Applications are currently closed. Please check back in December 2026 for the next round of applications.
Overview
Each year, Girl Scouts of Northern California appoints two Youth Board Participants to serve on our Board of Directors. For youth currently in grades 9-11, this is an excellent opportunity to take part in council governance, advocate for their peers, and see first-hand how an organization is run.
Deadline to Apply EXTENDED: February 6, 2026
Youth applicants should connect with their references and ask them to email reference letters to info@gsnorcal.org with the subject line “[GIRL SCOUT NAME] Letter of Reference – Youth Board Participant Application” no later than the application deadline. It is the youth applicant’s responsibility to communicate with their references and share the deadline, ensuring references submit materials on time.
Roles & Responsibilities
The GSNorCal Board of Directors is accountable for governing the affairs of the council, for compliance with the charter requirements of GSUSA, for adhering to state corporate law, and for matters relating to federal government legislation affecting non-profit and non-stock organizations.
Youth Board Participants:
- Are voting members and serve one-year terms.
- Attend meetings with GSNorCal’s Board of DIrectors. A minimum of 3 meetings are held each year. Participation in person is encouraged, although participation via teleconferencing is an option. Board meetings may be held throughout northern California.
- Attend a brief orientation session to review key documents and reports.
- Review board meeting materials in advance of each meeting. Materials are made available one week before each meeting.
- Are encouraged to participate actively in the board meeting discussions. Youth Board Participants provide an important voice and perspective to the Board of Directors.
- May be privy to information that is a work in progress or is of a confidential nature. Therefore, Youth Board Participants are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Learn how policy and strategic plans are formulated.
- Have the opportunity to speak at events and aid in fundraising activities.
- Have ideas that are important to share. The board is interested in your views!
Testimonials from former Girl Board Participants:
Srija N.: “Being a Youth Board Participant has been an extremely rewarding experience. From learning how non-profit organizations operate, to working alongside inspiring women, it is truly marvelous to be part of GSNorCal’s board. This position has allowed me to represent Girl Scouts’ voices and forever shape the “Youth Voice” in board meetings. I am grateful for the wonderful memories and the abundance of real-world skills I have developed over the past several months.”
Emmalee B.: “Serving as a Youth Board Participant has been an unbelievable experience. It’s a hands-on learning experience that has enriched my interpersonal skills. I enjoyed contributing my opinion on topics and being heard by other board members. From this experience I’ve learned the importance of working as a team and community outreach. Girl Scouts has always been an organization founded to help girls, and through this experience I’ve obtained a better understanding of the dedication and time that goes into making Girl Scouts of NorCal extraordinary.”
Aditi P.: “Growing up as a Girl Scout, I’ve always looked up to older Girl Scout leaders in my community, through camping trips, badge activities, and other Girl Scout events. It has been a true honor serving on the Girl Scout Board and representing the Girl Scouts across Northern California. Working with such inspiring and dedicated leaders has allowed me to better understand how the organization is run, practice professional communication, and contribute to the Board. I thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Board and participating in Girl Scout events, and will forever remember and appreciate how this experience has helped me grow as an individual.”
Suhani S.: “Serving on the Board as a Girl Board member this past year has been such a memorable experience, as I have been able to view a different perspective of Girl Scouts and acquire new leadership skills. I am so glad that I was able to serve as I have been able to meet and network with inspiring leaders, learn about the business side of how Girl Scouts is run as an organization, and help be the voice and representation of my fellow Girl Scouts.”
Questions? Contact info@gsnorcal.org.
Last updated on May 29, 2026