Volunteer Training
You're doing something amazing by volunteering with Girl Scouts—introducing girls to new experiences and being a great role model. So whether you're new to Girl Scouts or a seasoned pro, we want to make sure you're prepared for all the great experiences that are ahead.
Find all out upcoming volunteer trainings by clicking on the button below.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be logged in to your
MyGS
account to follow the gsLearn links to courses and
learning paths listed on this page.
Volunteers like you let their generosity, courage, and heart shine through in everything they do—and your Girl Scouts take notice. Thank you for everything you bring to Girl Scouting.
Below, browse essential training courses required and or/recommended to help you create experiences Girl Scouts will never forget.
If you want to be a troop leader 
If you want to prepare for seasonal Girl Scout activities
If you want a First Aider for troop activities
If your troop is bridging
If your Girl Scouts want to earn a Highest Award
If you want to take girls on a trip
If your troop wants to do community service
If you want to guide older girls
If you want to learn more about working with girls at each level
If you want to take girls on a trip
If your troop wants to participate in a product program
If you want to teach girls Girl Scout traditions and ceremonies
If you want to teach your troop how to conduct a flag ceremony
If you want to support a youth experiencing a mental health challenge
If you want your troop to be more inclusive
Certification tracking is on the move!
Currently, any certification that a volunteer holds (like First Aid/CPR/AED) is tracked as a role in MyGS, under 263 GSWPA Certifications listed in the My Troops tab.
This spring, certification tracking will be moving to Achievements in gsLearn and will look just like a course completion, so all training and certifications will be found in one place. Volunteer submission of new certifications will also be housed in gsLearn.
As always, if a volunteer completes a training certification through Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, that certification will automatically be added to a volunteer’s record. It will now just be in gsLearn and not as a role.
See below for all the details!
What certifications are being tracked?
Any certification or training that is required for volunteers to lead an activity with girls. This includes certifications like First Aid/CPR/AED, Archery Training, Let’s Go Camping 2, and Explore Your Year.
When is this happening?
The tracking of certifications will happen in two phases. The first is a transitional phase as we move all current certification records to gsLearn. This phase has already started and will continue through late spring/early summer. During this phase, volunteers will see new Achievements in their gsLearn that show their current certification, the date the certification was earned, and the date the certification will expire.
The second phase is when volunteers will be able to submit any new certifications into gsLearn for the most common certifications. Less common certifications will still be tracked in gsLearn, but council staff will add those for volunteers. This will be right after the transitional phase and is planned for early to mid-summer.
Why is this change being made?
The move of certification tracking in gsLearn is so that volunteers can easily see all training and certifications in one place. The process for volunteers to submit certifications will be standardized, and volunteers will be able to monitor the approval status of their submissions.
Where do I find my certification information?
Valid certifications that current volunteers hold are currently being uploaded to gsLearn. So during this transition period, volunteers will be able to see their certifications as both a role under 263 GSWPA Certifications in the My Troops tab in MyGS and as an Achievement within gsLearn. Once all valid certifications are uploaded to gsLearn, the roles under 263 GSWPA Certifications will be made inactive.
Other Learning Opportunities and Resources
- Want to connect with staff or a volunteer mentor? Attend a Volunteer Open House, a Coffee Chat with the Girl Program Team, or contact a seasoned volunteer who’s part of the Troop Mentor Network.
- Ideas and Tips on navigating gsLearn
- Volunteer Toolkit User Guides
- Volunteer Essentials: A go-to guide for volunteers that includes details on troop management, engaging girls and their families, creating a safe space for girls, and more.
- Safety Activity Checkpoints: The first stop volunteers, girls, and parents/caregivers should make when planning any activity! It includes information on approved activities girls can participate in, safety guidelines, training requirements, and other safety information.
- Forms and Documents
