Importance of Adult Learning
Progression is the key to the way Girl Scouts learn about the world around them. In practice, progression means using common sense in preparing for experience – one step at a time. A number of safeguards are built into the Girl Scout program to ensure progression and girl readiness. Progression is also important for adults. Whether an adult is learning to take a group on a hike, stay overnight in at a camp or prepare a meal over an outdoor stove, some basic safety considerations require that they be trained. This will enable them to teach the girls the necessary steps when planning their adventures and outings.
How to Register for Adult Learning Courses
- Classroom style courses are held at a variety of locations throughout the council and are listed below. There are many ways to register for classroom style courses.
- 2011-2012 Adult Learning Schedule – Use this schedule to find a learning opportunity, then use the steps below to register.
- Register online with eRegistration
- Register by completing the Adult Education Registration Form and faxing or mailing it to the Peoria Service Center or by giving it to the Office Coordinator at your local service center.
- The registration deadline is ONE WEEK BEFORE the session. If you have any questions regarding Adult Learning Courses, contact Cam Lahart, Volunteer Development Specialist at clahart@girlscouts-gsci.org.
Short Term Volunteer Training Opportunity
GSUSA has developed a short term training for volunteers willing to be a part of the organization on an episodic basis.This training is intended for all short term volunteers. Short term volunteers are those volunteers that give their time at one time events or a series of events up to six times. We encourage all short term volunteers to take the short training in order to become more familiar with our organization.
This training can be taken online through GSUSA. To take this training click here. The password for the training is volunteer.
adult learning
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is committed to helping you succeed in your volunteer position. The adult learning courses have been designed to be convenient and easy to use and loaded with the information and tools that will assist in your journey as a successful leader. Staff and volunteer facilitators are always available to help you and answer any concerns that you may have.
Finding the Adult Learning Course for You
Find the appropriate series for you based on your volunteer position and then pick how you want to take it. Many courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate busy lives and different learning styles.
2011-2012 Adult Learning Schedule
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois offers learning opportunities as part of its commitment to adult volunteers. Courses are provided at all the service centers throughout the council. Click here to download the 2011-2012 Adult Learning Schedule.
troop leadership
| If You | You Need | Course Description | Learning Options |
| Are a new volunteer | Online Volunteer Orientation | This course is recommended before starting any volunteer position. It is designed to convey the vision, values and goals of Girl Scouts. |
Online Password: discover |
| Meet or work with girls on a regular basis | Getting Started |
This orientation is required before working with the girls. It is designed to help get your troop started: planning meetings, involving families, safety issues and forms. Prerequisite: Orientation |
By appointment with Membership Specialist |
| Meet or work with girls on a regular basis | Leadership Essentials |
This course is designed to equip leaders with information to lead girls to Discover, Connect, and Take Action using the new Grade Level Journeys. It will cover leadership and management skills, plus grade appropriate program information. All six grade levels are included in the course. Prerequisite: Orientation |
Group Setting Home-study Online |
| Want to take girls camping at an established site | Basic Outdoor Training ($10) |
This course is required and gives adults the skills and resources to help girls plan an outdoor program. It includes fire building, cooking safety, planning and progression. Prerequisite: Orientation |
Outdoor Group Setting |
| Need to be certified in First Aid/CPR | First Aid/CPR ($25) | The presence of a first-aider is required for almost all troop/group activities. The course required is one that offers standard first aid and CPR, preferably with a focus on children. | First Aid/CPR Training |
| Want fun ideas for ceremonies, games, songs, snacks and other activities to enrich the troop program | Thirsty Firsty | This learning opportunity is only for first-time volunteers. Pick up ideas for activities to keep in reserve just in case things do not go as planned and be prepared for nearly anything. | Group Setting |
| Need information on the new and fun materials for your troop | Girls Guide to Girl Scouting/Journey Workshop | This workshop will help you navigate through the new and exciting Girl's Guide, which features robust skill-building badge activities, updated information on Bronze/Silver/Gold awards, bridging and new awards, information on Girl Scout history and traditions. | Group Setting |
travel leadership
| If You | You Need | Course Description | Learning Options |
| Are a new volunteer | Online Volunteer Orientation | This course is recommended before starting any volunteer position. It is designed to convey the vision, values and goals of Girl Scouts. |
Online Password: discover |
| Want to leave the meeting space and/or stay overnight in a closed structure with running water, heat, toilets, lights, kitchen facilities and phone cell coverage | Overnight/Troop Readiness |
This course is required and teaches adults to lead girls on new adventures. Go step-by-step through the thinking and planning involved in short field trips, daytime outdoor activities, and indoor overnights. |
