Training
Adult volunteers play a fundamental role in delivering and supporting the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. They are the backbone of the Girl Scout Movement. In order to ensure that volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills essential to providing girls with fun and safe experiences that develop leadership, GSUSA and River Valleys provides learning opportunities for volunteers to attend.. Several types of training, both required and enrichment, are available.
Types of Training:
(click on the name to reveal the description)
Thank you for volunteering to become a Girl Scout leader. As a leader, you will inspire and guide girls to lead with courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. To ensure that all leaders carry out a troop program based on the principles of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and the Girl Scout Promise and Law, GSUSA and River Valleys require that all new Girl Scout leaders complete the GSUSA Online Orientation and Leadership Essentials within four months of becoming a leader.
For more information on a leader’s responsibilities and qualifications, please read the Troop Leader/Co-Leader Position Description.
General Guidelines for Adult Development Training Sessions
- Register for your session either online or by mail before attending. This will ensure that there will be enough training materials for all participants and that you will be notified in the case that your session is cancelled or changed.
- Pay for your training session at the time of registration if required.
- Be on time and stay for the duration of the session. This will minimize disruptions for the volunteer facilitator and the other session participants.
- Bring your own refreshments and snacks.
- Remember that the facilitator is a volunteer like you. Our facilitators give their time and effort to help provide quality training to their fellow Girl Scout volunteers.
- Be respectful of other participants during the training session.
- Use day care or childcare. In order to create an effective learning atmosphere for all, children should not attend training. We suggest that troop or service unit funds be used to provide this service.
- Check the River Valleys website often. Sessions are added and deleted frequently.
- Read your training session confirmation letter carefully. This letter includes important information such as: materials needed for the session, directions to the training site, and a cancellation number that will indicate whether or not a session has been cancelled due to inclimate weather.
Leadership Training Sequence for New Leaders: Our recommended sequence for new leaders is as follows:
GSUSA Online Volunteer Orientation
Description
This online orientation (available in both English and Spanish) is a required close-up, introductory view of the Girl Scout organization. The program content is standardized with consistent national Girl Scout messages and information.
Please note: The Volunteer Orientation session and learning log sites are created and maintained by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) not River Valleys. If you are having problems accessing the online orientation, please contact GSUSA directly at 800-GSUSA 4U (800-478-7248).
Who should attend?
All new Girl Scout volunteers
Ways to Complete
- Online learning
- To reach the training, click the link above. When you log on, please use the password discover.
- If you are a leader, be sure to access the Learning Log and use orientation@girlscoutsrv.org as the email address to record your completion of the online orientation.
- To participate in this online training, you must have a high-speed internet connection, Flash 8 or 9, a sound card, and speakers. Also, be sure to disable your pop up blocker.
- Self Study
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
None
When must this training be completed?
Within four months of being appointed to your position
How often does this need to be completed?
Once
Fast Start Meeting for New Leaders
Description
This session is designed to give you the information and tools necessary to get your troop up and running. Learn whom to contact to support you in your duties, how to hold a family meeting, how to follow GSUSA’s and River Valleys’ safety procedures, how to open and manage a troop bank account, how to register your girls, and more.
Who should attend?
New leaders
Ways to Complete
- Scheduled facilitated session with a Fast Start Coach
- One to one training with a Fast Start Coach
NOTE: Scheduling and registration are arranged through the service unit
Prerequisites
- GSUSA Volunteer Orientation (recommended)
Materials to Bring
- If you have your Welcome Kit, please bring it to the session. If you do not have your Welcome Kit, a new leader booklet will be provided at the meeting
When must this training be completed?
Within four months of being appointed to your position
How often does this need to be completed?
Once
Leadership Essentials
Description
Effectively facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through both the Journey books and existing grade-level materials. Explore the leadership processes of girl-led, learn by doing, and cooperative learning. Share ideas on generating discussions with girls, earning awards, and progressing their activities to create the Journey experience with girls.
Who should attend?
All new leaders are required to attend Leadership Essentials. Returning leaders are encouraged, but not required, to attend the session.
Training Options
Prerequisites
- GSUSA Volunteer Orientation (recommended)
- Fast Start Meeting for New Leaders (recommended)
Materials to Bring
- Copy of your girl Journey book and the accompanying How To Guide
When does this training need to be completed?
Within four months of being appointed to your position
How often does this need to be completed?
