Definition
A Girl Scout Cluster is a group made up of Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts who live in several nearby cities. This group acts as an umbrella that covers an area larger than local troops or school district. Cluster meetings can be held monthly or bi-monthly.
Cluster membership is an especially great idea for girls registered as Juliettes
--independent Scouts who do not have an active troop.
Members are both girls and adults, but it is the GIRLS who run the meetings. This is purely ‘By girls, for girls.’ Adults serve as advisors. The governing
group of a Cluster is the Girl Planning Board. [frequently referred to as ‘GPB’].”
What does a Cluster do?
“The Cluster is a group offering Girl Scouts an opportunity to have fun, go on trips, and do community service on a wide reaching basis. It’s a place to refine leadership skills. It’s a place to share ideas about Silver and Gold projects.
It is just a place, designed by the girls, where they can continue to grow and learn in Girl Scouting. It’s another place where you get your chance to be a leader. [all girls are invited and welcome to be a part of the GPB, just come] This is a great place to create and enjoy BIG plans and events with many friends in Scouting.”
What are the parts of the Girl Planning Board?
“According to page 39 of the Cadette Handbook: ‘boards are run by girls with an adult advisor…the board is made up of girls who represent troops, groups, activity centers, and individuals from different geographical areas.’
So, it is a flexible governing body - - - its specific parts are determined by the interest and needs of each membership group.
Typical posts may include: Chairperson, Event Coordinator(s), Recognitions, Service Project Leader(s), Recording Secretary, Historian, Treasurer, Publicity, Newsletter Editor, Email communications, Refreshments…
The GPB meets at least once a month to direct activities for the entire group.