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Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Welcomes You to Your New Role! We have designed this session to introduce you to the New Leader Coach’s’ responsibilities and to offer tips in how

to best fulfill them. You may read the course online, download it to your computer for easy reference, or print a

copy to carry in your Service Unit New Leader Coach notebook.

The course is divided into nine chapters. You may review one today, another tomorrow, or you might cruise

through them all at one sitting. The chapters are:

1. Girl Scouts' Guiding Principles

2. The Girl Scout Organization

3. The Service Unit New Leader Coach

4. Responsibilities of the Service Unit New Leader Coach

5. New Leader Coach and the Service Team

6. Communication

7. Coaching Systems

8. Engagement and tips for working with New Leader

9. Website Resource Link

When you complete all nine chapters, follow the instructions to submit your work so that your course completion

can be noted in your adult learning record in the GSCP2P database. That completes your first responsibility!

Enjoy this learning opportunity. Take time to apply it to your situation. “Think About It” questions will help you

with applying the information. If you have questions or if the course generates new ideas you’d like to try in your

Service Unit, share them with your Service and Staff Teams.

You play a critical role in the delivery of the Girl Scout program to girls.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout this document we refer to the New Leader Coach with feminine pronouns. That

reference in no way limits the position to females—we’d be delighted for a male to serve as a Service Unit New

Leader Coach. Girl Scouts’ male volunteers have many skills to offer the organization, and we value their

contributions.

GSCP2P

Sabrams

7/2015

Service Unit New Leader Coach Training

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In everything we do in Girl Scouts, from leading a girls’ activity to directing the work of other volunteers, the Girl

Scout Promise and Law are our guide.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor I will try

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be

Honest and fair,

Friendly and helpful,

Considerate and caring,

Courageous and strong

And

To respect myself and others,

To respect authority

Use resources wisely,

Make the world a better place,

And

Be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Likewise, we realize that every activity planned, every program developed, every part of every girls’ meeting is

crafted to help us reach our mission.

Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

THINK ABOUT IT:

In your role as Service Unit New Leader Coach, how do you play a role in building courage, confidence, and

character in girls?

Chapter 1: Girl Scouts’ Guiding Principles

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.

Leaders/Advisors

Service Units

Regions

Girl Scouts Carolinas

Peaks to Piedmont

Girl Scouts of the USA

World Association of

Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Girls In Every Pathway

Girl Scouting exists for girls, all girls, everywhere, every age, with every interest. “Pathways,” or ways girls can

participate in Girl Scouts, meet the differing needs of girls. Whether a girl chooses to join a troop, attend camp,

participate in a series of activities or several large events, or be a part of a traveling group, she still receives the

same leadership development opportunity, fun, and friendship.

Leaders or Advisors

While Girl Scouts exists for girls, it can only exist because of adults who volunteer their time and talents to support

the girls. The leader/advisor is the single most important person in delivering the Girl Scout program.

Chapter 2: The Girl Scout Organization

Girls in

Every

Pathway

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Service Teams and Service Units Service Teams are the local group of volunteers who offer support and advice to leaders/advisors. They function

within a Service Unit, a geographic area which might be one city or 2 or 3 counties, depending on population.

Service Teams set goals for their area, plan special “wider events” that troops alone could not carry out, and serve

as the first contact for Pathway leaders and advisors.

Regions Several Service Units are grouped together to form a geographic Region. Service Units are encouraged collaborate

with other Service Units in their Region to facilitate gatherings and activities which are beyond what a Service Unit

alone could provide for its girls. A cross-functional staff team serves the region.

Our Council: Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont spans 40 counties, the entire western half of our state. Staff based in four

service centers provide support to volunteers, resident and troop camp opportunities, a wide range of program

events, learning sessions, awards and recognition. These staff raises funds to enable program delivery to all girls,

organize the program product sales, run council shops where girls and parents can conveniently select official

GSUSA merchandise, and promote Girl Scouting across our jurisdiction. For more information on GSCP2P, see

https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org and the following information.

