Orientation/Training Policy
GSNWGL's board of directors had adopted the following policy regarding volunteer orientation and training:

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, pages 42-44.

Training Requirements for all GSNWGL Volunteers

• GSUSA Volunteer Orientation
  This engaging online session acquaints new volunteers with Girl Scouting and the many rewarding opportunities it offers girls and adults. For more information about GSUSA Volunteer Orientation, including how to access it, please click here.

Training Requirements for Troop/Group Leaders (including Co-Leaders and Assistants), Service Team Members & Council Trainers

• GSUSA Volunteer Orientation
  This engaging online session acquaints new volunteers with Girl Scouting and the many rewarding opportunities it offers girls and adults. For more information about GSUSA Volunteer Orientation, including how to access, please click here.
• Council 101: Welcome to Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.!
  This downloadable, self-directed course introduces volunteers to the structure, goals, policies and processes of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. For more information about Council 101, including how to access, please click here.
• Leadership Essentials
  Leadership Essentials prepares volunteers working directly with girls to effectively facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This course replaces all basic leader and age-level trainings. Additional age level trainings will not be needed as volunteers bridge to new levels. For more information about Leadership Essentials please click here.

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. For more information on this course please click here.
• 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. Click here for more information.

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 Workshops Calendar frequently to see which Enrichment Programs are currently being offered.

For additional training information, please choose a category below.