Classes for Volunteers

Click here to go straight to our secure on-line Registration System for Adult Learning Opportunities throughout GSSEM.  Confirmation will be emailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the class. The confirmation letter will include the complete address of the course location.

NEW - Short Lists of Current Course Offerings:

Basic Courses (see requirements below)

Additional Courses - please check them out!

  • Outdoor Education courses Spring 2010
  • First Aid & CPR courses Jan-June
  • Enrichment Courses  For all GSSEM Volunteers - learn new skills that you can share with your girls!  Opportunities for all grade levels and for your enjoyment.

 

Special Events for Adults!

Transforming Adult Leadership
Review Reflect Renew-New! A professional volunteer development event - all volunteers are invited!

Discover your leadership style, learn to be purposeful in building relationships with girls, and connect the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to the Girl Scout Movement.
 
When: April 23-25, 2010
Where: Camp Hawthorn Hollow
Cost: $50 per person for day conference, stay for the weekend for additional $15.
Day cost includes conference materials, three meals, exclusive participation pin & pinning ceremony, and special Saturday evening activities. Weekend experience includes Take Action learning module, Sunday continental breakfast, and special Friday evening activities.

Registration Information, Registration Form, Health Form (Keep the Information Page, mail in the Registration Form and the Health Form to the Clinton Twp Service Center before March 31, 2010) 
Note: We are still seeking sponsors for this event.  Info Response Form
 
Great Autumn Fest 2010

Opportunity is knocking! Save the date: The 2nd annual Great Autumn Fest (GAF) will be October 1-3, 2010 at Camp Innisfree in Livnigston County.  This adult retreat weekend is an opportunity open to all GSSEM members, to meet and mingle with volunteers from all over our council, take some required training, learn interesting & fun things to take back to your troop, get inspired, participate in special GAF events, and so much more!
 
Join in the fun as we gear up for GAF!. Whether you have a workshop you'd like to teach, are interested in filling one of the many committee positions or just have some ideas to offer, we want you to help us!  Please send an email to the volunteer co-directors: Donna Percussion6@comcast.net or Robin robear1555@comcast.net.

Requirements/Information for Volunteer Courses

NEW LEADERS

Leader (01 position code)
Prior to the first troop meeting the new volunteer who is registering as the leader must complete GSVO - Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation [on-line] (See Course description below and tab on left), as well as Intro to GSSEM Course (See Course description below)

Within 90 days after the Intro to GSSEM Course, a new troop leader must complete the Leadership Essentials Course (See Course description below)

All leaders should also take one training (any topic) per membership year. Volunteers will be able to register for the next membership year without meeting this requirement, but it is highly recommended.

Suggested ways to meet requirement:

  • CPR Update
  • Any Girl Scout training class offered by GSSEM
  • Classes available at the Great Autumn Fest (fall) or Transforming Adult Leadership (spring)
  • Service unit sponsored training (menu of additional offerings available through the Adult Development Department)
  • On line training
  • Non GS training done through job, community education, or college with content applicable to Girl Scouts

Co-Leader (02 position code)
A volunteer who is registering as the troop/group co-leader must complete GSVO - Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation. It is highly recommended that the co-leader also take Intro to GSSEM and the Leadership Essentials Course.

Troop Committee Person (03 position code)
It is highly recommended that a troop committee person complete GSVO - Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation

NOTE TO RETURNING LEADERS

Returning Troop Leaders (at least one per troop) are required to take Intro to GSSEM as soon as possible (they do NOT need to take the course before they meet with girls). We strongly encourage all to enroll in a course to learn about GSSEM policies and practices that are inherently different from their legacy council ways (ex – Trip Apps, Volunteer Policies, Forms, Volunteer Essentials, etc). Volunteers can register for the Intro to GSSEM classes listed in the Volunteer Opportunities Calendar or request a Roadshow (courses by request) for their service unit. We believe it is imperative for ALL volunteers to take Intro to GSSEM so everybody is aware of the “new” council information.

 Frequently asked Questions to the Adult Development Department

  • Why do I have to take courses to be a Girl Scout Leader?
    We know people are busy, but we also don’t think it is fair to the volunteer to say, “Thanks for volunteering, here’s twenty girls.” and then offer no support. We really view training as SUPPORT of your effort to work with girls. It is also not fair to the girls to have an adult who is not prepared and does not understand the program trying to “wing it” at every meeting. We work diligently to make the classes easily accessible and meaningful to your work with girls.
  • Why do I have to pre-register for class?
    Most of our classes are facilitated by volunteers. We need time to be sure they have all the supplies needed, and that the room and other materials will support the number of people registered for a class. Some classes fill up quickly, so we honor the first-come first-served process.
  • How do I register?
    Click here to go straight to our secure on-line Calendar and Registration System.
    OR you can:
    Register by fax: Complete a Registration-Adult Courses Form (available from the GS Service Center or on-line). Fax to 586.263.6320. Include your credit card information if there is a course fee

    Register by mail: Complete a Registration-Adult Courses Form (available from the GS Service Center, or on-line). Mail to GSSEM Clinton Twp 42804 Garfield Clinton Twp MI 48038 along with check, money order, or your credit card information for the course fee
  • Can I get credit for a class I took in another Council?
    Probably yes! Please contact  Pat Smith at 1.800.482.6734, ext 2513 or psmith@gssem.org.

Course Descriptions for “Basic” classes:

GSVO – Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation
This nationally consistent web-based orientation covers information about the Girl Scout mission, traditions, and history, as well as about our founder, Juliette Low. It also reviews the Promise and Law, girl/adult partnership, and helpful resources available to new volunteers. To access on-line, see Tab on left. If you need a DVD mailed to you, please contact the Service Center.

Intro to GSSEM for troops/groups
The two-hour course covers GSSEM policies, practices, and procedures, including where to find necessary safety guidelines, planning parent meetings, managing troop money, meeting formats, girl behavior, how the Girl Scout program helps girls in applying the Girl Scout Promise & Law in their lives and more. You will receive materials to assist you with holding your first few troop meetings. This course is the prerequisite for the Leadership Essentials course.

Leadership Essentials
This three-hour course explores the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the Journeys for all grade levels. We give you the tools you need to successfully lead meetings and deliver the program! 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. We use a GSUSA nationally consistent course, so the content supports volunteers working with girls.

GSVO – Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation: Want to know more about Girl Scouts? OR Planning to volunteer with us? Click on the GSVO Tab at the top, left of this page.

Looking for TRIP & CAMP READINESS FOR GIRLS (Girls Sleep in/Girls Cook In)? Click on the Outdoor Education Tab at the top, left of this page.