Girl Scouts of the United States of America Our national organization, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), creates a consistent program for our members.

Common uniform pieces, badges, books, safety checkpoints, are all developed by GSUSA to provide the best

leadership development program for girls in the nation. And of course, the entire program is tied together by our

Promise and Law. For more information, visit https://www.girlscouts.org

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts It sometimes surprises volunteers to learn that Girl Scouting is part of a world-wide organization, with sisters in

over 100 countries around the globe. Our international organization, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl

Scouts (WAGGGS) offers opportunities for girls to travel, develop friendships, and work on projects that truly make

the world a better place. Every Girl Scout wears the pin of WAGGGS above her Girl Scout membership pin.

For more information on WAGGGS and the opportunities it offers, see http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/home.

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A Closer Look at Our Council: Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont

GSCP2P spreads across the entire western half of North Carolina. Service Units are loosely grouped into 5 service

areas, served by a cross-functional staff team. Take a look at us!

Want a look at our four service centers or to find out about the shops located there?

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/shop

How about a look at our council camps? Find out about the facilities at

https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/properties/camps.htm

What is “the Council”?

You are the Council. The girls, the volunteers, the elected Board of Directors, and the staff who serve girls and

volunteers within our geographic area all make up the Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council. Be careful with your

wording; help volunteers understand that service centers and/or the staff are not “the Council.”

Girl Scouts of SC—

Mountains to

Midlands

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline

Girl Scouts of

Coastal Pines

Girl Scouts of

Hornet’s

Nest

Girl Scout Council of the

Southern Appalachians

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How does our council function?

GSCP2P is governed by a board of elected volunteers (Board of Directors) who make all policy and strategic

planning decisions. They follow our Council Bylaws to ensure that we meet legal requirements and that we are

financially sound.

The Board of Directors hires the Chief Executive Officer who manages the operations of the council. The CEO

supervises Girl Scout staff and ensures that Girl Scout program is delivered across our council area.

Where do volunteers find information on council programs, procedures, and policies?

Volunteer Essentials Online Prep Council staff use videos to walk you through key points to know.

http://online.girlscoutsp2p-learning.org/gs/vei_index.php

Volunteer Essentials-Lead On! The most important information to know. Reviewed face-to-face with new

leaders. http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/volunteers/volunteer-reference-materials

Volunteer Essentials Reference Guide This resource is designed by GSUSA and customized by GSCP2P to

deliver our policies and procedures to volunteers. Banking, safety, planning, and working with girls and

adults, you’ll find them all here: http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/volunteers/volunteer-reference-materials

Safety Activity Checkpoints Provided by GSUSA, you’ll find detailed steps for making almost any activity

safe for girls. http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/volunteers/volunteer-reference-materials

GSCP2P Volunteer Personnel Policies

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/Volunteer_Policies_Dec2014.pdf

2014 Troop Money Making Guidelines

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/MoneyEarning_Dos_and_Donts.pdf

GSCP2P Website GSCP2P activities are promoted on our website, https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/

P2P Express Our e-newsletter which highlights girls’/troops’ activities and provides current updates and

reminders. http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/?s=p2p+express

GSCP2P Calendar All programs, learning sessions, program product dates, council events in our

searchable online calendar at http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/events

Summer Resident Camp Brochure Camp brochures reach our girls each winter, spurring anticipation of

an exciting summer at one of our four resident camps. http://camplikeagirl.org/

Regular Updates E-mails, conference calls, webinars, meetings, and mailings also deliver information to

volunteers.

Ask Questions! Ask the volunteer who is designated to support you. If you’ve been asked a question you

can’t answer, staff are reachable during Monday through Thursday business hours at 1-800-672-2148 or

at e-mails formatted first initial, last name @girlscoutsp2p.org (example, Nora Jones would be::

njones@girlscoutsp2p.org)

GSCP2P Financial Assistance

For membership Financial assistance is available for girls for membership and for Girl Scout programs.

