Adult Learning  

We are committed to helping you be a success in your volunteer position. We have designed our training to be convenient, fun and loaded with information that will help you make the most out of your time with the girls. Staff and volunteer trainers are here to help you.

 Importance of Training

Progression is the key to the way Girl Scouts learn about the world around them. In practice, progression means using common sense in preparing for experience - one step at a time. A number of safeguards are built into the Girl Scout program to ensure progression and girl readiness Progression is also important for adults. Whether an adult is learning to take a group on a hike, stay overnight in a program center or prepare a meal over an outdoor stove, some basic safety considerations require that she/he be trained to take part in the planning and implementation of the adventure. In turn, adults then teach girls the necessary steps of successful planning.

 Theda Family Endowment

It is well known that Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. It is less well known however, that Girl Scouting also provides tremendous growth opportunities for adult women. 

Participation in the Girl Scout program provides everyone involved with access to life-changing experiences, increased self-confidence and leadership skills. The Theda family witnessed this first-hand and would like to provide education and travel experiences for other Girl Scout adult volunteers. Two awards will be given yearly for up to $1,200 each. 

Find out more details about the Theda Family Endowment and apply with the Endowment Application.  Please see page 3 of the document for an informational letter. Submissions are accepted year-round and are reviewed in November and May for disbursement in December and June. 

 Finding the training for you!

Find the appropriate series for you based on your volunteer position and then pick how you want to take it. Most courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate busy lives and different learning styles.

 Troop/Group Leadership Series

 Travel Leadership Series

 Event Leadership Series

 Camp Leadership Series

 Service Team Leadership Series

 CPR & 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. The Safety Activity Checkpoints specify when a first aider needs to be present. Training in first aid and CPR is available from the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, EMP America or American Heart Association. There are two categories of first-aiders:

• First-aider (level 1): The presence of a first-aider (level 1) is required at many group activities including trips lasting more than four hours (including travel time). The course required to be a first-aider (level 1) is one that offers standard first-aid and CPR, preferably with a focus on children.
• First-aider (level 2): The presence of a first-aider (level 2) is required at resident camp, and at any camp activity with more than 200 participants. In addition, some activities require a first-aider (level 2); the Safety Activity Checkpoints state clearly whether a first-aider (level 2) is needed. First-aiders (level 2) pass the same course as first-aiders (level 1), and also have emergency response/first response, sports safety, wilderness first-aid, and/or advanced first-aid and CPR training. Each organization has a different name for its training, so be sure to ask whether a training course fulfills the level-2 requirements.

For additional help understanding certifications mentioned in Safety Activity Checkpoints and where to obtain them, please contact the Volunteer Support Administrative Assistant at (800) 875-2451.