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Volunteer Training and Resources

There’s a lot to explore in Girl Scouts and we’re here to help navigate it all! If you are a Girl Scout volunteer or parent/guardian, and you need further support with the Girl Scout program or troop planning, there are specialists available to help you!

 
Girl Scout Resources

Below you will find some resources you need throughout the Girl Scout year.

Frequently Accessed Forms and Documents

Volunteer Essentials This resource reviews important topics related to safety, managing money, planning trips and working with girls of all ages. Use it as a reference anytime you need it.

GSNC Volunteer Policies 

GSNC Policies, Standards & Guidelines

Blue Book of Basic Documents The Blue Book of Basic Documents contains important information and source documents, including the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, bylaws, policies, credentials criteria and standards for councils, our Congressional Charter, and more. Download (PDF) English | Español

Girl Scout University

Frequently Accessed Form
Volunteer Application Safety Activity Checkpoints Local Day Trip Request Overnight Trip Request Troop/Group Camping Application Troop Money Earning Application GSNC Financial Assistance Application - English Cookie Credit Redemption Form Troop Tag-Along Insurance Online Form Permission Form - Day Trips Where to Place Insignia on a Uniform The Gold Standard - Girl Scout Gold Award Toolkit GSNC Silver Award Final Report Form for Girls GSNC Silver Award Approval Form for Leaders GSNC Bronze Award Final Report Form
 
Religious Observances

Girl Scouts of Nassau County's policy regarding religious observance is:

“All Girl Scouts of Nassau County troops should refrain from holding any meetings, events or Girl Scout activities during these holiday observances.”

As members of our inclusive community, we ask that you adhere to this policy and plan accordingly. Below are the 2022/2023 dates.

Yom Kippur (2022)                              October 4-5, 2022
Diwali (2022)                                        October 24, 2022
Christmas Eve (2022)                          December 24, 2022
Christmas Day (2022)                          December 25, 2022
Lunar New Year                                    January 22, 2023
Ash Wednesday                                    February 22, 2023
First Day of Ramadan                          March 22, 2023
Good Friday                                          April 7, 2023
Easter Sunday                                      April 9, 2023
The First Three Days of Passover       April 5-7, 2023
The Last Day of Passover                    April 13, 2023
Eid al-Fitr                                               April 21-22, 2023
Juneteenth                                             June 19, 2023
Rosh Hashanah                                     September 15-17, 2023
Yom Kippur (2023)                                September 24-25, 2023
Diwali (2023)                                          November 12, 2023
Christmas Eve (2023)                            December 24, 2023
Christmas Day (2023)                            December 25, 2023

Materials for Loan
Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) and the Volunteer Loaning Process

The VRC is the place that will help guide you, the Girl Scout Volunteer, along your Girl Scout journey. Together, we’ll plan amazing troop meetings that will show girls that they can have fun and do amazing things that change the world, all at the same time.

To borrow an materials from the VRC, please email your request to  customercare@gsnc.org.

Volunteer Training and Resource Office Hours
Virtual Volunteer Office Hours

Do you have Girl Scout volunteer questions, and want to connect with someone live? Join our Volunteer Office Hours with our volunteer training and resource managers! This is the time for Girl Scout volunteers and families to virtually meet with our team to address your questions about the Volunteer Toolkit, gsLearn, the Girl Scout program, and more.

Use our Virtual Volunteer Office Hours form to sign up for a time-slot with our training and resource managers.* 


Can’t make it to our Virtual Office Hours?

Please submit the Training and Resources Help Request Form, and one of our Volunteer Training and Resource Managers will get back to you within 48 hours.*

*IMPORTANT: If you are a new leader, you must complete the required trainings prior to submitting a request.

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Girl Scout Trainings

Below you will find all of the courses you need to complete your Basic Leadership training, along with some optional online courses and tips that will help get your Troop started and create the most exciting leadership experience for our girls.

Required New Leader Trainings

A Customer Care Manager will contact new leaders to explain the process below and track completion.

New Troop Leader Onboarding Process:
  1. Registration and Background check
  2. New Leader Orientation Training
  3. New Leader Essentials and Resources Training
  4. New Leader Training Completion Form
  5. Volunteer Leader Description and Agreement
  6. New Leader Feedback Survey

In total, the above process should take approximately 90 minutes to complete!

Process Details
  1. Registration and Background check

  2. New Leader Orientation
    The New Leader Orientation gets new leaders acquainted with the initial steps of becoming a troop leader.

  3. New Leader Essentials and Resources
    The New Leader Essentials and Resources training teaches new leaders everything they need to feel prepared before running their first troop meeting.

