Opportunities

Private Transportation Policies for Girl Scout Troop Leaders

Unfortunately, the council does not have a fleet of vehicles for use by volunteers for troop activities. The two council-owned vans can certainly be used for council-sponsored activities and driven by council staff. Because we do not have fleet vehicles for use by troops and service units, or the infrastructure to manage and assure safety of vehicles for Girl Members,  we would like to share some discounts available to Girl Scout troops when renting a vehicle for activities through Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Girl Scout Activities and Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Troops may use national Girl Scout discounts when renting vehicles for Girl Scout approved activities. Please remember that as a troop leader, you are responsible for following the procedures and regulations for renting vehicles as outlined in the GSCSA Volunteer Essentials (chapter 4). http://www.girlscoutcsa.org/leaders/leader-resources/volunteer-essentials

Private Transportation

Private transportation includes private passenger vehicles, rental cars, privately owned, or rented recreational vehicles and campers, chartered buses, chartered boats, and chartered flights. Each driver of motorized private transportation must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid operator’s license appropriate to the vehicle—state laws must be followed, even if they are more stringent than the guidelines here. Anyone who is driving a vehicle with more than 12 passengers must also be a professional driver who possesses a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Call 1-800-474-1912 to speak to a customer service representative at the council office to determine specific rules about renting large vehicles.

Please keep in mind the following non-negotiable points regarding private transportation:

Even though written agreements are always required when renting or chartering, you are not authorized to sign an agreement or contract—even if there is no cost associated with the rental. Such an agreement must instead be signed by the person designated by the council.  (Call 1-800-474-1912 to speak to a customer service representative at the council office.)

Call 1-800-474-1912 to speak to a customer service representative at the council office to make sure you are following accepted practices when using private transportation; this ensures that both you and the council are protected by liability insurance in the event of an accident.

If the council has given permission to use a rented car, read all rental agreements to be sure you comply with their terms and avoid surprises. Note the minimum age of drivers (often 25), as well as the maximum age (often under 70). Be sure the car is adequately insured, knowing who is responsible for damage to or the loss of the vehicle itself. Also, ensure you have a good paper trail, with evidence that the vehicle rental is Girl Scout–related.

Obtain parent/guardian permission for any use of transportation outside of the meeting place.

To rent from Enterprise

1.       Go to http://www.enterprise.com

2.       Under section 3 go to the field titled “Optional: Coupon, Customer, or Corporate Number” and enter the Contract ID: “XZNCGSA”

3.       Enter the first three (3) letters of your national organization’s full name. GIR

The rates for Girl Scouts are below (additional surcharges, local taxes, etc. may apply):