Training is a key component of the role of a Girl Scout volunteer. Participation in job training provides our adult volunteers with the knowledge and skill needed to gain satisfaction from their volunteer responsibilities. It also reinforces the quality standards Girl Scouts strives to maintain. See more information about the latest Training requirements below.

Also, find out more under training course descriptions. Details about upcoming trainings can also be found in the Horizons program catalog.

NEW: Outdoor Training Goes Online: Earn your outdoor camping credentials with just a click of the mouse and in the comfort of your own home. Click here to learn more.

 

Training Requirements:

The Training Calendar focuses on the OPTIONS you have for becoming a trained leader. Training requirements are listed below. The calendar listings will present two to five options of how to complete each required training.

What Training Do I Need?
As soon as background checks are completed, your Field Executive (the council staff contact for your town) will schedule a “Let’s Get Started” Training with new Leaders and co-leaders. This course gives the basic nuts and bolts of parent meetings, first few troop meetings, setting up bank accounts, registering your troop, and more. Within 6 months of recruitment leaders and/or co-leaders must complete Orientation and Age Level classes. These two courses cover:

  • Knowledge of the Girl Scout program, its traditions, beliefs, and goals
  • Knowledge of national and council policies and procedures, financial matters, and safety awareness
  • Knowledge of characteristics of girls at different stages of development
  • Understanding and implementing girl/adult planning
  • Commitment to making Girl Scouting available to all girls

Before a troop ventures away from its meeting place, it must have a “first-aider.” We offer American Red Cross courses at a reduced fee. Outdoor activities require special skills and knowledge of “Girl Scout Ways.” Leaders must demonstrate competencyin outdoor skills, knowledge of “Girl Scout Ways”, and the ability to work with a group of girls to plan a successful camping trip. Outdoor Fun and Troop Camper are required before taking girls camping.

Extended Troop Trip is required for troops planning trips of 3+ nights.

Training from Other Girl Scout Councils
If you’ve moved into our council as an already trained leader, you’re a step ahead in the game! American Red Cross courses and Orientation and Age Level courses are accepted from other councils. You will need to talk with your Field Executive and study “How-To” to learn about policies and procedures specific to our council. To see if your outdoor training will transfer, talk with Tia Ramsey, Adult Development Director, or e-mail her at tramsey@girlscoutswnc.org.

Online Training
 Online Orientation to Girl Scouting, Outdoor Training...Both Online!

Troop Leaders: Check out the Online Orientation to Girl Scouting, which consists of an overview of Girl Scout beliefs, its story, and its concern with the safety of the girls. Orientation is appropriate for every Girl Scout volunteer, from troop leader to Board member.The course is composed of 8 sections. Click here to learn more.

In addition to our Online Orientation to Girl Scouting course, we're now offering Outdoor Training with just the clicks of a mouse! Click here to begin.

Independent Study Courses

Need your own schedule? Work idependently and download these workbooks:

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Troop leaders: Have you ever come home from a Girl Scout training session and thought, "Why didn't I ask about ___________?" or "How did the trainer say to do this?" Now you may direct questions to just the right person -- or "e-mentor" -- through the new Leader Q & A webpage. Click on the chosen topic and e-mail your question to a trainer. Volunteer trainers have committed themselves to answering any questions within 48 hours!

Council Trainers' Website

Council trainers may find information they need by logging onto to the password-protected Trainers' website: http://www.gstraining.homestead.com.

How to Register for Training

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