Home-study |
| Want to take girls camping at an established site | Basic Outdoor Training ($10) |
This course is required and gives adults the skills and resources to help girls plan an outdoor program. It includes fire building, cooking safety, planning and progression. Prerequisite: Orientation |
Outdoor Group Setting Home-study |
| Want to take girls on a trip of three nights or more | Extended Travel |
This course provides information on extended travel for older girls. Includes information on GSUSA extended travel guidelines, insurance coverage, vehicle rental, hotel safety, risk management plan, and more. Prerequisite: Orientation, Overnight/Troop Readiness |
Home-study |
| Want to take girls on an international trip | International Extended Travel |
This course provides information on an international extended trip for older girls. Includes information on international travel guidelines, insurance, hotel safety, risk management plan and more. Prerequisite: Orientation, Overnight/Troop Readiness, Extended Travel |
Home-study |
camp leadership
| If You | You Need | Course Description | Learning Options |
| Are a new volunteer | Online Volunteer Orientation | This course is recommended before staring any volunteer position. It is designed to convey the vision, values and goals of Girl Scouts. |
Online Password: discover |
| Want to take girls camping at an established site | Basic Outdoor Training ($10) |
This course is required and gives adults the skills and resources to help girls plan an outdoor program. It includes fire building, cooking safety, planning and progression. Prerequisite: Orientation |
Outdoor Group Setting |
| Need to be certified in First Aid/CPR | First Aid/CPR ($25) | The presence of a first-aider is required for almost all troop/group activities. The course required is one that offers standard first-aid and CPR, preferably with a focus on children. | First Aid/CPR Training |
| Want to be a trained facilitator for specialized outdoor activity courses | Specialized Activity Courses | Currently GSCI has Challenge Course opportunities. Contact Amanda Atchley at aatchley@girlscouts-gsci.org for more information. | Outdoor Group Setting |
| Need outdoor activities to use with your troop | Women's Outdoor Retreat | Spend this weekend with your friends or take the opportunity to get away by yourself, meet new people, and learn new skills. A mix of professionals in the fields of health, exercise, crafts and outdoor education will provide a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual activities to choose from. | Outdoor Group Setting |
event leadership
| If You | You Need | Course Description | Learning Opportunities |
| Are a new volunteer | Online Volunteer Orientation | This course is recommended before staring any volunteer position. It is designed to convey the vision, values and goals of Girl Scouts. |
Online Password: discover |
| Want to host a service area/council event | Event Planning Workshop | This course will teach you how to plan, budget, and organize/structure an event. | Home-study |
series leadership
| If You | You Need | Course Description | Learning Options |
| Are a new volunteer | Online Volunteer Orientation | This course is recommended before staring any volunteer position. It is designed to convey the vision, values and goals of Girl Scouts. |
Online Password: discover |
| Want to assist with presentation of a series (Journeys, Camp Exec, etc.) | Series offerings are a sequence of linked program sessions that relate to a specific theme or purpose and feature cumulative, sequential experiential learning. The series may be offered by GSCI or community partners. | Home -study |
first aid and cpr
A qualified first-aider is a registered adult volunteer who has taken council approved First Aid and CPR or is a healthcare professional. The Safety Activity Checkpoints specify when a first aider needs to be present. Training in First Aid and CPR is available through the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (American Heart Association), the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, EMP America or American Heart Association.
There are two categories of first-aiders:
- First-aider (level 1): The presence of a first-aider (level1) is required at many group activities including trips lasted more than four hours (including travel time). The course required to be a first-aider (level 1) is one that offers standard First-Aid and CPR, preferably with a focus on children.
- First-aider (level 2): The presence of a first-aider (level 2) is required at resident camp, and at any camp activity with more than 200 participants. In addition, some activities require a first-aider (level 2)
enrichment workshops (on request)
Would you like to learn more about working with girls or get ideas for enriching your troop meetings? Enrichment workshops are available to help meet those needs. Get your Girl Scout friends together, or as a Service Area event. Some of the available workshops listed below have minimal fees to cover supplies:
- Advanced Outdoor Cooking (2 hours) $10 fee
- Bridging Ideas (30 minutes)
- Ceremonies (1 hour)
- Girl Scout Traditions (15 – 30 minutes)
- 2 Hour Helping Hand - Increase Parental Involvement (15 minutes)
- Songs and Games (30 – 90 minutes)
- SWAPS (30 minutes) $3 fee
- Recycled Crafts (30 minutes) $3 fee
- Nature Crafts (30 minutes) $3 fee
- Hikes (30 minutes)
- Box Ovens (1 hour) $3 fee
To request a workshop, you must provide a list of a minimum of 5 participants and their names, addresses, phone, and email. You must also provide the site information with at least two dates. Please allow at least four weeks to arrange for the workshop. Upon receipt of a request, facilitators will be contacted. GSCI will do their best to make it happen.
