Volunteer Training Information

At Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, we know our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Your time, passion, and leadership make it possible for girls to discover their strengths, explore new adventures, and make a lasting difference in their communities.

To help you feel confident and supported in your role, GSCCC provides comprehensive, easy-to-access training designed to make every Girl Scout experience safe, fun, and full of success. Whether you’re leading a troop, chaperoning a trip, or supporting product programs, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of required training by volunteer role—so you’ll always know exactly what’s needed and when to take it.

To become an approved volunteer with GSCCC, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a registered Girl Scout adult member
Complete a background screening (or Live Scan fingerprinting, if required)

Mandated Reporter Training & Live Scan Fingerprinting toggle arrow

Effective January 1, 2022, GSCCC must add mandated reporter training and fingerprinting background checks (LiveScan) to our already robust protocols for our volunteers. Those who need to add the training/Live Scan are volunteers with direct contact or supervision of children for more than 16 hours a month, or 32+ hours a year.

Volunteers with specific roles, and those wanting to participate in specific activities, must fulfill these requirements or they will be prohibited from the role and/or participation if not met.

At this time, volunteers with these roles must complete Mandated Reporter training and Live Scan Fingerprinting within 30 days of beginning their new role:

Troop leader (and co-leader)
Troop chaperone
Service Unit Manager (SUM)

For all roles other than those listed in the first section:

If volunteer hours of direct contact or supervision of children comprise of less than 16 hours a month, or 32+ hours a year, only our standard background screening is required.
If volunteer hours of direct contact or supervision of children comprise of more than 16 hours a month, or 32+ hours a year, Mandated Reporter Training and Live Scan fingerprinting is required.

Live Scan Finger printing

Request Live Scan Service Form: https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/content/dam/girlscoutsccc-redesign/documents/2025-forms/BCIA-8016%20VOLUNTEER%209-2025.pdf

Mandated Reporter Training

Mandated Reporter Training is now available through gsLearn. All volunteers who must complete this requirement must complete one of the following. To complete, access gsLearn through MyGS. https://mygs.girlscouts.org/

Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, completing this training is required by the California Department of Social Services for any adult in direct contact with children. Certification is valid for 2 years.
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7170283

All volunteers must complete these requirements within 30 days of beginning their new role.

Troop Leader/Co-Leader toggle arrow

Troop Leaders help develop leadership qualities in girls by implementing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Volunteers in this role will facilitate meetings and events in a girl-led environment, maintain accurate troop records, and ensure effective communication between the troop and parents. Troop Leaders must complete the following training within 3 months of appointment:

All courses are available on gsLearn. You can access gsLearn by logging into your MyGS www.mygs.girlscouts.com → my account → gsLearn or through the direct links below.

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: What Girl Scouts Do (Offered by Program Level) (10mins)
Please note you only need to take the program level of your troop.
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D6906240
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Your First Troop Meeting (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D6946924
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Family Engagement – The Key to Success (30 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%2F%3FC%3D7051179
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) (10 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7127990
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Funding the Fun – Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7163966
First Aid /CPR Training- Offered in-person monthly through GSCCC Activities

Mandated Reporter Training

Complete Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Training. Training must be completed every two years. For directions on logging into gsLearn see How to log into gsLearn

Troop First Aider toggle arrow

A Troop First Aider is a Girl Scout registered adult volunteer who ensures the health and safety of girls during any troop activity held outside of the regular meeting time. This individual is responsible for providing first aid care as needed and being prepared to respond in the event of an emergency.

Troop First Aiders must hold a current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED, or be a licensed medical professional such as a doctor, nurse, paramedic, or first responder.

To serve in this role, volunteers must complete the following training:

First Aid and CPR/AED Training is the minimum level of first aid required for any activity, event, or overnight where access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is less than 30 minutes’ response time. Certification is valid for 2 years and can be completed through an outside organization such as the American Red Cross or Register through GSCCC the Activity Calendar.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR)* or EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) Training is recommended if access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be more than 30 minutes away. Certification can be completed through an outside organization such as the American Red Cross.

