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Learning Opportunities

We’re committed to providing a volunteer experience that’s enriching, and impactful. We have a variety of learning and training opportunities for volunteers, some are required, some are highly recommended and some are simply meant to make your experience as a volunteer more enriching. Learning and training opportunities are available in a variety of formats. To find out where to start your training path and where to go next, check out the Volunteer Learning Progression Chart.

Having trouble accessing the materials? Contact us!

Troop Leaders

Girl Scouting 101

Required of All Volunteers

A 45 minute, self-paced orientation to Girl Scouts. Access it here.

Troop Start Up

Required of All Troop Leaders

Review Troop Start Up with staff or service unit volunteers to get all the essentials for starting your troop meetings. Ask your Community Engagement Manager when the scheduled trainings will be held.

For a full list of troop start up sessions, head over to Activities.

Troop Financial Management

Required for volunteers who serve as signers on the bank account, act as troop treasurer, or support the troop's participation in product sales. This includes volunteers acting as managers, helping at cookie booths, or managing products and proceeds. 

Troop Financial Management

Use these best practice tips to be a troop financial wizard. You will learn how to keep accurate records, and involve girls in troop money management, as well as money earning and troop sponsorship policies and yearend reporting. All approved volunteers who manage troop funds must read this handout.

Download the handout here!

 

Opening a Troop Checking Account

Not sure how to set up your troop's checking account? Check out the tutorial below!

Grade-Level Guidance

Discover more about what girls can do and common characteristics along with tips and resources for leading a troop at each Girl Scout grade level!

Grade-Level Guidance: Daisy

Grade-Level Guidance: Brownie

Grade-Level Guidance: Junior

Grade-Level Guidance: Cadette

Grade-Level Guidance: Senior & Ambassador

Grade-Level Guidance: Multi-Level Troops

Watch this short video and / or download our tip sheet for guidance on working with multi-level troops!

Program Processes

All experiences in Girl Scouting incorporate the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys to leadership. Girl Scout experiences are also, as much as possible, girl led and encourage learning by doing (experiential learning), and cooperative learning. These three processes promote the fun and friendship that have always been so integral to Girl Scouting.

Program Processes: Cooperative Learning

 

Program Processes: Learning by Doing

 

Program Processes: Girl-Led

Journeys

A guide for leading a Girl Scout Journey: what they are, where you can find the, what resources are available and tips for completing them.

Camp

For a full list of 2018-2019 camp trainings, check out the 2018-19 Program Events Guide!

Lodge Camp Training

Required for at least one troop leader or troop assistant prior to reservation of council lodge or other indoor camp facility.

PREREQUISITE: Troop Trip Training

Designed to prepare volunteers who work with young or inexperienced Girl Scouts to lead them on their first overnight camping experience in a lodge.

There are three options available:

Handbook for Site Users

 

Troop Camp Training

Required for at least one troop leader or troop assistant prior to reservation of a council tent or other outdoor camping unit.

PREREQUISITE: Troop Trip Training and Lodge Camp Training

Participants plan, implement, and evaluate a camping trip with girls and understand the safety standards and guidelines for camping and related outdoor activities. Develop skills to be used and taught to girls, ensuring a positive, fun. and safe outdoor experience.

Options include:

  • Overnight Course
  • Two-Part Course
  • Troop Camp Training
  • Campin Fever

To register for Troop Camp Training, head over to Activities and search for Troop Camp Training!

Troop Trips & Safety

Transporting Girls

Required for troop leaders and troop assistants who will be driving girls.

Troop leaders and troop assistants who will be driving girls are required to review our Transporting Girls Handout.

 

Travel and Troop Trips

Required for one leader per troop who is taking the adult lead on a troop trip. This leader is required to either complete the training via the manual below or by reviewing Part One and Part Two of the recorded trainings.


Troop Trip Training Manual
Recorded Training, Part One
Recorded Training, Part Two

Troop Trip or Activity Notification Form
Request for Additional Insurance
Troop Trip Approval Process

 

First Aid/CPR Training

Required for adult leaders prior to off-site activities or trips, physically demanding activities, and all overnight trips.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all girls, we require troops to be accompanied by someone currently certified in Adult/Child CPR and Standard First Aid. Nurses (RN/LPN), certified emergency medical technicians, or doctors may also fulfill this requirement.

Troop leaders are asked to maintain up-to-date records of certification and provide it to council staff upon request.

Certification can be obtained through local community organizations (i.e. fire department, state highway patrol, churches, schools), American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

Have additional questions about First Aid/CPR training?
Check out this First Aid/CPR Information Sheet!

