OPTIONS! Training is all about options! Look over the courses below and choose the option that works best for you—and don’t forget this option: Set Up Your Own Classes! Is there a course you’d like to see offered in your own Service Unit? Find 5 adults who would like to attend that course and contact Tia Ramsey. Your group chooses a date and location that works for you and we’ll provide trainers!

Courses:
(click to view description information for each course)


Orientation to Girl Scouting:
Whether you’re a new leader, adult helper, or event volunteer, all new volunteers should take Orientation to Girl Scouting. Topics covered include the following:
  • Girl Scout values
  • Girl Scout story and traditions
  • Resources from GSUSA and our council
  • Making Girl Scouting available to all girls
  • Safety considerations and procedures
  • Paperwork
  • Girl Scout policies

Orientation is required for all new leaders
Prerequisites: None
Fee: None

Policy
All volunteers in Girl Scouts of Western North Carolina Pisgah Council will agree to attend orientation and educational courses appropriate to her/his volunteer position, with said orientation and courses to be completed within six (6) months following the undertaking or responsibilities associated with the position.

Orientation Options

Option A: Orientation to Girl Scouting, Course Number AT L101

Option B: Orientation to Girl Scouting, Course Number AT L102
Receive a workbook to complete by finding answers in various Girl Scout materials. Complete the workbook within one month. An advisor will be available to assist you.
Independent Study workbooks may be downloaded from www.girlscoutswnc.org. Contact your Field Executive for an advisor, workbook, and resource material.

Option C: Orientation: “Dinner and A Movie,” Course Number AT L102
Recognizing that not everyone does well with independent studies, this course allows you to meet with others and complete the Independent Study course together. You’ll have time to network and learn from the other leaders. Bring a bag lunch and watch the Orientation video. This course can be offered for 2 to 20 people! To request this course, talk with your Field Executive or contact Tia Ramsey.

Option D: Orientation, On-Line, Course Number AT L104
Ideal for parents, board members, or advisors with previous Girl Scout experience.
You may access this course by clicking here.

Let’s Get Started, Course, Course Number AT L100
Let’s Get Started is required for new troop leaders. Participants receive materials for the troop and learn the minimum needed to set up and run the first 4-6 troop meetings:

  • How to register your troop
  • How to set up a bank account
  • How to conduct a parent meeting
  • Where to find help
  • Activity suggestions for the first few meetings

Prerequisites: Orientation to Girl Scouting
Fee: None

The Field Executive or Service Unit Manager in your area will arrange a convenient time and location for “Let’s Get Started” training. You do not need to register. Contact your Field Executive at (828) 252-4442 or 1-800-522-6280 for more information.


American Red Cross Courses
Special Note: The presence of an adult who has current First Aid certification is required for troop/group activities occurring at locations other than the regular meeting place and at regular meetings where there are strenuous activities and/or those having potential risk factors. Doctors, dentists, physician’s assistants, nurse
practitioners, registered nurses licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, or EMTs may serve as first-aiders. Copies of current certification should be kept with troop records.

The ARC has recently rewritten their curriculum and made significant changes in methods to stop bleeding, treat choking, perform CPR, and other skills. Because of the changes in the material, we are not offering recertification courses this year.

Option A: Some other health care providers are accepted by GSUSA as qualified “Level 1 First Aiders”; check the information above to see if you already have this covered.

Option B: First Aid/CPR for Schools and the Community, Course Number AT F200 and F201
Conducted by a certified American Red Cross instructor, this course covers American Red Cross adult and child CPR and first aid. The ARC First Aid certificate is good for 3 years. CPR must be renewed each year.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $35 for training supplies and ARC administration fees
Minimum/Maximum: 6-12
Bring: Paper and pen/pencil Lunch and beverage
Date/Location/Time/Cancellation Date:
TBA

Option C: Attend classes offered by your local American Red Cross. (Required courses will vary from $55-$80, depending on your ARC chapter) American Heart Association offers a CPR certificate, good for 2 years.

Option D: With others in your Service Unit, approach fire departments, rescue squads, or even hospitals to seeif they might offer a first aid/child and adult CPR course for your group.

