Adult Training

At GSOSW, we strive to offer an adult training progression matching the girl progression experience. Our trainings are designed to offer adults insight on girl and adult readiness, and present ideas for how adults can teach girls skills in an empowering way.

Please note: Volunteers should contact their SU or GEM for current training information and requirements. The information below will be updated in April 2023.

NEW VOLUNTEERS:

Select your position to view the positional training requirements.

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Troop Leader >>

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Cookie/Product Manager >>

Cookie Booth Assistant >>

CERTIFICATIONS:

For most Girl Scout meetings and activities at least one adult volunteer in attendance needs to be First Aid/CPR/AED certified for adults and children. If your troop is planning a trip where girls will be 30 minutes or more away from emergency services, we also require at least one adult attending the trip to be certified in Wilderness and Remote First Aid. GSOSW accepts certifications from most certifying bodies as long as the class includes an in-person component. You can either take a Red Cross class hosted by GSOSW or submit a copy of an existing certification through the GSOSW Certification Submission course in gsLearn.

First Aid/CPR/AED: Receive a Red Cross two-year certification in Adult and Child First Aid/CPR/AED. One certified adult is required at all Girl Scout meetings and activities.

Prerequisites:

None

Cost:

$50.00

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Wilderness and Remote First Aid: Receive a two year Red Cross certification in Wilderness & Remote First Aid after completion of this two-day (not overnight) training. This course provides a foundation of First Aid principles and skills for individuals responding to remote emergencies when immediate emergency medical services are delayed or unavailable. This certification is required for Girl Scout activities when Emergency Medical Services are more than 30 minutes away and/or when cell service is limited.

Prerequisites:

CPR/First Aid certification

Cost:

$100.00

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Small Craft Safety: Receive a three-year certification in Small Craft Safety for use at GSOSW properties and small flat bodies of water only. In this course you will learn information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to small craft and water emergencies. This course does not certify lifeguarding. GSOSW usually offers this course 1-2 times per year.

Cost:

$120.00

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REQUIRED TRAINING FOR TROOP TRAVEL/TRIPS:

Troops are required to have one attending adult with the following trainings in order to leave the meeting place or time. The GSOSW outdoor training progression is intended to be taken over an extended period of time, and should be pursued when girls are ready to plan such an activity. These trainings should be taken prior to the planning phase for the aforementioned travel.

Adult Volunteer Learning Progression Chart

Day Trips: The first step in the outdoor training progression, the Day Trips course trains adults to assist girls with the planning and implementing of safe, fun, and successful day trips and short outings. You will learn how to teach the troop how to plan, prepare, and pack for any outing; how to implement adult and driver responsibilities; how to practice with the troop so they can demonstrate readiness for the outing; and how to complete a review process after every outing to determine what was learned. This training is to be taken at least 2 months before your troop leaves the meeting place.

Prerequisites:

Grade Level Training

Cost:

$5.00

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Indoor Overnights: Indoor Overnights is the second step in the outdoor training progression. An indoor overnight trip is defined as staying overnight in an enclosed structure with running water, heat, toilets, kitchen facilities or a restaurant, and phone/cell coverage. The next training step, Outdoor Skills, is required when missing any of the above amenities, or for cooking with fire. During this training you will learn how to make an overnight progression plan, how to prepare girls to pack for themselves and the troop, how to assist girls with meal planning, and how to prepare themselves to sleep without adults in the room. Please bring your copy of the Outdoor Resource Guide received during the Day Trips course. This training is to be taken at least 3 months before your troop takes an overnight trip.

Prerequisites:

Grade Level Training and Day Trips Training

Cost:

$5.00

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Outdoor Skills: Outdoor Skills is the third step in the outdoor training progression. This hands-on training prepares adults how to teach girls the intricacies of managing a campsite. You will learn to teach girls how to safely strike and use matches, light wood fires and propane stoves, chop wood, set up camp, set up tents, prepare for sleeping in the cold, and complete all the meal preparation and clean-up so by the time your troop goes camping, the girls will be taking themselves. Expect to spend 6 months or more teaching and preparing the troop for this type of outing.

Prerequisites:

Grade Level Training, Day Trips Training, and Indoor Overnights Training

Cost:

$55.00

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Extended Travel: This course covers assisting girls in planning for trips of four or more nights, or trips more than 200 miles outside of council jurisdiction.

Prerequisites:

Grade Level Training, Day Trips Training, and Indoor Overnights Training

Cost:

$3.00

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REQUIRED TRAINING FOR COOKIE BOOTH ASSISTANTS:

Cookie Booth Sales: This training is designed to prepare caregivers and adult volunteers to assist girls, groups, or troops in planning and executing successful and rewarding Girl Scout cookie booths. In this training, we will cover the basics you will need to know when supervising a booth sale, including safety considerations, the goals of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and tips for success.

Remember that there may be specific procedures that vary from troop to troop, or service unit to service unit. Consult with your product manager or troop leader for specific information that best applies to you. Once you have completed the training and survey (linked in the video description) you will receive an email confirmation of your completion. Please forward a copy to your Troop Product Manager.

Prerequisites:

None

Cost:

$0

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Cancellation policy: Please see individual training event details for the corresponding cancellation policy, and contact answers@girlscoutsosw.org to request a cancellation, refund, or transfer.

Please note: Participants need to be present for an entire course in order to receive credit for the training. Late arrival participation will be determined by the trainer. GSOSW volunteer trainings are adult, member-only events. Please make other arrangements for your children.

Love Girl Scouts and want to share your passion and knowledge with other volunteers? Join the GSOSW Council Training Corps! Volunteer trainers offer consistent training anchored in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. GSOSW trainings provide adult volunteers the skills they need to provide safe, empowering and enriching Girl Scout Programing, and inspire them to engage girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others, and to make the world a better place. Ready to get started? Submit an application to Patricia Hutchings, Learning Services Specialist, at phutchings@girlscoutsosw.org.

Adult Training

First Aid/CPR/AED

Wilderness and Remote First Aid

Small Craft Safety

Day Trips

Indoor Overnights

Outdoor Skills

Extended Travel

Cookie Booth Sales