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TRAINING

The Training hotline (extension 401) is your source for up to the minute training information. Courses added to the schedule are listed on the hotline, along with information on training event applications, courses at capacity, etc.

Who attends training?
To provide the best possible experience to girls, adults complete training specific to their position. You can expect to meet volunteers from throughout the Council who are as excited as you are to work with girls. Enjoy the fellowship and benefit from hearing ideas and suggestions from folks you might not have met had you stayed at home!

Who are the course trainers?
The trainers are a group of dedicated hardworking volunteers just like you. Trainers recognize the value of the Girl Scout program and give of their time to help you make the most out of your commitment in becoming a Girl Scout volunteer. Many are just like you, working professionals, balancing family, Girl Scouts and other obligations. They remember what it was like starting out with the Troop, etc., and bring a diverse variety of talent and skills to the training courses you attend.

Because we value the commitment of all volunteers, trainers are not expected to collect course fees, accommodate "walk-in" participants or delay the start of the course for late arrivals. Trainers invest time and energy in preparing for your participation in the sessions. Return the courtesy. Complete your prerequisites prior to arriving for the session. Allow yourself enough time to arrive and come prepared for the task at hand. Trust us, you will be glad you did.

Lending Library

GSHVC is pleased to provide a lending library as a service to volunteers and girls. Items available for loan include current GSUSA resources, archival and out-of-print Girl Scout resources and non-Girl Scout materials to support the delivery of Girl Scout program.

To help us maintain the library’s inventory for all Girl Scouts, items are checked-out at the front desk. Individuals borrowing materials must provide their name and telephone number (with area code) on the sign-out card for each item. We reserve the option of limiting the number of items checked out at one time. Library items are loaned for a two-week period, unless other arrangements are made at time of checkout.

Items are returned to the front desk during regular business hours. When returning items after hours (i.e. in the drop box), please include a note with your name on it to help us keep accurate records of your returning the items.

Damaged/Replacement Fees

Replacement costs will be charged for lost and damaged items. Returning items on time and to the receptionist desk will reduce the likelihood of an individual paying for lost and damaged books.

Gifts, Memorials and Commemoratives

A gift to the library provides an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion–a Troop’s bridging, a girl earning her Gold Award, graduation, someone moving or any other special event. In 2005, thanks to a generous gift from the Deb Reske Memorial Fund, our library collection expanded. To keep the library collection current, please consider a donation. Donations will enable us to continue offering current GSUSA resources to our membership. Donation cards are available in the library and at the front desk.

Volunteer Opportunities

To support our efforts in managing the library, we welcome volunteers. Individuals and Troops can provide much needed assistance in stocking shelves, monitoring our tracking system and following up with overdue items. Volunteering in the library is an excellent service project for girls ages 10 and up. Please inquire at the front desk.

New Leader Orientation (2 hours)
(delivered locally)

Describes Girl Scout Program Basics
Promise & Law
Four Program Goals
Age Levels
Explains GSUSA and GSHVC Structure, including Policies and Standards
Identifies GSHVC Support System on a Council-Wide and Local Level

Basic Leadership (Part I) - See Training Schedule, replaced by Essentials and Continuing

Age Level Training (Part II) - See Training Schedule, replaced by Essentials and Continuing

Enrichment Self-Study Program

The purpose of the program is to recognize and promote a variety of learning experiences and encourages volunteers to apply knowledge from other areas in their lives (whether it is work, school, PTA, etc.) to their position in Girl Scouts. Self-study enrichment options support the Leader Basics program. Click here for the Enrichment Self-Study form.

First Aid / CPR Training

No First Aid / CPR Training is scheduled at this time.

Troop Camper Training

Designed to help you prepare girls for outdoor experiences, the nine-hour training covers a variety of topics, including:

Safety standards and supervision for camping and outdoor activities
Emergency procedures at GSHVC camps
Group preparation for the trip
Activities and camping skills, including minimal impact camping skills
Girl Scout program activities appropriate to the outdoor setting
Resources of the site and surrounding areas
Ways to incorporate awareness and understanding of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds

The course includes a pre-course reading assignment designed to help the novice camper feel at ease with the topic while providing a refresher to the seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Registered participants will receive the book, Outdoor Education in Girls Scouts, two weeks prior to the course. There is a $20.00 fee for this course.