Option E: Blended Learning -- The Mountain Area Red Cross Chapter, based in Asheville, is in the process of setting up an on-line course to learn first aid and CPR. Students will take the course, complete a test, and then take the test with them to the Asheville ARC office to demonstrate first aid and CPR skills. Check with the ARC for more details. 828-258-3888

Child and Adult CPR, Course Number AT F201
Conducted by a certified American Red Cross instructor, this course and a course in First Aid are required for troop leaders or other troop adults, one per troop, for any strenuous activity or activity away from regular meeting sites. (Some other health care providers are accepted by GSUSA as qualified “Level 1 First Aiders; check page 37 in Safety-Wise to see if you already have this requirement covered.) An ARC Adult and Child CPR certificate, good for one year, will be earned. *Note that a current American Heart Association CPR certificate may substitute for this course.
Prerequisite: None
Cost: $14 for training supplies and ARC administration fees
Minimum/Maximum: 6-12
Bring: Paper and pen/pencil
Padding for knees (optional)
Something to tie your hair back (if needed)

Independent Study Courses For Training
Orientation to Girl Scouting, Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Age Levels. Download any of these courses from www.girlscoutswnc.org/forms.

Dinner and a Movie: Basic Leader Training
Recognizing that not everyone does well with independent studies, this course allows you to meet with others and complete the Independent Study course together. You'll have time to network and learn from the other leaders. Bring a bag lunch and watch the Orientation video. This course can be offered for 2 to 20 people! To request this course, talk with your Field Executive or contact Tia Ramsey.

Daisy Age Level Training Options

Daisy Girl Scout Age Level Training: Discover the wide world of Daisy Girl Scouts: Girl-centered planning, Daisy programs, troop/group activities, plus Daisy petals, awards and participation programs, and what to expect from a Daisy-aged girl. Learn about the unique method for handling Daisy finances. Daisy Age Level is required for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders.
Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started
Fee: None

Option Descriptions:
Option A: For those who work directly with girls and want hands-on examples of troop management and planning, and enjoy learning from and sharing with other volunteers
Option B: For those who work directly with girls, have experience with group management, and are motivated,independent learners
Option C: For those who work directly with girls, have some experience with group management, and enjoy networking and learning from others

Option A: Daisy Age Level, Course Number AT L110
Minimum/Maximum: 4-12
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Daisy Girl Scout Activity Guide, Safety-Wise Guide for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates:
To be announced

Option B: Daisy Independent Study, Course Number AT L111
Receive a workbook to complete by finding answers in various Girl Scout materials. Complete the workbook within one month. An advisor will be available to assist you.
Independent Study workbooks may be downloaded from www.girlscoutswnc.org. Contact your Field Executive for an advisor, workbook and resource material.

Option C: Daisy Age Level: “Dinner and A Movie,” Course Number AT L111
Recognizing that not everyone does well with independent studies, this course allows you to meet with others and complete the Independent Study course together. You’ll have time to network and learn from the other leaders. Bring a bag lunch and watch the Daisy video. This course can be offered for 2 to 20 people! To request this course, talk with your Field Executive or contact Tia Ramsey.

Brownie Age Level Training Options

Brownie Girl Scout Age Level Training: Grow along with your girls as you learn Brownie Girl Scout leadership. Discover the characteristics of Brownie Girl Scouts, girl-centered planning, forms of troop government, handling finances, Brownie program, Try-It awards and participation patches, and the ceremonies to present them. Brownie Age Level is required for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders.
Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started
Fee: None

Option Descriptions:

Option A: For those who work directly with girls and want hands-on examples of troop management and planning, and enjoy learning from and sharing with other volunteers

Option B: for those who are motivated, independent learners, work directly with girls, and have experience with group management

Option C: for those who work directly with girls, have some experience with group management, and enjoy networking and learning from others

Option D: for leaders/advisors who’ve previously taken age level training for Junior or Girls 11-17

Option A: Brownie Girl Scout Age Level, Course Number AT L120
Minimum/Maximum: 6-18
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise, Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders Brownie Girl Scout Handbook, Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates:
To be posted

Option B: Brownie Independent Study, Course Number AT L123
Receive a workbook to complete by finding answers in various Girl Scout materials. Complete the workbook within one month. An advisor will be available to assist you.
Independent Study workbooks may be downloaded from here. Contact your Field Executive for an advisor, workbook, and resource material.

