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[quote=Anonymous]I think the ideal number in a troop depends on the leader's ability to handle kids and the leader's experience as a leader in GS.

For me, with a brownie troop, I think 10 was perfect.  For juniors, I can see going up to 15 as the girls are a little more mature and I'm a little more experienced.

I have known people in mega troops (i.e. 28 brownies) and I can't imagine how it works.  With 10, everyone gets a chance to be heard in the discussion (and there are MANY group discussions).  It's small enough that I (as a leader) can get to know each girl's strengths and personality and I can use those in setting up patrols or pairings.  I suspect that if we were a larger group (20+), girls would congregate in groups of 3-4 of their closest friends and they wouldn't mix and mingle so much.  With a smaller group, I don't see cliques.

Jumbo troops are at a real disadvantage when it comes to cookie sales b/c each TROOP gets to pick 2 booth slots at a time.   Doesn't matter if you have 5 in your troop or 25 -- you get the same number of booth slots per round.

Logistically, I would just be overwhelmed trying to find carpools for 28 girls and I wouldn't want to supervise that many at activities, or organize that much paperwork (permission slips!) --- so I just wouldn't plan much of anything.  With 10, I'm in good shape to get drivers and to supervise.... so we do a lot of activities.

OP if you are thinking of leading, my biggest advice to you is to know your limits!  The Service Unit Mgr and School coordinator have goals for getting a certain number of girls signing up.... but they don't have to deal with the girls once they are signed up.  As a leader, it's your responsibility to make sure the girls are safe and getting a great scouting experience.  Do not be meek about stating your limits.  IMO, you should never be pressured to do anything more than you want to do as a volunteer.  You are already giving plenty by being a leader.  [/quote]

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