Webinars

Join us for these live webinars for the opportunity to ask questions, connect to other leaders and learn vital information for a successful Girl Scout year. Register by using the link next to each live webinar time, or view the recorded webcast posted on our website at your convenience.

Webinar presentations run 30 minutes. Additional time is available for questions!

 

Highest Awards 101

Are you a Girl Scout Junior or Cadette troop volunteer thinking about guiding girls through the higher award process? Learn more about the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards and the steps to earn them! This webinar is offered several times. Choose the date and time that works best for you.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Watch the Replay!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, February 7, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!
Thursday, May 9, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!

 

Fall Product Program Basics

New to the Fall Product program but still have questions? Join us as we go over the basics of the sale to get you ready for success.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Troop Meeting Tips & Tricks

Learn how to structure and run a troop meeting year round. Gather best practice techniques for gathering girl input, keeping the peace, and engaging parents. Dig deeper into some program resources to help you enhance your amazing troop experience.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Go Digital — Volunteer Toolkit

Have your Girl Scout plan at your fingertips. Learn how this comprehensive digital tool can help you and your girls plan a great year. You will be able to find and use program, badge, and meetings resources, track awards and attendance, and communicate with your caregiver/parents. It’s so easy to use!

Thursday, November 15, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Troop Financial Management

Use these best practice tips to be a troop financial wizard. You will learn how to keep accurate records, and involve girls in troop money management, as well as money earning and troop sponsorship policies and year-end reporting. This learning is required for all approved volunteers who manage troop funds.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Cookies Basics For Troop Leaders

Become a cookie pro! You’ll learn how to set sales goals with your girls, get parents on-board to help out, and how to recruit a troop cookie manager. You will be set up for success and be able to enjoy the fun of selling world famous Girl Scout Cookies.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

The Cookie Rookie: Troop Cookie Managers

Way to go! You went to the training meeting and you jumped in. Still have questions? Bring them to this interactive session and get the support you need for your next steps. You’ve got this!

Thursday, December 6, 2018 - Noon - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

 

Initial Cookie Order Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. We will walk you through how to place your troop's initial cookie order, talk you through how to order cookies for booth sales and answer all of your questions!

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Goal Getter Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us as we walk you through everything you need to know about the Goal Getter phase, the Goal Getter promotion for your girls and how to prep for cookie delivery!

Tuesday, February 5 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Cookies in Hand Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us as we walk through the last phase of the cookie program where girls have cookies in hand, troops can do booth sales and learn other selling strategies for the month of March.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Finishing Out the Cookie Program

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us to learn about how to finish out the Cookie Program, complete your final report envelope and allocate cookies.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

What a Year: Wrap-up and Restart

You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve made more memories than you ever dreamed! It’s time to wrap up your year and jump start the next. Learn about year-end ceremonies and fun. Kick-off next year through Early Bird registration and a sneak peek at the 2018–2019 council program activities.

Thursday, April 11, 2019 - 7 PM - Register Now!

 

 




Troop Assistants

Girl Scouting 101

Required of All Volunteers

A 45 minute, self-paced orientation to Girl Scouts. Access it here.

Troop Financial Management

Required for volunteers who serve as signers on the bank account, act as troop treasurer, or support the troop's participation in product sales. This includes volunteers acting as managers, helping at cookie booths, or managing products and proceeds. 

Troop Financial Management

Use these best practice tips to be a troop financial wizard. You will learn how to keep accurate records, and involve girls in troop money management, as well as money earning and troop sponsorship policies and yearend reporting. All approved volunteers who manage troop funds must read this handout.

Download the handout here!

 

Opening a Troop Checking Account

Not sure how to set up your troop's checking account? Check out the tutorial below!

Grade-Level Guidance

Discover more about what girls can do and common characteristics along with tips and resources for leading a troop at each Girl Scout grade level!

Grade-Level Guidance: Daisy

Grade-Level Guidance: Brownie

Grade-Level Guidance: Junior

Grade-Level Guidance: Cadette

Grade-Level Guidance: Senior & Ambassador

Grade-Level Guidance: Multi-Level Troops

Watch this short video and / or download our tip sheet for guidance on working with multi-level troops!

Program Processes

All experiences in Girl Scouting incorporate the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys to leadership. Girl Scout experiences are also, as much as possible, girl led and encourage learning by doing (experiential learning), and cooperative learning. These three processes promote the fun and friendship that have always been so integral to Girl Scouting.