  4. New Leader Training Completion Form
    New leaders will verify they have completed the New Leader Orientation and New Leader Essentials and Resources trainings.

  5. Volunteer Leader Description and Agreement
    New leaders agree to uphold the responsibilities specified for the role of a troop leader.

  6. New Leader Feedback Survey
    New leaders will share their feedback about the onboarding experience.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County troop leaders access the above required process on gsLearn. gsLearn is an easy-to-use training forum for Girl Scout volunteers.

gsLearn
Check out gsLearn: GSNC’s New Training Experience for Volunteers!

There are several courses in gsLearn for new and seasoned volunteers to view. Courses include Brand Ambassador 101 for Volunteers, Managing My Troop from My Account, Inclusion for Girls with Disabilities, and Training Tidbit videos that are under 10 minutes.

Sign in to gsLearn and start exploring!

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

The VTK is a digital planning tool that contains program and meeting plans for Girl Scouts in all levels!

It helps you set up, customize and track Girl Scout activities and achievements. This takes the guesswork out of planning and prepping  badges, journey, and awards and makes staying organized seamless. You can access the VTK from a home computer, tablet or phone, allowing you to plan anytime or anywhere.

*Be sure to use Google Chrome or Firefox to access the VTK, as browsers like Safari and Internet Explorer are not compatible.

What can I do in the VTK?

  • Access step-by-step activity guides for each troop and/or Juliette meeting
  • View Daisy through Ambassador Journeys, badges, and awards (to plan for troop meetings), including pre populated tracks.
  • Easily share meeting activities, and experiences with other parents/caregivers
  • Log girls’ program achievements and milestones
  • Keep track of all events and activities
  • Find resources tailored just for you

Registered Girl Scout Volunteers/Juliette Parents! Check out the video series about the Girl Scout Volunteer Toolkit, available to view in gsLearn!

Not a registered Girl Scout adult? View this Short and Snappy, to learn about the VTK.

View our Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) Short and Snappy video>>

How do I access the Volunteer Toolkit?

Log into the VTK by clicking MY GS on the website toolbar. Login in to your account with your email address and password. Locate the VTK link inside your household.

Log in today! Click on My GS in the upper right-hand corner to get started.  

What will I find in the Volunteer Toolkit?

You will find the five areas below to help you manage your troop with ease.

  • My Troop: Manage your troop contacts, renew memberships, and communicate with parents.
  • Year Plan: When you log into VTK for the first time, you will see many year-plan options from which your girls can choose including a Girl Scout Badge year, multiple Girl Scout Journey year plans, and a customizable Girl Scout year.
  • Meeting Plan: Set your calendar to include meeting locations, dates, and times. You can also view meeting details including activity descriptions, meeting aids, materials lists, and more.
  • Resources: Customize activities, delete those your girls don’t choose, and replace them with activities they will enjoy! You will also find the Safety Activity Checkpoints, meeting aids, and other helpful resources.
  • Finances: This will allow you to submit your troop financial report to the council and share it with parents. Keep in mind, you will still have to submit your troop’s bank statement each year. Each Girl Scout Council has its own financial process. Girl Scouts of Nassau County will notify all Girl Scout troop leaders about their finance report via email so they know the process. 

 

Who has access to the VTK?

Registered Girl Scout adults with a volunteer role (e.g. troop leaders and select Service Team Volunteers) Girl Scout Juliette parents, and troop parents have access to the VTK!

Parents/Caregivers of registered Girl Scout Juliettes (also known as Individually Registered Girls) are acting as their troop leader, so they have the same planning capabilities in the Volunteer Toolkit, as a Girl Scout troop leader would. 

Parents/Caregivers in troops can view what their girl’s troop is working on in the VTK, such as badges, awards, and journeys. 

What if I don’t have the internet at my meeting place?

You can easily download the materials to your device or print them prior to your meeting. Also, the VTK can be accessed on a tablet or smartphone, which may expand options where it can be used.

 

What about volunteers who don’t have a computer at home?

The VTK can be accessed from any computer or device. Libraries and schools are a great resource for volunteers who don’t have access to the internet at home. They can print meeting plans or download them to their personal computer or drive.
 

How to Organize a Girl Scout Uniform*

Girl Scout badges, patches, awards, and other insignia should be presented, worn, and displayed only after Girl Scouts have completed the requirements outlined in official program materials.

Girl Scouts at each level have one required element (tunic, sash, or vest) to display official pins and awards when they participate in ceremonies or officially represent the Girl Scout Movement.

