Training for Volunteers

As a Girl Scout volunteer, you play an important role in preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. GSU’s volunteer training equips volunteers with the knowledge and confidence necessary to carry out meaningful Girl Scout programs.

Similar to the Girl Scout program, training for volunteers is a progression. Start with basics for all volunteers then tackle additional trainings as needed to deliver the GSLE. Download the training progression (PDF) for a visual guide.

Training is offered via gsLearn (accessed through myGS), as well as in-person and virtually. Search upcoming training opportunities on the Activities Calendar or log in to myGS. For assistance, contact Customer Care.

Youth Protection Training toggle arrow

Girl Scouts is an environment that provides safety for girls physically, mentally, and emotionally. This training is required for all GSU volunteers for the protection of all youth in the Girl Scout program. All modules in this training must be completed prior to working with youth, and are valid for 2 years.

Volunteers can access this training through gsLearn, found within their myGS account. The training consists of 5 modules:

GSUSA Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention (3 modules):
1. Introduction
2. Part 1
3. Part 2
Girl Scouts of Utah Youth Protection Addendum (1 module) - optional
GSU Youth Protection Agreement (1 module) - this module is an acknowledgement that the volunteer agrees to abide by the policies set forth by GSUSA and GSU

Youth Protection Training must be renewed every 2 years to continue in a volunteer role.

For New Troop Leaders toggle arrow

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding Series - Learn what sets Girl Scouts apart from other organizations and gain an understanding of the framework we use to grow future leaders.

There are lots of real-world examples provided throughout the series to help you apply the framework as your troop ages through the Girl Scout program.

Intro to GSU Training - Everything you need to know about Girl Scouts of Utah policies, safety, programs, troop finances, accessing resources, how to work with parents and girls, and more.

GSUSA Creating Your Inclusive Troop - Learn how to create an inclusive, girl-led space, embracing troop diversity and understanding how the role of the troop leader sets this framework.

Dollars and Sense: Troop Finances – The need-to-know information about setting up your troop bank account, managing troop funds, fundraising, and submitting your annual troop finance report.

Hosting Troop Meetings in Your Home - Covers safety and protection of girls while hosting meetings in the home or yard. Upon completion of the training, print and keep your troop records.

Including Girls of All Abilities - Practical advice and tips for working with girls of all abilities in your troop.

Clique Proof Your Troop - Offers practical ideas for including all the girls in your troop, dealing with conflict, building kindness, and preventing cliques in your troop.

Product Program Training - Updated each new program, this training will be assigned to Troop Leadership and Troop Product Managers (TPMs).

GSUSA Multi-Level Troop Success - This course provides tips, tools, and strategies for leading a multi-level troop to provide an exceptional Girl Scout experience.

GSUSA Mental Wellness 101 - In this course, you will learn what mental health is and how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges. You will explore different scenarios that young people may experience and learn how you can promote an environment within Girl Scouts for you and others to thrive and grow..

Cultural Appropriation - Covers what cultural appropriation is and why it matters.

GSUSA Field Trips & Travel - Girl Scouts love getting out of the meeting space and exploring the world around them. This course provides guidance, recommendations, and tips for planning a Girl Scout trip. It also covers The Girl Scout Travel Progression, to understand where to start with travel and how and when to progress. Whether your Girl Scouts want to plan a day trip or an international adventure, this course is the place to start.

Recurring Training Required for Volunteers toggle arrow

GSU Refresh – Annually, troop leaders are invited to a a virtual meeting to learn what updates have been made to GSU policies, processes, and procedures. Council staff will be available to answer questions.

Required every 2 years:

GSU Trips & Travel Requirements
GSU Camping 101
First Aid/CPR/AED
Wilderness Remote First Aid (WRFA)

For Service Unit Volunteers toggle arrow

As key administrative volunteers, the service unit team has many responsibilities. We offer dedicated learning and development opportunities to ensure you are prepared to provide a dynamic and well-rounded platform of diverse activities through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Service Unit Position Training
Each service unit position has varying duties and therefore requires specific training. GSU offers comprehensive training for the lead positions: Service Unit Manager, Program Lead, and Membership Lead. Additionally, training is available for each delegated position under the lead roles.