Troop Camper (Recertification) Training

To ensure the safety of girls and provide quality outdoor experiences, Troop Campers must recertify every four years. Example: Troop Campers who completed training prior to September 30, 2003, will have to recertify prior to September 30, 2007. The course covers updates to policy, safety practices, resources at camp, etc. that have taken place in the last four years. Recertification can be done in one of three ways:Complete the self-study module

Attend an in-town refresh class
Attend a regularly scheduled Troop Camper training

Troop Camper Recertification has a fee of $10.00.

Training Events

Sink or Swim: Held in the fall at beautiful Camp Linden, the weekend offers volunteers a chance to complete required and enrichment courses, fellowship with other adults in Girl Scouting and enjoy the camp setting without the responsibilities of the Troop. Applications are available mid-summer.
Training Fairs: Offered semi-annually (winter and spring), these one-day events feature a variety of basic and enrichment courses.

Trainers' Corner

Trainer Sign Up Sheet

Trainer Updates May 2006
Trainer Updates July 2007
Trainer Updates December 2007
Trainer Updates March 2008

Trainer Pin Application
Trainer Self-Evaluation and Request for Reappointment
Trainer Reimbursement Form
Course Information
Roster Additions Form

Statewide Trainers Conference

Program Frequently Asked Questions

Bac k to top

Trainer Meeting Schedule
Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 pm, Headquarters

None scheduled at this time.

Other Important Dates

Michigan Girl Scout Trainers' Conference

Trainers Wanted!

An opportunity especially for those who enjoy motivating Girl Scout volunteers

You might be surprised to learn how many GSHVC Trainers were once nervous speaking in front of a group. Surprised? The enjoyment of mentoring volunteers in a network of Girl Scout adults, supported by a fellowship of other Trainers worked to strengthen their public speaking skills and the “butterflies” vanished! This too can happen to you!

For the benefit of the volunteers in your local community who admire your commitment to and accomplishments in Girl Scouting, consider becoming a Trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of person makes a great Trainer? Here is what we look for in GSHVC Trainers. Trainers are respected and talented individuals who act as role models to other volunteers. Trainers enjoy being part of the largest organization dedicated to helping girls everywhere build character and gain skills for success in the real world. Their belief in Girl Scouts motivates other adults in their work with girls.

If I become a Trainer, how many courses will I have to train? Generally speaking, Trainers are expected to deliver 2-4 courses per year. Trainings are scheduled throughout the year, making this goal easy to accomplish. Most Trainers enjoy training so much they often exceed this requirement.

Does the Council provide outlines, or do I have to create my own? GSHVC provides standardized training modules for all basic position trainings. Many were created by GSUSA and are very easy to follow. Participant workbooks and totes of supportmaterial are available for all Basic Leadership, Administrative Volunteer and Troop Camp Certification training courses.

Are there extra meetings involved? As with any group, meetings are an important way to keep members informed and connected to one another. Trainer meetings are scheduled every other month. Communication via e-mail and weekly mailings helps maintain contact with those unable to attend meetings.

Are there pre-requisites to becoming a Trainer? What if I am new to Girl Scouts? The only pre-requisites to becoming a Trainer are that the individual is a registered adult and their training history is current. Previous Girl Scout experience is helpful, but not necessary. Your enthusiasm and willingness to mentor adults is what matters!

Who do I contact for more information? If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Trainer, contact Amy Fraser Maple at (734) 971-8800, extension 213, or amaple@gshvc.org.

General Training Information

How to Register
Registration is required for all training courses, whether web-based, self-study or classroom. It helps us keep track of things and you will be sure to get credit for your hard work.

Select the courses that are most convenient and indicate an alternate course date(s) in the event the first choice is unavailable.

Include appropriate fees. Registrations received without fees will automatically be placed on the waiting list until the balance is paid.

Mail or fax the completed registration (and fees) to GSHVC, PO Box 969, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0969. Fax (734) 971-2160. Allow 2 to 3 business days for processing.

