Specialty Troops | Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

What is a specialty troop?

Throughout their Girl Scout journeys, girls sometimes discover special interests they want to explore further—and specialty troops help make that possible.

Even if they're already in a traditional troop or registered as a Juliette, girls can still go to summer camp, join a specialty troop, or combine these experiences in a way that works best for them.

Specialty troops focus on specific skills, activities, or areas of interest. While they operate much like traditional troops, their primary focus is on a particular topic, such as travel, camping, target sports, or boating.

If you're interested in joining a specialty troop or would like more information, please email troopsupport@gssem.org.

GSSEM Specialty Troops

Cadette Book Club Troop toggle arrow

This troop is for girls in grades 6–8 who love to read and connect! They explore books together and build friendships through meaningful conversation—all while growing as leaders and learners.

Girl Scout Trailblazers Troop toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Trailblazers have had an extraordinary history in Girl Scouts since the mid-1950s. This troop develops girls' trail-based skills in topics like trail hiking, primitive camping, caving, rock climbing, and taking action in parks and wilderness areas.

High Adventure Troop toggle arrow

Girl Scouts in grades 8–12 experience next-level adventures in girl-led troops. The focus is on providing girls with challenging, outdoor-focused experiences and opportunities for travel. These troops often engage in activities like backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and international travel, requiring specialized skills and training.

Mackinac Island Scout Service Program (MISSP) Troop toggle arrow

Girl Scouts dedicate a week to serving the State of Michigan by volunteering on Mackinac Island. They participate in flag ceremonies, provide information to tourists, and undertake various service projects. The program, which has been running since 1976, emphasizes dedication, service, and teamwork, while also offering opportunities for leadership development and fun.

GSSEM has three MISSP troops: Grosse Pointe Troop #327, Royal Oak Troop #3286, and Port Huron Troop #50001.

MISSP details »

Mariners Troop toggle arrow

This is a specialized Girl Scout troop for older girls in grades 6–12 that focuses on water-related activities and skills. These troops offer opportunities to learn about and participate in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and other water sports, as well as develop skills in navigation, safety, and rescue.

Travel Troop toggle arrow

Girl Scouts in grades 8–12 experience next-level adventures in girl-led troops. The focus is on giving girls challenging, outdoor-focused experiences and opportunities for travel. These troops often take on activities like backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and even international travel—experiences that call for specialized skills and training.

Additional Resources toggle arrow

GSSEM is expanding our specialty troop offerings, and we need volunteers to help make it happen!

Specialty troops give girls the chance to dive deeper into topics they love, explore new interests, and make the Girl Scout experience more accessible to all. Whether it's unique abilities, hiking, art and design, or astronomy, the possibilities are endless.

Do you or your Girl Scout(s) have a skill or interest to share? We'd love to talk with you about starting a specialty troop. Please email Matthew Pruitt at mpruitt@gssem.org.