Program Processes: Cooperative Learning

 

Program Processes: Learning by Doing

 

Program Processes: Girl-Led

Product Programs

Fall Product Program

As a Fall Product Manager, you provide vital support to your troop and their families in their responsibilities of having a positive, successful Fall Product Program experience. As a Girl Scout troop assistant you'll have unlimited fun and adventure while impacting the lives of girls, contributing to your community, and learning new things about yourself.

It's going to be a GREAT year! You've taken a big, important step toward being ready for the Fall Product Program. To ensure you're ready, we have a few resources for you.

Camp

For a full list of 2018-2019 camp trainings, check out the 2018-19 Program Events Guide!

Lodge Camp Training

Required for at least one troop leader or troop assistant prior to reservation of council lodge or other indoor camp facility.

PREREQUISITE: Troop Trip Training

Designed to prepare volunteers who work with young or inexperienced Girl Scouts to lead them on their first overnight camping experience in a lodge.

There are three options available:

Handbook for Site Users

 

Troop Camp Training

Required for at least one troop leader or troop assistant prior to reservation of a council tent or other outdoor camping unit.

PREREQUISITE: Troop Trip Training and Lodge Camp Training

Participants plan, implement, and evaluate a camping trip with girls and understand the safety standards and guidelines for camping and related outdoor activities. Develop skills to be used and taught to girls, ensuring a positive, fun. and safe outdoor experience.

Options include:

  • Overnight Course
  • Two-Part Course
  • Troop Camp Training
  • Campin Fever

To register for Troop Camp Training, head over to Activities and search for Troop Camp Training!

Troop Trips & Safety

Transporting Girls

Required for troop leaders and troop assistants who will be driving girls.

Troop leaders and troop assistants who will be driving girls are required to review our Transporting Girls Handout.

 

Travel and Troop Trips

Required for one leader per troop who is taking the adult lead on a troop trip. This leader is required to either complete the training via the manual below or by reviewing Part One and Part Two of the recorded trainings.


Troop Trip Training Manual
Recorded Training, Part One
Recorded Training, Part Two

Troop Trip or Activity Notification Form
Request for Additional Insurance
Troop Trip Approval Process

 

First Aid/CPR Training

Required for adult leaders prior to off-site activities or trips, physically demanding activities, and all overnight trips.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all girls, we require troops to be accompanied by someone currently certified in Adult/Child CPR and Standard First Aid. Nurses (RN/LPN), certified emergency medical technicians, or doctors may also fulfill this requirement.

Troop leaders are asked to maintain up-to-date records of certification and provide it to council staff upon request.

Certification can be obtained through local community organizations (i.e. fire department, state highway patrol, churches, schools), American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

Have additional questions about First Aid/CPR training?
Check out this First Aid/CPR Information Sheet!

Webinars

Join us for these live webinars for the opportunity to ask questions, connect to other leaders and learn vital information for a successful Girl Scout year. Register by using the link next to each live webinar time, or view the recorded webcast posted on our website at your convenience.

Webinar presentations run 30 minutes. Additional time is available for questions!

 

Highest Awards 101

Are you a Girl Scout Junior or Cadette troop volunteer thinking about guiding girls through the higher award process? Learn more about the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards and the steps to earn them! This webinar is offered several times. Choose the date and time that works best for you.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Watch the Replay!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, February 7, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!
Thursday, May 9, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!

 

Fall Product Program Basics

New to the Fall Product program but still have questions? Join us as we go over the basics of the sale to get you ready for success.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Troop Meeting Tips & Tricks

Learn how to structure and run a troop meeting year round. Gather best practice techniques for gathering girl input, keeping the peace, and engaging parents. Dig deeper into some program resources to help you enhance your amazing troop experience.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Go Digital — Volunteer Toolkit

Have your Girl Scout plan at your fingertips. Learn how this comprehensive digital tool can help you and your girls plan a great year. You will be able to find and use program, badge, and meetings resources, track awards and attendance, and communicate with your caregiver/parents. It’s so easy to use!

Thursday, November 15, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Troop Financial Management

Use these best practice tips to be a troop financial wizard. You will learn how to keep accurate records, and involve girls in troop money management, as well as money earning and troop sponsorship policies and year-end reporting. This learning is required for all approved volunteers who manage troop funds.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Cookies Basics For Troop Leaders

Become a cookie pro! You’ll learn how to set sales goals with your girls, get parents on-board to help out, and how to recruit a troop cookie manager. You will be set up for success and be able to enjoy the fun of selling world famous Girl Scout Cookies.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

The Cookie Rookie: Troop Cookie Managers

Way to go! You went to the training meeting and you jumped in. Still have questions? Bring them to this interactive session and get the support you need for your next steps. You’ve got this!

