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.   New volunteers who have not yet registered, submitted their background check, and/or completed GSUSA's Online Orientation, please click here. These steps will need to be completed before beginning further training.

 

Types of Training:
(click on the name to reveal the description)

• Leadership Training Sessions for New Leaders

   

  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 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 accessing the Spanish version, the password is descubrir. During the orientation, be sure to access the Learning Log . Enter your name and e-mail address. Insert a semicolon (;) at the end of your e-mail address and type the volunteer manager’s e-mail, orientation@girlscoutsrv.org  to record your completion of the online orientation. Note: This is a large file, so it may take some time to load completely Orientation Self Study
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	30 minutes to one hour
  Cost	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 how to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Program Essentials.
  Who should attend?	New leaders. One leader per troop must attend Fast Start Training. Other leaders are encouraged to attend.
  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
  Duration	One and a half hours
  Cost	None
  Materials to Bring	None. You will receive your Welcome Kit at the session.
  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 Leadership Journey books and existing grade-level materials. Explore the leadership processes of girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning. Share ideas on generating discussions with girls, earning awards, and progressing their activities to create the Leadership Journey experience with girls. You will also learn how to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Program Essentials.
  Who should attend?	All new leaders are required to attend Leadership Essentials.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session Self Study
  Prerequisites	GSUSA Volunteer Orientation (recommended) Fast Start Meeting for New Leaders (required for one leader per troop; recommended for both leaders)
  Duration	Three hours
  Cost	None
  Materials to Bring	Copy of the Leadership Journeys book for your Girl Scout Grade Level and the accompanying Adult How To Guide Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Program Essentials for your Girl Scout Grade Level.
  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

   

   

• Beyond the Troop (Outdoor and Travel)

  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 unless stated otherwise.

  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 (heated or unheated)

  *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.

   

  Note: Before reserving any River Valleys facility, you will need to ensure that you have taken the required Beyond the Troop training session(s). Information about required training is explained on this webpage. If you have any additional questions, please contact an adult development specialist.

   

  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

  Note: Before reserving any River Valleys facility, you will need to ensure that you have taken the required Beyond the Troop training session(s). Information about required training is explained on this webpage. If you have any additional questions, please contact an adult development specialist.

  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	Girls Sleep In
  Sleeping and cooking indoors	Girls Sleep In Girls Cook In
  Sleeping indoors and cooking outdoors	Girls Sleep In Girls Cook In Girls Cook Out
  Sleeping outdoors and cooking indoors	Girls Sleep In Girls Cook In Girls Sleep Out
  Sleeping outdoors and cooking outdoors	Girls Sleep In Girls Cook In Girls Cook Out Girls Sleep Out            Or Camping Out
  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:
  Staying In	Girls Cook In and Girls Sleep In
  Going Out	Girls Cook Out and Girls Sleep Out
  Meals In and Out	Girls Cook In and Girls Cook Out
  Overnights In and Out	Girls Sleep In and Girls Sleep Out
  Staying In/Eating Out	Girls Sleep In, Girls Cook In, and Girls Cook Out
  Camping Out	Girls Sleep In, Girls Sleep Out, Girls Cook In, and Girls Cook Out

   

  Girls Sleep In
  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.   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, and any troop interested in reserving a River Valleys indoor facility including troop houses and heated or unheated cabins.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Two hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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 reserving a River Valleys indoor facility.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Girls Sleep Out
  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.
  Who should attend?	Volunteers whose troops are planning an outdoor overnight activity lasting 1-2 nights, and any troop reserving either a River Valleys outdoor property including platform tents, tent cabins, and yurts or certain River Valleys equipment (tents).
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	Girls Sleep In
  Duration	Four hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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 reserving a River Valleys outdoor facility or renting applicable River Valleys equipment (tents).
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Girls Cook  In
  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.   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, and troops who are reserving an indoor facility with a kitchen.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	One and a half hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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 reserving an indoor facility with a kitchen.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Girls Cook Out
  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.   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, and troops who are reserving River Valleys outdoor cooking equipment.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	Girls Cook In
  Duration	Three and a half hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section. Mess kit containing a plastic or metal plate, cup, and silverware and a dunk bag [mesh bag in which to dry dishes].
  Cost	$10.00
  When must this training be completed?	As soon as girls are ready to begin planning the outdoor cooking activity and before reserving River Valleys’ outdoor cooking equipment.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Girls Travel-US
  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	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Three hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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

   

