Training & Learning Opportunities | Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

New Troop Training toggle arrow

These essential courses must be completed within 60 days of your troop's start date.

Troop Leader Orientation toggle arrow

Troop Leader Orientation (TLO)

This training is required for at least one volunteer from a troop and recommended for ALL troop leaders/co-leaders.

Troop Leader Orientation (TLO) will help you prepare to lead your troop. Volunteers may sign up through gsLearn or work with the Customer Care team to sign up for a training date.

Access Training

Visit www.gssem.org/tlo for the online course or www.gssem.org/tlolive to sign up for a live webinar.
Log in to MyGS.
Select whether you'd like to take a live Troop Leader Orientation session or the online, asynchronous version. If completing the live session, select the date that works for you on the calendar.
Volunteers may complete either modality (online course or live webinar) to satisfy the Troop Leader Orientation training requirement.
Download the Troop Leader Orientation (TLO) participant guide at www.gssem.org/tloguide for use during the course/webinar.

If you need help accessing this course, MyGS, or gsLearn, please email customercare@gssem.org.

What Girl Scouts Do toggle arrow

What Girl Scouts Do

This training is required for at least one volunteer from a troop and recommended for ALL troop leaders/co-leaders.

This course is required to be completed each time the troop bridges to a new level of Girl Scouts to ensure they're prepared to effectively lead as their Girl Scouts get older.

Access Training

Visit www.gssem.org/gradelevel.
Log into MyGS.
Select the grade level(s) present in your troop and complete the training.
Troops need to complete at least one level to satisfy the training requirement.

If you need help accessing this course, MyGS, or gsLearn, please email customercare@gssem.org.

GSUSA Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Course toggle arrow

Girl Scouts Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Course

This training is required for ALL troop volunteers.

Child abuse and neglect are difficult subjects to think about, yet the prevention of abuse is a topic Girl Scouts takes very seriously.

This training prepares supervising adults of Girl Scout youth to recognize, respond to, and report concerns of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, supervising adults will be empowered to prevent abuse by learning Girl Scout-recommended practices, policies, and procedures.

Girl Scout practices, policies, and procedures are proactive measures designed to prevent abusers from interacting with Girl Scouts to foster a safe space for children to thrive.
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Onboarding for New Leaders toggle arrow

These courses guide you toward providing a fun and safe troop environment for Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Provides new troop leaders with an overview of how to facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience when working with Girl Scouts.
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Run time: 22 minutes

Your First Troop Meeting

Provides new troop leaders with the structure and tools to plan a successful first troop meeting (and beyond!) with their Girl Scouts.
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Run time: 25 minutes

Troop Safety

This training highlights fundamentals on how to keep troops safe in meetings and on field trips with a "go-to" guide that helps your troop stay safe no matter where adventures take them!
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Run time: 21 minutes

Family Engagement—the Key to Success

This course highlights the benefits of engaging and enlisting family support and includes an agenda for planning a parent/caregiver meeting.
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Run time: 13 minutes

The Girl Scout Cookie Program

In this GSUSA course, leaders learn the basics of the Girl Scout Cookie program, including how to utilize cookie proceeds, exciting program options, and cookie selling tips.
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Run time: 24 minutes

Product Program toggle arrow

These courses explain how to manage the Fall Product Program (FPP) and Girl Scout Cookie Program (CP) on behalf of your troop.

Cookie Rookie

This online course explains how to manage your troop's 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program, including Digital Cookie and online sales, the eBudde online cookie management tool, finances, safety tips, and what-if scenarios. This course must be completed by at least one volunteer per troop and is required for all troop product program managers.
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Run time: 2 hours

Cookie Booth Tips

Cookie booths help Girl Scouts flex their customer service, money management, inventory management, and teamwork skills.

Keep these tips in mind to make sure your troop’s cookie booths are productive and safe:

Keep doorways clear and ensure pedestrians, bikes, and cars can safely pass.
Make sure there is adequate space for a table to display cookies and for Girl Scouts to stand around it.
Have a first aid kit available at the booth.
Use a money pouch to hold cash for the booth.

Camp & Outdoor Experience toggle arrow

These courses explore outdoor skills. Some are required to attend GSSEM camps.