Please note that phone-in registrations are not accepted. Thank you.

Transfers/Cancellations
Need to cancel or transfer to another session? Call (734) 971-8800, extension 231. Those on the wait list will appreciate the courtesy.

Course Capacity/Waiting List
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you register for a course that is at capacity, we'll place you on the waiting list and in the alternate course listed (if applicable). In the event of an individual cancellation, or the ability to enlarge the capacity of a course, we'll give you a call. Waiting lists are monitored to determine training needs and schedule additional courses (if necessary). Anyone on a waiting list is automatically notified of additions to the training schedule.

Confirmations
You will receive course confirmation with specific directions to the training site and any additional information regarding what to bring, etc. If you've registered for a web-based module, check your e-mail. All others arrive via U.S. mail. Volunteers who do not receive confirmation within three days of a course should call (734) 971-8800, extension 231.

Food and Beverage
Since most training courses start at 6:00 p.m., you are welcome to bring a brown bag supper. Just remember that a Girl Scout always leaves a place cleaner than she found it!

Training Hotline
The Training hotline, (734) 971-8800, extension 401, is the source for up-to-the-minute training course information. The hotline announces additions to the schedule, courses at capacity and provides information in the event of a last minute cancellation (due to inclement weather, power outage, etc.).

Additions to the Schedule
Consult the Training hotline often for additions to the training calendar.

Training Schedule

* See event application for specific scheduling and registration procedures for Training Fairs. Information will be available on the website prior to the specific fair.

COURSE TITLE	DAY	DATE	TIME	LOCATION	ADDRESS
Basic Outdoor	Friday	9/26/2008	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Milan	GSHOM Camp Crawford, 8483 Crane Road
Basic Outdoor	Saturday	10/11/2008	Sink or Swim*	Camp Linden	*register with separate event application
Basic Outdoor	Saturday	5/16/2009	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Linden	GSHOM Camp Linden, 5285 Hogan Road
Continuing	Thursday	11/20/2008	6:30 - 8:30 PM	Howell	TBA
Continuing	Tuesday	9/9/2008	6:30-9:30 PM	Plymouth/Canton	TBA
Continuing	Wednesday	9/10/2008	9:00 - 11:00 AM	South Lyon	TBA
Continuing	Saturday	9/27/08	9:00 - 11:00 AM	Howell	TBA
Continuing	Monday	9/29/2008	6:30 - 8:30 PM	Ann Arbor	GSHOM Service Center, 1900 Manchester Road
Continuing	Saturday	10/11/2008	Sink or Swim*	Camp Linden	*register with separate event application
Continuing	Tuesday	10/14/2008	6:30 - 8:30 PM	Dundee	TBA
Continuing	Saturday	11/8/2008	Training Fair*	Saline	*register with separate event application
Continuing	Saturday	11/22/08	9:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Ann Arbor	GSHOM Service Center, 1900 Manchester Road
Continuing	Saturday	1/31/2009	Training Fair*	Howell	*register with separate event application
Continuing	Saturday	4/25/2009	Training Fair*	Ypsilanti	*register with separate event application
Essentials	Monday	9/22/2008	6:30 - 9:30 PM	Ann Arbor	GSHOM Service Center, 1900 Manchester Road
Essentials	Monday	10/6/2008	6:30 - 9:30 PM	Ann Arbor	GSHOM Service Center, 1900 Manchester Road
Essentials	Saturday	11/8/2008	Training Fair*	Saline	*register with separate event application
Essentials	Tuesday	11/11/2008	6:30 - 9:30 PM	Dundee	TBA
Essentials	Saturday	1/31/2009	Training Fair*	Howell	*register with separate event application
Essentials	Saturday	4/25/2009	Training Fair*	Ypsilanti	*register with separate event application
Essentials	Saturday	9/27/2008	9:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Howell	TBA
Essentials	Saturday	10/11/2008	Sink or Swim*	Camp Linden	*register with separate event application
Essentials	Saturday	11/22/2008	9:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Ann Arbor	GSHOM Service Center, 1900 Manchester Road