Classes for Volunteers

Click here to go straight to our secure on-line Registration System for Adult Learning Opportunities throughout GSSEM

Great Autumn Fest 2010

The 2nd annual Great Autumn Fest (GAF) will be October 1-3, 2010 at Camp Innisfree in Livingston County. This adult retreat weekend is an opportunity open to all GSSEM adult 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!

If you have questions about the event, send an email to the volunteer co-directors: Donna Percussion6@comcast.net or Robin robear1555@comcast.net.

Registration information - Please read the full packet of information on these adobe .pdf files!

Please open, print out, and mail in to GSSEM-Clinton Twp Service Center. You can open, type on the documents, and then print, but you cannot save the completed form to your system.

"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.

The course is available in English or Spanish on line, via a DVD for at-home use, or we can arrange to run the DVD for a group. To borrow the DVD, please contact your Membership Specialist and/or your Service Center.

Directions for on-line use PLEASE READ ALL:

1. Please go to http://training.girlscouts.org, and select “Online Volunteer Orientation.” You can complete the entire training at one time, or over multiple sessions.

2. The password is discover. (Please note: all lower case) If for any reason, you cannot log on, please contact Jane Brewer at 1.800.482.6734, ext 2501 or jbrewer@gssem.org

3. Some directions for use will be on the first few screens. A few screens in the training will require time to load the graphics. If you wait a few minutes and nothing appears to be coming up, then click on the right arrow. →

4. You will be asked to create a Learning Log. (You only need to create the Learning Log one time.) Please enter the Council Name by clicking on the arrow and selecting "Southeastern Michigan".

The Learning Log is not a quiz to be graded. Its purpose is to enhance learning and gives us the opportunity to address any concerns or issues you may have. The Learning Log is REQUIRED, so that we know that you have completed the module.

5. The last screen of the module says Thank you. Once you have completed the Learning Log, print a

copy for yourself, then click the submit button. In a few days you will receive a completion letter via

email from Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan.

6. Please print the letter for your records, and if you would like, bring to your first in-person class and the facilitator will record and sign off on your adult learning record for you.

7. In order to access all of the elements of the program, your system needs:

a. Flash 8 or 9

b. Sound (audio) card

c. Speakers (or headphones)

d. Disable Pop-up blocker

e. High-speed internet connection

Intro to GSSEM

The two-hour course for leaders/advisors int he troop pathwway 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.

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.

Current Course Offerings (updated regularly):

Intro to GSSEM This document includes the course description, as well as a list of upcoming classes.

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.

Current Course Offerings (updated regularly):

Leadership Essentials This document includes the course description, as well as a list of upcoming classes.

"Enrichment" Classes

The volunteer facilitators in GSSEM offer a wide array of classes. Check back here periodically for updated schedules.

Enrichment-Brownie

Tuesday August 17, 2010 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Clinton Twp Service Center

Learn some tips and tricks for working with 2nd & 3rd graders. Embrace some traditional songs, games, and activities that can stand alone or enhance your work on the Journeys and the Try-its.

Looking for Outdoor Education including trips and camping? See the tab on the left!

First Aid and CPR Note

As of June 30, 2010, GSSEM is no longer offering First Aid and CPR courses. We have greatly reduced the requirement for this training, meanwhile the costs of supplies have increased. We do highly recommend Girl Scout leaders and other volunteers maintain certification for the safety of themselves, their families, and the girls in their charge.

In some cases, when a group is doing certain activities considered high risk- a First Aid Provider must be present, based up on the Safety Activity Checkpoints. This role may be fulfilled by a volunteer who works in the medical field such as a nurse, doctor, or paramedic, or a volunteer who holds both a First Aid and CPR certification from an approved organization.

Requirements/Information for Troop Pathway Volunteers

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 or First Aid certification or re-certification
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

FAQ

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.