Volunteer Training

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a new volunteer. Please check out the Training Calendar and training opportunities available to help you get started today – one step at a time!

Step 1: Recruitment. Volunteers join Girl Scouting through many sources. Some are recruited by current volunteers who share their Girl Scout story, or by staff who are always seeking volunteers for a variety of leadership positions, ongoing and short-term roles, and council-wide involvement.

Step 2: Let’s Get Started/Orientation. New or prospective volunteers are given a brief orientation to Girl Scouting by a local volunteer, a trainer, or staff member. Check the Web Site for on line and workbook Orientation.

Step 3: Volunteer Application. Each prospective volunteer fills out an application and three reference forms.

Step 4: Interview. Each prospective volunteer is interviewed, by phone or in person. The purpose of the interview is to determine areas of interest, training needs, availability, and other volunteer experience. Our goal is for all volunteers to have a meaningful and satisfying experience in Girl Scouting.

Step 5: Background Check. A CANTS background check is conducted for all prospective volunteers prior to placement in a volunteer position.

Step 6: Register. Girl Scouting is a membership organization. All adult volunteers register by completing a registration form and submitting the $10 annual membership registration dues. Or you may prefer to become a Lifetime Member. Lifetime membership dues are $250 (25 times annual dues.)

Step 7: Appointment to Position. All volunteers are appointed for a one-year term, running from October 1st through September 30th of the following year. Volunteer positions are renewable annually.

Step 8: Training. All volunteers are required to take training for their position within four months of appointment and our goal is to provide a way for every new volunteer to access training within 30 days! Basic Leadership training is offered in various formats, including the most popular and beneficial setting in a group learning experience. The trainings are offered at local and regional locations. Please check the Training Calendar for details and locations.

Step 9: On-going Support and Enrichment. Once you start your volunteer position and receive your training, you will find on-going support from many sources. Girl Scout Troop Leaders are closely tied to Service Unit Directors and Service Unit Teams. Troop Leaders are strongly encouraged to attend local leader meetings where other Leaders or volunteers in other positions are often able to answer questions and suggest ideas. Membership Services Managers maintain a strong support role for volunteers, and other staff members provide services, as well. You will also find additional trainings and enrichment opportunities in the Training Calendar or other sources.

Training Documents

• Training Registration
• Basic Orientation (On-Line version)
• Basic Orientation (Take Home version)
• Daisy Girl Scout Take Home Workshop
• Brownie Girl Scout Take Home Workshop
• Junior Girl Scout Take Home Workshop
• Water Watcher

For more information about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact a local Girl Scout volunteer or call Jackie at the Girl Scout Service Center - 618-242-5079 or 888-317-6353 or email girlscouts@shagbark.org.