Requirements

Orientation/Training Policy

Congratulations on your decision to become a new GSNWGL volunteer - this page is just for you! Check out the information below to find your next steps, tips and resources available to help you succeed in making the most of your Girl Scout experience.

The Council shall provide orientation and training to enable volunteers to fulfill their commitment to the best of their ability. New leaders must take leader training within two (2) months of appointment. All volunteers should continue their education with at least one position-related training event a year.

For more information on GSNWGL Operational Volunteer Policies and practices, please see The Source - Section C.

Training Requirements

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. More information.

Council 101: Welcome to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.! (Required for Troop Leaders, Co-leaders, Service Team Members, and Trainers only.)

This online, self-directed course introduces volunteers to the structure, goals, policies and processes of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. More information.

Additional Training Requirements

• First Aid/CPR/AED
  One or more adults certified in First Aid/CPR are required to accompany all troops on any overnight trips or camping activities.
  Read more information on this course
• Outdoor Education: Troop Activities in the Outdoors
  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.
  Read more information on this course
• Special note about equivalent legacy council outdoor trainings
  Volunteers who have successfully completed the following courses in their legacy council will not have to complete the Outdoor Education course: 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).
• 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
  All volunteers should continue their education with at least one position-related training event a year. GSNWGL will offer a variety of enrichment learning opportunities throughout the membership year. Completing at least one Enrichment Program per year, if it relates to your volunteer position, will satisfy the requirement. Click here for more information. Check our Training Calendar frequently to see which Enrichment Programs are currently being offered.