Thursday, December 6, 2018 - Noon - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!
Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

 

Initial Cookie Order Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. We will walk you through how to place your troop's initial cookie order, talk you through how to order cookies for booth sales and answer all of your questions!

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Goal Getter Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us as we walk you through everything you need to know about the Goal Getter phase, the Goal Getter promotion for your girls and how to prep for cookie delivery!

Tuesday, February 5 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Cookies in Hand Phase

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us as we walk through the last phase of the cookie program where girls have cookies in hand, troops can do booth sales and learn other selling strategies for the month of March.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

Finishing Out the Cookie Program

This webinar is designed for new and returning Troop Cookie Managers. Join us to learn about how to finish out the Cookie Program, complete your final report envelope and allocate cookies.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 7 PM - Watch the Replay!

 

What a Year: Wrap-up and Restart

You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve made more memories than you ever dreamed! It’s time to wrap up your year and jump start the next. Learn about year-end ceremonies and fun. Kick-off next year through Early Bird registration and a sneak peek at the 2018–2019 council program activities.

Thursday, April 11, 2019 - 7 PM - Register Now!

 

 




Service Team

Family Giving

We are at a critical time for girls. As women and girls continue to face challenges related to gender bias, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is inspiring, preparing, and mobilizing girls and those who care about them to lead positive change. Given a safe space for learning, experimentation, and community, Girl Scouts see a clear path to leadership and learn to take purposeful action.

Family Giving is an opportunity to engage families, alums, and volunteers to support the mission of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Support raised from the campaign helps us to keep the cost of programs (like camp!) affordable and provides financial assistance to girls who might not otherwise be able to pay.

Family Giving is divided into two components—Service Unit Coordinators who put on Service Unit Events and Presentations, and Circle Champions who engage individual families, caregivers, volunteers, and alums.

Family Giving Brochure
Family Giving Pledge Card

 

Service Unit Coordinators

Circle Champions

Family Engagement

Could you use help with your troop? Want to explore how to connect families to Girl Scouts’ experience, how about with the service unit? Click on the presentation below to learn more.

Family Engagement Presentation

Family Adventure Guides

Daisy
Brownie
Junior
CSA

Recruitment

Prep Rally

Fall recruitment is our busiest time of the year. Are you interested in recruiting girls and adults to Girl Scouts? Do you know the key recruitment steps? Click on the presentation below to learn more.

Prep Rally Presentation

T.E.A.M. (Formerly Roundtable)

T . E . A . M !
 Together, Energize, Advocate, Mentor.

As a service team, you work Together, with each other and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio staff, to Energize the volunteers you support and each other as you Advocate for the girls and volunteers you work with, and you Mentor new and returning volunteers to ensure that they are prepared for their Girl Scout journey.

This year we are continuing to focus on on:

  • Providing more enrichment and development opportunities for service team to support you as you deliver support to volunteers.
  • Utilizing your feedback to ensure that we are focusing on topics you want to know more about. 
  • Maximizing our time together. T . E . A . M . meetings will be held four times a year so there is more opportunity to focus on what you have expressed that you want while recognizing your time is valuable. Meetings will take place in August, October, January, and April.

 

 

October

Year Long Support. Has your service unit team wondered about ways leaders want to receive support? How about ways the service unit can provide yearlong support? Check of the presentation below to learn more about our founder and have some fun learning about yearlong support and how the service unit team and the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio staff can work together to ensure that leaders and volunteers have what they need. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community engagement manager.

October 2018 TEAM Meeting Slides
Setting Up a Good Service Unit Meeting
Flag Ceremony Outline 2018-19
Short and Snappy Flag Etiquettee-2018-19
Juliette Low Action Game

Troop Support

Bridging and Bronze

Do you have questions about Bridging or how to earn the Bronze Award? Click on the presentation below to learn more.

Bridging and Bronze Presentation

 

Journey and Leadership Awards

Do you have questions about Journeys? How to do them, why do them? How about the Leadership Awards? Click on the presentation below to learn more.

Journey and Leadership Awards Presentation

 

New Volunteer Support

Check out the presentation below to learn more about the NEW Troop Start Up workshop, resources and ways the service unit can support new leaders throughout the year.

New Volunteer Support Presentation

Service Team Support

Data Dive

Are you the Data Chair or a member of the Data Chair’s committee? Click on the presentation below to learn more about how to utilize the service unit rosters and other reports to support the work the service unit is doing.

Data Dive Presentation