side menu icon
5.4-Training

Training

Support makes all the difference.

We’ve got the required trainings, enrichment opportunities, and resources you need to make your volunteer experience amazing. Volunteer training is offered in a variety of ways, so as to best meet your unique learning styles: written resources, face-to-face learning, interactive online learning—and additional methods are being developed and tested all the time!

Visit our training site for the full scope of resources and online trainings offered. 

Start Learning

Local Support

Volunteers in your community are there for you. Whether you are helping with the cookie program or leading a troop, service unit team members will be there to guide you in your chosen role.  Attend a monthly service unit meeting and learn about our traditions and opportunities just for Girl Scouts, or attend the GSGLA Volunteer University/Conference or attend a Mini-U.

In-Person Classes

With us, the fun of learning never stops!  Whether you learn best in a classroom or by a campfire, we can provide a first class Girl Scout education to guide and elevate your troops’ fun experiences. Learn new program ideas or brush up on your first aid skills. Click here to visit the training calendar.

Online Training

Online training: Click and watch at your own pace! You can view a recorded webinar or take an online course. Select from the training categories that fit your role and your needs—ex. Daisy troop leader, troop treasurer, service unit manager, etc.—and find links to online learning, resources, recorded webinars, and more. You are also able to track the trainings you have completed and earn virtual badges. It’s a one-stop shop for just-in-time trainings 24/7. Start learning.

Blue Book 2019

The 2019 edition of our Blue Book of Basic Documents contains important information and source documents, including the Constitution of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, bylaws, policies, credentials criteria and standards for councils, our Congressional Charter, and more.

Safety Activity Checkpoints

When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) written specifically for that particular activity, as well as the Introduction. In the Introduction you will find specific information for the checkpoints that are common to all activities (e.g., communicate with council and parents), as well as an overview of the format for all SACs.

Note: In addition to reading these checkpoints yourself, you can also e-mail to or print them for girls, co-volunteers and parents/guardians.

Individual Chapters
Volunteer Essentials

Volunteer Essentials is a comprehensive reference guide that includes information about starting a troop, important safety reminders, and managing troop finances, and provides an overview of Girl Scouting!

Want to know what's new in the 2018-19 edition? View slides from our 2018 webinar, or watch the webinar recording. (Please note: the webinar begins approximately five minutes into the recording).

2018-19 Volunteer Essentials

    Chapter 1: Welcome to Girl Scouts
    Chapter 2: Troop Start Guide
    Chapter 3: Troop Management
    Chapter 4: Safety-Wise
    Chapter 5: Managing Group Finances
    Chapter 6: Trips, Camping, and Travel
    Chapter 7: Properties
    Chapter 8: Standards and Procedures
    Forms and Resources
    Index

eBiz Tutorials
Girl Scout University Volunteer Enrichment Videos