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Volunteer Training

Get the trainings and resouces you need to help your girls shine!

Welcome to volunteer training at Girl Scouts of Central California South! We offer training through the official Girl Scouts' online platform gsLearn, interactive virtual training, YouTube training videos, and in-person training opportunities that empower our volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver the life-changing Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Girl Scouts of Central California South offers many adult learning opportunities.  Knowledgeable and skilled volunteers have the ability to offer the highest quality programming for girls while staying safe and having fun at the same time.  A list of the offered classes can be found below. Click on each title for a description of the class. 

The Girl Scout Volunteer Learning Path

Step One - First

FIRST — Complete the New Leader Training

· New Leader Welcome (NLW)

This orientation focuses on information and steps that leaders need to take prior to the first troop meeting with the girls.

· Basic Leadership Training (BLT)

This session will give adult volunteers the tools to manage a group of girls while providing a safe experience, understanding the Promise and the Law, and describing the importance of all of the components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This training is required for all leaders and co-leaders within three (3) months of appointment.

· Programs, Badges, and Journeys (PB&J)

This session provides information to help you develop a quality program filled with badges and journeys. This training is required for all new leaders within three (3) months of appointment and current leaders bridging to the next age level.

Step Two - Then

THEN- Complete training courses to prepare yourself and girls for adventures beyond your meeting place.

· First Aid/CPR Training (Level 1)

A Troop First Aider with the appropriate First Aid/CPR certification is required for any troop activity outside of the regular troop meeting including field trips, events, outdoor activities, and traveling to and from events. Refer to Safety Activity Checkpoints to learn more about first aid requirements for Girl Scout activities. This certification is valid for two years through Medic First Aid.

· Trip Planning Training

This home study course is required prior to taking your troop on any overnight experience, outside council jurisdiction, over three hours of travel time, or any high- risk activity - see Safety Activity Checkpoints. Learn how to work with girls to plan, carry-out, and evaluate day trips or overnight sleepovers- not including camping. Contact Customer Care at customercare@girlscoutsccs.org or (800) 490-8653 to request the home study course through email or login to the online learning platform, gsLearn.

· Extended Trip Planning Training

This is a required course for leaders taking their troops on trips over 72 hours and/or international trips. You will learn the requirements for extended trip travel, insurance, finances, and forms. Each course is held upon request; contact the Customer Care at (800) 490-8653 or customercare@girlscoutsccs.org for an appointment. Prerequisites: Trip Planning Training

· Event Planning Training

This class is recommended for volunteers running an event for a Service Unit or an event where participants will include members of more than one troop. Learn the logistics of planning, promoting, delivering, and evaluating an event, as well as effective techniques for recruiting and working with a committee. It is STRONGLY recommended that more than one person from each Service Unit be trained. An alternative home study course is available through the online learning platform, gsLearn as well as upon request through Customer Care at customercare@girlscoutsccs.org.

· Outdoor Training (Part A & Part B)

This training covers budgeting, meal planning, outdoor cooking, equipment selection, outdoor activity ideas, outdoor skills, and troop government in an outdoor setting. This class consists of two parts: Part A, a pre-plan session where you will work with other participants to plan meals and supplies. Part B, a full day of outdoor fun! Outdoor Training is mandatory for troops taking an overnight outdoor trip and/or cooking outdoors with girls. Prerequisites: Trip Planning Training

· Camp Director Training

This class is required for volunteers running camps such as Service Unit Day Camps or overnight campouts, where participants will include members of more than one troop. Comprehensive training on all aspects of the camp operation, including methods of managing camp operations, program scheduling, resources, staff organization, recruiting and training camp staff, and health and safety protection. Prerequisites: Event Planning Training

Step Three - Enrichment

Enrichment- Additional courses are available to help you enhance the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for the girls that you work with, such as:

· SWAPS

· Archery

· Songs and Games

· Hiking & Backpacking

· Highest Award Trainings

· Money-Earning Guidelines

Interested in training on a topic you don't see listed? Email customercare@girlscoutsccs.org and let us know!