Download application form at http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/Financial_Assistance_Application.pdf

For volunteer learning sessions Instructions and application form: Adult Learning Ed Whitmire

Scholarship, fillable

For resident camp Application and directions at http://www.camplikeagirl.org/camp-forms-resources

written for new one

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A Closer Look at Our Regions

In 2011 our council began transitioning to a Regional system that will provide more volunteer support to Service

Units, enable neighboring Service Units to work together to offer enhanced opportunities for their girls, and give

membership a direct voice to the Board of Directors. The map on page 5 shows our 11 Regions.

The transition is not expected to happen overnight; it will take time to find the right volunteer for each Regional

position. And because each Region has different demographic and geographic characteristics, the structure may

vary slightly from place to place.

On the next page is the “dream chart” of the Region/Service Unit structure. Some Regions/Service Units may not

yet need all the positions or may temporarily merge positions. Our long-term goal is to fill positions with

experienced and talented volunteers who aren’t also busy with troops, camps, and product sales, but who are free

to focus on one role—free to offer specialized assistance to the Service Team volunteer she/he supports.

Staff Support With this move to a Regional structure, our staff has been restructured, too. Cross-functional

teams consisting of Program, Membership Support, and Recruitment Managers work to provide well-rounded

support throughout their areas.

A Closer Look at Service Units A Service Unit is a geographic area which provides support to volunteers who work directly with girls. GSCP2P has

42 Service Units.

Each Service Unit has a team of volunteers who meet at the end of the school year to set goals for the coming

year. These goals pertain to recruiting new members and retaining/supporting previous ones

providing and promoting outstanding program opportunities

ensuring a trained leadership

recognizing outstanding volunteers

promoting Girl Scouting in their community

supporting the council financially

Service Units ensure excellent communication with their volunteer members. Information may be shared at

scheduled meetings, teleconferences, through telephone trees or e-mail, on Service Unit web pages, Facebook,

Twitter, or any other method that meets the needs of the members.

Service Units manage their budgets to provide the services needed. Each member of the Service Team has her/his

own support from a Regional volunteer.

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9 | P a g e

Who Is A Service Unit New Leader Coach?

The Service Unit New Leader Coach holds a critical role on the Service Team. She—or he--ensures that the New

Leader is provided with a support system that makes them feel welcomed, prepared and want to continue their

experience in Girl Scouting. It is critical that these new leaders are given the tools and support to deliver an

outstanding leadership program to the girls...

These nine qualifications are required for a Service Unit New Leader Coach to be successful:

1. Her personality is enthusiastic and positive. She understands and believes in the Girl Scout program and

goals and is excited and engaged in sharing them with others. Her actions bear out her commitment to

the Girl Scout Mission, Promise and Law.

2. She has the skills to interact well with volunteers of all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and ability levels. She can tactfully encourage and guide volunteers to complete required coursework and enthusiastically recognize their accomplishments.

3. She ensures that leaders understand basic concepts of Girl Scouting and its program and helps leaders

interpret and follow GSUSA and GSCP2P Polices and Standards.

4. She participates actively and regularly in Service Team meetings, Service Unit Meetings, and annual Service Unit Plan of Action.

5. Previous experience as a troop leader is highly recommended.

6. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program, resources and Service Unit

and council activities.

7. Good listening and verbal communication skills, as well as the

ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records.

8. Completed training for position, including GS 101 and Volunteer

Essentials.

9. It is highly recommended that a coach attend the first meeting/parent meeting of the New Leader.

THINK ABOUT IT:

What are your thoughts about these nine qualifications?

Which of the above skills do you feel are your strengths?

Which skill do you want to strengthen? Develop a plan to help you strengthen the selected skill.