Troop Camping toggle arrow

Outdoor 1: Preparing Your Troop For Camp

This training is required for at least one volunteer of any troop planning to go troop camping at a GSSEM camp.

Get to know GSSEM's camps, facility policies and procedures, and outdoor progression in Girl Scouting in these information sessions.
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Run time: 31 minutes

Outdoor 2: Cabin Camping

This course is required for all troops planning a troop camping trip to a GSSEM camp.

In this training, we will discuss how to work with your Girl Scouts to plan an amazing cabin camping trip.
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Run time: 21 minutes

Outdoor 3: Camping Beyond the Cabin

This course is required for all troops planning a tent camping trip or cooking over a campfire at a GSSEM camp.

Get to know GSSEM's camps, facility policies and procedures, and outdoor progression in Girl Scouting in these information sessions.
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Run time: 70 minutes

Outdoor Experience toggle arrow

Backpack in Your Backyard Short & Snappy

Working with Girl Scouts new to the outdoors? Gradually introduce them to outdoor overnights by camping close to home.
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Run time: 15 minutes

First Aid Short & Snappy

This training contains several helpful resources to help adults teach first aid to girls. This training is not a substitute for First Aid/CPR certification.
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Run time: 33 minutes

GO! Explore The Sky Short & Snappy

Learn a little bit about what’s going on up in the sky and how women have influenced space exploration.
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Run time: 15 minutes

GO! For Snow Short & Snappy

Help prepare Girl Scouts for winter outdoor adventures.
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Run time: 4 minutes

Mariner Adventure Short & Snappy

This training for Girl Scouts discusses the importance of watersheds and how you can keep them healthy.
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Run time: 8 minutes

Nature Identification Short & Snappy

A two-part training course for Girl Scouts shows what to look for when you are trying to identify a tree as well as how to identify some of Michigan’s common animals and trees.
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Run time: 21 minutes

Survival Skills Short & Snappy

This training discusses four survival skills to help your girls explore the outdoors: knife skills, knot tying, shelter construction, and fire-building.
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Run time: 32 minutes

Urban Exploration Short & Snappy

Fun outdoor exploration opportunities are all around you! This training for Girl Scouts discusses how to get outside in an urban setting.
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Run time: 5 minutes

Winter Survival Skills Short & Snappy

Before you venture into the cold, make sure you're prepared with these helpful winter survival skills.
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Run time: 7 minutes

Finances

Troop bank accounts hold the funds for fun! All GSSEM troops are required to have a troop bank account on file with GSSEM.

Managing Troop Finances

This course is required for all GSSEM troop treasurers.

This course is a deep dive into GSSEM finance, from opening a troop bank account to reporting finances.
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Run time varies by selected modality.

Finance Report Short & Snappy

This course explains how to complete the annual troop finance report that is due by June 21 every year.
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Run time: 11 minutes

Funding the Fun-Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances

Learn the basics of managing your troop's funds in this GSUSA course. GSSEM's annual troop finance report may be found at www.gssem.org/financereport. GSSEM does not use the VTK finance report.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Opening a Troop Bank Account Short & Snappy

Explains the process of opening a troop bank account.
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Run time: 7 minutes

Troop Dues Short & Snappy

A (quick) deep dive into understanding troop dues and how they can work for your Girl Scout troop.
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Run time: 9 minutes

Traditions toggle arrow

These courses explore time-honored traditions and ceremonies in Girl Scouting.

Girl Scout Ceremonies Short & Snappy

Learn about traditional Girl Scout ceremonies, including investitures, rededications, flag ceremonies, the court of awards, Girl Scout bridging ceremonies, as well as opening and closing ceremonies for your troop meetings
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Run time: 3 minutes

Girl Scout Bridging Ceremonies Short & Snappy

This training explains the most time-honored ceremonies in Girl Scouts and how your troop can work together to plan a bridging ceremony.
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Run time: 10 minutes

Flag Ceremonies Short & Snappy

This short training explains how to conduct an opening and closing flag ceremony with your troop.
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Run time: 13 minutes

World Thinking Day 101

Discover the meaning behind World Thinking Day (WTD)! Learn about the World Thinking Day Award, how to use the World Thinking Day activity guides, and how to plan a World Thinking Day event.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Highest Awards toggle arrow

These courses guide Girl Scouts and adult volunteers through the process of earning the Highest Awards.

