Volunteer Training

Outdoor Basics training is required to take Girl Scouts on an outdoor day trip, either on GSK camp properties or in the community. In this training, learn the basics of outdoor progression, hiking safety, GSK policies, and GSK camp etiquette. 

Outdoor Basics is offered in a variety of formats to best meet your needs. 

• Access a virtual, self-guided 45-minute course on gsLearn: Sign into gsLearn. On the left hand side of the page, click Content Library. From here, use the search bar and type Outdoor Basics. This will bring up 208: Outdoor Basics. This course can be taken all at once or in pieces.
• Zoom and In-Person Trainings: If you are an auditory learner or prefer to be trained by a fellow GSK volunteer, we also offer Zoom and in-person trainings for Outdoor Basics. To find when and where these trainings are offered please visit the Events Calendar.

Indoor Camping training is required to take Girl Scouts on an overnight trip in a lodge or winterized building, to build a campfire, and to cook an outdoor meal. 

This is an in-person training that lasts roughly 5 hours and includes a meal and dessert. Indoor Camping is conducted outdoors, so dress accordingly! To find upcoming trainings, please visit the Events Calendar.

Outdoor Camping training is required to take Girl Scouts on an overnight trip in a tent or three-seasons cabin. 

This is an in-person training that lasts roughly 4 hours. Outdoor Camping is conducted outdoors, so dress accordingly! To find upcoming trainings, please visit the Events Calendar.

Renew your certification or transfer skills from another council. Review and update outdoor skills, with a focus on topics related to safety and care of GSK equipment and properties. You will hear about updates from GSUSA and GSK policies and practices regarding group camping, hiking, cooking, and other common outdoor practices, as well as any GSK property updates.

Outdoor Update renews outdoor authorization for five years for Camp In and Camp Out.
It does not renew Wilderness Travel. 

Learn creative ways to cook outside using a Dutch oven, box oven, foil, and more as you fix a variety of foods using camp cooking techniques. Come hungry because you will sample everything we fix! 

 Slingshots in Action authorizes you to teach slingshots to troops/groups. Learn how to construct a slingshot target range, and learn to aim and use a slingshot in a fun and safe environment. Slingshots may be used by all age levels, including Daisies, and learning to use slingshots is an excellent bridge for Daisies and Brownies to prepare for archery as they grow 

Teams Courses build confidence and self-esteem, teamwork, decision-making, leadership, and foster appreciation and respect for differences. Learn team building games and about our low ropes courses including safety and effectiveness in building trust and problem-solving skills. Teams Courses are available at Camps Shantituck, Bear Creek, Pennyroyal, Houchens, and Stem.

Certification is valid for two years, renewable by documenting experience in teaching the
class at least once every two years. 

Wilderness Travel authorizes you to take troops on a camping trip in a wilderness environment with as little impact on the environment as possible. Learn the use of basic backpacking equipment, lightweight stoves and tents, wilderness hygiene, cooking lightweight non-perishable foods, water treatment, safety, planning, and conditioning. Participants will be carrying gear and food in backpacks to the campsite. You will stay overnight and prepare and eat backpack-style meals during the training.

Prerequisite: Camp In and Camp Out 

The Level 1 Archery Instructor Certification Course provides the necessary tools to maintain a high level of safety both on and off the archery range. Level 1 Instructors are prepared to teach beginner archery programs to Juniors and above. The Level 1 Instructor will learn about range safety, range setup, the steps of shooting, and basic equipment and repair. 

Learn basic first aid, adult and child CPR, and AED procedures. When the instructor has the class roster, they will enter data to the American Red Cross (ARC) website. Then ARC will send you a link to watch the CPR and first-aid videos online ahead of your in-person class.

Certification is valid for two years. 

 The primary purpose of the Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid course is to provide individuals with a foundation of first-aid knowledge and skills to be able to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services. Examples include wilderness and remote environments and urban disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes.

Prerequisite: Current (within one year of the date of issue) Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certification from the American Red Cross (or another recognized training agency). Participants must also be 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.