All Girl Scout councils in the country provide training for their adult volunteers, whether the adult chooses to be a leader or a board member. From council to council, training is customized and delivered in different ways to fit the needs of local adults. The Girl Scout program and messages, however, are the same. A leader in Southern Oregon will receive the same basic information regarding Girl Scouts leadership as a leader in Puerto Rico.

Girl Scout Training: What's it all about?       

For new leaders, training includes an orientation to Girl Scouts and training for work with a particular age level such as the Junior Girl Scout age level. In addition to the basic leadership courses, leaders learn about Girl Scouting by networking with other leaders, through age level- specific roundtables and special topic workshops. Check with your council to obtain a schedule of courses and workshops.             

Why take Training?      

Leadership training goes beyond building skills and sharing information, as important as they may be. Training builds a leader's self confidence and instills pride in knowing one is playing an important role in the development of girls. Training is also fun! In addition, Girl Scout training:

• Ensures safe and successful delivery of Girl Scout program.
• Supports the Girl Scout mission and initiative to reach every girl, everywhere.
• Reflects current trends, needs, and interests of today's girls.

Who are the trainers?     

Trainers are volunteers and council staff who have been instructed in how to train adult learners effectively. The experimental methods they use are based on principles of adult learning.

How is training offered?      

As the training needs vary from council to council so do the ways in which training is offered. In addition to traditional training at specific places and times, many council's offer alternative ways to take training, including "distance learning" options.

In addition to training opportunities within the council, Girl Scout adults can participate in courses at the Edith Macy Conference Center , in Briarcliff Manor , NY . For a full listing of these courses, contact your council office or call Girl Scouts of the USA at 1-800-GSUSA4U. You may also contact GSUSA on their web site at www.girlscouts.org.