Adults

F.A.Q.s

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Volunteer Training:

Who should attend training?
All registered Girl Scout volunteers will complete training designated as required for his/her position.

What training is required by GSMW for Council volunteers?
Girl Scout volunteers participate in a three step leadership process. The three steps include:

Do I need to take the leadership training in order?
Step 1 is completed before you meet with a troop. Step 2 should be completed within 3 months. Both Step 1 and 2 should be taken before Step 3: Girl Scout Leadership Essentials. By doing so, you will be well prepared for this course as the content of this course builds on the information learned from the first two steps. Step 3 should be completed within six months of appointment to your position. If you have not completed the first two steps, please advise your Membership Manager.

Who facilitates GSMW Girl Scout training courses?
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming Council staff and volunteer facilitators conduct most courses. Volunteers partner with our staff to devote their time, share their knowledge and love of Girl Scouting, as well as inspire all Girl Scout adults. Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming would not be able to offer the large number of high quality learning opportunities without the dedication of volunteer facilitators throughout our Council that assist in planning and conducting our trainings. Some specialized classes may be delivered by Girl Scouts through special consultants or experts in a particular field.

How are locations for training determined throughout our Council?
Locations are selected based on trainer/facilitator availability, easy access for volunteers, and area training needs/requests. Feel free to register and attend any session throughout the council.

There is no workshop near me!
We are committed to providing a broad assortment of options for training throughout our Council. Due to the size and scope of our two state area, we are somewhat limited by geography, logistics and personnel-both staff and volunteer to provide training opportunities. If you have an interest in coordinating or facilitating a training near you, please contact your Membership Manager and we will do our best to make it happen for your area.

How do I find out about volunteer learning opportunities?
The GSMW training calendar and schedule is updated on the GSMW website whenever a new course is scheduled. Click on this link to locate current scheduled trainings throughout the Council.

Do I need to register for training?
Yes! Registration is required. The registration deadline is two weeks prior to the course. We encourage everyone to register early as registration is limited. The form must be filled out completely and sent to council headquarters. For courses with fees, registration will not be accepted without payment. NOTE: A completed Registration Form must still be submitted if registering for a free training course.

How do I register for a training?
This can be done by mail, email or faxing it to the Council headquarters. The registration form can be accessed here.

  • Download and attach as email: Download form, fill out and attach as an email to Council headquarters at registrations@gsmw.org Please register this way ONLY if paying with credit card (please complete payment information on registration form).
  • Mail: Mail the training registration form and payment (if required) to the address on the form.
  • Fax: Fax the training registration form to (406) 252-4063. Please register this way ONLY if paying with credit card (complete payment information on registration form).

What is the minimum registration required for a course to be held?
The set minimum for courses is five participants.

What will happen if I don’t send in a registration?
Expect the following:

  • You will not be notified if the course is full, canceled or re-located.
  • The facilitator may not have enough course materials to accommodate drop-ins.
  • You may not be able to participate if the course is full.

Why would a course be canceled?
Courses may be canceled due to:

  • Course minimum is not met two weeks before the date of the course. NOTE: This often happens, because people decide to “drop-in” rather than register in advance.
  • Factors beyond the control of the facilitator or registrar, such as a change in the availability of the location or inclement weather.
  • Emergency situation.

Refunds will be issued if a course is canceled by Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming.

What do I do if I need to cancel from a course?
Please call the registration department at Council headquarters or let your Membership Manager know as early as possible. Your call may give someone else the opportunity to attend the course.

How will I know if I have been accepted into a course?
If you’ve registered by email, you will receive a confirming e-mail indicating that your registration form is being processed. This is not your official confirmation. Email confirmation or a letter will be sent when we have received the minimum number of participants, typically within one week of the training date. For those without an e-mail address, confirmation will be mailed. This letter will provide specifics of your training such as physical address, directions and necessary contact information for the facilitator.