  Staying In
  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.   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, and any troop interested in reserving a River Valleys indoor facility including troop houses and heated or unheated cabins and/or an indoor facility with a kitchen.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Three hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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 reserving a River Valleys indoor facility with or without a kitchen.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Going Out
  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.   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 and troops who are interested in reserving either a River Valleys outdoor property including platform tents, tent cabins, and yurts or renting certain River Valleys equipment (tents and outdoor cooking equipment).
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	Girls Sleep In and Girls Cook In or Staying In
  Duration	Seven hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section. Mess kit containing a plastic or metal plate, cup, and silverware and a dunk bag [mesh bag in which to dry dishes]. 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 before reserving a River Valleys outdoor property or applicable equipment (tents and outdoor cooking equipment).
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Staying In/Eating Out
  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.   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, any troop reserving a River Valleys indoor facility with or without a kitchen including troop houses and heated or unheated cabins and are reserving River Valleys’ outdoor cooking equipment.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Six hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section. Mess kit containing a plastic or metal plate, cup, and silverware and a dunk bag [mesh bag in which to dry dishes].
  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, before reserving a River Valleys indoor facility with or without a kitchen, and before reserving River Valleys’ outdoor cooking equipment.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Meals In and Out
  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.   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, and troops who are either reserving an indoor facility with a kitchen and/or are reserving River Valleys’ outdoor cooking equipment.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Four hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section. Mess kit containing a plastic or metal plate, cup, and silverware and a dunk bag [mesh bag in which to dry dishes].
  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 reserving either an indoor facility with a kitchen or River Valleys’ outdoor cooking equipment.
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Overnights In and Out
  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.   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, and any troop interested in reserving  a River Valleys indoor facility including troop houses and heated or unheated cabins, a River Valleys outdoor property including platform tents, tent cabins, and yurts, or renting certain River Valleys equipment (tents).
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Five hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, 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 reserving either a River Valleys indoor or outdoor facility or before reserving applicable River Valleys equipment (tents).
  How often does this training need to be completed?	Once

   

  Camping Out
  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. When you register, please be sure to include any food allergies in the special needs section of the form.
  Who should attend?	Volunteers seeking to complete all of their outdoor training requirements and troops who are reserving River Valleys indoor and/or outdoor facilities or equipment.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	One and a half hours
  Materials to Bring	Copies of Safety-Wise, Safety-Wise Updates, and the River Valleys Council Reference Guide can be found in Forms and Documents section. Complete Adult Health History Form. Mess kit containing a plastic or metal plate, cup, and silverware and a dunk bag [mesh bag in which to dry dishes]. 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 indoor and/or outdoor cooking/overnight activity and before reserving a River Valleys indoor/outdoor facility and/or equipment.
  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

  River Valleys currently offers training sessions for volunteers who would like to lead girls in archery or the use of canoes, rowboats, and small sailboats. Small Craft Safety Certification is the Safety-Wise requirement for leading girls in the use of canoes, rowboats, and small sailboats. It is offered both as a full class and as a renewal challenge for individuals who currently hold certification. Archery Instructor training is the Safety-Wise requirement for leading girls in archery activities.

   

  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 unless stated otherwise.

  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.

   

  Archery Certification
  Description	Learn archery safety, skills, and teaching techniques as you prepare to lead archery programs for girls and adults. Completion of this training certifies you as a National Archery Association Level 1 Basics Instructor. Training includes skill development, classroom instruction, and assessment (written test and teaching demonstration). Certification is valid for three years. This class satisfies the Safety-Wise requirement  for leading girls in archery activities.
  Who should attend?	Volunteers who are planning on leading girls in archery activities.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	None
  Duration	Eight hours
  Materials to Bring	Water bottle Comfortable clothing (some participants prefer long sleeves) Tie back for long hair Comfortable chair
  Cost	$30.00. This fee includes the costs of certification and the required textbook.
  When must this training be completed?	Before leading girls in archery activities
  How often does this need to be completed?	Every three years

   