Chapter 3: The Service Unit New Leader Coach

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Service Unit New Leader Coach

Position Description

Appointed by and Responsible to: Service Unit Specialist and Membership Services Manager Term of Position: One (1) year, renewable annually. Purpose: To serve as a Coach for new leaders

Volunteer Position Responsibilities: 1. Participates actively and regularly in Service Team meetings, Service Unit meetings, and annual Service Unit Plan of work 2. Ensures that leaders understand basic concepts of Girl Scouting and its program and helps leaders to Interpret and follow GSUSA and GSCP2P Policies and Standards. 3. Follows the Coaches contact sheets for a period of 3 months 4. After each month make a copy of your check list and turn into the Service Unit Specialist or MSM. 5. Maintains contact and provides ongoing support for new leader for a 3 month period or longer 6. Works and maintains contact with the Service Unit Specialist. 7. Follows up with new leaders to make sure they have appropriate training. 8. Stays in communication and works with Registrar Specialist, Adult learning Specialist. To ensure troops are registered and leaders have their training. 9. Help in the collection process of non returning leaders. 10. Carries out all duties in accordance with GSUSA and GSCP2P goals, Policies and Procedures 11. Contributes to the elimination of racism and development of Diverse Membership 12. Volunteer in good standing with the Council. Volunteer Position Qualifications: 1. Currently registered as an adult member of GSUSA 2. Completed a GSCP2P Background Check and Volunteer Application form 3. Knowledge of and commitment to the goals and principles of the Girl Scout Movement and GSUSA 4. Able to work with people of all racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and ability levels 5. Previous experience as a troop leader is highly recommended. 6. Knowledge of the Girl Scout program, resources and Service Unit and council activities 7. Good listening and verbal communication skills 8. Ability to organize materials and accurately maintain records. 9. Completed training for position, including GS 101 and Volunteer Essentials. 10. It is highly recommended that a coach attend the first meeting/parent meeting of the New Leader.

Council Responsibilities: The Council will provide the following: a volunteer position description, Council Volunteer Policies, Council Policies and Procedures, programs, learning opportunities, support, and recognition.

11 | P a g e GSCP2P 6/2014

Let’s take a quick look at the responsibilities of the New Leader Coach (NLC).

To begin with, the New Leader Coach herself completes the training required for the position. You’re doing that

right now! Updates, teleconferences, or webinars may be scheduled to keep you abreast of changes in learning

requirements, new procedures, and council policies.

The New Leader Coach actively and regularly participates in Service Team meetings, Service Unit Meetings and

annual Service Unit Plan of Action

The Recruitment/Membership Manager/SUS will provide the New Leader Coach with a report of all the new

leaders in her designated Service Unit. Regular updates will be e-mailed to the NLC to inform them of any new

leaders coming on board and their contact information.

Using those reports, the NLC will be able to identify each new leader and

make the first contact. It is very important that you, as the NLC, make that

first contact. Once you have agreed on the best method for continuing to

stay in touch, you will want to make sure your new leader knows what to

expect and how you will be helping. Print out or have a copy of the New

Leader Coach 30-60-90 contact sheets available. These contact sheets will

help you cover most everything new leaders need to know and accomplish

during their first year.

It is recommended that you maintain contact and provide ongoing support

for the new leader throughout the year depending on the needs of that

new leader.

Coaches are encouraged to stay current in trainings offered by the council, and research new and effective ways to

guide the new leaders.

NCL will work with SU Recognition Specialist in recognizing and awarding outstanding new leaders. These Awards

may include: Growing Green, Shining Volunteer and Trefoil Troop Awards.

At the end of the membership year, the New Leader Coach completes a performance review to help her identify

her strengths and growth areas and set goals for the coming year. The term of office is one year; reappointment

is a definite possibility!

THINK ABOUT IT:

Which of these responsibilities will be the greatest challenge to you?

Create a plan to help you manage it.

Chapter 4: Responsibilities of the Service Unit

New Leader Coach

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The information in this chapter will help you

engage new leaders and connect them to

other Service Unit volunteers and staff.

