Learning Opportunities

Girl Scouts of the USA has developed a training plan That:

• Seeks to develop learning opportunities that focus the volunteers on helping girls achieve the fifteen national outcomes,
• Respects volunteers’ limited time by reducing the number of required learning modules,
• And encourages continuous learning.

Most training is offered to volunteers at no charge. Visit the Adult Event Calendar for more information.

You may register for training if you are a currently registered member of Girl Scouts of the USA working in a volunteer capacity with a troop or at an event. Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who have completed Program Aide Training may also register for volunteer training courses.

Safety-Wise Adults

Safety-Wise adults are registered, adult Girl Scouts who are required to register and attend all council events unless stated otherwise. Safety-Wise refers to the ratio of adults to girls required to attend events as stated in Volunteer Essentials. Only the minimum number of required adults (according to Safety-Wise ratios) should attend. By restricting the number of adults, we are able to serve more girls.

Trainings

• Basic Volunteer Orientation is an online course designed to familiarize the new volunteer to Girl Scout program including the Mission, the Promise and the Law as well as the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Volunteer Essentials is a document that offers a comprehensive overview of the Girl Scout program, policies and standards for safety, money handling, events and activities. New Volunteers should be familiar with this document and use it an ongoing resource.
• Jumpstart is an orientation that gives the new volunteer the opportunity to meet with the volunteers that support the neighborhood/area that she/he is volunteering in. Jumpstart gives practical information about getting your troop started and the resources available to each volunteer.
• Leadership Essentials is a face to face class that goes over the program goals, delves into the program curriculum (Journeys and the Girls Guide to Girl Scouting) and teaches leaders how to create a program that is girl led, hands on and cooperative.
• CPR/AED and First Aid American Red Cross courses offered through the council require participants to take CPR/AED course before taking First Aid course. Before any troop goes beyond the troop meeting lace someone in the troop must be CPR/First Aid certified. (see a list of CPR/First Aid courses accepted by GSUSA)
• Overnight Consultant Course (OCC) This course is Part One of the Camping Consultant Course (CCC) and the next course to take would be Stepping Up to CCC to complete the CCC certification. This class teaches volunteers the ins and outs of an overnight experience with a group of Girl Scouts. The volunteer will learn how to include the girls in planning, budgeting, and packing. Safety considerations and no-cook recipes are included in this class. (Note this class does not certify to build a fire or do any outdoor cooking with girls) (3 hrs)
• Stepping up to CCC This course is Part Two of the Camping Consultant Course (CCC) and requires participants to take OCC course beforehand. This course prepares the volunteer to plan a campout with the girls Safety, fire-building, cooking, sanitation, and fun activities are all included in this training. Be prepared for hands on experience building a fire and preparing a meal. (7 hrs)
• Camping Consultant Course (CCC)  is an opportunity to get the OCC and the Stepping up to CCC class taken care of all at once! It requires an overnight stay in most cases and certifies the volunteer to take the girls on any overnight even ones that involve Camp fires and outdoor cooking. (Overnight)
• Trip Consultant Course This course is a Self Study course that prepares the volunteer to help the girl plan for an extended trip or campout that lasts more than three days and two nights.

First Aid Certification Information

The following courses are acceptable for CPR/AED/First Aid training according to GSUSA

• American Red Cross
• American Safety and Health Institute
• Emergency First Response
• Medic First Aid International Inc.
• National Safety Council
• Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunity
• American Heart Association
• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
• EMS Safety Services

The following health care providers may serve as Girl Scout First-Aiders if they hold current CPR certification: physician, physician's assistant, dentist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medic, or emergency medical technician.