Leadership Training and Registration Information

So you’ve decided to become a Girl Scout leader or co-leader.
Congratulations on becoming an important role model in the lives of girls!

Who needs Training?
All registered adult volunteers in troop/group leadership positions - position codes 01 or 02 - are required to complete a 3-step process. Volunteers are required to submit a completed Volunteer Service Application (VSA) and 3 references, complete Orientation Training, and complete Program Age-level (PAL) training. The PALs are Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Girl Scouts for 11-17-year-olds.

Training Policies
Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area (GSMA) policies require new troop/group leaders to complete Orientation Training before meeting with their troops/groups and to complete Program Age-Level training within 3 months of assuming troop/group leadership.

Troop leaders/co-leaders moving up to the next Program Age Level are required to complete Age-level training within 6 months of troop/group leadership.

Additional training for indoor/outdoor activities, First Aid/CPR and adult enrichments are also offered and required if appropriate to troop/group activities. See the class listing for more information.

Registration Procedures for Training
Registration is required for Orientation training. This course (or the equivalency format) must be completed before attending Program Age Level training. The Orientation course is taken only once.

Registration is required for Program Age Level (PAL) training. Prior to the PAL training course, attendees are required to complete a Safety-Wise and Handbook search that is included with the training confirmation letter. Attendees should bring appropriate course materials as noted in the confirmation letter. Leaders' Guide and girl handbooks can be purchased at the Resource Center or a limited number of books can be checked out from the Resource Center.

Complete and return the appropriate registration form to GSMA at 131 S. 69th Street, PO Box 14999, Milwaukee, WI 53214-0999 at least 10 working days prior to the course. You can mail the form or fax to 414-476-5958. Registrations will be accepted by phone 414-476-1050, or information can be sent to mailbox@gswise.org if there is no registration fee.

There is no cost for Orientation or PAL training. Certain courses such as First Aid/Adult CPR, Indoor/Outdoor Training and some Enrichments may require a fee. Please see course descriptions for details. If there is a training course fee, a check or money order must accompany registration forms.

Training Course Attendance
A minimum of 5 participants is required in order to conduct a training course. To avoid cancellation, please register as soon as possible.

Attendees are asked to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the course in order to gain credit for the training. Refer to your confirmation letter or call 414-476-1050 for times.

Confirmation
A confirmation letter will be sent out to participants registering at least 7 working days in advance of the scheduled training date. Any required pre-course worksheets are included with the confirmation letter.

Cancellations
Cancellation of courses may occur due to inclement weather (check local TV and radio for listings) or if the minimum course attendance is not met. Only pre-registered participants can be notified if there is a cancellation. If you are unable to attend, please call the trainers listed on the confirmation letter or call 414- 476-1050 to cancel.

Training Locations
Training courses are held at the Marion Chester Read Center (MCRC) unless otherwise indicated. Several times a year training courses are held at various locations. Please see the course descriptions for details.

Tagalongs
Bringing a child or children to an adult training course is inappropriate unless the course offers childcare.

Financial Assistance
A limited amount of Financial Assistance is available for courses. Please submit a brief letter of explanation with the registration form.

Equivalency Training Format
The class sessions are the recommended training format. They offer not only instruction, but also the opportunity to network with other leaders. However, a written equivalency (self-study) training course has been developed for troop leaders/co-leaders that are unable to attend the class training. Equivalencies for Orientation, Orientation/Daisy Combo, Brownie and Junior recommend the leader/co-leader view a short video (about 20 minutes long) and submit completed worksheets for review. The Advisor to Girl Scouts ages 11-17 has a written self-study only, no video. In order to complete the equivalencies, you will need the video, Safety-Wise and the appropriate leadership books.

Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area’s website at www.girlscoutsmilwaukee.org/download.htm has downloadable versions of the Orientation, Orientation/Daisy Combo, Brownie, Junior and Advisors for Girl Scouts ages 11-17 training booklets. The training booklets vary in length. After downloading the pages, please read and complete the Review Worksheets. You will refer to Safety-Wise and the appropriate leader and girl handbooks in order to complete the Review Worksheets. Viewing the appropriate videos is recommended. Videos can be checked out or viewed at the Resource Center. Please call 414-476-1050 for hours and availability. Videos run about 20 minutes in length. Mail or fax the worksheets back to the Marion Chester Read Center, 131 S. 69th St. Milwaukee, WI 53214 or fax to 414-476-5958.

Be sure to look for additional training resource materials on our web site. Most courses will offer a Resource Guide in addition to the Equivalency booklets.

Adult Education Records
Those completing the Orientation training course or Equivalency format receive a green training card. This training card is for you to record all subsequent training or enrichments. Attendance at training courses is also recorded at GSMA to ensure compliance with council policies.

Frequent Buyer Cards
Completion of any Adult Education course will count as one (1) signature of the 20 items. Be sure that the Adult Education Facilitator signs your card. When 20 items/dates/sales are noted, the value of Frequent Buyer card is worth $10.00 in merchandise at the Girl Scout Resource Center. Note: There is a September 30th deadline date for redemption.

Adult Awards, Programs and Records
Adults receive recognition for their many contributions such as time, talent, or financial resources. Length of service or the number of other recognitions does not judge the quality of accomplishments. Recognition is ultimately a function of impact, direct or indirect, on girls.

Adult Awards include a wide range of development opportunities and programs. Adults can earn the Leadership Development Pin or Diversity Award. They may be recognized with awards such as Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Volunteer, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, Special Supporters, or Marion Chester Read awards. These awards will be recorded for all registered adult members.

Volunteer Development
Adults can gain experience in managing others, planning, organizing, public speaking, and time management by assuming the responsibilities of an Administrative Volunteer. Opportunities include School Coordinator, Area Coordinator, Product Manager, Trainer, Program Volunteer, and many more opportunities. Contact your Specialist: Membership and Marketing for details.

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