The Quick Start Guide is your at-a-glance for learning about Girl Scouts, getting a troop started, and working with girls!
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Abilene
July 27, 2013
Amarillo
July 28, 2013
Council
June 23, 2013
Fort Worth
July 14, 2013
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June 22, 2013
Volunteer Essentials
Welcome to the Volunteer Essentials wiki! To get started, click on a link or search for a particular topic.
For questions or comments on Volunteer Essentials, please contact us at pr@gs-top.org
New to Girl Scouts and don't understand our vocabulary? View our Girl Scout Glossary.
Click here for a printable pdf of the full Volunteer Essentials guide
Click here to download the New Member Orientation Guide
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? Volunteer Today!
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Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by trailblazer Juliette Gordon Low. We are the largest girl-serving organization in the United States and the largest member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, a sister-hood of close to 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.
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When you first get together with girls (and this meeting may also include parents/guardians, or you may decide to hold a separate meeting for the adults), you’ll want to get to know the girls, and give them a chance to get to know one another.
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When preparing for any activity with girls, start by reading the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints for that particular activity. You can find these on GS-TOP’s website.
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Girl Scout groups are large enough to provide a cooperative learning environment and small enough to allow for development of individual girls. It is recommended that group sizes, when possible, are as follows:
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Every adult in Girl Scouting is responsible for the physical and emotional safety of girls, and we all demonstrate that by agreeing to follow these guidelines at all times.
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Understanding your role and responsibilities as a Girl Scout Volunteer.
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Volunteer Awards
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The Girl Scout program—what girls do in Girl Scouting.
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In addition to the leadership awards tied to the Journeys and the National Proficiency badges, girls can show they belong by adding emblems to the front of their vests or sashes and participation patches on the back.
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Over time, any organization is going to develop a few common signals that everyone understands. Such is the case with Girl Scouts, which has developed a few unique ways to greet, acknowledge, and communicate, some of which are listed here.
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As a Girl Scout volunteer, you’ll be working with girls of all backgrounds, behaviors, skills, and abilities. This chapter gives you tips for doing just that.
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Just being attentive to what girls are experiencing as they mature is a big help to girls. So take some time to understand the likes, needs, and abilities of girls at difference ages.
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A safe space is one in which girls feel as though they can be themselves, without explanation, judgment, or ridicule. Girl Scout research shows that girls are looking for an emotionally safe environment, where confidentiality is respected and they can express themselves without fear.
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In Girl Scouting, the emotional and physical safety and well-being of girls is always a top priority. Here’s what you need to know.
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Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians
You want to engage each parent or guardian to help you work toward ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of girls. Clearly communicate to parents and guardians that they are expected to:
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How parents decide to transport girls between their homes and Girl Scout meeting places is each parent’s individual decision and responsibility.
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Basics about how girls can earn money to finance their GIrl Scout experience.
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Girls earn money in two distinct ways:
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All you need to know about finances and the cookie sale.
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Ways for "group money-earning" other than "Council-sponosored product sales".
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Learn what kind of sponsorships your troop can pursue and how.
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Helping Girls Reach Their Financial Goals
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Activity Accident Insurance and Reports
Activity Accident Insurance for Group Activities
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“BE PREPARED,” the Girl Scout motto, is the key to handling emergencies if they arise. Whenever an outing with your group is planned, be sure to take with you:
• Signed parent permission forms which include where parents can be reached in case of emergency
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Council Volunteer Policies
Approved by the Board of Directors on April 14, 2012
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Benefits to Volunteers (Non-financial)
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Following policies and standards is an important responsibility for adults in Girl Scouting. When followed carefully, the council’s policies and standards protect you and the girls both in a physical and a legal sense.
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Everything you need to know to manage a Girl Scout Troop.
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Here is just one example of how you and the girls could set up your troopyear.
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Before most trips, you and the girls will need to obtain council permission.
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Letting Girls Lead
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Get info on camping and outdoor education!
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A Sketch of Council Facilities
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General Rules for Outdoor Activities
- Use your walking feet at all times.
- Wear socks and shoes at all times.
- Wear t-shirts, no sleeveless shirts.
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The following chart of Outdoor Progression Skills provides girls and leaders the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the natural world, in a positive way.
The Outdoor Progression Chart is GS-TOP’s recommendation for the outdoor activities that are suitable for each grade level.
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Horseback Riding: Approved Sites
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Use of Council Camp Facilities
Troop Camping Applications are available at the appropriate area office or on the GS-TOP website – www.gs-top.org.
In the Abilene Area – Camp Boothe Oaks
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View our Social Media Guidelines and share your own social media links with GS-TOP.
Registration is Open!
Communications
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