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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. To record your tranings, check out the Volunteer Learning Tracker form.

Having trouble accessing the materials? Contact us!

Troop Leaders

gsLearn

What is gsLearn? gsLearn is Girl Scout’s online learning platform.  This free platform houses a variety of learning modules that can be completed at your own pace, meaning you can start and stop at your convenience. This platform works on your phone, tablet or computer.

Where to Find it? From the main menu on the GSWO website, click on MyGS, select Volunteer Toolkit from the dropdown and then select gsLearn.

Successful Leader Learning Series is required for all troop leaders and recommended for all volunteers.

For guidance to get started in gsLearn, reference the gsLearn User Guide.

 

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 Development Manager when the scheduled trainings will be held.

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

Be sure to login to gsLearn to complete the Successful Leader Learning Series as part of your required new leader training. For details, see gsLearn. 

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: 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

Use the Intro to Girl Scout Journeys video and Guide to Girl Scout Journeys for leading a Girl Scout Journey: what they are, why they are important to the Girl Scout experience, where you can find them, what resources are available and tips for completing them.

Camp

For a full list of camp trainings, check out the 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 two options available:

Site Users Guide

 

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 (an option usually planned and run by service units)
  • Troop Camp Training

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!

 

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. Dive deeper into some of the many program resources to help you enhance your amazing troop experience.

 Watch the Replay!

 

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.

Watch the Replay!

 

Dive Into the GSLE

Learn more about key elements like the Girl Scout Program Processes, the 3 Keys to Leadership and the National portfolio that make up the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

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.

Watch the Replay!

 

Highest Awards 101

Are you a Girl Scout Junior or Cadette leader 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! Prepare to take a close look at your community and what needs it has. Parents/caregivers and leaders encouraged to attend. Highly recommended for all girls planning to earn the Girl Scout Bronze or Silver Award.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 6:30 PM | Register
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 6:30 PM | Register

 

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!

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.

December 3 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

December 5 at 12 PM - Register
December 5 at 7 PM - Register
January 2 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

January 14 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

January 28 at 7 PM - Register

 

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.

February 11 at 7 PM - Register

 

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.

March 10 at 7 PM - Register

 

Girl Scout Guide to Bridging

Leaders will learn what Bridging is, the difference between Bridging and avancing, the steps in Bridging, where to find resources to help, and gather ideas on how to virtually complete the prerequisites for Bridging. You'll also get a quick peek into new program events coming for the 2020-2021 Girl Scout year!

April 21 at 12 PM - Visit GIrl Scouts at Home page for replay

 

 




Troop Assistants

gsLearn

What is gsLearn? gsLearn is Girl Scout’s online learning platform.  This free platform houses a variety of learning modules that can be completed at your own pace, meaning you can start and stop at your convenience. This platform works on your phone, tablet or computer, but we do recommend your computer for the best user experience.

Our learning library is growing, but for now, you can find the Successful Leader Learning Series, Volunteer Toolkit Tutorials and Girl Scouting in the Outdoors modules.

Where to Find it? From the main menu on the GSWO website, click on MyGS, select Volunteer Toolkit from the dropdown and then select gsLearn.

Successful Leader Learning Series is required for all troop volunteers and recommended for all volunteers.

 

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: 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 camp trainings, check out the 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 two options available:

Site Users Guide

 

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 (an option usually planned and run by service units)
  • Troop Camp Training

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!

 

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. Dive deeper into some of the many program resources to help you enhance your amazing troop experience.

 Watch the Replay!

 

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.

Watch the Replay!

 

Dive Into the GSLE

Learn more about key elements like the Girl Scout Program Processes, the 3 Keys to Leadership and the National portfolio that make up the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

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.

Watch the Replay!

 

Highest Awards 101

Are you a Girl Scout Junior or Cadette leader 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! Prepare to take a close look at your community and what needs it has. Parents/caregivers and leaders encouraged to attend. Highly recommended for all girls planning to earn the Girl Scout Bronze or Silver Award.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 6:30 PM | Register
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 6:30 PM | Register

 

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!

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.

December 3 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

December 5 at 12 PM - Register
December 5 at 7 PM - Register
January 2 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

January 14 at 7 PM - Register

 

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!

January 28 at 7 PM - Register

 

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.

February 11 at 7 PM - Register

 

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.

March 10 at 7 PM - Register

 

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.

April 21 at 12 PM - Register

 

 




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 2019: Finance

October 2019 TEAM Meeting Slides
Service Unit Treasurer Guide

 

January 2020: Progression

January 2020 TEAM Meeting Slides
Camp Resource Sheet for Leaders
Outdoor Progression Chart

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

Service Team Monthly Overviews

Missed a previous version of Service Team Monthly Overviews? Don't worry, you can access this year's overviews right here!

September 2019
October 2019
November 2019
December 2019
January 2020
February 2020
March 2020

Service Unit Training Request

Volunteer enrichments are a great way to support the retention of adult volunteers by providing ongoing adult learning that will enable the volunteers to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and outdoor skills to girls.

Request a Training »

 

 

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