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Girl Scouting Learning
“Be Prepared.” is the Girl Scout motto!
With us, the fun of learning never stops! Developing new skills and insights are all part of the Girl Scout program—and not just for youth. Our volunteer training can prepare you for your Girl Scout roles!
We know that when you have the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your role—you will thrive! For troop leaders, training can help create a troop environment where your Girl Scouts thrive, too. Being prepared also ensures we are keeping our members and their families safe in a variety of ways. So, it is important for volunteers to stay current on their training.
Volunteer training is primarily available through our gsLearn system. You can access the system through your MyGS account. There is a MyGS link on the top right side of our website www.girlscoutsni.org.
No matter your volunteer position, there’s training for you to be the best you can be! Below you will find where to start and which courses or training paths are required or recommended for your position and next adventure with Girl Scouts!
New Volunteer Onboarding Training - Troop Level
Whether you are a new volunteer or a volunteer with a new position, you’ll go through an onboarding process to learn the ropes of the position. Within 24 business hours, all new volunteers will receive a Training Assignment email from GSNI’s Training Department. Check out the onboarding categories below to find direct links to your gsLearn courses.
New Troop Leaders and Multi-Level Troop Leaders 
For every Girl Scout program level, leaders are required to complete the appropriate New Troop Leader course within 30 days of receiving the training assignment email. These courses include the Girl Scout Child Abuse and Neglect course all volunteers are required to complete.
New Troop Leader Course – This course is for troop leaders who are leading a single level troop.
New Troop Leader for Multi-Level Course – This course is for troop leaders who are leading a troop with two or more Girl Scout levels.
New Troop Bank Signer
New Troop Volunteer
New Troop Fall Product Chair
New Troop Cookie Chair
Service Unit Team Onboarding
Locally, volunteers may hold administration leadership positions. These positions are within the Service Unit Team and have their own specific training to guide volunteers in their new role. GSNI Membership Engagement staff will help you as you learn your position! Below you’ll find specific courses and training paths to get you started.
Service Unit Manager
Service Unit Treasurer
Service Unit Girl Scout Organizer
Service Unit Event Coordinator
Service Unit Registrar
Service Unit Fall Product Coordinator
Service Unit Cookie Coordinator
Service Unit Juliette Mentor
Service Unit Communication Liaison
Service Unit Recognition Chair
Service Unit Volunteer
Service Unit Volunteer Mentor
Girl Scout Program Training
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois offers a variety of programs, activities, and training opportunities designed to help Girl Scouts build skills, explore their interests, and take on new challenges. From grade-level and level-specific programming to outdoor adventures, STEM, leadership, service, and badge-related experiences, Girl Scouts can find opportunities that support their growth at every age and experience level.
Explore level training and activities tailored to Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, along with additional programs that encourage Girl Scouts to discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and thrive through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on activity, an exciting adventure, a skill-building opportunity, or a way to connect with other Girl Scouts, there’s something for everyone!
Daisy Training
Brownie Training
Junior Training
Cadette Training
Senior Training
Ambassador Training
Outdoor Training
The Girl Scout Outdoor Training Progression is your pathway to becoming a confident outdoor leader, guiding Girl Scouts through meaningful adventures while building skills, courage, and independence along the way. Aligned with GSUSA's Outdoor Progression, each training experience helps volunteers gain the knowledge and confidence needed to support Girl Scouts as they move step-by-step from simple outdoor experiences to more advanced camping and outdoor adventures.
As you progress through the training journey, you'll develop practical outdoor skills, learn best practices for safety and trip planning, and discover how to create girl-led experiences that inspire exploration and growth. Each course builds upon the last, equipping you to support girls wherever they are on their outdoor journey.
Whether you're introducing Girl Scouts to a nature walk, planning a day hike, or leading an overnight camping experience, every step in the progression prepares you to help Girl Scouts discover the outdoors with confidence. Together, we'll empower Girl Scouts to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Volunteers who have completed Beyond the Troop Meeting, Indoor Overnight, and Outdoor Overnight trainings will earn the Trained to Lead Troop Camping Certified Charm.
Important Note: GSNI requires the camp trained volunteer and the First Aid, CPR and AED certified volunteer be seperate volunteers for campsite reservations and trips.
Beyond the Troop Meeting
Indoor Overnight Training
Outdoor Overnight Training
Basic Outdoor Skills Training
USA Archery Level 1 Training
The USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification Course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain a safe archery environment and lead beginner archery programs at camps and other recreational settings.
Participants will register for this training through GSNI and will receive a voucher and instructions for accessing the required online course through USA Archery. The online portion must be completed prior to the in-person training session.
After successfully completing the online course, participants must register for the corresponding in-person practical session through the USA Archery website. There is no additional fee for the in-person session. Both the online and in-person components are required to earn the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification.
The in-person session will be held at a GSNI location and will provide hands-on instruction, safety practices, and practical archery range management experience.
Upon successful completion of the certification requirements, participants are required to upload their final USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification certificate to gsLearn so that it can be maintained on file with GSNI. Failure to upload the certificate may result in the certification not being reflected in GSNI training records.
Participants will register for this training through GSNI and will receive a voucher and instructions for accessing the required online course through USA Archery. The online portion must be completed prior to the in-person training session.
After successfully completing the online course, participants must register for the corresponding in-person practical session through the USA Archery website. There is no additional fee for the in-person session. Both the online and in-person components are required to earn the USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification.
The in-person session will be held at a GSNI location and will provide hands-on instruction, safety practices, and practical archery range management experience.
Upon successful completion of the certification requirements, participants are required to upload their final USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification certificate to gsLearn so that it can be maintained on file with GSNI. Failure to upload the certificate may result in the certification not being reflected in GSNI training records.
Red Cross Certification Trainings
Ready to build lifesaving skills, boost your confidence, and make an even greater impact in your community? Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI) is excited to offer a variety of American Red Cross certification trainings for volunteers and Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts!
Whether you're interested in becoming certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, learning essential water safety skills, or preparing to serve as a camp or troop leader, these nationally recognized certifications provide valuable knowledge that can be used throughout your Girl Scout journey and beyond.
These hands-on trainings are designed to empower participants with the skills needed to respond in emergencies, support safe and successful troop activities, and become leaders who are prepared for adventure. From troop meetings and community events to outdoor experiences and campouts, Red Cross certifications help ensure that Girl Scouts and volunteers are ready for whatever comes their way
Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED Certification
Wilderness First Aid Certification
Interested in Becoming a Council Trainer?
Do you love sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and helping volunteers feel confident in their roles? Becoming a Council Trainer is a rewarding way to make an even greater impact on the Girl Scout experience!
Council Trainers play an important role in supporting volunteers by leading engaging trainings, sharing resources, and helping leaders build the skills they need to create amazing opportunities for Girl Scouts. Whether you're passionate about mentoring others, facilitating discussions, or creating a welcoming learning environment, this role offers a chance to grow your own leadership skills while helping fellow volunteers succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Start the process by completing the Council Trainer Application to begin your onboarding journey. We look forward to learning more about you and welcoming passionate volunteers who are excited to inspire, educate, and support the next generation of Girl Scout leaders. Together, we can help every volunteer feel prepared, connected, and empowered to make a difference!
Council Trainer Application