  Small Craft Safety Certification
  Description	Small Craft Safety certification is the current Safety-Wise requirement for a canoe trip leader. Learn the skills necessary to prevent, recognize, and respond to canoe emergencies, and gain the knowledge to assist a troop in planning and implementing a canoe outing. This certification covers flat water canoeing, rowboats, and small sailboats and is valid for a three year period. Please note that this is a safety and rescue certification course, not a canoeing skills class. Participants must be experienced canoists who are prepared to pass a prerequisite canoe skills test that will be given at the beginning of the class. There will be no practice time before the test. Participants who are unable to pass the prerequisite test will be unable to continue with the training.
  Who should attend?	Experienced canoeists who are planning on leading girls on a canoe/rowboat/small sailboat trip.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	In order to complete the mandatory prerequisite test, you will need to demonstrate the following: Float or tread water for one minute without a life jacket Swim any stroke for 25 yards without a life jacket Swim any stroke for 25 yards with a life jacket Safely launch and control a canoe using the proper strokes while paddling forwards and backwards, turning, stopping, and holding position Paddling will be done solo, either alone in a canoe or with a non-paddling partner to help balance the canoe When paddling forward and backward steering strokes, such as J-strokes or sweep strokes, must be used to maintain a straight line course without switching sides or ruddering.
  Duration	Eight and a half hours
  Materials to Bring	Your favorite paddle Adult-sized life jacket (if you have one). A limited number of life jackets will be available at the training. Comfortable layered clothing and/or swimsuit Change of dry clothes/shoes Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses Pen/notebook Bottled water
  Cost	$15.00. This fee includes the cost of certification and the required textbook.
  When must this training be completed?	Before leading girls on a canoe trip
  How often does this need to be completed?	Every three years

   

  Small Craft Safety Challenge (Renewal)
  Description	If you are currently Small Craft Safety Certified and are interested in renewing your certification, you may take the class in challenge format, and be exempt from the classroom portion of the class. You will still need to complete the pretest upon arrival, and there will be no practice session beforehand. This certification covers flat water canoeing, rowboats, and small sailboats and is valid for a three year period.
  Who should attend?	Volunteers holding current Small Craft Safety Certification who are interested in renewing their certification.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	You must have current Small Craft Safety Certification You must also pass a prerequisite skills test given on the same day as the training session.In order to complete the mandatory prerequisite test, you will need to demonstrate the following: Float or tread water for one minute without a life jacket Swim any stroke for 25 yards without a life jacket Swim any stroke for 25 yards with a life jacket Safely launch and control a canoe using the proper strokes while paddling forwards and backwards, turning, stopping, and holding position Paddling will be done solo, either alone in a canoe or with a non-paddling partner to help balance the canoe When paddling forward and backward steering strokes, such as J-strokes or sweep strokes, must be used to maintain a straight line course without switching sides or ruddering
  Duration	Three and a half hours
  Materials to Bring	Red Cross Small Craft Safety book and current certification card Your favorite paddle Adult-sized life jacket (if you have one). A limited number of life jackets will be available at the training. Comfortable layered clothing and/or swimsuit Change of dry clothes/shoes Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses Pen/notebook
  Cost	$5.00. This fee covers the cost of certification
  When must this training be completed?	Before the volunteer’s Small Craft Safety Certification expires
  How often does this need to be completed?	Every three years

   

  Small Craft Safety Moving Water Certification
  Description	After completing Small Craft Safety Certification, you may take the Moving Water Module for certification to take girls paddling on rivers with Class I and Class II rapids. Training covers river safety and hazards, supervision of paddlers on moving water, and moving water rescues. Certification is valid for three years.
  Who should attend?	Experienced canoeists who have taken Small Craft Safety Certification during the same summer.
  Training Options	Scheduled facilitated session
  Prerequisites	To qualify for this class, you must have taken Small Craft Safety Certification in the same summer.
  Duration	Six hours
  Materials to Bring	Red Cross Small Craft Safety book and current certification card Favorite paddle Adult-sized life jacket (if you have one). A limited number of life jackets will be available at the training session. Comfortable layered clothing and/or swimsuit or wetsuit Change of dry clothes/shoes Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses Safety cord for glasses (if desired) Bottled water Bag lunch Snacks
  Cost	$5.00. This fee covers the cost of certification.
  When must this training be completed?	Before leading girls on a canoe trip on Class I or Class II rapids
  How often does this need to be completed?	Every three years

   

• Enrichment

  The five River Valleys Adult Enrichment Events provide wonderful opportunities to attend training sessions, learn new skills, network with other volunteers, and have fun. More information about each event including schedules, session descriptions, and registration forms will be available on the training webpage one month before the event takes place.

   

  Super Saturday Adult Enrichment Event
  Get the Girl Scout year off to a great start with this one day fall event held in the Rochester area. Super Saturday is a great opportunity for both new and returning leaders to complete required training while also attending enrichment sessions to expand their knowledge and skills.

