Learning Opportunities

courseguide

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.

When registering for live or in-person class, a paper or online registration form must be completed for each class. If there is a fee associated with the class payment, it must be submitted at the time of registration.

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.

Trainings

  • Girl Scouting 101 is a basic volunteer orientation class that is available as 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. Visit this link and enter password: aboutGS101
  • 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. Complete the review quiz located at the end of the publication and turn it into your Service Unit Director.
  • 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. Contact your Service Unit Director for more information. 
  • Leadership Essentials is a face to face class that goes over the program goals, delves into the program curriculum (Journeys is a face to face class that covers the program goals and delves into the Girl Scout core program curriculum including Journeys and the Girls Guide to Girl Scouting. This class teaches leaders how to create a program that is girl led, hands on and cooperative.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid A first-aider is an adult volunteer who has taken Girl Scout-approved first-aid and CPR training that includes specific instructions for child CPR. All troop meeting and troop activities must have at least one adult volunteer in attendance that is first-aid/CPR-certified. Visit the Adult Event Calendar for a list of First Aid/CPR classes.
    Per GSUSA and GSCTX, the following organizations' courses are acceptable for First Aid/CPR Training:
    • American Red Cross
    • EMP America
    • American Safety and Health Institute
    • National Safety Council
    • American Heart Association
  • 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. 
  • Note: First Aid/CPR classes completely entirely online do not satisfy Girl Scout requirements for certification and do not offer enough opportunity to practice and receive feedback on technique.
  • Overnight Consultant Course (OCC) (part one) This class is the first of two classes needed to complete outdoor training; this class must be taken prior to taking Stepping Up to CCC. 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 for an overnight trip. Safety considerations and no-cook recipes are included in this class. This class does not certify to build a fire or do any outdoor cooking with girls. (3 hrs)
  • Stepping up to CCC (part two) This course is part two of the two classes needed to complete outdoor training. Participants must take OCC prior to taking this course. This course prepares the volunteer to plan a campout with the girls. Topics including safety, fire-building, cooking, sanitation, and fun activities are covered in this training. Be prepared for hands on experiences like building a fire and preparing a meal. (7 hrs)
  • Camping Consultant Course (CCC) is the all-in-one Outdoor Training class that requires an overnight stay and certifies the volunteer to take the girls on any overnight trip, and certifies the volunteer in camp fires and outdoor cooking. Volunteers learn how to include the girls in planning, budgeting, packing for an overnight trip, safety, fire-building, cooking, sanitation, and many other activities.(Overnight)