What should I do if I do not receive confirmation or notification that the course has been canceled?
If you do not receive a confirmation, contact Council headquarters at 1(800) 736-5243, email registrations@gsmw.org or contact your Membership Manager. If your registration was sent less than one week before the course date, you may not receive acknowledgment that you are registered.

Will I receive a refund if I do not attend a course?
Training fees are non-refundable for no-shows. Refunds for participant cancellations will only be processed if you notify us fourteen business days prior to the training date.

What if I have special needs?
It is recommended that volunteers with special needs make their needs known when registering so facilitators can prepare accordingly. Most of the sites used by Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming are handicap accessible.

Do I need a first-aider to take my troop anywhere and every time I leave my meeting place?
A first aid and CPR trained adult is needed for physically demanding activities and other activities involving a potential for injury. Troop activities requiring a first-aider are indicated in the safety activity checkpoints in Safety-Wise. The troop/group first-aider may be any registered adult; often a troop parent already has current First Aid and CPR training through their place of work and may act as the troop first-aider. Troop first-aider must have both First Aid and CPR training.

We just want to build a campfire and have s’mores? Do I need to be trained?
For the safety of the girls, anytime fire is lit you need to have an adult present that has attended GSMW Outdoor Training. This learning opportunity prepares you for an outdoor experience with your girls.

I’ve taken training at another Girl Scout council. Do I have to retake it?
Volunteers who have completed training in another Girl Scout Council may be exempt from GSMW Council training. Girl Scout training that is equivalent to current GSMW training may be accepted. A training card or letter from another council will serve as documentation. Please contact the Adult Development Director at Council headquarters at (800)736-5243 to discuss the specifics of each request.

Quick Tips for a Successful Learning Experience at GSMW
  • Register early! Please register in advance for all GSMW courses. Registration is available by mail, email or fax. NO Walk-In Registrations Please! Learning Facilitators may be unable to provide course materials or adequate seating (based on facility accommodations) for walk-ins.
  • Fees for courses must accompany the registration form. To confirm enrollment in the course, payment must be made upon registration. Payment can be made by check or credit card. Please include payment information on the registration form. Make checks payable to GSMW. NOTE: Please do not send cash for payment.
  • Training is open to all adult volunteers. Courses have been designed for our adult volunteers. Girls attend separate trainings that are developed for them.
  • Please be prompt. Adult Learning Sessions will begin at the scheduled time. Early arrival allows for check-in and starting promptly. We want to be respectful of everyone’s time and we have a lot of information for you so we ask you arrive on time. Please sign the roster to confirm your attendance at a learning session.
  • If you are unable to attend, please call the Council office at (800)736-5243 or your Membership Manager to cancel. By canceling in advance, you allow others to register for the training. You may leave a message 24 hours a day.
  • Cell phone courtesy. In consideration of your fellow participants and trainer/learning facilitator, please place your cell phone on silent ring and make calls outside the training location during break.
  • No Child-Care. We appreciate you making arrangements as child care is not provided. This is for your child’s safety as well as for the consideration of other course participants and creating an optimal adult learning environment. If you require child-care, please consider contacting older Girl Scouts or another parent in your service unit.
  • Participate in discussions and activities. Share examples from your own experience. Brainstorm ideas and offer suggestions to others as you discuss the subjects during the course. Provide insight to others and network with your colleagues. Bring your enthusiasm and connect with each other.
  • Listen attentively. Encourage others to share their thoughts and be a respectful listener. Appreciate other points of view and positions.
  • Develop an action plan. Reflect on how you will apply the information being presented to your own life. Determine how you will utilize the tools and resources to maximize your own personal leadership and enhance your Girl Scout experience.

What to Bring to Training

  • Your enthusiasm and desire to learn!
  • Journey adult Leader’s guide and girls’ handbook if you have them
  • Items requested in your confirmation letter (if any)
  • Water bottle or a beverage of your choice
  • Pen and paper
  • A sweater in case the training facility is chilly