General Requirements

For Troop and Group Leaders

Each Girl Scout Troop/Group must have at least one registered and trained adult who assumes primary responsibility for that troop/group, the troop must also have one additional registered and trained adult who assumes the secondary (back-up) responsibility. Required training for those leading a troop (leaders/assistant leaders) consist of the following courses:

• The first course that is taken is Position Orientation for Troop/Group Leaders and Assistant Leaders. It should be taken within three months of troop registration and appointment as a leader/assistant leader.
  
• The second course required is Age Level Program Training. This course should be taken within three months of the troop registration and appointment as a leader/assistant leader. Choose the age level course of the girls you are or will be working with.

For Experienced Leaders Changing Age Levels

You must take the Age Level Program Training for your new age level. You should take this course within three months of your first meeting with the girls at the new age level.

Additional Training Requirements for Activities Outside the Troop Meeting Place

• All Girl Scout trips require the supervision of an adult trained in trip/travel procedures (Trip Planning) AND, if camping, requires additional training for outdoor skills (Outdoor Beginnings, Troop Camp Training and Cabin/Tent Camping).
  
• The trained adult is required to participate in both planning and attending the Girl Scout troop or outdoor activity that takes place away from the regular troop meeting site.
  
• This trained adult may be the leader/assistant leader or a special project adult volunteer (“camping mom”, “trip leader”). Position Orientation for Troop/Group Leaders and Assistant Leaders is a prerequisite for additional required training.
  
• Troops are required to have a certified First Aider at all troop meetings and outings. This will meet GSUSA and safety guidelines as stated in Safety-Wise. Leaders, Assistant Leaders or special project adult volunteer can take Standard First Aid (for Junior leaders and up) or Standard First Aid and Child CPR (for Daisy and Brownie leaders).

Activity Requirements

If The Activity Is…

• A local field trip during the normal troop meeting time is covered in Position Orientation for Troop/Group Leaders and Assistant Leaders. For planning outdoor adventures, Outdoor Beginnings is the course that covers how nature fits into the Girl Scout program, Safety-Wise and progression procedures to enable girls to go to a park or camp for a day outing.
  
• A local field trip outside the normal troop meeting time or an overnight trip lasting 24 hours or more is covered in Trip Planning. This course will cover girl/adult involvement, permission, forms, ideas, tips, standards, policies, insurance and much more.
  
• An outdoor adventure overnight in a lodge (which has heat, running water, flush toilets and stoves) is covered in Troop Camp Training. This course will cover health and safety, site orientation of Camp Apple Acres, outdoor skills, activity planning, how and what to pack, and ceremonial fire building.
  
• An outdoor adventure overnight in a cabin or tent is covered in the Cabin/Tent Camping course. This course will cover cooking in a Dutch and cardboard oven, learn how to adapt home recipes to your camping menu and cook gourmet meals, learn outdoor sanitation, pitch and strike a tent and tour the cabins and tent area of Camp Apple Acres.

Registration Information Study the course descriptions to determine what courses you need to take and want to take. Check for prerequisites and any other requirements. Plan ahead for what you might need later in the year. Do not wait to sign up for courses just because you won’t need them for several months. The course may not be available then, or it may be full. Register early! Review the training calendar for the dates and times that are convenient for you. Register for the course you want to attend by completing the training registration form and returning the form to the Girl Scout Service Center. The course fee must accompany the registration. Register early! You must register a minimum of 7 days prior to the training. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact the Service Center by phone at (219) 795-3900 or by email.	Cost Training fees are kept at a minimum and offset the cost of printed materials and supplies only. Fees for trainings canceled by the Service Center are refundable. Fees are forfeited for all NO SHOWS. To receive a refund if participant cannot attend, the request and cancellation must be made BEFORE the close date. Refunds will not be issued after the close date. Your registration for training is your confirmation unless otherwise notified. Courses are planned for the adults registered. If you are unable to attend training, please call and cancel immediately.
Canceled Courses Occasionally courses are canceled due to weather, site problems, insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances. If you registered in advance, you will be notified of the cancellation by phone.	Course Size Course size is limited by the facility, the type of class and the number of trainers available. Early registration is advised. Classes do fill up!
Distance Learning Distance Learning Kits provide you with the basic information needed to be a Leader, but you miss the interaction and networking opportunities that are an essential part of Girl Scout training. The best way to learn about leading Girl Scout troops/groups is to talk to other leaders. You will find you have a lot in common and you will be able to exchange ideas and leadership methods. Attend a training session if possible and use a distance learning kit only as a last resort. To reserve a kit. contact the Service Center by phone or email	Training for Trainers Training for Trainers prepared you to be a part of the Council volunteer training team. You will develop skills in planning, designing, delivering and evaluating training courses and workshops. You will learn about adult learning theory and application in developing experiential learning and learner-focused training sessions. This is not a course to increase your knowledge about Girl Scouting or Girl Scout program. Contact the Council Volunteer Development Director to inquire about taking the Train the Trainer course.
Training Patches When you complete your training courses, you will be eligible to purchase a training patch. The cost is $1.00. Rockers for the course completed are given free of charge. Remember to ask the trainer to sign your V.I.V.A. and training record card.	Transferring Training If you are an experienced leader transferring from another council, you will be required to show proof of training from the previous council. You are also required to take Position Orientation for Troop/Group Leaders and Assistant Leaders.