Q: Do we have to use your medical forms?

No, these are provided as quick, easy forms to use for anyone for whom you do not already have a medical. We just ask that you make a copy of the medicals you bring and have each person carry a copy of their own medical behind their name tag in case of emergency. We do not collect the medicals at headquarters, you are to keep your originals (in your car is best).

Q: What is Dry Decorating?

Firstly, we need AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE to come and Dry Decorate! Please sign up! We also ask that all troops or groups participating for the first time come to at least one dry dec day. This is the time (before December 26) where we prep materials. It’s a day of (among other things) cutting dry flowers, cutting statis to dry, ironing cornhusks, crushing coconut, filling water vials (you will get wet), and socializing. If you can talk and cut flowers at the same time, this is a good job for you! Also a great start for 1st timers, the pace is more relaxed and friendly and you really need to do the prep work to appreciate exactly how valuable the material is so you won’t waste it when applying it to the float!

Q: Can Juniors participate?

Yes. 4th, 5th and 6th Juniors are welcome to do Dry Decorating (Dry Dec) and may sign up for either half days or whole days. Those that show good work ethics, follow directions and are not a discipline problem may receive an invitation to participate after December 25 (Floral Decorating). I’m very sorry, but due to age restrictions and insurance issues, Daisies and Brownies MAY NOT participate, nor can they come as "tag-alongs" with older siblings.

Q: I'm not in scouting, can I still participate?

Maybe! Because the 2012 Rose Parade will help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts with our very own Girl Scout float, we are anticipating a hugh turnout by Girl Scout troops from across the country. For this reason we are only accepting registrations from non Girl Scout groups, i.e., Boy Scout troops, youth groups, HS marching bands, families, individuals, etc., on a wait list basis. If you would like to help out and are willing to be wait-listed for the dates/shifts you desire, we welcome your participation! Click here for the Non Scout Group form to sign up!

Q: Why must we wear names and numbers on our back?

The names need to be there (big and bold!) so that we can call you by name to get your attention when you are up on the float. PLEASE, make sure the name (first name only) is LARGE enough to be read from a distance. The numbers tell us how much training you need. 0 – 1 means you need more training. A low number does not mean that you will not get a chance to work on the float and a large number does not mean that you don’t have to do prep-work or running. For more info on job placement please re-read the information on the General Information page. Tape on the back is NOT NEEDED for dry dec days.

Q: Where do we park?

ALL parking (Dry & Floral) will be in the marked adjacent lot on Adelante St. which is just a short walk to the Fiesta building and the motor home (after 12/25). Do NOT park in the lot next to the Fiesta Building on Avenida Padilla.

Q: We're traveling from Timbucktoo, is there someplace nearby to stay overnight?

It takes a dedicated "float junkie" to drive so far that you need to stay overnight. The Hill-Harbison House is a facility that serves many Girl Scouts and other youth from the area. They are located just 12 miles away from where we decorate, and overnight accommodations are available by reservation. The Montrose Program Center is 21 miles away and is also available by reservation. You'll be sleeping on the floor at both places, but for a low cost per person/per night who can complain? Please contact GSGLA, Arcadia center, for reservation info: (626) 677-2200.
If you know of any other places or have stayed in such places in years past, please e-mail Erin and let her know!

Q: What do we do for lunch/dinner?

All Dry Decorators MUST bring there own lunch. There are no near-by restaurants. None, nadda, zilch, zero! After Dec 25th, there will be an on-site catering truck from Picasso's providing meals at a discounted price for all decorators. Pleae support this company! To view this year's menu, click here. You may also bring your lunch/dinner, but be aware there is NO storage space on site, you need to leave your cooler(s) in the car. No Food or drink is allowed inside the building!

Q: How much do we get paid?

Juniors receive no pay, just wonderful experience and may count the hours as Community Service hours. Cadette, Senior, & Ambassador troops earn anywhere from 30-70 cents, per person, per hour. You may choose, as a troop, to take Community Service hours instead of payment, let us know when you register.

Q: When do we get our check?

The check, made out to the troop/group, is usually mailed the following February. If you have not received it by mid-March, please contact Candy at coyote1980@socal.rr.com (not before then please).

Q: Do we get anything else, like t-shirts or pins?

Some floats require decorators to wear float shirts for publicity purposes. Usually these shirts have to be passed to the following crew to wear; you can't keep them. Also, troops who work during the Vendor party night may be given shirts to wear and possibly keep. Vendor Night varies from year to year and we do not know what night it will be this year. If we have any additional shirts, we try to give them to troops who work the most shifts

You may be given a pin by your supervisor for hard work. You also might not. Please don't beg for pins, it makes all the Girl Scouts look bad.

Q: How can my troop earn the Rose Parade Patch / Interest Project / Badge?

There currently exists a Patch Program designed around the Rose Parade. There are varying requirements for different levels of Girl Scouting, many of which can be earned by helping to decorate a float. To view the Patch Program requirements, click here. We have also gathered information that will help your troop to earn the patch, including a page illustrating how a float is built from head to toe and a page about female grand marshals.

There is also an Interest Project, click here, and a Junior Badge based around the Rose Parade. For additional information, please contact Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

We also sell a Rose Parade Float Decorator patch to commemorate your troops experience decorating a float. To view the patch, prices, and ordering information, click here.

Q: That Clarification Statement of yours... it's pretty firm. Are you serious?

Actually yes, we are. Quite serious. That's not so say that decorating isn't tons of fun, it is! Otherwise we wouldn't still be doing this year after year. But that being said, it's the most fun when you go into it with the right attitude. If you're a returning participant, you most likely could relate to at least one or two points in the statement ... but then again you're sitting here reading this website now, planning to sign up this year. How bad can it be. :-) So bottom line: yes, we are serious about needing to be flexible. But we are also serious about having a great time down at the floats!