Bronze Award toggle arrow

Bronze Award Enrichment Training

The Bronze Award is the highest award Girl Scout Juniors can earn. This training for Girl Scout volunteers explains the Bronze Award, how girls earn it, and tips for helping girls along the way.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Silver Award toggle arrow

Striving for Silver: Silver Award Training Live Training

During this interactive session, learn how to plan and complete your Silver Award project from start to finish. This course is a prerequisite to starting the Silver Award process.
Live sessions »
Run time: 1 hour // $5 per Girl Scout

Silver Award: A Guide to the Requirements & Process

This Girl Scout Silver Award learning path for Girl Scout Cadettes includes three courses to prepare them to earn the Silver Award in a fun, interactive way. This does not fulfil the training prerequisite to start earning the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Course I

Silver Award Overview
Learn about the Silver Award requirements and the resources available to help achieve them.
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Run time: 13 minutes

Course II

Silver Award Requirements: A Closer Look
In this course, you’ll dig into the key required elements in greater detail and share real projects along the way.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Course III

Silver Quest: Complete the Steps for Earning Your Silver Award
Get real project examples, tips, and guidelines for how to use your workbook at each step to help you get organized for your Silver Award.
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Run time: 52 minutes

Gold Award toggle arrow

Going For Gold: Gold Award Training Live Training

This interactive training session for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors covers the Gold Award process from start to finish. This course is a prerequisite to starting the Gold Award journey.
Live sessions »
Run time: 1 hour // $5 per Girl Scout

GSUSA: How to Support a Gold Award Girl Scout

Designed for Girl Scout adults supporting Girl Scouts interested in earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, this course will cover questions about the Gold Award, including how to guide Girl Scouts and the value of completing the award.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Email highestawards@gssem.org to add a Girl Scout to gsLearn!
gsLearn courses do not fulfill the training prerequisites to start the Silver or Gold Award.

Technology toggle arrow

An overview of tech resources volunteers use for troop management.

Rallyhood for Troop Leaders

Troop management? There's an app for that! In this webinar, learn how to supercharge your troop with Rallyhood! We'll connect you with key GSSEM Rallies you'll want to check regularly for updates.
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Run time: 54 minutes

gsLearn Demo Video

This short demo shows you how to access gsLearn and search for courses to help you boost your Girl Scout knowledge.
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Run time: 3 minutes

GSSEM Service Unit Finder

This course explains what a service unit is and uses a search engine to help you identify your own service unit and connect with your local Girl Scout community.
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Run time: 4 minutes

New Member Registration Short & Snappy

This short training explains how to register new girls and adult members individually or to a troop.
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Run time: 5 minutes

Working With Adults toggle arrow

These courses help you work with other volunteers and caregivers.

Difficult Conversations

This webinar will give you the tools you need when friction arises in your troop as you work towards making Girl Scouts a great experience for all.
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Run time varies by modality.

Engaging Girl Scout Families

During this training session, your troop support team will help you establish a foundation for effectively collaborating with the families of your troop members.
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Run time varies by modality.

Beyond the Meeting - Troop Activities & Travel Live Training

During this webinar, we'll discuss how to plan impactful and fun travel experiences with your Girl Scouts. From field trips around town to a trip across the globe, this webinar will show you how to travel the Girl Scout way.
Live sessions »
Run time: 2 hours

Co-Leadership Short & Snappy

Teamwork makes the dream work! This course covers skills to help you develop a shared style of leadership and how to effectively support your co-leader.

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Run time: 13 minutes

Difficult Conversations Short & Snappy

This online course is a shortened version of the Difficult Conversations webinar, which covers tools and tips for having emotionally charged conversations.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Navigating Conflict With Confidence

In this interactive training, you'll gain skills to navigate challenging conversations and reach common ground with others when emotions run high and positive outcomes are critical.
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Run time: 2 hours

Volunteer National Awards (VNA) Short & Snappy

In this interactive training, you'll gain skills to learn how to honor an amazing Girl Scout volunteer by nominating them for one of the five Volunteer National Awards.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Volunteer Relations℠ Process Short & Snappy

This training will cover how the Volunteer Relations℠ process can help in difficult situations where relationships are at risk of being damaged.
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Run time: 5 minutes

Working With Girl Scouts toggle arrow

These courses help you create a safe and supportive environment for girls.

