Training is an exciting beginning to developing girls into future leaders who make the world a better place. A successful volunteer is committed to Girl Scouting and skilled in performing their important jobs. Our training programs are fun and rewarding, but most importantly, they provide the skills needed to lead girls in a successful Girl Scout journey.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has developed a training plan that:- Seeks to develop learning opportunities that focus the volunteers on helping girls achieve the fifteen national outcomes, and
- Respects volunteers’ limited time by reducing the number of required learning modules, and
- Encourages continuous learning.
Training Courses
Training Course | For Whom | Content | When to Take | What to Bring |
| Basic Volunteer Orientation | Required for all registered adult volunteers | Learn Girl Scout history, mission, promise and law, program pathways and more. | Within one month of starting or before starting position | N/A |
| Volunteer Essentials | Required for all registered adult volunteers | A comprehensive overview of the Girl Scout program and policies | Within one month of starting and as needed thereafter | N/A |
| Jumpstart | Required for all registered adult volunteers particpating in the Troop Pathway | Meet with your Service Unit Director or designated team member to learn the resources that are available to you and how to get started with your troop | Within one month of starting or before starting position | N/A |
| Leadership Essentials (formerly Program Level Training) | All registered adult volunteers working with girls in a troop or group | Learn age-appropriate activities and girl/adult partnership strategies. | Within four month of working with a troop/group, or before advancing to the next program level. | Safety-Wise (provided in new troop packets from your service unit), How to Guide or a Journey book set, and other program level books/resources |
| CPR/AED First Aid | All troops must have an adult certified in first aid and CPR | Become a Girl Scout First-Aider, certified in first aid and CPR. | Any time, CPR/AED certification is good for one year and first aid certification is good for three years. CPR/AED and first aid courses accepted by Girl Scouts. | CPR/AED: Paper and pen, lunch and beverage, padding for knees (optional) and a hair tie (optional) First Aid: Paper and pen, lunch and beverage |
| Overnight Consultant Course | Required for all overnight activities | Learn about outdoor activities, how to plan one-day outings and overnight stays in indoor facilities, and how to prepare girls for overnighters. | At least two months before taking a troop on an overnight or outdoor experience | Safety-Wise (provided in new troop packets from your service unit), Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, troop leader handbook, award book, Leader's Guide for program level, paper and pen |
| Camp Consultant Course | Required for troop campouts, including stays at residential camp facilities | Learn how to plan a campout, from safety to fire-building, cooking, sanitation and more, and how to involve girls in the planning process. | At least four months before taking a troop on a campout | Safety-Wise (provided in new troop packets from your service unit), Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, troop leader handbook, award book, Leader's Guide for program level, paper and pen, non-disposable dishes and utensils in a mesh bag, sack lunch/dinner, snacks and beverages, bedding and other overnight, personal items. |
| Required for troop trips and campouts that are over three days/two nights | Learn how to plan extended trips and campouts over three days and two nights. | At least six months before taking a troop on an extended trip or campout. Available as an at-home packet. | N/A |
Who Can Register For Training?
Registered members of Girl Scouts of the USA working in a volunteer capacity with a troop or at an event may register for volunteer training courses. Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who have completed Program Aide Training may also register for volunteer training courses.
Registration
- Consult the Training Calendar for times, dates and locations of courses
- Register online or fill in the Training Registration Form
completely and neatly so we can better serve your needs. - When registering for CPR/AED/First Aid, Overnight Consultant Course (OCC) or Camp Consultant Course (CCC), please indicate a second choice in case the first is unavailable.
- Registering early decreases the risk of finding the training full or canceled due to low enrollment.
- Mail, fax, or deliver your completed registration form to a GSCTX program center with full payment, if required, a minimum of 10 business days before the date of the course. Registrations cannot be taken over the phone.
- Please include credit card information when registering by fax.
Forms
Volunteer training forms can be found on the Resources & Forms page in the Volunteer Trainings/Resources section.
Confirmations, Cancellations & Refunds
- Courses are confirmed or cancelled after the closing date.
- Training courses may be canceled if there are insufficient registrations. Fees for canceled courses will be refunded.
- Refunds for training events and courses with fees must be requested 10 business days before the date of the course. No refunds after that date.
Additional first aid certification information
The following courses are acceptable for CPR/AED/First Aid training according to GSUSA:
- American Red Cross
- American Safety and Health Institute
- Emergency First Response
- Medic First Aid International Inc.
- National Safety Council
- Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunity
- American Heart Association
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- EMS Safety Services
Other ways to become First-Aid 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.
General Information
Babysitting is NOT provided during training sessions or events. Please make arrangements for childcare while you are attending training courses.
Have questions? 
Contact us.
