Pathfinder Program Registration Procedures

Registration Procedures
Refunds
Financial Assistance
Additional Information
Tagalongs

Registration Procedures

EXPLORING options in Pathfinder
As a troop, decide which age-appropriate program/event to attend. Girl planning is key!

• Take special note of the registration procedure for each program. Registration may go through GSMA or the program provider.
• Programs that register with GSMA require a Troop Program Event Application for each program. All persons attending Pathfinder events must preregister unless noted. Only Girl Scouts ages 11-17 (Preteens and Teens) may register individually for events, unless the event listing specifi es Juniors can attend. Chaperones may be required for some events. Use the Individual Girl Event Application form.
• If registering through GSMA, mail or bring your registration form to GSMA, 131 S. 69th St., Milwaukee, WI 53214-0999 by the deadline date. Faxed forms (414-476-5958) can be accepted if accompanied by a charge payment. E-mail registrations will not be accepted.
• All registrations should be received by the designated deadline along with FULL payment. For late registrations, please contact the program provider or GSMA for availability.
• GSMA registrations are accepted via lottery selection unless noted as first come, first served. All other programs are first come, first served. A confirmation letter will be sent to those troops selected for GSMA programs.

Troops not selected will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified immediately if an opening occurs. Please be aware that notice to those on the waiting list may be short. Otherwise, a refund will be given for GSMA programs. Other refund policies are at the discretion of the program providers, please inquire for further details.
If interest warrants, GSMA or the program provider will make every attempt to add program sessions. Those on the waiting list will be given first priority for additional sessions. Please note, registration deadlines and refund policies vary for each program. All refund policies are at the discretion of the program provider.

Refunds

Refunds for GSMA programs will only be granted if requested in writing at least 15 business days prior to the event.

• Refunds may not be requested by phone. Written requests may be mailed to or dropped off at GSMA, 131 S. 69th St., Milwaukee, WI 53214-0999, faxed to 414-476-5958 or emailed to mailbox@gswise.org.
• Refunds are not available for no-shows, medical emergencies or inclement weather.
• Full refunds will be granted for cancelled events.
• Financial assistance (FA) may be given to individual girls for troop programs when there is a need based on resources.
• Complete the Financial Assistance Request form
• Submit the request and balance of fees with the Troop Program Event Application. You may receive a bill if there is a difference between the total event fees and the amount of FA provided.

Financial Assistance

Girls in troops and groups are encouraged to pay a portion of the cost of their membership dues and their activity expense. All girls are encouraged to participate in the product sale program. Leaders should be creative and flexible when requesting funds from families. Perhaps the family does not have the money, but they could contribute craft supplies or snacks for the troop that would serve an equal purpose. Financial assistance must be requested at least four weeks prior to the need.

Extensive planning should take place when a troop is planning an activity, a camping trip or an out-of-state trip. For example, how much will it cost? How will the troop earn the money? How much can the family pay? Who will be eliminated from this activity without financial assistance? Can the troop afford to do this activity/trip now? Should the troop do an activity that will cost less so that all girls can participate?

Financial assistance is a service provided by Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area, Inc. (GSMA) from funds that are raised from a variety of sources. It enables girls to participate in a Girl Scout program when they could not otherwise do so.

Requirements for Financial Assistance

• The girl is a registered member of GSMA or is requesting membership dues.
• There is a need for financial assistance that the troop cannot cover.
• A leader can apply for financial assistance for a girl or troop even if it has been received previously.
• During the membership year, troops need to participate in GSMA-sponsored product sales, except Daisies who do not participate in product sales.
• A re-registering troop must have submitted their Annual Troop Report, which includes the troop’s financial statement.
• The Financial Assistance Application Form must be completed in full to receive consideration for financial assistance.
• A leader must submit and sign the application for financial assistance for troop activities; otherwise, it cannot be processed.

Processing Requests

Each request is reviewed not only individually, but also in relation to the total number of requests received to date and the number of requests anticipated for the remainder of the year.
The amount of assistance given will be distributed in one or more of the following ways:

• By internally transferring the funds for GSMA-sponsored events;
• By issuing a voucher for the Girl Scout Shop/Resource Center to be redeemed within two months;
• By writing a check to the troop for the amount of assistance; or
• Any combination of the above.

Limitations to Financial Assistance

Financial assistance will not be granted for the following:

• Troop programs or activities for an entire troop because troop planning and fund-raising fell short of desired goal. However, some financial assistance may be given to a specific girl for a troop program when there is a need based on family resources.
• Girl Scout Handbooks: Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Preteen & Teen
• STUDIO 2B Focus and Collection Books
• Uniforms, except the sash.
• Adult fees for activities, such as trips or camping.

Additional Information

Please check individual event descriptions for the proper registration procedure.

• Events with low registrations may need to be canceled. Should this occur, your troop will be notified.
• Try-Its, badges and interest projects completed at GSMA programs will be given for no-shows. It is up to the leader to make alternative arrangements to help these girls complete the recognition.
• Pathfinder events thrive on constructive feedback. Please take the time at the completion of the event to complete the evaluations with your troop.
• Programs or events cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced on WTMJ AM 620 or WKTI 94.5 FM.

Tagalongs

Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area policy states that Safety Wise girl/adult ratios (Standard 13) be observed and that tagalongs may not attend events. Tagalongs are children of any age, like siblings, that are not registered with your troop. This includes Girl Scouts registered at different age levels. Tagalongs change the whole program, which is unfair to all the participants and to the event facilitator. Adults acting as chaperones need to focus on the supervision of the troop and should be registered members of Girl Scouts. Tagalongs brought to events may be asked to leave. Siblings are welcome at events that are for families.

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