Why is volunteering worth my valuable free time?

 

Answer:   The rewards of being an adult volunteer are both direct and indirect. Some 85% of leaders we surveyed said they receive rewards they don' typically get in their daily lives. Rewards such as sense of giving back, making a difference in a girls life, contributing to the community, event management and training that has benefits in other parts of life. We're talking about addressing the needs of an entire generation of girls. We do this one girl at a time. In this quest, think of yourself as the coach of a team working to move up from the minor leagues to the majors with lots of encouragement, training and teamwork. No matter your background or experience, it's never too late to be a Girl Scout.

 

 

 

What's in it for me?

 

Answer:  It's a win-win situation -- especially in our transient society. Whether you take your Girl Scout skills on the road with you worldwide or you serve as the stable influence for a girl who has moved into a new community you will make a difference! An added benefit, according to 88% of our current adult leaders, being a volunteer in Girl Scouting has developed their own leadership skills.

 

 

 

I’d like to be a leader!  What do I need to do?  

 

Answer:  Call the Girl Scout Service Center and ask to speak to the Membership Specialist for your particular school area. She will get the paperwork to you that is necessary for you to fill out. There is an application and three written references which are also required. The Membership Specialist can also put you in touch with the Service Unit Manager for your area. 

 

 

 

What training is required? 

 

Answer:  All leaders, co-leaders and assistant leaders need to be trained in Leadership 101, Principles of Girl Scouting and Program-Level Training in order to work with the troop. 

 

• Leadership 101 - training is taken prior to meeting with the girls.

• Principles of Girl Scouting - training is taken within 90 days of appointment.

• Program-Level Training - training is taken within six months of appointment.

• Other trainings are also available such as First Aid/CPR and Camp trainings. 

 

A volunteer is considered fully trained and can receive her/his Leadership Development Pin after having completed Basic Leader Training, First Aid/CPR training and Basic Camp training.

 

Other Volunteer Positions are available such as Service Unit Managers, Troop Organizers, School Coordinators, Event Coordinators as well as short-term volunteer positions. All positions require training.   

 

We recognize our adult volunteers on a yearly basis for their wonderful contributions to the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada and welcome those of all races, color, ethnicity, sex, creed, national origin, and socioeconomic status. Every adult volunteer in Girl Scouting must be selected on the basis of qualifications for membership, ability to perform the volunteer function, and willingness and availability to participate in training. 

 

 

 

Does the co-leader have to take training? 

 

Answer: All adults working regularly with the troop are required to have Basic Leader training. 

 

 

 

What is a Service Unit? 

 

Answer:  A Service Unit is a geographic area in which several troops function together and form a Service Unit.  In rural areas, the Service Unit usually consists of the town. In urban areas, one or more schools may make up the Service Unit area. A service team works together to assure quality program for the girls in that area/service unit.

 

 

 

What is a Service Unit meeting and how often and why do I need to go to the meetings?

 

Answer:  A Service Unit usually meets once a month in an evening.  Leaders or another adult from the troop should attend the monthly meetings to stay informed of what is happening in the Service Unit as well as at the council level.  Leaders receive motivation and encouragement from other leaders and newer leaders learn from experienced leaders how to function well with their troop.

 

 

 

How much should I charge for dues? 

 

Answer:  Dues are a way for girls to remember they have Girl Scouts as well as build responsibility, not a way to raise money.  The girls decide with the guidance of the leaders if dues are needed. Girls should never be ostracized if they are unable to pay dues.  Girls’ cookie money can usually support their troop, but if they decide that they want to have dues, they may as long as no one is made to feel bad for not paying or not being able to pay. 

 

 

 

About Training:

Why do I need to take training?  I already know what I want to do for the year. 

 

Answer:  You would not want to send your child to school and have them be taught by someone who is not qualified to teach.  Girl Scouts of the USA states that all volunteers must be trained for their positions. 

 

There is a lot involved in Girl Scouting and you need to be aware of these different aspects.  One of the most important objectives of training is the safety of our girls and also the safety of our volunteers. Girl Scouts of the USA provides liability insurance for volunteers and girls. Volunteers are required to follow Safety-Wise and other guidelines at all Girl Scout activities. 

 

 

 

I have been family camping for my whole life!  Why do I need to take Camp Training? 

 

Answer:  Camp Training will teach you how to prepare the girls in your troop for a camping experience. We realize that you know how to camp, but it is different taking a group of girls out rather than just going with your family. Part of the experience is for the girls to participate in the planning and execution of the camp trip.  Again, safety is one of the most important elements for both girls and adults when Girl Scout camping. 

 

 

 

I have training on my job for First Aid and CPR.  Do I have to take the Girl Scout First Aid course? 

 

Answer:  Red Cross Community First Aid is accepted by Girl Scouts of the USA as a course that qualifies their volunteers as First Aiders. Other First Aid courses will need to be checked with the Adult Development Specialist to see if it meets the requirements. Our requirements are infant, child, and adult CPR as well as Basic First Aid.  These courses are usually an 8 hour class. Please submit copies of your training card to the Adult Development Specialist so she can update your training records showing you have taken First Aid/CPR. 

 

 

 

Still have a question?

 

You can Ask Daisy or please contact our Membership Registrar at 775.322.0642, ext. 226 or email her at membershipregistrar@gssn.org.