   

  Leadership Conference Adult Enrichment Event
  A long standing tradition in the Redwood Falls area, this one day conference has sessions full of ideas for you to take back to your girls, while providing a great opportunity to complete required leader and service unit team training. An ideal event for both new and returning leaders, Leadership Conference is held on the first Saturday of November.

   

  Mid-Winter Warm Up Adult Enrichment Event
  Break up the monotony of a Midwestern winter by attending this one day event in the west metro area. Warm up with new ideas that you can use to enliven and invigorate your troop, service unit, and yourself. Mid-Winter Warm Up is generally held on a Saturday in February and includes a mix of required and enrichment training sessions.

   

  Outdoor Education Conference
  Sharpen your outdoor skills and enjoy getting back to nature at this spring multi-day conference held at a River Valleys camp property. You will have the opportunity to attend both required and enrichment sessions that will provide you with the skills to guide your girls in outdoor activities. Plus, you will have the chance to take part in fun outdoor activities such as Dutch oven cooking, night hikes, and staying overnight in a cabin or tent.

   

  Lakamaga Adult Education Conference
  Prepare yourself for another great year of Girl Scouts at River Valleys’ largest adult enrichment event. This three day, two night event held the third full weekend of August, is a great place to stock up on ideas, tips, and techniques while enjoying fun activities in the beautiful surroundings of Camp Lakamaga.

   

• Service Unit Team

  Thank you for volunteering to serve as a member of your service unit team. As a service team member, you play an integral role in ensuring that your service unit functions efficiently and provides support and programming for both volunteers and girls. In order to ensure that volunteers have the knowledge and skills they need to most effectively serve in their positions, River Valleys provides several types of learning opportunities, both required and enrichment. You can find detailed information including position descriptions, training requirements, and downloadable self studies (when available) on the Service Unit Intranet for the following positions.

   

  • Adult/Girl Delegate/Alternate Delegate
  • Annual Giving Coordinator
  • Communications Representative
  • Service Unit Event Coordinator
  • Service Unit Fast Start Coach
  • Service Unit Manager
  • Service Unit Organizer/Recruiter
  • Service Unit Product Program Manager
  • Service Unit Registrar
  • Service Unit Resource Coordinator
  • Service Unit Treasurer

  Access the Service Unit Intranet here. Please note that this is a password protected site. You can obtain the required password from your membership specialist. Scheduled facilitated training sessions are offered for the following positions:

   

  • Communications Representative
  • Service Unit Event Coordinator
  • Service Unit Fast Start Coach
  • Service Unit Organizer/Recruiter
  • Service Unit Product Program Manager
  • Service Unit Resource Coordinator

  You may search and register for these sessions here. If you are interested in learning more about the responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits of your service team position, you may access a position description by clicking the corresponding link below.

   

  • Adult/Girl Delegate/Alternate Delegate
  • Communications Representative
  • Product Sales Activity Advisory Committee Chair
  • Product Sales Activity Advisory Committee Member
  • Service Unit Event Coordinator
  • Service Unit Fast Start Coach
  • Service Unit Juliette Liaison
  • Service Unit Leader Mentor
  • Service Unit Manager
  • Service Unit Product Program Manager
  • Service Unit Organizer/Recruiter
  • Service Unit Recognitions Coordinator
  • Service Unit Registrar
  • Service Unit Resource Coordinator
  • Service Unit Secretary
  • Service Unit Treasurer

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2010 Mid-Winter Warm Up: Wrapped Up in Winter

Break up the monotony of a Midwestern winter by attending Mid-Winter Warm up on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Learn new skills at unique sessions like Recycling Crafts, Easy Crafts for Daisies and Brownies, Girls Field Trip and Tour, and much more. The event will be held at Osseo Junior High School in Osseo, MN. Check out the conference information, session descriptions, and session schedule.

 

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Take Action Workshops for Adult Volunteers

River Valleys is excited to announce our new Take Action learning opportunities for adults! In Take Action Basics: Light Their Fire, volunteers will learn how to help girls of all ages raise the bar to Take Action and make a difference in their communities by expanding community service opportunities into sustainable, measurable projects. Take Action Basics will be held at our Mid-Winter Warm Up adult training enrichment event on February 6 in Osseo, and at other times to be announced throughout the year. In Take Action Highest Awards: Fuel Their Flame, volunteers will receive information, tips, strategies, and practices that will help support girls working on the GSUSA Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. We will offer Take Action Highest Awards to adults accompanying girls to a River Valleys Award workshop. Visit River Valleys’ Program page to search and register for a girl award workshop.  

 

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