Service Unit Manager (SUM) – Learn about managing the administrative and operational aspects of the service unit. This training covers aspects of goal setting and planning, managing finances, leading effective meetings, governance, and the impact of our product programs. The SUM has the option to delegate aspects of the administrative and operational responsibilities to other team members.
Service Unit Product Program Rep (SUPPR) - Learn the specifics about Fall Product and Cookie Programs, including dates, theme, resources, and tips for supporting volunteers in your service unit.
Governance Representative – Two training sessions are required for this position - the first covers the service unit role and how to ensure Delegates are elected, trained, and supported, and the second is the Council Delegate & Alternate training.
Council Delegates and Alternates – Understand why governance is important to Girl Scouting and how to effectively participate in the process.
Program Lead (PL) – Council Sponsored Events training will help you plan and execute activities and events for the Girl Scouts and volunteers in your service unit. Required every 2 years.
Membership Lead (ML) – Learn the basics of recruitment, renewal and retention, troop leader support, and volunteer awards and recognition ideas. You will also discover council communication tools, resources, and best practices.

Leadership Summit
GSU’s signature service unit volunteer enrichment and development meeting to ensure each service unit has the tools and resources needed for growth and sustainability. Held annually, volunteers will attend position training and have the opportunity to connect with council staff and leadership during engaging workshops and breakout sessions.

Trips and Travel toggle arrow

Required for all travel –

GSUSA Field Trips & Travel – Whether your Girl Scouts want to plan a day trip or an international adventure, this course is the place to start.
GSU Trips & Travel Requirements – Required before the next level of trip/travel training and 8 weeks prior to travel dates and every 2 years.

Exploring the U.S.A. – Required by all adults and girls who will be traveling with the group outside of their region or more than 6 hours away from home or for more than 3 nights. Reach out to schedule for your group.
Recommended 6-12 months prior to the trip. Required for every trip.
Pre-requisite: GSU Trips & Travel Requirements.

International Travel for Leaders – Required for adult volunteers prior to Exploring the World with the troop or group that will be traveling to an international destination. Learn and understand council policies, requirements, procedures, and more.
Recommended 18-24 months prior to trip dates.

Exploring the World – Required for every trip by all adults and girls who will be traveling with the troop or group outside of the U.S. Reach out to schedule for your group.
Recommended 18-24 months prior to trip departure date.
Pre-requisite: International Travel.

Tours & Cruises – Troops or groups going on a tour or cruise must take this in addition to Exploring the World.

Destinations – Informal meeting with GSU Program Specialist.

Camping and the Outdoors toggle arrow

Camping and Outdoor training is required for any outdoor experience or activity lasting one night or more. These are progressive and must be taken in order.

GSU Camping & Outdoor Learning Path (pre-requisite for Camping 101)

Camping Basics – GSUSA Camping Video Series on gsLearn (pre-requisite for Camping with Girl Scouts or Camping 101).

GSUSA Getting Girls Outdoors

Camping 101 (in-person) – Basic camping and safety instruction with some fundamental hands-on elements. Required before a troop’s first camping experience and must be renewed every 2 years by attending Camping 101 Renewal or Camping Renewal & Knowledge Check as outlined.

Camping 101 Renewal (in-person) – Refresh your GSU camping requirement knowledge, skills, and abilities. Required every 2 years; may be supplemented with Camping Renewal & Knowledge Check every other renewal period.

Camping Renewal & Knowledge Check – Required every two years, may be completed online every other renewal period in place of Camping 101 Renewal. Available in gsLearn.

First Aid/CPR/AED - Required for troops that plan to go on an outdoor adventure. At least one troop volunteer must be certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED any time a troop leaves its regular meeting location.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA) - Required for any activity located more than a 30-minute journey away from emergency medical care. This course requires 16 hours of instruction and hands-on training and is offered by GSU on a limited basis. Must be First Aid/CPR certified prior to taking WRFA. WRFA training must be renewed every 2 years to remain valid.

Pool and Waterfront Lifeguarding - Required for any water activities where a certified lifeguard is not already present (see Safety Activity Checkpoints for activities requiring lifeguards). This course requires 26 hours of instruction and hands-on training. Available by request only. Must be First Aid/CPR certified prior to taking this training.