New Troop, Girl, & Level(s) toggle arrow

First Four Meetings Short & Snappy

This training provides new Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops with a sample road map for the first four meetings.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Leading Multi-Level Troops

Designed for leaders of multi-level troops, this course will review the basics of leading a multi-level troop, strategies, and tips to incorporate and implement multi-level programming into troop planning.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Troop Agreements Short & Snappy

Troop agreements explain the troop's rules and expected Girl Scout conduct at meetings. Learn how to establish a troop agreement and sample items you can put in a troop agreement.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Troop Organization Meeting Short & Snappy

Set your troop up for success with a Troop Organization Meeting! This training shows how to create an agenda and other helpful tips.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Welcoming New Girl Scouts Short & Snappy

It's exciting to have a new Girl Scout join your troop! This training covers five thoughtful ways to help new troop members feel welcome.
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Run time: 3 minutes

What Girl Scouts Do Series

These courses explain what to do at each program level. Select the level you wish to explore.
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Run time varies by course.

General Troop toggle arrow

Managing Girl Scout Behavior

As a troop leader, you may encounter behavioral challenges in your troop. During this webinar, we'll provide essential tools to help you navigate these challenges.
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Run time varies by modality.

Daisy Petal Badges

This learning path is a fun, fast introduction to the 10 Daisy Petal badges. These ten quick courses explore each Petal.
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Run time: 7–10 minutes per path

Field Trips & Travel

Take an in-depth look at field trips and travel, going over how to plan purposeful, girl-led trips, the Girl Scout Travel Progression, and where to find resources for funding trips and keeping Girl Scouts safe.
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Run time: 20 minutes

Girl-Led Discussions Short & Snappy

As a volunteer with GSSEM, you'll have the opportunity to grow Girl Scout leadership and encourage collaborative decision-making. This training will provide helpful tips for leading group discussions that allow Girl Scouts to share ideas.
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Run time: 15 minutes

Group Decision Making Short & Snappy

Girl Scouts of all ages gain confidence and leadership skills when given the opportunity to lead their activities. This training will take a look at four traditions troops have used for Girl Scout-led governance.
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Run time: 3 minutes

Inspiring Girl Courage Short & Snappy

At Girl Scouts, our goal is to create an environment where members feel encouraged to develop confidence by trying new things, learning new skills, and practicing being leaders. This training explores strategies you can use to help your troop grow in the Girl Scout environment.
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Run time: 9 minutes

Quieting a Noisy Room Short & Snappy

This Short & Snappy looks at how to take a room buzzing with activity to a space where Girl Scouts are prepared to learn about their next adventure.
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Run time: 3 minutes

Take Action Short & Snappy

Take Action projects are an important part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that have Girl Scouts think critically about issues impacting their community. This course discusses the basics of identifying and implementing Take Action projects.
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Run time: 13 minutes

Mental Health toggle arrow

Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

This training is for adults only.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give positive reassurance, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.
Youth MHFA consists of 2 hours of self-paced content, followed by 4.5 hours of instructor-led training.
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$30 per adult

Mental Wellness 101

In this course, you'll learn what mental health is and how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges. You'll explore different scenarios that young people may experience, and learn how you can promote an environment within Girl Scouts for you and others to thrive and grow.
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Run time: 25 minutes

Mental Wellness Patch Program

The Mental Wellness Patch Program is a level-specific program designed to give older Girl Scouts the tools and support they need to better understand and care for their mental health.
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Run time: 20 minutes

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Ability Enrichment Training

Learn about different kinds of disabilities and how you, as a Girl Scout volunteer, can work with Girl Scouts and their families and your troop to provide an amazing, inclusive experience for Girl Scouts of all abilities.
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Run time: 18 minutes

Including Girl Scouts With ADHD

Created by our friends at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) and adapted for GSSEM, this course discusses ways to include and accommodate Girl Scouts with ADHD.
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Run time: 25 minutes

Including Girl Scouts With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

In this course, you'll learn characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to provide troop- and individual-level accommodations for Girl Scouts with ASD. This training was created by our friends at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) and adapted for GSSEM.
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Run time: 33 minutes

Including Girl Scouts With Physical Disabilities

Learn how to provide troop- and individual-level accommodations to support Girl Scouts with physical disabilities. This training was created by our friends at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) and adapted for GSSEM.
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Run time: 16 minutes

Rallyhood

Volunteer learning is on Rallyhood!

