Carpooling Daisy troop members

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I've been a GS leader for four years (started with daisies). We've encountered quite a few events where space is limited and were were only allowed enough adults to fulfill the safety-wise rules. I do remember having some parents upset by that when the girls were daisies. I would basically allow each adult to chaperone one event so that everyone would have a turn to attend something. We also tried to find plenty of field trips that would allow any number of people to attend. As Daisies, most of the parents drove the girls on their own. We would just meet at the location for drop-off and pick-up.

Starting in first grade, many parents really warmed up to the carpooling idea, and didn't feel the need to attend every event. I usually have to ask (or beg in some cases) for an additional chaperone. The law here is the kids have to be 8 to go without a booster, and I was sure to enforce that for every trip. We did have some girls complain because they weren't required to sit in one in their own cars, but I don't mess with the law. Our girls are 9 now, and it's so much easier now that our girls don't need them anymore. Of course, for the 1-2 girls whose parents still want them in a booster, we always make room.

Now, for our regular meetings, we have never invited parents to stay. We've never told them they couldn't stay, but the girls are much more willing to try new things and put forth more of an effort when mom/dad isn't there to do it for them. We plan enough to include parents during the year, so everyone is comfortable with what we do and with my rapport with the girls. I honestly don't know any leaders here who need parents to stay. I know cub scouts are different. Maybe that's because they usually have multiple packs meeting at one time????

 

[Becky2005]

I know cub scouts are different. Maybe that's because they usually have multiple packs meeting at one time????

For the regular Den meetings, the only age group that really requires a parent is Tiger. However, for Pack meetings (all the dens coming together) a parent is required to stay. I think it's because the boys get rowdy. LOL! They get rowdy with the parent there ANYWAY.

The boys don't sit with their parents though they sit with their dens and the parents are seated more as an audience.

I don't know of any field trips that require parents though OTHER than the Tiger level (or overnighters unless they are Webelos) -- which is 90% field trips (Go See's I think it's called -- I'd better learn -- I'm apparently the Tiger leader for next year! I figure after the 2 older boys have gone through, I can probably fake it for the 3rd one as I have somewhat of a clue).

 

[pooh4evr]

we would send the booster seat with them to school (if it was a meeting right after) or just give the seat to the Mom driving - both of my DDs troop leaders were good about making it a point that ALL the girls under 8 needed a seat. There have also been times -espeically plays, or certain "scout only" things the troops go to - for the plays and performances there is a very limited # of seats for scouts leaders and co-leaders only - so it does happen that space is limited. It is hard to let go the first times, talk with the moms about how you feel - it will be OK -

 

[mjkacmom]

Have the leaders given you a reason why you cannot attend? My DS is in Cub Scouts and a parent had to be present at all meetings and events last year when he was a Wolf Scout (2nd grade). He's now in 3rd grade and we can drop off if we want to, but most of the time DH stays or DS's best friend's dad stays, so there's always a dad there that we are comfortable with.

If I couldn't attend the meetings and my child really wanted to do the activity, I would consider planting myself right outside the meeting room (or wherever they are). That way, I'd be right there if my child needed me.

While I understand not wanting my 5 year old in someone's car without a booster, I can't imagine sitting outside a meeting just in case I was needed. I certainly wouldn't allow my child to join a troop if I didn't feel comfortable with the leaders, and their ability to care for my child. My girls did scouting, and parents were not welcome at meetings. My boys did scouts, and parents HAD to be at meetings - 2 different organizations.

OP, why not drop your dd off? If she's old enough for school, I think she's old enough to attend a play with adult supervision.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

My daughter is a brand new Daisy troop member and this may seem like a dumb question, but do people carpool 5 & 6 year olds w/o car seats or boosters? There are 11 girls (plus some bigger sisters or "helpers") and many events parents aren't allowed to attend and the leaders say they will drive everyone. I won't let her go. My 5year old is my oldest child so I am totally inexperienced at this. TIA

I am a second-year troop leader for my daughter's Daisy troop and I don't understand this policy at all. We are ecstatic when other parents want to help for any meetings or other activities. We certainly would not take the girls anywhere unless they were all in booster seats and we make sure enough drivers are going along to make that happen.

Five is not too young. Our kindergarteners last year had a great experience and they all signed up again for 1st grade, plus bringing some of their friends. It's been so fun to watch them making progress and learning all the Girl Scout laws, etc. Don't give up on the troop, but make it clear to the leaders that you are interested in helping and make a point of going along. Being excluded from events sounds fishy to me.

 

[Erica09M]

5 & 6 year olds need boosters. As does any child who does does not ride in a 5 point harness that doesn't pass the 5 Step Test. Most kids need to be in booster seats until 10-12 years old.

I have a 5 year old cousin currently laying in a children's hospital paralyzed from the neck down (and unable to breathe on her own) from a car wreck she was in 2 weeks before Christmas. She was not properly restrained (no booster), and is suffering life threatening injuries from the accident. The accident occured 4 miles away from her home. No other family need to be put through the hell that we have been through since the middle of Decemeber.