Once
There are numerous opportunities available to you and your troop outside of the traditional troop meeting. These opportunities include various outdoor activities such as camping and canoeing, as well as travel to destinations both here and abroad. As part of your preparation for these activities, it is essential that you have completed the required training.
General Guidelines for Adult Development Training Sessions
- Register for your session either online or by mail before attending. This will ensure that there will be enough training materials for all participants and that you will be notified in the case that your session is cancelled or changed.
- Pay for your training session at the time of registration if required.
- Be on time and stay for the duration of the session. This will minimize disruptions for the volunteer facilitator and the other session participants.
- Bring your own refreshments and snacks.
- Remember that the facilitator is a volunteer like you. Our facilitators give their time and effort to help provide quality training to their fellow Girl Scout volunteers.
- Be respectful of other participants during the training session.
- Use day care or childcare. In order to create an effective learning atmosphere for all, children should not attend training. We suggest that troop or service unit funds be used to provide this service.
- Check the River Valleys website often. Sessions are added and deleted frequently.
- Read your training session confirmation letter carefully. This letter includes important information such as: materials needed for the session, directions to the training site, and a cancellation number that will indicate whether or not a session has been cancelled due to inclimate weather.
Required Beyond the Troop Training for Overnights and Cooking with Girls
In order to ensure a safe and fun experience for all, both GSUSA and River Valleys require that leaders receive the appropriate training before participating in an overnight and/or cooking with girls. The steps below are designed to help you to determine which training is required for your troop’s planned activities. If you have any questions, please contact an adult development specialist at 1-800-845-0787.
Step 1: Use the charts below to determine whether your overnight and/or cooking is taking place indoors or outdoors.
Overnight Accommodations *
Indoor
Outdoor^
House
Tent
Hotel
Platform tent
Troop house
Yurt
Dormitory
Tent cabin
Hostel
Cabin
*Remember that all overnight accommodations must meet the requirements for a safe, clean, and secure environment that allows for the participation of all girls as outlined in Standard 22 of Safety-Wise.
^ The training for outdoor accommodations focuses primarily on traditional tenting; however, it will also address issues related to nontraditional tenting and staying in cabins.
Food Preparation/Cooking Methods
Indoor
Outdoor
Electric or gas range
Campfire cooking methods
Electric or gas oven
Portable propane stove
Electric slow cooker or electric grill
Charcoal
Microwave
Gas grill
No cook
Roasting marshmallows over an indoor fireplace fire
Step 2: Now use the chart below to determine which training is required for your activities.
My troop will be…
Required Course(s)
Sleeping indoors
Sleeping and cooking indoors
Sleeping indoors and cooking outdoors
Sleeping outdoors and cooking indoors
Sleeping outdoors and cooking outdoors
Going on an indoor overnight that will last three or more nights and/or is taking place at a considerable distance from your service center
- Girls Sleep In
- Girls Cook In (if cooking indoors)
- Girls Travel-US
Going on an outdoor overnight that will last three or more nights and/or is taking place at a considerable distance from your service center
- Girls Sleep In
- Girls Sleep Out
- Girls Cook In
- Girls Cook Out (if cooking outdoors)
- Girls Travel-US
- If you have completed Outdoor ABC (in any combination), Intermediate Outdoor Skills, or Advanced Outdoor Skills, you are finished with Outdoor training (Girls Sleep In, Girls Cook In, Girls Sleep Out, and Girls Cook Out) .
- If you have completed Outdoor A and B or Basic Outdoor Skills training or Explore Out, you need to take Girls Sleep Out.
- If you have only completed Outdoor A or Troop House Training, you need to take Girls Cook In, Girls Cook Out, and Girls Sleep Out.
Combination Sessions:
In addition to individual training sessions, you have the option of taking a combination session, which includes two or more different training sessions.
Name of Combined Session
Covers information from:
Girls Sleep In, Girls Sleep Out, Girls Cook In, and Girls Cook Out
Description
Learn to walk your troop through the process of planning and preparing for an indoor overnight adventure of up to two nights and three days. Understand what procedures and forms are required and how to use girl planning in preparing for an overnight. Topics include: girl readiness, progression, and group living skills. You will also become familiar with River Valleys’ properties and policies, Safety-Wise, and Leave No Trace principles while learning how to incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into your activities. This session includes safety guidelines for fireplace fires. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning an indoor overnight activity that will last 1-2 nights.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
None
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor overnight activity and before the said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
Guide your girls in planning an overnight adventure of up to two nights and three days sleeping in tents. Build on the skills learned in Girls Sleep In and gain valuable information and skills related to program ideas, planning, safety, and addressing environmental concerns related to outdoor tenting. Learn basic knots and understand what gear is needed for a trip as well as the care and use of tents. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning an outdoor overnight activity lasting 1-2 nights.
