Welcoming a new girl to Girl Scouts takes two parts. First is the initial greeting where they are recognized as a new member of the group. The second is building a sense of belonging. You can make sure each girl feels welcomed and part of the group by using this handy-dandy SMILE tool to greet girls the first time and every time.

If it’s your first troop meeting, or your first time greeting a new girl, remember to S.M.I.L.E.

Smile a lot! It sends a message of welcome and friendship.

Make eye contact. It connects you to your girls.

Introduce each girl to all the other girls in your group.

Learn each girl’s name.

Enthusiasm is contagious! Be enthusiastic.

Now that you’ve greeted all the girls, it’s time to build a sense of belonging. You’ll S.M.I.L.E. again, but in a different way:

Smile a lot! Continue the message of friendship.

Move around with the girls. Be willing to go to them and be part of the activity.

Include each girl in activities.

Learn two things about each girl, like their favorite animal, hobby, superhero, or Girl Scout activity.

Encourage each girl to make a new friend.