Troop Friends and Family/Driver toggle arrow

Troop Friends & Family make up the adult part of the adult-to girl ratio. They chaperone troop meetings, and accompany the troop on local field trips, events, and overnights. Chaperones must be at least 18 years of age. Troop Friends & Family must complete the following training:

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Troop Safety (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7163789
GSUSA Field Trips and Travel
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7205112

Troop Drivers transport girls and adults on planned outings and trips. They must be over the age of 21 and maintain a good driving record, a valid license, and a registered and insured vehicle. Troop Drivers must complete the following training:

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Troop Safety (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7163789
GSUSA Field Trips and Travel
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7205112

Girl Scout Driver Requirements

You are currently a registered and background checked member.
You are at least 21 years or older.
You have a current and valid driver's license, with good driving record.
You have auto insurance that is compliant with state law.
Girls do not transport other girls.
Group traveling consists of at least two unrelated approved adults (one female), whether you’re driving one or more vehicles.
You do not transport girls in bed of a truck.
You have working seat belts, and they are worn by every person in the vehicle.
Girls under 12 years old sit in the back seat.
Avoid driving when tired or taking medications that make you drowsy.
Follow all state laws when driving, including but not limited to following the speed limit, not using electronic devices, and having headlights on while using windshield wipers.

Girl Scout Driver Tips and Expectations

Make sure to have destination address, road map/GPS, first-aid kit, and a flashlight in the car.
Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check your lights, signals, tires, windshield wipers, horn, and fluid levels before each trip and periodically through long trips.
Make sure necessary documents are up to date, including but not limited to driver’s license, vehicle registration, any state/local inspections, and insurance coverage. In each vehicle, girls and adults are traveling in, ensure you have a Girl Medical Health History and Parental Permission.
Plan rest stops every few hours. When driving with multiple cars, pre-arrange stop locations. On long trips, arrange for relief drivers and avoid driving for extended periods at night.

Both Troop Friends & Family and Troop Drivers must complete

Live Scan Fingerprinting

Request for Live Scan Service Form: https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/content/dam/girlscoutsccc-redesign/documents/2025-forms/BCIA-8016%20VOLUNTEER%209-2025.pdf

Mandated Reporter Training

Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, completing this training is required by the California Department of Social Services for any adult in direct contact with children. Certification is valid for 2 years.
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7170283

Travel

The Troop Camping and/or the adult planning the troop assist girls in planning, budgeting and organizing the troop’s overnight trips and accompany them on their experiences. Training for Troop Camping and/or Travel Advisors depends upon various factors such as the type of sleeping accommodation (Cabin, tent, hotel, etc.) and how many nights your trip will take place. See the following chart for what training is required.

635 – GSCCC Girl Scout Travel Training is required for all travel, including day trips.
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Troop Safety (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7163789
GSUSA Field Trips and Travel
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7205112
Troop Travel Applications
- Local Field Trip Application
- Day Trip Application
- Overnight Trip Application
- Extended Trip Application
- International Trip Application
Outdoor Training should be taken after the troop has had an in-door overnight and before sleeping outdoors, including backyard campouts or cooked over an open flame (including s’mores). Register through the GSCCC Activities webpage.
[Need to add Trek Wild Info]
Wilderness Hiking Course is the first step in your wilderness adventure! Designed for individuals in 5^th grade and up, Wilderness Hiking Course safely takes Girl Scouts and adults out of the campground and into the woods. Wilderness Hiking covers outdoor skills and knowledge and is recommended through not a prerequisite for the Basic Backpacking and Advanced Backpacking courses. Register through the GSCCC Activities webpage.
Basic Backpacking - Register through the GSCCC Activities webpage.
Advanced Backpacking - Register through the GSCCC Activities webpage.

Troop Treasurer toggle arrow

All Girl Scout Troops need to set up a Troop Account with one of the approved banks. Troop Leaders must have Service Unit approval before setting up the account. Please work with your Service Unit to open your bank account.