Training Options
Prerequisites
Girls Sleep In
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
- You are invited to bring your own tent; we will have a limited number of council tents available for group use.
Cost
None
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the outdoor overnight activity and before the said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
More than recipes, this session helps you lead your troop through the process of safely preparing food using no-cook and indoor cooking methods. Gain tips and techniques on how to teach girls the steps of budgeting, menu planing, following safety guidelines, and making healthy food choices. Develop strategies for grocery shopping and for effective management of food preparation with the troop. All that and fun recipes too. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning on preparing snacks and meals indoors.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
$5.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor food preparation activity and before the said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
Guide your girls in experiencing outdoor cooking. Build on the skills you learned in Girls Cook In to prepare you in assisting your girls with cooking food in the outdoors. You will learn essential outdoor cooking skills including: fire building methods, charcoal and camp stove cooking, and outdoor dishwashing and sanitation methods as covered in Safety-Wise. Enjoy the hands-on experience of cooking a meal using different fuel sources and equipment such as one pot, box oven, and pie irons. Leave No Trace Principles will also be reviewed in this session. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning on preparing food using outdoor cooking methods.
Training Options
Prerequisites
Girls Cook In
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
$10.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the outdoor cooking activity and before the said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to lead your girls in planning a regional or national trip lasting three or more nights. You will gain the necessary skills to guide your girls through the process of planning, budgeting, and reviewing safety requirements and transportation needs for your trip. You will also learn how to help girls gauge their readiness and become familiar with GSUSA’s and River Valleys’ polices and procedures for extended trips.
NOTE: Additional training may be required depending on activity. Please see other session descriptions for more information.
Who should attend?
Leaders whose troops are planning an extended regional or national trip lasting three or more nights.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
None
When must this training be completed?
At least six months to three years before the extended trip takes place. See the River Valleys Council Reference Guide for more information.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to guide your troop in planning an indoor overnight that will include indoor cooking. This combined session covers both Girls Cook In and Girls Sleep In, and will help you to lead girls in preparing food using no cook or indoor cooking methods while planning and participating in an indoor overnight of up to two nights and three days. You will gain valuable information about girl readiness, progression, group living skills, River Valleys’ properties and policies, Safety-Wise standards, budgeting, and food safety guidelines. You will also learn about Leave No Trace principles and how to incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into your troop’s activities. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning, preparing and cooking food while sleeping overnight indoors.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
$5.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor overnight and cooking and before the said activities take place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to guide your girls in planning and carrying out an overnight in tents that includes outdoor cooking. This combined session covers information from both Girls Cook Out and Girls Sleep Out and will build on skills learned in Girls Cook In and Girls Sleep In or Staying In. You will learn essential outdoor cooking skills including: fire building methods, charcoal and camp stove cooking, and outdoor dishwashing and sanitation methods as covered in Safety-Wise. You will also enjoy the hands-on experience of cooking a meal using different fuel sources and equipment such as one pot, box oven, and pie irons. You will also gain valuable tips and techniques related to program ideas, planning, safety, environmental concerns related to outdoor tenting, basic knots, appropriate gear, and the proper care and use of tents. Leave No Trace principles will be reviewed in this session. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are preparing to cook and tent outdoors.