Option C: Brownie Age Level: “Dinner and A Movie,” Course Number AT L123
Recognizing that not everyone does well with independent studies, this course allows you to meet with others and complete the Independent Study course together. You’ll have time to network and learn from the other leaders. Bring a bag lunch and watch the Brownie video. This course can be offered for 2 to 20 people! To request this course talk, with your Field Executive or contact Tia Ramsey.

Option D: Changing to Brownie Girl Scout Age Level, Course Number AT L121
This abbreviated course offers information specific to the Brownie program; awards, girl/adult planning, troop government, and how Brownies behave.
Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started
Minimum/Maximum: 6-18
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise, Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders Brownie Girl Scout Handbook, Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates:
TBA

Junior Girl Scout Age Level Training Options

Junior Age Level Training: Junior Girl Scouts are at an exciting age, where girls can begin turning their ideas into action! Begin to be “the guide on the side” as you learn to work with girl-planning, and to use new ways of troop government for these enthusiastic girls. Junior awards and badges offer new experiences; learn to guide girls in planning their own ceremonies and to create meaningful opportunities for helping others. Junior Age Level is required of Junior Leaders.
Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started
Fee: None

Option Descriptions:
Option A: for those who work directly with girls and want hands-on examples of troop management and planning, and enjoy learning from and sharing with other volunteers
Option B: for those who work directly with girls, have experience with group management, and are motivated, independent learners
Option C: for those who work directly with girls, have some experience with group management, and enjoy networking and learning from others
Option D: for leaders/advisors who’ve previously taken age level training for Brownie or Girls 11-17

Option A: Junior Girl Scout Age Level, Course Number AT L130
Minimum/Maximum: 6-18
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise, Junior Girl Scout Leader Guide Junior Girl Scout Handbook, Junior Girl Scout Badge book
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates:
To be posted

Option B: Junior Independent Study, Course Number AT L136
Receive a workbook to complete by finding answers in various Girl Scout materials. Complete the workbook within one month. An advisor will be available to assist you.
Independent Study workbooks may be downloaded from www.girlscoutswnc.org. Contact your Field Executive for an advisor, workbook and resource material.

Option C: Junior Age Level: “Dinner and A Movie,” Course Number AT L136
Recognizing that not everyone does well with independent studies, this course allows you to meet with others and complete the Independent Study course together. You’ll have time to network and learn from the other leaders. Bring a bag lunch and watch the Junior video. This course can be offered for 2 to 20 people! To request this course, talk with your Field Executive or contact Tia Ramsey.

Option D: Changing to Junior Girl Scout Age Level, Course Number AT L131
This abridged course offers information specific to the Junior program; awards, girl/adult planning, troop government, and girls' abilities.
Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started and Brownie Age Level or Girls 11-17 Age Level
Minimum/Maximum: 6-18
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise, Junior Girl Scout Leader Guide, Junior Girl Scout Handbook, Junior Girl Scout Badge book
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates: TBA

Girl Scouts 11-17 Age Level Training Options

Girls 11-17 Age Level Training: With other leaders, explore ways to move from being a “leader” to becoming an “advisor” as you adjust your leadership style to the girls' changing roles and increasing maturity. Review the many resources and program activity options to keep the girls interested and engaged in Girl Scouting. Touch on awards available to this age level—from participation patches up to the Gold Award. Review service project opportunities, troop finances, and the 4 Bs: Become, Belong, Believe, and Build. Girl Scouts 11-17 Age Level is required of leaders of girls 11-17.
Prerequisites: Orientation
Fee: None

Option Descriptions:
Option A: for those who work directly with girls and want hands-on examples of troop management and planning, and enjoy learning from and sharing with other volunteers
Option B: for leaders/advisors who’ve previously taken age level training for Brownie or Junior Age Level training

Option A: Girl Scouts 11-17 Age Level, Course Number AT L140
Minimum/Maximum: 6-18
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise And any of these you have: Studio 2B materials, Cadette or Senior Girl Scout handbooks, Interest Projects for Girls 11-17
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates: TBA

Option B: Changing to Girl Scouts 11-17 Age Level, Course Number AT L141
This abridged course offers information specific to the Girl Scouts 11-17 Age Level program; awards, girl/adult planning, troop government, and girls' abilities.

