Courses

To access online Volunteer training modules, you must have completed our application process through the online volunteer portal. Volunteers with limited computer access may request a packet by contacting their local Community Development staff.

Girl Scouting 101 (required for all volunteers)

Offered through Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), this course is only available online and takes less than one hour to complete. Girl Scouting 101 will give you an overview of the organization, including the basics on working with girls of all ages, in any pathway. The vibrant, interactive orientation covers Girl Scout history, program materials, volunteer resources, and more. Girl Scouting 101 should be completed prior to meeting with girls.

To access the training:

  1. Visit vapp.gsnwgl.org
  2. Log in with the email address and password you used when you applied to be a volunteer
  3. Select 'Trainings' from the menu bar
  4. Select the 'Start Training' link next to Girl Scouting 101

Council 101: Welcome to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Inc.!

Required Volunteers: All new and experienced Leaders (01), Assistant Leaders (02), Service Area Team Members (11), and Trainers (12) must complete this course. Approximate Session Length: 30 minutes

This course introduces volunteers to the structure, goals, policies and processes of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. This course is intended to be self-directed and available in an online format. To ensure completion, volunteers are asked to complete a quiz at the end of the training.

To access the training:

  1. Visit vapp.gsnwgl.org
  2. Log in with the email address and password you used when you applied to be a volunteer
  3. Select 'Trainings' from the menu bar
  4. Select the 'Start Training' link next to Council 101

First Aid/CPR/AED

Approximate session length: Varies

Fees: Vary, depending on specific offering

Required volunteers: One or more adults certified in First Aid/CPR are required to accompany all troops on any overnight trips or camping activities.

Overview of Course: First Aid, CPR and AED programs contain step-by-step, hands-on training that will allow participants to respond effectively in emergency and life-threatening situations.

Access Options: Approved First Aid, CPR and AED courses are offered by community providers throughout our Council. Contact your local American Red Cross or health providers for details on courses near you. Refer to Safety-Wise to make sure that the community course you have selected is an approved option. GSNWGL sponsored courses will also be scheduled periodically throughout the Council.

Proof of Course Completion: If taking First Aid/CPR/AED through a community provider, please send a copy of your completion certificate to the Adult Development Department.

Outdoor Education: Troop Activities in the Outdoors

Approximate Session Length: 8 hours

Fee: $20 (Includes Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting resource book)

Required Volunteers: One or more adults who have successfully completed the Outdoor Education course are required to accompany troops on any overnight camping activities at an established site (cabins/lodges/yurts/tents etc., Council or non-Council) and/or before any activities involving campfire building or outdoor cooking. It is not required for attending Council facilitated events or using Service Centers for non-outdoor themed overnight programs.

Course Overview: Basic, hands-on training course, designed to equip volunteers to teach age-appropriate outdoor skills such as knot tying, knife safety, fire building, outdoor cooking, caper charts, cleanup methods, and fun activity ideas.

Legacy Council Equivalent Courses: Outdoor Skills (Birch Trails), Troop Events in the Outdoors and Camping (Fox River Area), Basic Outdoor Awareness/Cooking Out/Camping Out (Woodland), Basic Outdoor Awareness/Cooking in the Outdoors/ Tent Camping (Peninsula Waters), Outdoor Basics (Indian Waters), and Basic Outdoor Camping and Cooking (Lac Baie). Volunteers who have successfully completed equivalent courses will not have to complete this session.

Other Outdoor Education requirements: To lead overnight trips to non-established sites, volunteers must complete an advanced camping course. Before leading canoeing activities, volunteers must complete a canoeing course. Contact the Adult Development Department for further information.

Enrichment Programs

GSNWGL will offer a variety of enrichment learning opportunities throughout the membership year. Topics will include a wide array of courses, designed to provide the resources, knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of today's Girl Scouts!

Additional sessions may include:

Fees, times and access options will vary. Check our Training Calendar frequently to see which Enrichment Programs are currently being offered.

Tent, Trip and Travel Camping

Approximate Session Length: Overnight

Fee: $20

Prerequisite: Outdoor Education

Course Overview: This course builds on the skills learned in Outdoor Education, and includes hands-on instruction on establishing a campsite, pitching a tent, Leave-No-Trace principles, and more. Participants will spend the night in a tent. A list of items to bring will be emailed/mailed to attendees upon registration.