Volunteer Training

We can’t change the lives of Girl Scouts without YOU!

To help you succeed, we've got in-depth training to make the Girl Scout experience safe and fun. Below, we've broken down trainings by volunteer role to make it as easy as possible to figure out what trainings you need (and when) for any volunteer role.

Or check out the troop leader progression chart to learn what trainings need to be taken and review our adult guide to learning opportunities to find the right training for you.

* All of the following volunteer roles are designated “approved.” Approved volunteers are registered Girl Scout members who have successfully cleared GSGST’s background screening process and completed position-related training. Troop leaders and other adults that will be working directly with Girl Scouts must be an approved volunteer.

Being an approved volunteer means:

They are at least 18 years old
Are a registered Girl Scout adult
Have completed a background screening (or LiveScan fingerprinting, if required)
Have completed all required position-related training, including the mandated reporter training

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CPR/AED and First Aid: A first-aider is an adult volunteer who has taken Girl Scout-approved first-aid and CPR training that includes specific instructions for child CPR. All troop meeting and troop activities must have at least one adult volunteer in attendance that is first-aid/CPR-certified.

The following health care providers may serve as Girl Scout First-Aiders if they hold current CPR certification: physician, physician's assistant, dentist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medic, or emergency medical technician. Note: First Aid/CPR classes completed entirely online do not satisfy Girl Scout requirements for certification and do not offer enough opportunity to practice and receive feedback on technique.

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Looking to learn more about an aspect of Girl Scouting? Let’s do it! Our Enrichment Workshops held at our Volunteer Conferences and offer workshops on badges, songs, crafts, ceremonies and bridging, games and more. See when Volunteer Conferences are scheduled.

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Coming soon!

Volunteer Toolkit Tutorials toggle arrow

Caregiver Dashboard

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Click the links below to view Service Unit helpful videos:

I. Developing and Growing the SU team

II. Effective Meetings

III. Goal Setting and Planning

IV. Leading Effective Digital Meetings

View the Service Unit Planning Packet here.

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In order to build our girls into great leaders, we have to start with ourselves! Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas offers a virtual training to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver fun, safe, and meaningful Girl Scout experiences to the girls in your troop.

TRAINING VIDEO LINK

Upon completion of the training video you will be required to complete a Knowledge Check.

Training Handouts

Essentials and Classes

Please read and view Volunteer Essentials which is a resource for volunteers serving girls. This document offers information about the Girl Scout movement and traditions, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and Journeys, healthy development in girls, how to keep girls safe, taking trips and hosting events, and how to help girls manage group finances, including details on Girl Scout Cookie sale.

Our classes are offered in several ways: online, virtually, in-person, or blend of each. Online and virtual options allow us to reach the greatest number of volunteers at one time, providing a fuller interactive experience. In-person classes are best for hands-on learning and practicing new skills. Blended classes such as Indoor Overnight training combine all three for an enhanced learning experience. Using the same three processes as girls, adults get the best learning experiences when their classes are adult-led, and include cooperative learning, and hands-on skill building opportunities whenever possible. 

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gsLearn is Girl Scouts’ official online and on-demand training platform. Available to any currently registered adult member, gsLearn is available all the time, on your time schedule, and just for you! You will have access to Girl Scout-specific content that supports accuracy and consistency across the Girl Scout Movement. Select from categories that fit your role and your needs – such as troop leader, troop treasurer, product program chair, and more.

Search the Content Library to see our robust catalog of courses and resources developed by GSUSA and GSGST, to help you in your Girl Scout journey. Through the My GS landing page, access your single sign-on page for gsLearn, Volunteer Toolkit, My Household, My Troop(s) and more.  

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The fun of learning never stops! Whether you learn best in a classroom, by a campfire, or the comfort of your home participating in virtual classes, we provide a first-class Girl Scout education. Learn new program ideas or renew your first aid certification. Find a class to power your next adventure. Register through the Events Calendar.

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Girl Scout volunteers in your community are here for you. Whether you are helping with the cookie program or leading a troop, GSGST's service unit team members are here to guide you in your chosen role. Attend your monthly service unit meetings (based on geography) to keep up with not only the latest information, events, and training, but to network and build your community with other volunteers and learn tried and true tips from experienced leaders. Contact customercare@gsgst.org for assistance.

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When preparing for any activity with Girl Scouts, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs). Safety Activity Checkpoints are where you will find important information on safety that is relevant to all activities. Be sure to check the Master Progression charts to help you plan the right progression path for your troop. Consult the Activities at a Glance section and always check for the high-risk tier rankings.