Archery - Become certified to teach basic level archery with Girl Scouts. This is required for running an archery range where a certified instructor is not already present. Available by request only.

High and Low Ropes - Become certified to teach basic high and low ropes. This is required for running a high or low ropes course where a certified instructor is not already present. Available by request only.

Training for Leaders in gsLearn toggle arrow

Volunteers can find additional optional training in gsLearn to round out their skillset. Be sure to check your gsLearn Content Library regularly for new courses and learning paths.

Need help finding gsLearn? Follow the step-by-step instructions for Getting Started in gsLearn (PDF).

Note: Anything that starts with “674” is a Girl Scouts of Utah training and anything that starts with “GSUSA” is a national training; all other training is provided by the learning system, Litmos.

Red Cross Certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Utah requires at least one troop volunteer to be certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED any time a troop leaves its regular meeting location.

GSU offers First Aid, CPR, AED training monthly at our office locations in Salt Lake City, American Fork, and Ogden following a rotating schedule. This blended learning course teaches the basics of First Aid, CPR, and use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The online componentmust be completed before attending the practical skills session in person.

There are physical components of the in-person skills portion of this training. Participants must be able to get down on the ground on their knees to perform chest compressions, breathing exercises, and use the AED trainer device.

First Aid/CPR/AED training must be renewed every 2 years to remain valid.

Other CPR/First Aid Training Options

Girl Scouts of Utah accepts the following occupational licensing/certification for meeting the minimum First Aider requirement:

Physician
Registered nurse
Nurse practitioner
Physician’s assistant
Paramedic
Emergency medical technician
Dentist
Military medic

GSU will accept First Aid/CPR/AED certificates from the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, MEDIC First Aid, American Heart Association, and other sponsoring organizations with approval.

Girl Scouts of Utah does not accept the online-only versions of Adult and Pediatric CPR/Frist Aid/AED training.

See Training Requests below for more information on scheduling independent training for your Girl Scout troop or group.

Training Requests toggle arrow

We do our best to support volunteers in their training needs. If prescheduled training does not fit your needs, you may request independent training for your troop or service unit.

All requests for independent training must be submitted to info@gsutah.org a minimum of 8-10 weeks in advance; we will do our best to accommodate you.

Available by request: First Aid/CPR/AED for volunteers and Girl Scouts, American Red Cross Babysitting, STEM 101, Camping 101 and 201, Archery, Pool & Waterfront Lifeguarding, Small Craft Safety, and High & Low Ropes.

With your training request, please include:

Name of service unit or troop number
Contact information: Name, phone number, and email address.
Dates: Three possible dates with times that will work for the group
Who will be attending – adults, girls, both?
How many will be attending?
- Minimum: 6 for all training classes
- Maximum: 20
- First Aid/CPR Maximum: 12; more than 12 requires two trainers
Location: You can select from one of the GSU office locations - Salt Lake City, Ogden, or American Fork - or an off-site location. Once a date is determined, the requester must reserve the off-site location for the training.

Training for Older Girls toggle arrow

Silver Award

GSUSA Earning the Silver Award: Your Guide to the Requirements and Process - The courses in this learning path prepare Cadettes to earn the Silver Award in a fun and interactive way
- GSUSA Silver Award Overview
- GSUSA Silver Award Requirements: A Closer Look
- GSUSA Silver Quest: Complete the Steps for Earning Your Silver Award

First Aid/CPR/AED – Available to Cadettes, Senior, and Ambassadors (14 and up)

Wilderness and Remote First Aid – Available to Cadettes, Senior, and Ambassadors (14 and up)

Leader Training & Development Patch Program

Volunteers can earn our new Leader Training & Development Achievement patches just by completing various troop leader trainings!

Earn your center patch with the New Leader Onboarding Learning Path (new leaders) or GSU Refresh (seasoned volunteers). Then dive into specific topics, like Troop Finance or Small Watercraft, to capture the different segment patches to display proudly on your leader vest.

The center patch and corresponding segments are provided at no charge to volunteers. Simply complete the training(s) and we’ll coordinate patch delivery at your next service unit meeting or, for outlying areas, via mail.