What happens if I miss the Early Bird deadline?
- Early Bird is an opportunity to renew your Girl Scout membership for next year, early! When members sign on for another year in our early window, they are eligible for exclusive promotions. If a member chooses not to participate in early bird renewal, there is no consequence – membership for the current year is still valid through September 30th, 2026.
Can I only renew for the next membership year during the Early Bird window?
- No, you are eligible to renew your membership at any point through September 30th, 2026 (last day to renew before current membership expires.) Early Bird promotions are limited to April 1-April 15th, as a promotion when girls and troops renew early. Please note the dates above, we will not have extras as we will order firmly to our totals.
How should I renew my troop?
I submitted my troop renewal at 11:59 pm central time on April 1st - will it still count?
When will I receive my Early Bird Promotional items (t-shirt and patches)?
- Patches and girl t-shirts will be available locally by late May - early June. This will allow us to place an accurate order based on the renewals we receive on April 1, 2026. Our manufacturers have indicated turn-round times of 6 weeks once the order is placed. Once received by GSGC, Membership Mangers will reach out to their community to offer pick up at key points throughout the community (community meetings, Retail on the Road, local office pick up, etc.)
How will it work for girls who earned a free membership through their participation level in the Cookie Program?
- Girls who earned a free membership through their Cookie Program sales will be automatically renewed by council staff and qualify for the Early Bird Day 1 promotion! Our product team will reach out to gather T-shirt sizes for those who qualified. As such, we ask that you do not complete a membership renewal on their behalf through myGS.
What are the volunteer promos? Do I get something if I renew early and I am a volunteer?
- This year, we are excited to offer renewed co-leaders the opportunity to win one of 5 tickets to unlock some great promotional items. Items include choice of – A Tutle Box Speaker (Original - Gen 3; retail value $430), a Bogg Bag + Accessory Bundle (Original Large Tote, Topper, & Cooler Insert; retail value $195), or a Yeti Cooler (M12 Backpack Soft Cooler; retail value $325.)
- Every attempt will be made to order the item you request. In the event we are unable to, you will be asked to pick another item. These are non-refundable, non-returnable, and we are not responsible for damage sustained after you are given the item.
If I win the volunteer drawing - how will I know?
- We anticipate drawing the winners at the end of April, which will be shared directly with each winner through contact from the Membership Manager in their community, and published in April and May troop scoop, on Rallyhood, and in other council communications.
- Items will be ordered within 7-10 days of the drawing, and shipped directly to your preferred address. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the items to arrive.
What if I win one of the drawings, but I don’t really want the promotional item?
- There is no cash equivalency for the Early Bird Renewal promos. If you decline the promotion, we will draw another volunteer after the decision has been confirmed.
What if a girl decides not to return after I renew her?
- Renewing girls into a new year is a great way to ensure their Girl Scout experience continues, even if it is in another troop or individually. Girls with memberships who choose not to continue with a troop experience can still attend events, connect with council opportunities, etc. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Do I need to renew myself too as a troop leader? What if I am not returning? What about other adults in my troop?
- To earn the promotions, all co-leaders who are renewing should renew during this time. If you are interested in being entered in the volunteer day one drawing, you must renew on April 1, 2026.
- All renewals from April 1-15th will receive the 2027 Early Bird Renewal patch featuring Maisie the Monal. You can renew your role and your membership through the JotForm OR myGS.
- Lifetime members do need to renew their role during the same timeframes to qualify for their troop. If you are not returning, please reach out to your troop to ensure a smooth transition for the troop.
What if we are adding girls/adults and paying for them out of troop funds?
- Growing your troop is a great way to ensure you are set up for success for next year. These girls/adults are eligible for a different membership option is they are new to the experience (extended year) and do not qualify for Early Bird promotions.
Can we buy the t-shirts if a girl decides to renew after day 1?
- We want to celebrate the girls and adults who committed to another year of fun + friendship by the deadlines provided. We are only ordering to those numbers, and will not have additional t-shirts/patches available for purchase. However, we encourage you to check out the Girl Scout Shop, where new designs and merch are dropping regularly.