Training Options
Prerequisites
Girls Sleep In and Girls Cook In or Staying In
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
- You are invited to bring your own tent; we will have a limited number of council tents available for group use
Cost
$10.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the outdoor cooking and tenting activities and before said activities take place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to guide girls in planning and participating in an indoor overnight that includes either indoor or outdoor cooking. This combined session covers the information from Girls Cook In, Girls Cook Out, and Girls Sleep In. You will learn how to support girls in planning, budgeting, and following food safety guidelines. You will also obtain valuable information on girl readiness, progression, group living skills, River Valleys’ policies and properties, outdoor dishwashing and sanitation methods as covered in Safety-Wise, Leave No Trace principles, and knife safety. You will also have hands-on experience cooking a meal using different fuel sources and equipment such as one pot, box oven, and pie irons. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning an indoor overnight with outdoor cooking.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
$15.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor overnight and outdoor cooking activities and before the said activities take place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to lead your girls in safely preparing food using either indoor or outdoor cooking methods. This combined session covers information from both Girls Cook In and Girls Cook Out and will provide you with tips and techniques to help girls brainstorm, budget, grocery shop, follow safety-measures, and make healthy food choices. You will also learn essential outdoor cooking skills including: firebuilding, knife safety, outdoor dishwashing and sanitation methods as covered in Safety-Wise, and charcoal and camp stove cooking methods. As the culmination of your learning, you will have hands-on experience preparing an outdoor meal using a variety of different fuel sources and equipment including one pot, box oven, and pie irons. Leave No Trace principles will also be reviewed in this session. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning to prepare food using both indoor and outdoor cooking methods.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
Cost
$15.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor/outdoor food preparation activities and before said activities take place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This session will prepare you to lead girls in planning and participating in either an indoor or outdoor overnight. This combined session covers information from both Girls Sleep In and Girls Sleep Out and provides you with vital information on girl planning, girl readiness, progression, group living skills, and incorporating the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into your activities. You will learn about River Valleys’ properties and policies, Safety-Wise, Leave No Trace principles, and how to safely build and use both indoor and outdoor fires. You will learn about basic knots and appropriate gear for both indoor and outdoor activities as well as the proper care and use of tents. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies, in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Volunteers whose troops are planning to go on an indoor and outdoor overnight activity lasting up to two nights and three days.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
- You are invited to bring your own tent; we will have a limited number of council tents available for group use.
Cost
None
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the indoor and/or outdoor overnight activity and before the said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
Description
This two day session (includes an overnight in tents) will start you with outdoor basic skills and cover all of the training needed to guide your troop on either an indoor or outdoor adventure of up to two nights and three days including cooking and food preparation. This combined session covers the information in Girls Cook In, Girls Sleep In, Girls Cook Out, and Girls Sleep Out. You will learn about girl readiness, progression, and group living skills, while focusing on how to incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into your activities. You will obtain information about River Valleys’ policies and sites, Leave No Trace principles, the proper care and use of tents, and the best gear for your trip. You will also learn how to plan, budget, and safely prepare food using both indoor and outdoor cooking methods. You will gain hands-on experience preparing food using a variety of different fuel sources and equipment including one pot, box oven, Dutch oven, and pie irons. Other essential food preparation skills include: basic knots, knife safety, and outdoor dishwashing and sanitation methods as discussed in Safety-Wise. You will also be introduced to the new River Valleys Beyond the Troop Manual.
When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
Who should attend?
Leaders seeking to complete all of their outdoor training requirements.
Training Options
Prerequisites
None
Materials to Bring
- Copies of Safety-Wise and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section.
- Complete Adult Health History Form.
- You are invited to bring your own tent; we will have a limited number of council tents available for group use.
Cost
$30.00
When must this training be completed?
As soon as girls are ready to begin planning their activity and before said activity takes place.
How often does this training need to be completed?
Once
If you believe that you already possess the skills covered in the Beyond the Troop sessions, you may apply for equivalent qualification. To apply for equivalent qualification, complete the application form, and mail or fax it to your local adult development specialist. After your application has been reviewed, your adult development specialist will contact you to conduct a telephone interview.
- Safety
- Program Activities
- Enrichment
- Service Unit Team
Save the Date - Upcoming Training Events
Lakamaga Adult Education Conference
FUN AND LEARNING FOR LIFE
Celebrate the upcoming Girl Scout year at the 2009 Lakamaga Adult Education Conference - Fun and Learning for Life. The conference is Friday, August 14 - Sunday, August 16 at Camp Lakamaga. Join more than 300 adult volunteers for learning and inspiration to start another exciting year of Girl Scouting. New this year is a girl troop boutique, your choice of conference T-shirt color with early registration, and on Saturday night, back by popular demand, Ann Reed, Minnesota singer/songwriter.
Conference registration is now open - enter here.
New Girl Scout Troop Boutique
COUNCIL-APPROVED MONEY-EARNING PROJECTNew this year at the Lakamaga Adult Education Conference, a Girl Scout Boutique on Saturday, August 15. Set up outside from 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. with the boutique hours from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., rain or shine. For more details, download the Boutique Application. Application must be submitted by August 1 with a Troop Money Earning Project Approval Form.
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