Required of All Volunteers
A 45 minute, self-paced orientation to Girl Scouts. Access it here.
Learning Opportunities
We’re committed to providing a volunteer experience that’s easy, enriching, and impactful. We recently redesigned our learning opportunities to do just that. Wondering what is required of your role? Check out this guide.
Having trouble accessing the materials? Contact
us!
Troop Leaders
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Girl Scouting 101
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Troop Start Up
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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.
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Troop Financial Management
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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.
Opening a Troop Checking Account
Not sure how to set up your troop's checking account? Check out the tutorial below!
Downloads mentioned in the video:
Troop Financial Management Handout
Troop Checking Account Procedures -
Grade-Level Guidance
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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!
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Program Processes
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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
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Journeys
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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.
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Camp
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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:
- Classroom (Search for Lodge Camp Training)
- Campin’ 101
- Homestudy Manual
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!
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Troop Trips & Safety
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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 ProcessFirst 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
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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 - Register Now!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 7 PM - Register Now!
Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 7 PM - Register Now!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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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
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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.
Opening a Troop Checking Account
Not sure how to set up your troop's checking account? Check out the tutorial below!
Downloads mentioned in the video:
Troop Financial Management Handout
Troop Checking Account Procedures -
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
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Product Programs
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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.
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Camp
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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:
- Classroom (Search for Lodge Camp Training)
- Campin’ 101
- Homestudy Manual
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 ProcessFirst 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
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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 - Register Now!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 6:30 PM - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 7 PM - Register Now!
Thursday, January 3, 2019 - 7 PM - Register Now!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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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 - Register Now!
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
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Family Partnership
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Join us for a 40-minute webinar for all Service Unit Chairs and Family Partnership Chairs.
Handouts mentioned in the video:
Troop Financial Management Guide
Family Partnership Training & Resource Guide -
Family Engagement
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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.
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Recruitment
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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.
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T.E.A.M. (Formerly Roundtable)
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Roundtable has become 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, not only the volunteers you support, and each other. 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.
In 2017-2018 we updated and focused on:
- Providing more enrichment and development opportunities for service team to support you as you deliver support to volunteers.
- Connecting and networking through the use of technology during our in-person meetings.
- Maximizing our time together. Based on your feedback, the number of meetings has been decreased. 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
Accountability. Are there times when you feel like the victim in a given situation? Could your service team need some support with team development? Maybe you, or members of your team, use excuses to explain why something didn’t go as planned. Check out the presentation below to learn how you can challenge yourself, and others to work above the line through exploring the concepts of the OZ Principle. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community engagement manager.
October TEAM Meeting Slides
Short and Snappy - Ceremonies
Working as an SU Team Handout 2017-18
2017 Oz Handout
New Leader Phone Calls Email Script for Service Units
January
Communication. Conflict is inevitable. Communication is key to building stronger relationships, reducing conflict and developing an increased understanding of a given situation and viewpoints of all parties involved. This month we also explore and review ways in which service units communicate with volunteers and parents. To learn more, explore the presentation below. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community engagement manager.
January Team Meeting Slides
Agreement
Resolution Process
February
This month’s focus is on State of Girl - Program Effectiveness. We review the progress Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is making towards its goals, based on feedback from our members. We will explore our strengths and areas of growth to better understand the steps we can take moving forward.
To learn more, explore the presentation below. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community engagement manager.
Watch the Webinar Replay
2017 Program Effectiveness
April
Planning Your Year: Evaluation/Experiential Learning. It is time to evaluate and begin planning for 2018-2019. Explore the 2018-2019 Service Unit Annual Plan (due June 30, 2018) and evaluation tools that can be used to reflect on your service unit’s progress toward its goals and help guide planning for next year.
Check out the tools and resources below. If you have any questions, please reach out to your community engagement manager.
2018 Service Unit Assessment SWOT Tool
2018 Service Unit Annual Plan Worksheet
2018 Service Unit Self Assessment
2018-2019 Service Unit Annual Plan
2018-2019 Service Unit Annual Planning Catalog
2018-2019 Volunteer Learning Opportunities Calendar
2017 Program Effectiveness Booklet -
Troop Support
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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.
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Service Team Support
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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.