Why are New Leader Coaches so

important to a Service Unit?

Girl Scouting is a volunteer led organization and coaches are one of the first people in a local Girl Scout community

that reach out to the new leaders and connect them to the Service Unit and other available resources. Because

Service Units are the primary support to all leaders, it is critical that a new leader understands the role of Service

Unit volunteers and how they can support leaders to deliver a quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls. It’s

important to remember that the Service Unit is more than just a monthly meeting, but rather it’s a system of

support. Better new leader support will result in a more successful experience for girls and adults.

What does a coach do?

A coach supports new leaders through their first few months as a Girl Scout leader by:

Connecting the new leaders to the Service Unit team and inviting them to the Service Unit meeting.

Ensuring that the new leader receives program resource materials.

Helping the new leader plan the first girl meeting or a parent meeting, suggesting meeting sites, times and

sharing past experiences.

Prompting new leaders to take required trainings.

Answering any general troop and Girl Scout related questions.

Encouraging new leaders to implement quality programming with the Girl Scout program materials and

through Girl Scout product sales.

Advising New Leader to incorporate the Trefoil Troop Award form as a guide for a well-rounded troop

experience for the girls.

Suggesting to the new leader to utilize the Shining Volunteer Award as a way to encourage Parent

Support.

Communicate with the Service Unit Specialist on topics such as:

Who you are coaching and how you are supporting them.

When you are not able to communicate with a new leader.

Evaluating the coaching process at the end of the year.

THINK ABOUT IT:

What other ways do you think you can connect a New Leader to the Service Unit?

What other topics do you think you may need to communicate with the SUS about?

Chapter 5: New Leader Coach and the Service Team

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It’s important to know how each leader wants communication from you. Everyone is different. Establishing how to

communicate with each new leader right from the beginning will prevent problems in the future. No matter the

type of communication, YOU MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT!

Do you know how each generation prefers to communicates?

Generations

Communications Messages that motivate

Matures Prior to 1946 Formal – Written Your experience is respected

Boomers 1946-1964 In Person You are valued, you are needed

Gen X 1965-1980 Direct and immediate E-mail Voice Mail

Forget the rules. Do it your way

Nexters – Gen Y 1980-2000 Text messaging Twitter Facebook You will work with other bright, creative people

Communicating by social media is becoming popular and is an acceptable way to communicate for adults as well as

girls.

The term “social media” refers to the tools that allow the sharing of information and creation of communities

through online networks of people. It is a method to have two way conversations online.

Remember the Internet is an open forum and its benefits of easy access and sharing of information can also attract

those who would use that information to cause harm. Refer to the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoint for

“Computer/Online Use” for information regarding social media and computer safety.

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/2013-2014-Safety-Activity-Checkpoints.pdf

Consistent communication with volunteers is just one way to be successful. Here are others:

Understand and support the Girl Scout mission, vision, and values

Promote the Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Provide timely and effective communication

Provide guidance; not directive

Be willing to invest time, energy, and personal know-how to assist the growth of another person

Be discreet and maintain confidences

ASK Volunteers: How would you like for me to communicate with you?

Chapter 6: Communication

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What does a coaching system look like in a Service Unit?

Proper support to a new leader not only relies on the efforts of a coach to engage the new leader, but also the

commitment of the Service Unit to implement the coaching system. This will require good communication

between the entire service team so coaches know when new leaders enter the Service Unit.

Coaching systems can look very different from Service Unit to Service Unit. The key is to implement one that works

for the volunteers in your Service Unit. Here are examples of how some Service Units have set up their coaching:

One-on-One- This system allows for each new

leader to be paired with her own coach. This

provides for a one-on-one relationship between

an experienced leader and a new leader. This

system works well with Service Units that have

only one or two new leaders

By Girl Scout Grade Level- A coach is appointed

for each Girl Scout grade level. This allows the

coach to support a group of leaders at the same

grade level and helps connect the leaders of

that grade level to support one another and

share ideas. This system is especially successful

with numerous coaches and a large number of new leaders in each level. A New Leader Coach

Coordinator may need to be recruited.

