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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:

Required New Leader Training

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

253 GSEP’s New Leader Learning Path -  Required

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This interactive, on-demand training will familiarize you with the basics of being a Girl Scout leader.  

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

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.

Volunteer Toolkit

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!

Manage Your Troop’s Finances

Troop Finances Basics - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This on-demand training will help you to take charge of your Troop's finances!

In Troop Finance Basics, you will: 

  1. Review the responsibilities of the Troop Treasurer role
  2. Develop an understanding of GSEP's financial policies and procedures
  3. Explore best practices for troop money management
Take Your Troop on Trips

Troop Travel basics - Recommended

Where to find it: MyGS> My Account> gsLearn

This 1-hour webinar is a crash course in troop travel!

In Troop Travel Basics, you will: 

  1. Define progression and readiness factors for girls as related to trips
  2. Learn the troop trip approval process
  3. Learn the steps to plan, implement, and evaluate a trip or overnight with girls


 Prepare for Troop Adventures:

Overnight Trips

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:

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

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

Fire-building, Camping, & more

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.

Basic Outdoor Skills Part 1

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 

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

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

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! 

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. 

Re-Certification/Exemption for Basic Outdoor Skills

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. 

Keep Building your Outdoor Skills

Get Comfortable Camping - Not required, but highly recommended for volunteers who want more experience

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Pre-requisites: Basic Outdoor Skills (Both parts 1 & 2)

Fee: $35

This course allows you to get a full overnight camping experience before taking your troop camping. You will sleep overnight in a platform tent and do all of your cooking outdoors. Outdoor cooking methods include pie irons, Dutch oven, box oven, foil packet and propane stove. Spend some time on nature activities, campfire songs, and how to plan simple Girl Scout camping ceremonies. The emphasis for this course is to increase your comfort level with these outdoor skills so that you will feel confident when you take your troop camping. Rustic camping doesn't necessarily mean hardship! Enjoy good food, relax with sister Girl Scouts, and get comfortable while camping.

While this training is not part of the Basic Outdoor Skills series required to take girls camping, we highly recommended this for our volunteers who would like more experience and information. 


 First Aider Training:

General First Aider. A general first-aider is an adult volunteer who has taken Girl Scout approved first aid and CPR training that includes specific instructions for adult and pediatric CPR, first aid, and AED as well as AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training that, minimally, includes face to face, hands-on skills check.

First Aid/CPR/AED Offered by GSEP

First Aid/CPR Certification 

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Pre-requisites: None

GSEP offers First Aid and CPR training in two convenient formats to meet your scheduling needs. Both courses instruct you through topics including rescue breathing, adult, junior, and pediatric CPR, and emergency care skills for infants, children, and adults Certification with our courses meet the standards/requirements to serve as a Troop First Aider for most Girl Scout activities. Certification is valid for 2 years.

FIRST AID/CPR Blended Course with Remote Skills Assessment

Fee: $85

This is a blended course. You will  offers content that you complete on-line training content, followed by a and a live instructor-led Remote Skills Verification (RSV) session that works for your schedule. For the RSV, all necessary equipment is shipped to your home, and you’ll connect with the instructor through an on-line portal. You must have an internet-connected device with camera. You will receive the links for the online pre-work within 7-10 business days of registration and will have 60 days to complete this course.  

FIRST AID/CPR Blended Course with In-Person Skills Assessment

Fee: $55

This is a blended course. is completed partlyYou will first complete on-line training content,.  and partly Then, you will complete with an instructor-led In-Person Skills Assessment class. Participants When you register, you’ll  for a specific select the Skills Assessment class date that works for your schedule,. We’ll send you the online training content 7-10 days prior to the in-person session. Individuals who do not complete the on-line pre-work will not be admitted to the in-person session. complete the on-line portion of the First Aid/CPR training, and attend the scheduled Skills Assessment.  

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certification cardwhich you can upload to your record and you will be eligible to serve as a First Aider for troop activities/trips to upload to gsLearn.

First Aid/CPR Offered by Independent Providers

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:

  1. Log into your MyGS account. 
  2. Click on the gsLearn button and navigate to the “Content Library” tab.
  3. Choose 253 General First Aid CPR/AED, and follow the instructions to upload your certifications. We will contact you when it is approved or if we need more information. 
  4. You will be then be eligible to serve as a First Aider for troop activities/trips.

*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.

Certified Healthcare Providers

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:

  1.  Log into your MyGS account. 
  2. Click on the gsLearn button and navigate to the “Content Library” tab.
  3. Choose 253 Certified Healthcare Provider Credentials for Advanced First Aider, and follow the instructions to upload your medical license AND a separate CPR (Basic Life Support) Cert. We will contact you when it is approved or if we need more information. 
  4. You will be then be eligible to serve as an Advanced First Aider for troop activities/trips.

*Important note: If you have a medical license AND a separate CPR (Basic Life Support) Cert or First Aid cert, you must upload them at the same time.

Add your certifications to your GSEP Record

Follow these steps to upload your certifications to your gsLearn record. 

  • Access gsLearn by logging into your MyGS account.
  • Click on the gsLearn button to see the trainings available there.
  • Choose 253 First Aid Level 1- CPR/AEDFfollow the instructions to upload your certifications.

We will contact you when it is approved or if we need more information. If you have a First Aid Cert AND a separate CPR Cert, you must upload them at the same time.


Prepare for Service Unit Roles:

Service Unit Manager

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.

 

Service Unit Manager Stepping Stones- Nuts & Bolts - Highly Reccommended

Where to find it: MyGS> Find Events

Now that you've completed the Service Unit Manager Learning Path in gsLearn, it's time to put it all together with hands-on application of the concepts and GSEP best practices. This interactive session will help prepare you for your new role on the service unit team. Zoom link will be emailed 1-2 days prior to the training.

Service Unit Event Manager

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.

Service Unit Treasurer

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.

Service Unit Administrative Volunteer

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.

Your time to shine? Now! Join Today and Save.
Your time to shine? Now! Join Today and Save.
Your time to shine? Now! Volunteer Today and Save.
Your time to shine? Now! Volunteer Today and Save.