Volunteer Training
Why Take Training?
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio provides training to adult members as part of its commitment to girls. Volunteers have the opportunity to develop their skills, increase their knowledge of the Girl Scout program and help girls Discover, Connect, and Take Action in their communities and in their world.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) believe that prepared adults are key to the success of the Girl Scout movement. GSNEO requires that all adults who hold a position in Girl Scouting must take training. It is a volunteer's responsibility to complete the required training.
Volunteers are required to complete the following GSUSA courses: Basic Orienation, Welcome to Girl Scouts, and Leadership Essentials. Leadership Essentials will replace all age-level training (i.e. Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette/Senior Leadership courses). All volunteers must complete training within six (6) months.
New Volunteer Training Steps
To be an adult volunteer in direct service to girls, you will need to complete the following trainings within 6 months of appointment.
- Complete online Basic Orientation at website: http://training.girlscouts.org
Password: discover (This password is case sensitive)
- Complete the Welcome to Girl Scouts within your Service Unit
- Complete the Leadership Essentials course
GSNEO also offers additional learning opportunities to assist a volunteer in facilitating Girl Scout programming as well as enrich their own development through Adult Learning Days throughout the year.
How Are Courses Provided?
Courses are facilitated by volunteers and staff. Snacks and beverages are not provided, however you may bring your own. Courses are scheduled at accessible sites throughout the council's geographic area. You may attend training in any county.
Girl Scout Basic Leadership Courses*
GSUSA Basic Orientation, Welcome to Girl Scouts, and Leadership Essentials are the only required leadership training courses for adult volunteers. These courses will take you through the basic steps of being an effective leader in a girl-led organization. You will learn about using the Journey program books and how to implement the keys to Discover, Connect and Take Action process into existing programs.
Girl Scout Outdoor Training
Outdoor Essentials and Outdoor Overnight Experience teach adult volunteers how to safely enjoy the out-of-doors while building their skills and knowledge to enhance the girls' experience and have a great time while learning. For any outdoor troop activities that require specialized training, adults should complete the training well in advance. This will allow time to bring the skills and knowledge back to the girls to help prepare them before the event.
Enrichment Workshops
These workshops go beyond the Leadership Essentials course. They will provide you with new ideas and skills that will help to enhance your Girl Scout experience.
Service Team training
Service unit teams are an integral part of GSNEO. Typically team members are experienced volunteers who help support new volunteers as well as each other. Service team training are for individuals new to working on a service unit team. This course includes a description of the position, responsibilities of the position, and tips on how to fulfill this commitment successfully. When registering for these training, please specify which of the following positions you want training for:
- Placement Specialist/Organizer
- Consultant (Outdoor, Program, Age Level)
- Registrar
- Volunteer Journalist
- Service Unit Director
- Training Liaison
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance for GSNEO-sponsored training is limited. If applying for financial assistance, please complete the GSNEO financial assistance form found in the back of the Adult Learning Guide. Financial assistance applications must be received four week prior to the training.
Registration
To register for a training, please submit the GSNEO Adult Learning Registration Form and the GSNEO payment form found in the back of the program guide to any GSNEO Service Center. Registration will be processed in order of date and time received. You may submit your registration via mail, fax, or in person. No phone or email registrations will be taken at this time. Payment is due at the time of registration. Cash, check, money order, or credit card will be accepted. If applying for financial assistance, please submit the GSNEO financial assistance form in lieu of payment.
Registration Deadline
All registrations must be received in a service center no later than 10 days prior to the course unless otherwise stated. You will be officially registered for a course or workshop once your registration and any applicable fees are received and processed.
Confirmation
Confirmation notices will be mailed within one week of receiving registration form.
Cancellation/Refund and Change Policies
A full refund (including your deposit) will be given ONLY if the registered training is cancelled or has reached capacity. GSNEO is not responsible for refunds of fees paid to a third party vendor. If a third party vendor cancels a training, refunds will be subject to the vendor's refund policy for the event and will be made by the third party vendor.
A partial refund will be given for medical or family emergencies that prevent a member from attending the training. No prorated refund will be given if a member leaves the training early.
To receive a refund, a written request must be submitted with appropriate documentation no later than two weeks after the training.
No other refunds will be granted.
GSNEO reserves the right to alter or cancel program activities for any reason. In the event of severe weather conditions that may endanger participants, a training may be cancelled based upon information received from the National Weather Service and/or local/state authorities. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will make every effort to contact training participants when this occurs.
Preparation
Participants should plan in advance for carpooling and travel time. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the indicated start time to any course or workshop to allow time to sign in, complete a nametag and to pick up materials. Courses and workshops will begin promptly at times stated in the course descriptions in this publication. PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!
Child Care
Child care is not available during training. Children, friends, and other family members should not come to training with you.
Basic Orientation
This introduction to the Girl Scout program provides the background of the Girl Scouts of the USA and information to help you understand the leadership experience. This class will also help you learn how all volunteers can incorporate the vision of Girl Scouts with your troop or group in all activities
Website: http://training.girlscouts.org
Password: discover
When a volunteer goes to this site there is a learning log, they need to put in their email address then a semicolon (;) and training@gsneo.org. This is the only way we will know that the volunteer has completed the training.
Covers: History of Girl Scouts, Philosophy of Girl Scouts, The Promise and the Law, The New Girl Leadership Experience, etc…
*Please refer to the Faces & Places Program Training Guide for required, recommended and enrichment courses.