View the Visual Guide for Awards, Badges, Patches, and More.

 

*As suggested by Troop Leaders

The Virtual Girl Scout Environment

Now more than ever it’s important to be connected with your troop. We’ve created virtual resources to help you safely and successfully lead your troop and ensure they continue to have a positive Girl Scout Experience.

A Virtual Troop Meeting with Troop 3751
Learn about a virtual meeting structure, virtual troop activities, how to set up a virtual meeting in Zoom, virtual safety guidelines, and how to prepare for your virtual meeting.

Tips for Running a Virtual Girl Scout Meeting
Learn some best practice tips for you and the girls in this environment, what planning can look like, and parent involvement in virtual meetings.

Tips for hosting a Virtual Bridging Ceremony
A Bridging Ceremony honors and celebrates a Girl Scout’s advancement to the next level. It should be a personalized and memorable event. Get tips for hosting a Virtual Bridging Ceremony, including bridging ceremony preparation, bridging ceremony structure, and activity ideas.

Training Tidbits (formerly Short and Snappy Videos)

Being a Girl Scout troop leader involves so many things from planning fun meetings to teaching Girl Scout traditions, to managing finances. Below find some Training Tidbits videos (formerly Short and Snappy) that will assist you with many different aspects of leading girls and mentoring the next generation of female leaders.

Our videos have closed caption capabilities.

We are just starting to build this resource library for you, so please check back as new Short and Snappy videos will be added all the time.

If you have any questions or want to see a Training Tidbits Video (formerly Short and Snappy) that you don’t see here, please email us at customercare@gsnc.org.  

*As suggested by Troop Leaders

**GSNC is in the process of transitioning the Training Tidbit videos to gsLearn.

How to be Girl-Led

Establishing a Girl-Led Troop at the Daisy Level*
Learn what is ‘Girl-led’ and why it’s important, how to create a girl-led atmosphere, and an example of Troop government at the Daisy level.

Establishing a Girl-Led Troop at the Brownie Level
Learn what is ‘Girl-led’ and why it’s important, how to create a girl-led atmosphere, and an example of Troop government at the Brownie level.

Establishing a Girl-led Troop at the Junior Level
Learn what it means to be girl-led, how important it is, and some examples of troop government at the Junior level.

Establishing a Girl-Led Troop at the Cadette Level
Learn what ‘Girl-led’ is and why it’s so important at the Cadette level, how to create a girl-led atmosphere, and examples of Troop government at the Cadette level.

Traditions and Ceremonies

Girl Scout Ceremonies*
This video details why Girl Scout ceremonies are important, the different types of GS ceremonies, and how to plan and carry out a ceremony with your troop.

Girl Scout Flag Ceremonies
A flag ceremony honors the American flag as the symbol of our country and all the hopes, dreams, and people it represents. Use the flag ceremony video, our FAQs sheet, and our worksheet to learn about flag ceremonies, a long-time tradition in Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout Traditions
This video details several of our long-standing Girl Scout traditions and what they mean to our organization.

Hosting a Bridging Ceremony
Learn what a Bridging Ceremony is, when it happens, different types of Bridging Ceremonies, and creative ideas for bridges.

Troop Management

Building Sisterhood in Girl Scouts
Learn what a Sisterhood is, how you can facilitate it in your troop, and understand how Sisterhood is for you too!

Cooperative Learning
This video details what cooperative learning is, why it’s important, how to get started, and cooperative learning strategies you can use in your troop.

Managing a Multi-Level Troop
Learn the advantages of a multi-level troop, how to make it work, how to ensure girls of all ages are getting the most out of the troop, and using the Multi-Level version of the VTK.

Working with Parents/Caregivers

Hosting a Parent or Caregiver Meeting*
Through this video, you will learn how to introduce parents/caregivers to Girl Scouts, how to build your village, and how to set expectations with the parents/caregivers.  

How to be a Great Troop Helper
This video will tell you how to be a great troop helper, how important your help is to the troop, and how your assistance is needed and greatly appreciated.

Parent/Caregiver Involvement in Your Girl Scout Troop*
Learn how to overcome common barriers to parent/caregiver involvement and techniques to lay the groundwork for parents/caregivers to become involved.

Entrepreneurial Programs Trainings
Cookie Trainings

Cookies 101
Interactive hands-on workshop for new (or relatively new) Cookie volunteers. Learn the ins and outs of the Cookie Program. You’ll go home with the knowledge, resources and tools to help make the upcoming Cookie season a piece of cake! These are typically held in the late fall/ early winter and specific dates are announced in the fall.  View the available Cookies 101 training dates.  

eBudde Online Training (Making eBudde your Buddy)
If you're new to eBudde or need a refresher, here's your chance to become familiar with the eBudde system. Log onto eBudde and click on the eLearning tab. That will bring you to the eBudde tutorial. These are typically held in the late fall/ early winter and specific dates are announced in the fall. View the available Making eBudde your Buddy training dates.

