Training

“We maintain that the strength of the Girl Scout Movement rests in the voluntary leadership of its adult members, in the cooperation and support of the community, and in the affiliation with Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movements of other countries through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.” — Blue Book of Basic Documents, GSUSA, 2003.

NEW for 2008

Leadership Essentials

This new class replaces the former “Age Level” classes. Prerequisite: BVT (or NVO & BL) This class explores the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the Journeys for all grade levels. You will learn about the books and resources for the girls/adults, awards that can be earned, and how the Girl Scout Program Keys can keep you focused on Purposeful Leadership as your girls and you plan for the year.

New Leaders/Co-Leaders/Advisors (volunteers who work directly in supervision of girls): Mandatory within the first year of appointment – most valuable if taken early!

Returning Leaders/co-Leaders/Advisors: All volunteers are welcome to take the Leadership Essential course as soon as possible. However, one leader per troop is required to take Leadership Essentials when at least ONE of the following circumstances is met:

1.) When the Troop plans to incorporate Journey’s into their Troop activities.

2.) When the Troop is moving up to the next grade level and the leader has not yet taken training for that level. (If you were a Brownie leader in 07-08, and plan to be a Junior leader in September ’08, and already took Junior Training, you are O.K., BUT if you did not take training, then you need to take Leadership Essentials.)

3.) By October 1, 2010 all current leaders must have completed Leadership Essentials.

Summer Training

We traditionally do not offer classes for most of the summer. Our trainers are volunteers, and deserve a break, too! As classes are added for August 2008 and beyond, the website will be updated. It is our goal that the August 2008 through January 2009 calendar will be available for distribution in mid August.

The Learning Opportunities link to the left is the six month course schedule, and includes all sorts of opportunities for you to learn new skills.

Training Department Updates

PLEASE NOTE: GSMD has a long history of providing quality Adult Development opportunities. In order to continue to offer timely trainings to every adult volunteer in our jurisdiction, effective for the 2007-2008 Girl Scout year we instituted some changes:

1. All TR-151’s or on-line registration forms MUST be received at the GSMD Council office at least 10 working days prior to the date of the training.

2. A $5 materials fee for our Basic Courses is required. However, when you attend class, you will receive a $5 coupon to use at the GSMD Council Shop within 60 days. Basic Courses include: Basic Volunteer Training (BVT), New Volunteer Orientation (NVO), Basic Leadership On-line or Home-Study (BL), Daisy Age Level (DAL), Brownie Age Level (BAL), Junior Age Level (JAL), & Advisors of Older Girls (AOG).

3. You will not be registered for a class until the $5 fee is paid.

First Aid/CPR

Those interested in First Aid/CPR courses should forward TR-151s with their e-mail addresses to Arlene Brown, or fax to (313) 870-2600. We will try to add courses. GSMD has a serious need for additional American Red Cross certified First Aid and CPR trainers. If you know of anyone who is ARC Certified and willing to donate time to GSMD, please ask them to call the Training Department at ext. 2248 as soon as possible. Because we only have two available trainers, we are severely limited in offering course. Please check Safety Wise for other First Aid and CPR acceptable courses.

Just a Reminder

Please send your TR-151 – Adult Training Registration form in AT LEAST ten days in advance of any course. On-line, mail or fax only please! We do not take registrations over the phone. Also, please include your e-mail address – then we can be sure that you get information – “snail mail” sometimes has its problems, but sending e-mail is instantaneous! The FAX number to use is: (313) 870-2600.

Training By Request

Utilizing the best of adult education methods, and providing it to adults when and where they can best receive and utilize the information…that is the theory behind “just in time” training. So, this year, more Metro Detroit Trainers are taking their courses “on the road” to neighborhoods, service units and clusters.

How to request “Training By Request”

Cluster Directors, Neighborhood Service Unit Directors or Cluster Training Managers can request one of the topics listed below, utilizing a TR-152 Training by Request Form. They must

Guarantee at least ten participants for the training session, and
Make arrangements for the training site after confirming a date with the Trainer.

This format of training may best serve clusters or neighborhoods at NSU meetings, cluster meetings or some other gathering of leaders.

Topics

Girl Scout Traditional or International Songs, Ceremonies, GS holidays, Games, Green Angel, Sewing Crafts, Crafts, Girl Scout Traditions, Sharing the Sciences with Girls, GSUSA Badge work, Team Building, Conflict Resolution, Financial Planning for Leaders, Tips & Tricks for New Leaders, and Helping Girls Understand Government. Call (313) 972-4475, ext. 2243 for more ideas!

GRAND SLAM Training Events:

A full day of training – Basic Volunteer Training in the morning and age-level courses in the afternoon!

How do I register: Please send your TR-151 – Adult Training Registration form in AT LEAST two weeks in advance of any course. Mail, fax or online registration please! Also, please include your e-mail address – then we can be sure that you get information – “snail mail” sometimes has its problems, but sending e-mail is instantaneous! The FAX number to use is: (313) 870-2600.

The Great Escape

The Great Escape is an adult volunteer weekend at camp where you can take workshops for your own enrichment, to help you with your troop – or just get away and enjoy our beautiful Camp Innisfree! TGE 2008 is September 19-21, 2008 and the theme is “Renaissance Faire.” Please plan now to join us and be sure to send in your reservation before the deadline. (See links at left)

Training Needs Assessment

Download the GSMD Adult Training Needs Assessment so that your feedback can contribute to our future offerings!

The Council nurtures its volunteers by providing continuing education and many enrichment opportunities. In 2005, more than 3,000 volunteers were trained and benefited from the over 150 Council training programs, taught by our training core of 40 volunteer trainers.

Training programs include outdoor living, diversity awareness and understanding, first aid and enrichment to help volunteers learn new skills that enhance their work in the community.

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