Called to Flourish Podcast Episode 5- How to Host a Troop Leadership Training That Sets Your Team Up for a Year of Success
Today’s topic is one of my absolute favorites: Troop Leadership Training—what it is, why it matters, and how to run one in a way that sets the tone for a whole year of unity, clarity, and joy.
Whether you have a troop of five girls or fifty, a leadership training is one of the most important investments you can make in your team.
Listen to all my best ideas and tips on the podcast now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-to-flourish-podcast/id1825904379?i=1000720642825
Why Leadership Training Matters
Let’s start with the why.
Your troop is like a garden. Leadership training is the planting season—the time you put down roots so everything else can grow strong. A well-prepared leadership team means:
- Smoother meetings
- Fewer misunderstandings
- A better experience for both girls and parents
It’s also a time to build community. Many leaders are jumping into new roles or even may be new to your troop. Gathering before the year begins gives everyone a chance to pause, pray together, connect, and feel unified before the busyness starts.
Making It Mandatory (and Fun!)
When I became troop coordinator, one of the best decisions I made was to host an annual leadership training brunch. It’s 100% mandatory (unless you’re giving birth or have a major pre-existing conflict).
You can host in person, or—even if your schedule is tight—via Zoom. The important thing is to touch base before the troop year starts. The more communication you have at the beginning, the better your year will go.
Prep Work That Makes a Difference
A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what I recommend:
- Brunch Sign-Up: Use Slack, Band, or a group text to organize a potluck. I keep it simple—Costco croissants + chicken salad for me!
- Calendar: Print a troop calendar for each leader so everyone can see the big picture for the year.
- Handouts: I print my slideshow in black and white so leaders can follow along, jot notes, and take it home to reference later.
- Clipboards & Pencils: Bundling the calendar, slideshow printout, and pencil on a clipboard makes it feel organized and professional.
- Name Tags (if needed): Helpful if you have lots of new leaders.
Start with an Icebreaker
Don’t underestimate the power of an icebreaker to set the tone. Last year we went around the room sharing who we were, our families, and our favorite vacation. This year I’m planning a Custom Scattergories game with a fun AHG twist. (see download below)
Other ideas:
- Two AHG Memories & a Lie – Share two true troop memories and one false one, and see who can guess.
- Encouragement Web – Pass a ball of yarn around, sharing words of encouragement. By the end, you have a visual web of connection.
Walking Through the Training Agenda
Once everyone’s settled, food in hand, and icebreaker complete, it’s time to walk through the slideshow. My training includes:
1. Welcome & Theme for the Year
Our theme this year is Priceless. We ask, How can we emphasize the pearl of great price (Jesus) in every badge, activity, and decision we make?
2. Team Goals
- Equip leaders with tools, training, and resources
- Encourage through prayer, support, and celebration
- Unify the team around Faith, Service, and Fun
3. Troop Shepherd’s Vision
Our Troop Shepherd shares her heart and plans for the year.
4. Leadership Overview
Unit leaders, assistant leaders, and helpers are introduced.
5. Keys to Success
Covering safety (Two Deep Leadership, buddy system), communication policies, attendance tracking, and more.
6. Safety & Incident Procedures
Practical tips:
- Always communicate with parents included (no one-on-one texts)
- Know where the first aid kit is
- How to handle an emergency or incident report
7. Behavior Management
Review phone policies, handling disruptions, and the Matthew 18 process for conflict resolution.
8. Communication Tools
Our troop uses Slack for leader communication and AHGfamily for event notices.
9. Calendar Review
Go through the troop calendar so leaders can note important dates like National Day of Service and Awards Night.
10. Kickoff & Badge Planning
- Review Priceless Patch Program activities
- Plan badges for the year
- Encourage lesson planning ahead of time (makes leader absences seamless!)
11. First Meeting & Resources
Ideas for making the first meeting special and resources leaders can use (Facebook groups, AHGfamily trainings, etc.).
End with Encouragement
I like to close our training with prayer over the team and the girls. Leadership training isn’t just a meeting—it’s a launchpad for the year. When leaders leave feeling clear, connected, and encouraged, it impacts everything that happens in the troop.
My encouragement to you: Don’t skip it. Don’t rush it. Make it meaningful.
If you’d like a head start, I’m sharing:
- My Slideshow Template (available in the shop to customize for your troop)- https://flourishtroopco.com/product/troop-leaders-training-slideshow-ready-to-use-for-your-annual-leadership-brunch-or-meeting/
- My Scattergories Template (below)
- My favorite Pumpkin Bread Recipe from last year’s brunch (because snacks are important!)
Let’s make this year a year of unity, clarity, and joy—for our leaders, our girls, and our troops.