VIP e-Training Lessons for Troop Cookie Manager
If you missed your Association training or just need a refresher, take the VIP eTraining from Little Brownie and GSNC. To gain access, use the same login information that you use for the eBudde system. Need help logging onto eBudde, contact your Association Chair or Sonia Oxford at oxfords@gsnc.org.

Mags&Munchies Trainings

Troop Fall Products Manager Training
All Troop Managers need to attend a Mags&Munchies training in the fall. Mags&Munchies Association Chairs will be hosting trainings in their communities for Troop Mags&Munchies Managers starting in August.

New to Mags&Munchies Workshop
If you've never experienced the Mags&Munchies Program before, you might want to register for the NEW TO MAGS&MUNCHIES workshops held at the Council Service Center. These are typically held in the late summer or early fall and specific dates are announced in the mid-summer. View all of our New to Mags&Munchies Workshops

First Aid/CPR Trainings

For many activities, Girl Scouts recommends that at least one adult volunteer be First Aid/CPR certified (a complete list of recommendations can be found in Volunteer Essentials and GSUSA's Safety Activity Checkpoints.

You can pursue certification through various resources such as local community education, your local fire department, or community center or look online for trainings offered by the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, and the American Heart Association.

Camp/Outdoor/Trip Trainings

2022-2023 Outdoor Training at a Glance 

What is a Girl Scout Trip and how do you get ready for it? The Trip Training course will prepare leaders and trip coordinators to bring their Troops/Groups on any Girl Scout trip or activity. Participants will become familiar with GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints, GSNC Policies, Standards and Guidelines, budgeting, timing, transportation and other topics, so that the event is fun and safe for all.  Register for Trip Training

Girl Scouts of Nassau County provides Outdoor Training courses to help Girl Scout volunteers prepare themselves and the girls they work with to enjoy outdoor experiences together. Training will introduce progression in the out-of-doors, review camp facilities and provide basic skills for outdoor program. Outdoor Training includes a pre plan meeting at the Girl Scout Service Center and a mandatory overnight at Camp Blue Bay. Register for Outdoor Training

Camp guidelines, procedures and program change. Your camping skills must be updated every three years to enable you to take girls camping. The Camp Update course will review skills, provide up-to-date information on camp materials used, ecology and environmental guidelines. Required for any troop previously trained and camping in 2022. Register for a Camp Update

Highest Awards Trainings

Bronze Award Training
Learn the ins and outs of what is required to lead your troop through the Bronze Award process. Earning the Bronze Award, Junior Girl Scouts see how rewarding it is to make the world a better place, right at home, in their community! Once girls earn their Bronze Award, they tend to go on and earn all of the three highest awards. Help your troop on this path by completing the online Bronze Award training. This training is designed for GS leaders and adults who will be guiding girls through earning their Bronze Award.

View our Bronze Award Training Video>>

Silver Award Training
Are you planning to earn the Silver Award? Take our online Silver Award training to learn the award guidelines and discover your inner leader. Complete this training to feel confident as you develop a true Take Action project, that will help your community for years to come! Leaders and adults are welcome to join in, so you are prepared to help Cadette Girl Scouts on their journey to the Silver Award. This training is designed for Girl Scouts who are seeking to earn their Silver Award, along with leaders and adults who will be guiding girls through the Silver Award process.

View our Silver Award Training Video>>

Gold Award Training
Highly recommended for Girl Scouts working toward the Gold Award and their champions. Those who attend a Gold Award Training will learn the award guidelines, what it means to do a Take Action project, important deadlines, the approval process, and what the Gold Award interview will be like.

View our Gold Award Training Video>>
View Go for the Gold - Tips from Gold Award Girl Scouts Video>>

 

Volunteer Connections Podcast

Have you heard? GSNC is launching it’s first-ever podcast! The Volunteer Connections podcast is for all Girl Scout volunteers. The first episode will air on October 27, at 9:00 AM, and consecutively the last Thursday of every month.

The Volunteer Connections podcast is for Girl Scout volunteers at all levels of experience! Connect with us as we share Girl Scout planning resources, special Council opportunities, and more to make your Girl Scout experience the best it can be.

You can find the podcast on Spotify for Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher!

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You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us