Volunteer Training | Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

We know volunteers are what makes the Girl Scout Experience so memorable. For our volunteers, we provide trainings that will open up new experiences, help lead troops, take girls camping, go on trips, and engage in exciting activities.

First Year Troop Leaders

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This online, staff led, webinar is for all volunteers that are new to a Troop Leader role. You will learn about GSNEO policies, standards, guidelines, understanding your resources, and who to contact for help. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about important next steps for the upcoming months to help keep your new troop active, supported, and informed.

Where to Find it: New Leader Orientation Webinar

Time Requirement: approximately 1.5 hours (online)

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: FREE

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gsLearn gives volunteers access to online learning opportunities for all their training needs. Learning modules are available for new Leaders to get oriented and additional learning is available for all program levels of troop leadership. Learn at your own pace and track your accomplishments! Go to gsLearn.

New Troop Training – for Troop Leaders
Time Requirement: approximately 3.5 hours
Course Content

Intro to GSNEO
GSUSA Foundation 1: The Girl Scout Way
GSUSA Foundation 2: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience
GSUSA Foundation 3: Well-Being and Development
GSUSA Foundation 4: Understanding Troop Operations
GSUSA Girl Scouts in the Outdoors
Review Volunteer Resources

Money Matters Training Modules – for volunteers who are bank account signers
Time Requirement: approximately 3 hours
Course Content

Opening your Troop Bank Account
Managing Money
Financial Reporting
Money Earning
Finance Report Training

About gsLearn toggle arrow

gsLearn is Girl Scouts’ official online and on-demand training forum. It empowers users to complete training as it works best for them.

GSNEO will still offer in-person and hybrid training for required hands-on courses, such as Outdoor Essentials, Outdoor Overnight Experience, First Aid/CPR/AED, and other specialized volunteer roles. Volunteers can register for these in-person training sessions through the Events Calendar.

New Modules added all the time!

We are continuously adding courses for other volunteer categories and enrichment topics.

Accessibility

gsLearn is accessible from your desktop/laptop computer that is connected to the internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access gsLearn by logging into your My GS account.

If you have any difficulties, please contact customercare@gsneo.org.

>>Go to gsLearn Now!

>>Report a Problem with Online Training

Prepare for a Troop Adventure

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Is your troop ready to plan their first cabin campout experience? Discover how to guide your troop through planning and executing an outdoor experience. Gain essential resources and knowledge needed to take the girls on a simple hike and camping trip.

GSNEO offers two different types of Outdoor Essential trainings to get you ready for your camping adventure! Each training offers a different level of comfortability with camping, please review the options, and pick a class you believe best fits you and your comfort level.

Outdoor Essentials All Day: This training will go over the Safety Activity Checkpoints as it relates to this outdoor activity and seasoned volunteers will share camping tips, techniques, and tricks that will build your knowledge and confidence. This all-day, required training is lots of fun and covers everything from fire building, tying knots, campfire cooking, properties check/out, and more.

Where to Find it: Outdoor Essentials events

Time Requirement: 8 hours in-person

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $17.00 – $25.00 Depending on location

Outdoor Essentials & Overnight: This training spans over two days and covers the traditional All Day Training material but also includes an overnight experience. This streamlined training will go over the Safety Activity Checkpoints as it relates to this outdoor activity and seasoned volunteers will share camping tips, techniques, and tricks that will build your knowledge and confidence. This Blended Learning style option for our traditional all-day, required training is lots of fun and covers everything from fire building, tying knots, campfire cooking, and more.

Where to Find it: Outdoor Essentials events

Time Requirement: 8+ hours (overnight)

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $17.00

Required Outdoor Essentials

GSNEO offers two different types of Outdoor Essentials trainings to get you ready for your camping adventure! Each training offers a different level of comfortability with camping, so please review the options and choose the class that best fits your experience and comfort level.

Please note: Outdoor Essentials I is the required training for troop camping and overnight experiences. Outdoor Essentials II is an optional advanced course designed for volunteers looking to expand their outdoor skills and confidence.

In addition to Outdoor Essentials I and II, GSNEO also offers four Outdoor Essentials enrichment classes throughout the year. These optional classes provide opportunities to build additional outdoor skills, discover new activities, and grow your confidence in leading girls outdoors.

