Volunteer Training

We know that training is critical to a successful volunteer experience. For that reason, we are continually adding to our training portfolio to provide a variety of experiences to help you lead a troop, take girls camping, go on trips, and engage in exciting activities.

First Year Troop Leaders:

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New leader training is available through gsLearn. You can access gsLearn by logging into your MyGS account. Click on the gsLearn tab to see the trainings available there.

253 GSEP Troop Leader Training -- required for all new leaders

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This training will familiarize you with the basics of being a Girl Scouts Troop Leader.

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253 Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This on-demand training is an introduction to the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ways to make your troop as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

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GSUSA Volunteer Toolkit- Troop Leader View - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

The Volunteer Toolkit is your official source for delivering easy, fun troop meetings year-round! With this step-by-step guide, you can start your troop year strong and spend more time adventuring with your Girl Scouts!

GSUSA Volunteer Toolkit- Caregiver View - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

Each primary caregiver has access to see their troop’s Volunteer Toolkit account. They have read-only permission for the meeting schedule and agendas, plus additional resources. We recommend having your families complete a training just for them!

GSUSA Volunteer Toolkit- Individual Registered Girl (IRG) Caregiver View - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

Do you have an Individually Registered Girl and want to learn how to use the Volunteer Toolkit to guide her through her path? We’ve got a solution for that, too!

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253 Troop Finance Training – Required for troop bank account signers

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This on-demand training will teach you to manage your Troop's finances!

In 253 Troop Finance Training, you will:

Review the responsibilities of the Troop Treasurer role
Develop an understanding of GSEP's financial policies and procedures
Explore best practices for troop money management

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253 Troop Trip Training - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This webinar is a crash course in troop trips!

In 253 Troop Trip Training, you will:

Learn GSEP’s troop trip approval process
Learn the steps to plan, implement, and evaluate a troop trip with your Girl Scouts
Determine progression and readiness factors as related to troop trips

Prepare for Troop Adventures:

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Indoor Overnight Skills - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Pre-requisites: None

This 2-hour Live webinar course is required to take girls on an overnight trip where they will stay indoors at a modern facility (i.e. hotels, resorts, or museums).

In Indoor Overnight Skills, you will:

Learn progression and guidelines of overnight experiences
Understand how to incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Be able to instruct girls and adults on appropriate gear
Learn how to pack accordingly

*Indoor Overnight Skills is a pre-requisite for Basic Outdoor Skills.

Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1- Live Webinar - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events or GSEP Events Calendar

Pre-requisites: Indoor Overnight Skills

Part 1 of a two-part Basic Outdoor Skills Training series, this virtual session will take you through GSEP property policies and procedures and the basic skills required for group camping.

In Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1, you will:

Learn to work cooperatively with your Girl Scouts to plan a camping trip
Learn to apply the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Learn how to instruct girls and adults on appropriate gear and how to pack
Understand safety for outdoor experiences

You will receive a confirmation email approximately two days prior to the training, which will contain the Zoom log-in and additional information for the session. Once you complete this virtual session, you will be eligible to attend the Basic Outdoor Skills Part 2- In-person Skills Session.

Basic Outdoor Skills Part 2- In-Person Skills - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events or GSEP Events Calendar

Pre-requisites: Indoor Overnight Skills & Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1- Live Webinar

Fee: $23

Part 2 of a two-part Basic Outdoor Skills Training series, this in-person skills session will take you through proper fire-starting methods and tools needed; proper camp sanitation and outdoor dishwashing; minimum impact camping; and much more. You will be required to complete the online Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1 – Webinar prior to this session. If you do not complete the on-line part 1 webinar, you will NOT be admitted to the in-person skills session!

Confirmation emails will be sent to all registrants prior to the training. Complete instructions for safety will be outlined in that communication.

Due to both seasonal weather conditions and summer camp occupancy at our properties, this course is typically scheduled every month except January, June, and July. Certification is valid for 5 years.

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Basic Outdoor Skills

Basic Outdoor Skills training is required to take girls on an outdoor overnight trip, to stay at a GSEP property, and to do camping activities such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, and tent camping. This two part format provides flexibility in your busy schedules. Start with the live webinar then complete in-person skill building.

Important Note: Both parts are required for certification, and must be completed in order.

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Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1- Live Webinar - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Pre-requisites: Indoor Overnight Skills

Part 1 of a two-part Basic Outdoor Skills Training series, this virtual session will take you through GSEP property policies and procedures and the basic skills required for group camping.

In Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1, you will:

Learn to work cooperatively with girls to plan a camping trip
Learn to apply the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Learn how to instruct girls and adults on appropriate gear and how to pack
Understand safety for outdoor experiences

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Basic Outdoor Skills Part 2- In-Person Skills - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Pre-requisites: Indoor Overnight Skills & Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1- Live Webinar

Fee: $23

All participants will be required to adhere to the GSEP guidelines for safety regarding Covid-19, including wearing masks and social distancing. Confirmation emails will be sent to all registrants prior to the training. Complete instructions for safety will be outlined in that communication.

