Troop Tips

• I have a code word with one of my girls. If she is starting to get too disruptive I say the word that we agreed would be our code, and that serves as a reminder that she is getting off task or needs to calm down. Sometimes she just cannot sit still and we chose a place that she can move to if she feels that she cannot sit still any longer. this is helpful for her, that she has her own 'place'.  Joyce, Nassau County

• Break down an activity and directions into small steps. Smaller, more manageable steps will help any girl feel success as she completes each part!  Presenting the whole project, complete with all the directions can make a girl who has trouble completing things, feel overwhelmed and defeated before she even starts.  Liz, Columbia River Council

• This is actually something helpful for all girls, not just ADHD!  Have projects ready for the girls who finish a craft or activity first.  Whether it's helping you get something ready or doing a crossword puzzle, occupying these girls for a tad longer so there isn't a focus on the girl(s) who needs a little more time, can go a long way to keep everyone's frustration level down!  Liz, Columbia River Council

• At the first troop meeting, I knew "M" was going to be a challenge. She couldn't sit still or listen during the round table discussion of our day. She couldn't pay attention for even brief instructions. She was so disruptive. I wondered if she really wanted to be in scouts. Some of the other girls complained.
  
  We started an activity ... a craft. "M" jumped right in. Very enthusiastic. Of course she hadn't paid attention during the instructions so she couldn't quite do the project. But by this time the other girls were pretty much off and running, so it wasn't too hard to repeat the instructions bit by bit for M. And the other girls sometimes needed the repetition, too. But M needs it every time.
  
  We have modified our troop activities to pretty much completely avoid stories, long explanations, activities that would involve sitting and listening for more than about 3 minutes without some other activity going on at the same time. We give brief explanations of activities while the girls are having snack (first thing in our meetings).
  
  Some of the girls would enjoy the stories, etc, but they also enjoy the other Try-Its that we can do without having to spend time doing more focused work. M can join in without causing too much disruption, so the other girls don't complain. M's enthusiasm is catchy for the other girls. She really doesn't want to cause problems.
  
  We haven't figured out how to successfully hold meetings like goal setting for cookies, or other types of planning meetings. I've considered trying to set up a separate "planning committee" with the girls that would be interested and could handle it. But that puts extra pressure on already busy schedules. For now, the leaders do all of the planning and the girls don't really get to vote, other than with cheers or groans as the activites are announced. But as they get older, I am concerned that M's issues are holding back the other girls. They are ready to grow (Juniors next year), but M still can't handle it.  It's hard to be fair to all. J.

What is ADD/ADHD?

12 Things Girl Scouts With ADD/ADHD Would Like Their Leaders to Know

What I Wish My Leader Knew - Site Submissions

Myths about ADD/ADHD - offsite

Tips for working with ADD/ADHD girls

Add your suggestions for helping Girl Scouts with ADHD achieve success!

Try-Its  /  Badges  /  IPAs  /  Patches  -  See what others have shared!

Great Links and Resources!

What about other "disorders" like Autism Spectrum/Asperger's, Learning, etc.?

All opinions and suggestions on this page are those of the author (gleaned from a multitude of resources and personal experiences) and those gracious enough to share their successes.  This site and all opinions and suggestions are not endorsed by Girl Scouts of the USA. 'Girl Scouts' and 'Girl Scouts of the USA' are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Girl Scouts of the USA.