Simply search “Outdoor Essentials” on the GSNEO Event Calendar to register for a class.

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The “ins and outs” of troop trip planning are outlined in this informative course. Safety Activity Checkpoints, Girl Scout Insurance, and all required paperwork will be explained. This workshop is required for any troop planning an extended trip (three nights or more outside of the Council footprint). National and International guidelines will be discussed.

Note: GSNEO offers this training in person and online (now available in gsLearn under Content Library).

Where to Find it: Trip and Travel events

Time Requirement: 2 hours

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $5.00 for in-person sessions
Online Option: FREE in gsLearn - Click here to start now

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Are you looking to add onto your outdoor skills? We would like to invite you to take advantage of the variety of different classes.

Outdoor Essentials Overnight Experience: Put your Outdoor Essentials training into practice with this highly recommended course. When the sun goes down, the overnight fun begins… but remember, things look much different in the dark! Learn from experienced volunteers before your first overnight experience with your girls. The course covers building a campfire, Girl Scout songs, night hikes, nature activities and more. Please note, the completion of an Outdoor Essentials training is REQUIRED for this course. This course alone does NOT certify you.

Where to Find it: Outdoor Essentials events

Time Requirement: 8+ overnight

Pre-requisites: Outdoor Essentials Training

Fee: $10

Tents and Adirondack Camping- Overnight: Ready to move beyond having a kitchen when you camp? This course will help you take your girls to the next level of camping fun. We will share packing ideas, tips and tricks, and meal planning for getting into the great outdoors. Overnight a must, class skills will exceed into the night. Mess kit and camping chair a must. Due to social distancing single campers per tent or adirondack will be followed.

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

Time Requirement: 8+ overnight

Pre-requisites: Outdoor Essentials Training

Fee: $10

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace’s mission is to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships. The Leave No Trace message is structured under seven principles. Learn how to introduce these principles through fun activities and games. Teach your girls a life skill to help improve the world around them.

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

Time Requirement: 2 hours

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $5

Outdoor Cooking Classes: GSNEO has many different outdoor cooking classes to help advance your cooking skills and add an extra level of comfort to any campout.

Outdoor Cooking Gourmet
Outdoor Cooking Novelty
Outdoor Cooking Sampler
Stackable Dutch Ovens
Camp Kitchen
Getting Steamed About Cooking

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

First Aider Training

General First Aiders are required to be present for any troop activities beyond a regular troop meeting. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) encourages all troops to have a general first-aider present at all times. GSNEO volunteer trainers make this certification accessible and affordable for our members.

GSNEO follows the list of approved certifying organizations as listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints. GSNEO requires all student certifications to have an in-person training skills test.

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GSNEO volunteer trainers offer a Blended Adult and Pediatric First Aid CPR/AED classes for our members at a reduce price of $30.00. Our Adult and Pediatric First Aid CPR/AED class is a 2-year certification.

Where to Find it: First Aid events

Time Requirement: approximately 3 hours online & approximately 2.5-3 hours in-person

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $30.00

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First Aid/CPR/AED courses are often offered through local community providers. Prior to enrolling, be sure to verify which providers and courses are acceptable. A list of approved First Aid/CPR/AED providers and certifications can be found HERE.

Note: Pricing is determined by the independent providers and can vary. Remember, because this certification is for the troop, you are able to use troop funds to cover the cost. GSNEO requires all student certifications to have an in-person training skills test.

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Advanced First Aider. An Advanced First Aider is an adult with general first aid/CPR certification PLUS additional health, safety or emergency response expertise such as: a physician; physician’s assistant; nurse practitioner; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; paramedic; military medic; certified lifeguard; emergency medical technician (EMT); or have wilderness training. They can serve as a First Aider without taking additional training.

If you are an Advanced First Aider, please make sure you are sending in your certification(s) so we can have it on file. Check out our equivalency chart.

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Please send your certifications or proof of advance certifications to customercare@gsneo.org We will be able to add this to your file.

Adult Learning Experience (A.L.E.)

A.L.E is the place where GSNEO volunteers go to learn more about everything Girl Scouts! With classes brought to you by fellow volunteers and staff members, you will be sure to find something for yourself to enjoy and to enrich your troop’s experience. This is an annual event that takes place within the second weekend of August.