One Service Team Coach- One coach for one Service Unit, responsible for “on boarding” of all new

leaders in the Service Unit. This system will work well with one coach and no more than four or five new

leaders.

By School or Geographic Area- One or two coaches for each school or geographic area, responsible for

“on boarding” all new leaders in that area.

No matter what system your Service Unit uses, using the 30-60-90 contact sheets will help a New Leader Coach

guide each of her assigned leaders through a successful year. The contact sheets are on pages 15-17 of this

booklet.

THINK ABOUT IT:

What advantages do you see each of the four systems having?

Review the contact sheets on pages 15-17. How will they help you support the new leader?

What questions do you have for your Service Unit Specialist/Membership Services Manager?

Chapter 7: Coaching Systems

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How do I engage new leaders?

Ideally, we would love to have each new leader attend the Service Unit leader meeting. However, today’s

volunteers cannot always attend a monthly two-hour meeting. There are a variety of reasons that can prevent a

leader from attending the Service Unit meetings. This doesn’t mean she is not part of the Service Unit or not

interested in staying connected.

It is best to meet with your new leaders and establish how you will communicate with each other for the first few

months. Show leaders where to find the most current Service Unit and council information needed to lead girls

through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

The contact sheets on pages 15-17, cover the first three months and the topics you will want to discuss with a new

leader. Some questions have resource references that the coach can use to help guide the new leader. You are

their main Girl Scout support as they get to know the organization, their girls and other adult members.

Remember, some leaders may move through these steps at different rates and in different ways. Be sure not to

hold them to unreasonable standards. The one place that we cannot compromise is with girls’ safety.

Do you have any tips for mentors?

Yes! Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you support new leaders:

Remember your job is not to take the place of the service team, but to direct your assigned new leader to

the correct team member as needed. Make her aware that there are many people to help. Ex: Adult

Learning Specialist, Adult Recognitions Specialist, etc

You are a friend and a coach to the new leader. Make sure you don’t make the leader feel bad if all the

suggested items for a certain month are not met. Help make plans to accomplish them.

Contact the new leaders to remind them of the date, time and location of the Service Unit meeting. Stay

with them at the Service Unit meetings to make sure they feel included. Try to listen through their ears

and hear what is being discussed as if you were hearing it for the first time. Introduce them to people;

draw them into conversations.

Help your leaders understand Girl Scout terms, Service Unit positions, information discussed at meetings,

resources available to use and upcoming Girl Scout events.

Be helpful, but don’t do the job for them. They will feel inadequate if you take over all the things that

confuse or intimidate them.

If a real problem arises, “hold their hand” through solving it and contact a service team member if

necessary. Any serious issues should be addressed by the Service Unit Specialist and/or Membership

Manager.

Remember that new leaders may need you more the first month than the third, and as they continue to

develop skills, take a step back a little more each month.

Chapter 8: Engagement and Tips for Working with New

Leaders

19 | P a g e GSCP2P 6/2014

Give them all the considerations you give your friends. Express an interest in how things are going but

don’t check up on them. Don’t wait for them to call and ask for help or clarification. They many not realize

they need help until you ask.

As a New Leader Coach, you will help new leaders with that critical first year as a new troop leader. You will pass

on an extraordinary gift to new leaders --your time, knowledge and experience.

You will:

Take action by initiating the first call with new leaders.

Inspire new leaders to see their progress and to complete training.

Share your knowledge and experience answering questions about completing forms, setting up and

managing a troop bank account, and checking for accuracy.

Encourage new leaders when they have moments of doubt and to help them find the satisfaction in their

work.

Lead new leaders in creating the agenda for the first troop parents meeting and by attending the meeting

and helping to answer the question.