Rallyhood

In the Training Offerings & Requirements Rally:

Access direct links to gsLearn training sessions.
View calendar listings and registration information for all upcoming sessions.
Post questions, comments, or feedback to the Volunteer Experience team to inform training development at GSSEM.

Well-informed volunteers are critical to the success of our mission! That's why GSSEM has partnered with Rallyhood to help streamline communication, encourage collaboration, and foster a connected council community.

Rallyhood webpage »

Hubs & Rallies toggle arrow

Explore Rallyhood by checking out these hubs and the Rallies underneath them:

Volunteer Hub

GSSEM's Volunteer Hub gives you access to everything you need to stay in the know! Use the Hub to access Rallies like the Troop Leader Network—where you can download premade meeting activity plans—the Cadette, Senior, Ambassador Leader Chat, the Travel Rally, and much more.

Helpful Links toggle arrow

Download the Rallyhood App

Apple Store iOS
Google Play Store Android

GSSEM training platforms make learning easy!

Volunteers can explore GSSEM's comprehensive training offerings through gsLearn and webinars tailored to various topics.

New Troop Leaders

New troop leader?

Troop Leader Orientation (TLO)

What Girl Scouts Do

Girl Scouts Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Course

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Your First Troop Meeting

Troop Safety

Family Engagement—the Key to Success

The Girl Scout Cookie Program

Cookie Rookie

Outdoor 1: Preparing Your Troop For Camp

Outdoor 2: Cabin Camping

Outdoor 3: Camping Beyond the Cabin

Backpack in Your Backyard Short & Snappy

First Aid Short & Snappy

GO! Explore The Sky Short & Snappy

GO! For Snow Short & Snappy

Mariner Adventure Short & Snappy

Nature Identification Short & Snappy

Survival Skills Short & Snappy

Urban Exploration Short & Snappy

Winter Survival Skills Short & Snappy

Managing Troop Finances

Finance Report Short & Snappy

Funding the Fun-Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances

Opening a Troop Bank Account Short & Snappy

Troop Dues Short & Snappy

Girl Scout Ceremonies Short & Snappy

Girl Scout Bridging Ceremonies Short & Snappy

Flag Ceremonies Short & Snappy

World Thinking Day 101

Bronze Award Enrichment Training

Striving for Silver: Silver Award Training Live Training

Silver Award: A Guide to the Requirements & Process

Going For Gold: Gold Award Training Live Training

GSUSA: How to Support a Gold Award Girl Scout

Rallyhood for Troop Leaders

gsLearn Demo Video

GSSEM Service Unit Finder

New Member Registration Short & Snappy

Difficult Conversations

Engaging Girl Scout Families

Beyond the Meeting - Troop Activities & Travel Live Training

Co-Leadership Short & Snappy

Difficult Conversations Short & Snappy

Navigating Conflict With Confidence

Volunteer National Awards (VNA) Short & Snappy

Volunteer Relations℠ Process Short & Snappy

First Four Meetings Short & Snappy

Leading Multi-Level Troops

Troop Agreements Short & Snappy

Troop Organization Meeting Short & Snappy

Welcoming New Girl Scouts Short & Snappy

What Girl Scouts Do Series

Managing Girl Scout Behavior

Daisy Petal Badges

Field Trips & Travel

Girl-Led Discussions Short & Snappy

Group Decision Making Short & Snappy

Inspiring Girl Courage Short & Snappy

Quieting a Noisy Room Short & Snappy

Take Action Short & Snappy

Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Mental Wellness 101

Mental Wellness Patch Program

Ability Enrichment Training

Including Girl Scouts With ADHD

Including Girl Scouts With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Including Girl Scouts With Physical Disabilities

Rallyhood