Girl Scout program activity
Volunteers and adults must not carry firearms or ammunition in the presence of Girl Scouts unless they have special permission from the council for target sports activities.
All shooting sports equipment must be kept under lock when not in active use. Ammunition must be stored in a separate locked area.