Recommended training for the Troop Treasurer:

GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Funding the Fun – Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances (20 mins)
https://mygs.girlscouts.org/proxy/pre-proxy.html?spName=prod-gsusagslearnsp&redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgslearn.litmos.com%3FC%3D7163966

Troop Product Program Chair toggle arrow

Attends service unit Fall Product and/or Cookie Program training, coordinates the delivery and storage of fall product and/or cookies for the troop, completes Fall Product and Cookie Program reports, and distributes girl rewards. Troop Product Program Chairs must complete the following training:

Fall Product Program Coordinator Training – Register through GSCCC Activities
Cookie Program Coordinator Training - Register through GSCCC Activities

For resources on the Product Programs visit: Fall Product and Cookie Programs

Special Events & Money Earning Director toggle arrow

The special events & money-earning director helps girls run events for the troop, service unit, or area. Any troops/service units who want to earn money outside of the product programs, or host events, need to have a trained adult. Special Events & Money Earning Directors must review the following document:

Money Earning Guidelines

Highest Awards Training toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Highest Awards represent the pinnacle of leadership, service, and community impact within the Girl Scout Movement. Through these awards, girls take what they’ve learned in Girl Scouting and use it to make the world a better place — leading meaningful projects that create lasting change.

Each award builds upon the last, helping girls grow as leaders and problem-solvers:

Bronze Award – Take Action Together (Grades 4–5, Juniors)
The first step in the Highest Awards journey, the Bronze Award encourages Girl Scout Juniors to work together as a team to identify a community need and lead a Take Action project that makes a lasting difference. Girls discover how their ideas and teamwork can create real change in their local community.

Silver Award – Lead with Independence (Grades 6–8, Cadettes)
As Cadettes, girls take the next step toward leadership by planning and implementing a sustainable project—individually or in small teams—that addresses a cause they care about. The Silver Award helps girls strengthen their voice, confidence, and ability to lead others.

Gold Award – Create Sustainable Impact (Grades 9–12, Seniors & Ambassadors)
The highest honor in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award challenges girls to identify the root cause of an issue and lead a large-scale, sustainable solution that has measurable impact in their community and beyond. Gold Award Girl Scouts are recognized nationally for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to creating change.

Troops ready to make a lasting impact through the Highest Awards should start by taking live training via Zoom. Register for Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award trainings through the GSCCC Activities webpage.

Training Message:

At Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, we’re committed to setting every volunteer up for success! Whether you’re just getting started as a new leader or expanding your adventures outdoors with your troop, GSCCC offers the training and support you need to feel confident in your role.

From required certifications like camping, travel, and first aid to enrichment opportunities that celebrate Girl Scout traditions, songs, and ceremonies, our training helps you bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to life for every girl.

Our courses are offered in multiple formats, online, live virtual, in-person, or a blend of each, to fit your schedule and learning style. Online and virtual options make training accessible from anywhere, while in-person sessions provide hands-on practice that builds skills and confidence.

Just like our girls, volunteers learn best through collaboration, exploration, and doing! Each GSCCC training experience combines adult-led instruction, cooperative learning, and hands-on activities, helping you grow as a leader while empowering girls to do the same.

Online Training - gsLearn toggle arrow

gsLearn  is Girl Scouts’ official online and on-demand training platform. Available to any currently registered adult member, gsLearn is available all the time, on your time schedule, and just for you! You will have access to Girl Scout-specific content that supports accuracy and consistency across the Girl Scout Movement. Select from categories that fit your role and your needs – such as troop leader, troop treasurer, product program chair, and more.

Search the Content Library to see our robust catalog of courses and resources developed by GSUSA and GSCCC, to help you in your Girl Scout journey. Through the  MyGS  landing page, access your single sign-on page for gsLearn, Volunteer Toolkit, My Household, My Troop(s) and more.  

Live Webinars and In-Person Trainings toggle arrow

The fun of learning never stops! Whether you learn best in a classroom, by a campfire, or the comfort of your home participating in virtual classes, we provide a first-class Girl Scout education. Learn new program ideas or renew your first aid certification. Find a class to power your next adventure. Register through the Activities Calendar

Local Support toggle arrow

Girl Scout volunteers in your community are here for you. Whether you are helping with the cookie program or leading a troop, GSCCC’s service unit team members are here to guide you in your chosen role. Attend your monthly service unit meetings (based on geography) to keep up with not only the latest information, events, and training, but to network and build your community with other volunteers and learn tried and true tips from experienced leaders. Contact info@girlscoutsccc.org for assistance.

Safety Activity Checkpoints toggle arrow

When preparing for any activity with Girl Scouts, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs). Safety Activity Checkpoints are where you will find important information on safety that is relevant to all activities. Be sure to check the Master Progression charts to help you plan the right progression path for your troop. Consult the Activities at a Glance section and always check for the high-risk tier rankings.