Check out our A.L.E webpage!

Featured course categories include:

STEM
Outdoor Skills
Personal Development
Ceremonies & Traditions
Program Certifications

Enjoy networking with fellow Girl Scout volunteers in a creative learning environment. Expand your colorful Girl Scout world with hands-on experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Before you know it, you will be radiating positive vibes, trainings, and knowledge you can share with your troop and other adult volunteers all year long.

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If you are looking to take your troop to any of our three camps and wish to use any of the camps amenities, we offer trainings so you can become verified to use the equipment like:

Blended Archery Level 1 Practical Certification: Come spend the afternoon at camp and learn everything you need to know about taking your girls on the archery range rain or shine! This class will teach you the basics about safety, equipment usage, and fun of bringing your girls out on the range. This all-new blended format will begin with a 30-minute zoom call with your instructor before the approximately 4 hours of online modules that will need to be completed through US Archery. After passing the online test, you will partake in your 4 hours of in person training at the range. The in-person class will be completed at one of the GSNEO properties for the practical portion of the test. Passing these two requirements will provide you with a 3-year Level 1 Archery certification from US Archery.

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

Time Requirement: approximately 3 hours online & 4 hours in-person

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $45.00

Blended Small Craft Water Safety Level 1: Canoeing is a great team-building activity and an enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the outdoors. This course will expose participants to basic water safety and paddling skills for tandem canoeing on flat water. Participants must complete all requirements to the satisfaction the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio to pass the training, allowing you to take Girl Scouts canoeing on any flat water lake on GSNEO properties. This new blended content will consist of 2 hours of online pre-work which will be assigned to you in gsLearn and a 4-hour skills assessment completed in person. After completion of this course, you will be an official Canoe Program Facilitator. All Program Facilitators are required to run 4 Girl Scout Programs a year to remain active.

This course does require you to get wet, please dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

NOTE: This certification enables you to facilitate programs at all three GSNEO camp properties only.

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

Time Requirement: 2 hours online & 4 hours in-person

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $15.00

Low Ropes: A Low Ropes Challenge Course is a challenging outdoor personal development and team building activity. By using cables, ropes, and wooden beams strung among trees or poles, teams of girls explore risk taking, leadership, physical challenges, and communication. The Low Ropes Challenge Course also highlights problem-solving, coaching, and collaboration. This course is by invitation only and has an application with an interview process. If you are interested in becoming a GSNEO Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitator, please email training@gsneo.org for the application. NOTE: This certification enables you to facilitate programs at all three GSNEO camp properties. This course is renewable for up to 3 years if you complete the council programs each year.

Where to Find it: Annual A.L.E Event

Time Requirement: 6 hours in-person

Pre-requisites: None

Fee: $15.00

Trained Volunteer Patch Program

The Trained Volunteer Patch Program recognizes the time, energy, and commitment our volunteers invest in learning how to support Girl Scouts with excellence. Start with the Core Volunteer Training to earn your center patch, then expand your knowledge by exploring Enrichment Topic Rockers in areas that interest you.

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All adult volunteers—whether troop-based or not—can earn the Trained Volunteer Patch by completing the following required trainings:

New Leader Orientation (live Zoom class)
Welcome to the Service Unit (in-person with local volunteers)
New Troop Training Learning Path (found in gsLearn)
Troop FUNdamentals (choose your preferred age level)
Volunteer Toolkit – How To
CPR/First Aid Certification (must be current and on file with GSNEO)

Note: You must complete and document the center patch before working toward any rocker patches.

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After earning the center patch, volunteers may choose to complete additional learning in one or more enrichment areas called “rockers.” Each rocker is earned by completing 10 hours of classroom-based learning in one of the following categories:

Healthy Living
Community Engagement
Traditions
The Arts
STEM
Outdoor

You may choose to earn none, one, some, or all rockers. It’s entirely up to you.

Community Engagement Rocker Requirement:
To earn this rocker, one of the following classes must be included in your 10 hours:

No Prob Llama: Conflict Resolution for Adults
She Said What?!?! Conflict Resolution for Girls
Youth Mental Health First Aid

ALE (Adult Learning Events) often include sessions that qualify for these rockers.

