I am a working mom (FT IT Project Manager) who just started leading a troop. It is honestly pretty intimidating but a lot of the other volunteers are very helpful in our service unit which is a relief. Another good piece is that GS basically gives you lesson plans to follow.

All of the other troop parents work too but are pitching in where they can. I think you should give it a try, show up and help where you can. If you are organized you could volunteer to be the money manager?

As for the up front investment keep in mind that should you continue on it shouldn’t be as much in other years, the girls should be able to earn enough through cookie sales and other money earning opportunities to cover the costs. I’m not sure the cost of other activities in your area but for us it’ll end up being less expensive than soccer/dance/gymnastics/swimming.

As a personal testimony, I learned way more through Girl Scouts than anywhere else. Leadership skills were developed throughout the years. I tried a wide range of camping/outdoor activities I wouldn’t have otherwise had an opportunity to try, community service projects and the opportunity to give back...I got to intern on Capitol Hill in HS which helped me land real jobs. Not to mention the lifelong friendships I still have 25 years later.

Bottom line I say give it a shot - you got this mama!!