Due to both seasonal weather conditions and summer camp occupancy at our properties, this course is typically scheduled in April, May, September, and October. Certification is valid for 5 years.

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Re-Certification is available for volunteers who have completed Basic Outdoor Skills in the last five years. Click here to take the recertification test. This step is in place of taking the Basic Outdoor Skills training again.

Exemption is for volunteers who have extensive camping experience in the last five years, and have completed Indoor Overnight Skills. By requesting exemption, volunteers may be approved to complete a Basic Outdoor Skills certification test, in place of attending the training. To find out if you qualify for exemption, submit the Basic Outdoor Skills Training Exemption Request. Please allow for 7-10 business days for review. Once reviewed, applicants will be emailed instructions for next steps.

First Aider Training:

General First Aider. A general first-aider is an adult volunteer who has taken both Girl Scout approved first aid and CPR training through a Girl Scout approved provider. This includes specific instructions for child CPR when appropriate, as well as CPR, first aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training with a hands-on in person skills check.

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Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events or GSEP Events Calendar

Pre-requisites: None

GSEP offers First Aid and CPR training in a blended format, with part of it completed online prior to the in-person Skills session. The course covers rescue breathing, CPR for infants, children and adults, and emergency care skills for infants, children, and adults. Certification with our course meets the standards/requirements to serve as a Troop First Aider for most Girl Scout activities. Certification is valid for 2 years.

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First Aid/CPR courses are often offered through local community providers. Prior to enrolling, be sure to verify which providers and courses are acceptable. A list of GSUSA- approved First Aid/CPR Providers can be found here.

Note: Pricing and expiration dates differ among providers.

Upon successful completion of the course, follow these steps to have your certification added to your record:

Log into your MyGS account.
Click on the gsLearn button and navigate to the “Content Library” tab.
Choose 253 General First Aid CPR/AED, and follow the instructions to upload your certifications.
Once your certificate is approved by a GSEP staff member, your training will be added to your gsLearn Achievements and you’ll be eligible to serve as a First Aider for troop activities/trips until the certificate expiration date.

*Important note: If you have a First Aid Cert AND a separate CPR Cert, you must upload them at the same time.

Caution: First Aid and CPR training that is available entirely online, without a hands-on component does NOT satisfy Girl Scouts’ requirements. Several organizations offer a partially online course, with a hands-on skills assessment. Such courses may be accepted as meeting the recommendations. Email us for support.

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Advanced First Aider. An Advanced First Aider is an adult with general first aid/CPR certification PLUS additional health, safety or emergency response expertise such as: a physician; physician’s assistant; nurse practitioner; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; paramedic; military medic; certified lifeguard; emergency medical technician (EMT); or have wilderness training. They can serve as a First Aider without taking additional training.

Follow these steps to have your credentials added to your record:

Log into your MyGS account.
Click on the gsLearn button and navigate to the “Content Library” tab.
Choose 253 Certified Healthcare Provider Credentials for Advanced First Aider, and follow the instructions to upload your healthcare license AND a separate CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. We will contact you when it is approved or if we need more information.
Once your credentials are approved by a GSEP staff member, your training will be added to your gsLearn Achievements and you’ll be eligible to serve as an Advanced First Aider for troop activities/trips until the certificate expiration dates.

*Important note: If you have a healthcare license AND a separate CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, you must upload them at the same time.

Prepare for Service Unit Roles:

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GSUSA’s Service Unit Manager Learning Path - Required for all Service Unit Managers who have not completed Set for Success or Maintaining Momentum

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This interactive, on-demand training will familiarize you with the basics of leading a Girl Scout service area.

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253 Service Unit Event Management - Required

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

Service Unit Event Management is an on-demand training designed for volunteers who are interested in planning and implementing events for a Service Unit. It is helpful for anyone planning a service unit event, and is required for Service Unit Camporee Directors, and for hosting a camporee at any of our GSEP properties. This course will give volunteers the tools and information necessary to develop events ranging from partial days to weekend long.

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253 Service Unit Finance

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

Are you a Service Unit Treasurer? Then this on-demand training is for you! Learn about GSEP policies, forms, and best practices. By the end of this session, you’ll be ready to keep your service unit on a steady financial footing! This on-line training is available from the comfort of your home, and on your own schedule.

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253 Looker Training for Volunteers

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This on-demand training is designed for the Service Unit Registrar. Looker is a reporting tool that provides current membership information for your Service Unit. To complete this learning path, watch the training video and sign the confidentiality agreement.

Are you an expert in your field and feel you could teach a valuable course to Girl Scout volunteers? If so, we want to hear from you! Email memberservices@gsep.org.