Prerequisites: Orientation, Let’s Get Started
Minimum/Maximum: 4-12
Bring: “How-To” Volunteer Resource Guide Safety-Wise and any of these you have: Studio 2B materials, Cadette or Senior Girl Scout handbooks, Cadette or Senior Leader Guides, Interest Projects for Girls 11-17
Dates/Locations/Times/Cancellation Dates:
TBA

Troop Camper Test-Out, Course Number AT O303
This is a course designed for adults with extensive camping and group-management experience. These volunteers may choose to test out of both Outdoor Fun and Troop Camper by taking a comprehensive exam on outdoor skills and preparing and working with girls for outdoor experiences. The Test-Out is two-part: During Part 1, the volunteer meets with a council trainer to demonstrate ability in fire building, knot work, and using a compass. Part 2 is completing the actual exam. Participants are given a workbook of 75 questions (true/false to “list and describe”) to answer and return. Many answers may come from experience; others are found in Girl Scout materials and on the Internet. Download the written portion from the Forms page . To schedule the skills demonstration, contact Tia Ramsey at tramsey@girlscoutswnc.org, or call the Council Service Center at (828) 252-4442.

Extended Troop Trip, Course Number AT L150
Do your girls dream of travel to exotic places? Do you shake your head when you think of organizing a trip like that? Meet with other leaders who are looking down the same roads to talk about girl planning, money making, group management skills, transportation, safety and emergency procedures, insurance, and council permission/paperwork. There's a big world out there, and planning to see it is an excellent way to keep girls involved and excited. This trip is required for trips of more than 2 nights and 3 days. Training may be taken by a troop adult who is willing to work with the troop and acccompany it on trips.
Prerequisites: None
Fee: None
Bring: "How to" Volunteer Resource Guide, Safety Wise

Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking, Course Number AT 0353
Join us to learn how to help your girls prepare an easy outdoor meal. You'll challenge yourself to build a 3-match fire and learn the Girl Scout procedures of outdoor kitchen sanitation. After you complete this course and the prerequisites, you may guide your girls in fire building and outdoor cooking. (If you have taken our old Outdoor Fun course, you do not need this course.)
Prerequisites: Camping Safety (Course Number AT 0351) and Outdoor Adventure Bound (Course Number AT 0352)
Fee: $7 for meal
Bring: Mesh bag (onion bag is fine) with utensils and non-breakable dishes; Dress appropriately for the weather.

Knots, Knives, and New Skills, Course Number AT 0354
In this 3-hour session, you'll do lots of playing. You'll learn Leave No Trace activities to use with your girls, learn to read and follow a compass direction and map, sample outdoor songs and games. You'll also practice knife safety and learn to tie some basic knots. After you complete this course and the prerequisites, you will be prepared to lead your troop in fun outdoor experiences.
Prerequisites: Camping Safety (Course Number AT 0351) and Outdoor Adventure Bound (Course Number AT 0352)
Fee: None
Bring: Clothes appropriately for the weather.

Under the Stars, Course Number AT 0355
Never spent the night in a tent and want the experience behind you before you take your girls? Or maybe you just love s'mores and singing around a campfire! Or maybe those simple cooking methods in the Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking class just aren't challenging enough and you'd like to try cooking in a cardboard oven or to make a meal with NO utensils. This will be a fun, all-adult overnight where we can enjoy ourselves and learn more skills to use with our girls. An equipment list will be sent to you.
Prerequisites: Camping Safety (Course Number AT 0351); Adventure Bound (Course Number AT 0352); *Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking (Course Number AT 0353) and Knots, Knives, and New Skills (Course Number AT 0354)
* If you took our former Outdoor Fun course, you don't need this one
Fee: $20 for two meals and site rental
Bring: Equipment necessary for overnight camping

 


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