Troop money belongs to the entire troop and decisions on how to spend it and what to save for are troop decisions.  Once the girls decide on what to do and how to pay for it, each girl receives an equal benefit from the troop fund to pay for the activity.

Does this mean the girls should vote on buying every piece of poster board needed for a badge project?  No. Every expense does not need to be voted on but they do need to be accurately reported in the troop records.  Also, the girls should know that small expenses happen and that they can add up quickly.

Does this mean girls should pressure the other girls to vote their way?  No.  A round table discussion is great, with each girl stating what she’d like to do and why.  When it is time to actually vote however, that should be done privately and in such a way that the girls do not know which girls voted for what.

Does this mean the girls should be allowed to spend money on stuff the parents object to, just because they voted for it?  It depends.  Should they be allowed to spend it all on candy? No, probably not.  Girl Scouts teaches about healthy habits and that much candy would not be healthy. Should they be allowed to donate as much of their money as they want to an organization they choose?  Yes.  Should they be allowed to spend a lot of money on one activity?  Yes, especially if the adults think it’s a bad idea.  Though the adults can explain and try to change the girls’ minds, it is the GIRLS’ decision.  It’s far better to foolishly spend money when you are 8 or 13 and learn the lesson than it is to max out a credit card at 19 because you never had the chance to learn from your mistakes safely.  Always keep the long-term goal – responsible, educated adults – in mind.

Does this mean if a girl can’t attend a troop activity, she will get the same amount of troop money to do something else, on her own? No.  Troop funds are spent on troop activities.  While troop leaders try to find dates that work for everyone, it’s not always possible.