As part of our commitment to supporting adult volunteers, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois offers quality, low- or no-cost adult learning through a variety of methods: on-line, by phone, classroom style and home study.
How to Register for Adult Learning Courses
Classroom style courses are held at a variety of locations throughout the council and listed below. There are many ways to register for classroom style courses:
Remember registration deadline is ONE WEEK BEFORE the session. (Two weeks before any outdoor training.) If you have any questions regarding training, contact the Director of Volunteer Development.
Orientation to Girl Scouting (½ hour)
Orientation is required before starting any volunteer position. You may take this session in the following ways:
- scheduled session (offered 30 minutes before any Getting Started training)
- during a recruitment
- on-line at http://training.girlscouts.org/; password: discover - (After login, if your page doesn't automatically begin, click on Table of Contents) (When setting up learning log – for your volunteer manager-type in: adultlearning@gseiwi.org)
New Leader Webinars
We have added a couple of special training opportunities just for new leaders. The best part of these two training opportunities is that you don’t even need to leave your home to participate. Both of these will be webinar trainings.
Don’t let the name scare you ~ you don’t need special equipment, just a computer with Internet access. These webinars will allow us to share resources on our computer desktops with you. You can see what we have on our desktop while talking to us over the phone. We have two webinars scheduled for new leaders in February and March.
To register for either or both of these trainings, just send an e-mail to KimH@GSEIWI.org and you will be sent all the information with the Web address and phone number that you need to call. I am looking forward to visiting with you. We will spend whatever amount of time you need from one to two hours.
Classroom Style Courses
Getting Started (1 ½ hours)
This course is designed to help your troop get started; registration forms, safety issues and involving families. Required for all new leaders and must be taken before starting a new troop.
(SS)=Super Saturday Training
Leadership Essentials (3 hours each)
This course is designed to equip leaders with information on how to lead girls to Discover, Connect and Take Action using the new Grade Level Journeys. It will cover leadership and management skills, plus grade appropriate program information. All six grade levels are included in the course.
Homestudy
Existing resources including working on try-its, badges, etc are available through home study. Contact Claudia Reich, Director of Volunteer Development for more details.
First Aid
Having a Certified CPR/First Aider is a requirement for overnights, camping, trips, and special activities, and is highly recommended for regularly scheduled meeting. Safety-Wise has a complete listing of approved courses and what activities need first aiders. Please contact your local Red Cross chapter for a training site near you or contact Claudia Reich, Director of Volunteer Development to help you find one in your area.
Overnight/Troop Readiness
This training includes information on going beyond the meeting place, longer filed trips, and overnight experiences with emphasis on using camp lodges.
Extended Travel
This training provides information on extended travel for older girls. Includes information on GSUSA extended travel guidelines, insurance coverage, vehicle rental, hotel safety, risk management plan, and more.
Specialized Activity Training
Length of training varies a fee applies.
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Challenge Course
- Horseback Riding (Trail Leader)
- Zip Line
Super Saturdays (SS)
Adult learning opportunities for Girl Scout Leaders, Co-Leaders and Advisors- all wrapped into one day; Getting Started, Leadership Essentials (all grade levels) and Enrichments! Super Saturdays are only available in the Fall.
New~Volunteer Essentials
Check out the new publication Volunteer Essentials. It is a combination of our Volunteer Resource Guide and Safety-Wise. Pertinent information that was in Safety-Wise can be found in this document. Here are all the activity check points. You can either download all of them in one file or individually:
Enrichment Workshops on Request
Would you like to learn more about working with girls or get ideas for enriching your troop meetings? Enrichment workshops are available to help meet those needs. Get your Girl Scouts friends together, or as a Service area request an enrichment workshop. Aavailable workshops:
- Advanced Outdoor Cooking (60-120 min.)
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Bridging Ideas (30 min.)
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Ceremonies (60 min.)
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Girl Scout Traditions (15-30 min.)
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Increasing Parental Involvement (30 min.)
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Songs & Games (30-90 min.)
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Supporting Teens Earning the Highest Award (30 min.)
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Supporting Teen Leadership Opportunities (15 min.)
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SWAPS (30 min.)
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Working With and Supporting Girls with Disabilities (60 min.)
To request a workshop, you must provide a list of a minimum of 5 participants and their names, addresses, phone, and e-mail. You must also provide the site information with at least two dates. Please allow at least four weeks to arrange for the workshop. Upon receipt of a request, facilitators will be contacted. The adult learning department will do their best to make it happen. Enrichment Workshop Request Form.pdf
New Leader Training Resources from Girl Scout Cadette Troop 3138
A BIG “Thanks!” and congratulations goes out to: Girl Scout Cadette Troop 3138: Paige M., Hannah L., Emma A., and Talia W. for their Girl Scout Silver Award project, the girls took action to improve the training resources available to new Girl Scout volunteers by making videos of various songs (with movements) and ceremonies. Check out the videos!