Important Guidelines:

At least one class per rocker must be taken after May 1, 2025
Other qualifying hours taken before that date still count
GSNEO does not maintain records of volunteer rocker progress—you are responsible for tracking and documenting your participation

Always sign in at classes and request a blue card or have your blue card signed to document attendance.

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Q: How do I find trainings?
A: Trainings are listed on the GSNEO Event Calendar:
To find adult volunteer trainings for the Trained Volunteer Patch or rocker categories:

Adjust the first drop-down tab to Adult Learning
Adjust the second drop-down tab to the specific Enrichment Topic Rocker you’re interested in
For ALE events, course descriptions include the Core Volunteer Training or Enrichment Topic Rocker category in parentheses after the course title—for example: Troop Level Fundamentals—Junior/Cadette (Core Volunteer Training)
Learn more about ALE at: gsneo.org/ALE

Q: Will GSNEO track my training hours?
A: No. Volunteers are responsible for tracking their own progress. Be sure to sign in at every class and collect signed blue cards.
Documentation examples include:

Screenshots for completion of gsLearn classes
Scans or photos of Volunteer Training Records (“Blue Cards”)
Certificates (e.g., Red Cross, US Archery, Low Ropes Facilitator)

Q: Do classes taken before May 1, 2025, count?
A: Yes! Most trainings taken before that date do count—but you must still take at least one class per rocker after May 1, 2025 for it to qualify.
If you have a question about classes taken before that date, contact A. Holly Smith in writing with the class name and completion date. You may email CustomerCare@gsneo.org, and they will escalate the inquiry as needed.

Q: How do I submit for a completed patch?
A: Once you complete the Core Volunteer Training requirements or a full 10 hours in any rocker category, submit your documentation using this form: https://form.jotform.com/251195571590158

These patches are not available in the Girl Scout Shop or boutiques.
They must be earned and requested through the submission form.

Q: What is the cost of the patch?
A:

$3 for the center patch
$2 for each rocker
Optional mailing is an additional $2
Patches are not available for purchase in GSNEO shops or boutiques; they must be requested using the online submission form.

Q: Can I pick up my completed patch at ALE 2025: Girl Scouts Color Your World?
A: Yes, submissions completed prior to July 15, 2025 will be available for pick up at ALE 2025: Girl Scouts Color Your World.

Q: I plan to finish the needed classes at ALE 2025: Girl Scouts Color Your World will I be able to pick up my patch at the event?
A: We will do our best to validate submissions as they come in. Patch distribution will be handled as quickly as possible, depending on staff availability and timing. However, we cannot guarantee that all patches will be ready for pickup at the event.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Contact GSNEO Customer Care at CustomerCare@gsneo.org for help. They can answer general questions or connect you with the right staff member.

Q: Where is the patch worn?
A: The Trained Volunteer Patch and rockers should be worn on the back of the adult uniform vest or jacket.

Q: Is there a flyer for this program?
A: Yes! There are two versions of the Trained Volunteer Patch Program flyer:

A printable version with URLs written out for easy offline use
An electronic version with clickable links for easy sharing online

Training Scholarship

This fund provides financial assistance for training and certification courses that help volunteers grow their skills and confidence in serving girls.

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The Trainer Remembrance Scholarship Fund, also previously known as the Princess Fund, was created to honor our dedicated trainers and to support volunteers in continuing their own Girl Scout learning journey.

This fund provides financial assistance for training and certification courses that help volunteers grow their skills and confidence in serving girls.

Who Can Apply:
All registered Girl Scout volunteers in good standing are eligible to request support for approved adult learning opportunities.

What the Fund Covers:
Full funding is available for the following approved classes:

New Leader Orientation (live Zoom class)
Welcome to the Service Unit (in-person with local volunteers)
New Troop Training Learning Path (found in gsLearn)
Troop FUNdamentals (choose your preferred age level)
Volunteer Toolkit – How To
CPR/First Aid Certification (must be current and on file with GSNEO)
Facilitator Trainings: Archery Level 1, Small Craft Level 1, Low Ropes Facilitator

Partial funding may be provided for elective or enrichment sessions that enhance the Girl Scout experience.
How to Apply:

Complete the Trainer Remembrance Fund Request Form
Answer the brief questions about your volunteer role and the class(es) you would like to attend.
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis, based on available funds.
You’ll be notified by email of any award amount once your request has been reviewed.