Create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for new leaders by reminding them of Service Unit meetings and

introducing them to other volunteers.

Challenge new leaders to identify their strengths and interests and plan a troop calendar.

THINK ABOUT IT:

If your new leader is unable to attend Service Unit meetings, what advice might you give her?

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Training Overview:

Learning session opportunities are offered in various locations across the 40 counties. Face-to-face training

sessions offer you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with others. Face-to-face sessions may be

facilitated by volunteer facilitators or council staff. You may search for sessions on the online calendar>>>>>

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/Learning-Calendar-for-print.pdf

Online training sessions are available and offer to the new leader as an option to work on, on their own time.

Online courses can be found by clicking on this link>>> http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/training-overview and then

clicking on the appropriate heading in the green box to the left on that link.

There are many courses available to the volunteer.

We have required learning sessions: http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/required-licenses-certifications and

enrichment sessions: http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/img/Leader_Enrichment_Links.pdf. Required courses are

needed for certain events and activities in order to give the girls a safe learning experience. Enrichment courses or

sessions allow you to build your skills in many areas. You can learn a new craft or skill and even have opportunities

to gain experience from other leaders or volunteers.

You will find information about the Ed Whitmire Scholarship Fund on the Training Overview page. This fund

supports volunteer learning in Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. The purpose of this scholarship is to enable

our registered volunteers who might not have the means to attend courses and events throughout the year to

have the chance to go!

Also on the training overview page, you will find a link to forms, learning record card, and a list of common Face-

to-Face courses.

Volunteer Tips and Tools:

You will find suggestions on everything from successful product sales to crafts to building relationships to troop

websites. Take time to browse and make yourself familiar with all this page has to offer, not only for the new

leader, but for yourself as well. We are constantly searching for new and valuable ideas and best practices to share

with our volunteers on this page. And you can help us build this page by sharing useful resources you find! If you

have something to share, please send it to Katherine Parsons at kparsons@girlscoutsp2p.org

Chapter 9: Website Resource Links

A very important part of what you do is help new leaders with resources and

learning opportunities. Becoming very familiar with everything the council

website has to offer will help you provide your new leaders with the knowledge

and skills necessary to offer the highest quality programming to the girls.

Remember-learning and developing new skills are a part Girl Scouting! Adult

learning sessions help them become a knowledgeable, skilled volunteer who will

be confident and competent to lead girls, while still having fun! Look for the

OWL on the home page of the council website.

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Click here>>> http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/volunteers/volunteer-tips-and-tools to access this wonderful page

filled with a wealth of information and links. Whether it’s a PDF on how to do a flag ceremony, Quick Start toolkits

for Daisy, Brownie and Junior leaders, how to build parent support or even brushing up on your outdoor skills,

you’ll want to be familiar with all it has to offer.

Volunteer Reference Materials:

Starting out as a Girl Scout volunteer can be intimidating. You can help the new leader by pointing out this page

which provides them with a go-to place for key information and resources. Whether you are a new leader, or

experienced, a trainer or inquiring parent, this toolbox will help orientate you as you begin your Girl Scout Journey.

http://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/volunteers/volunteer-reference-materials

Access the following resources to assist you in your role as a New Leader Coach.

Volunteer Learning website

Leader Enrichment ideas

Volunteer Essentials Reference Guide

Volunteer Essentials – Lead On!

Discover Guide

Safety Activity Checkpoints

o 2013 Safety Activity Checkpoint changes

o Riflery

THINK ABOUT IT: Where else might you find materials and ideas to support new leaders? What local resources (people, places, things) can you suggest to support new leaders with activities, advice and ideas? What enrichment courses would the volunteers in your Service Unit enjoy? What courses will build skills for working with their girls? Where might you find people who can present enrichment courses on those topics?

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It is always fun to wrap up with a celebration, and here’s a new celebratory suggestion from GSCP2P that the New Leader Coach can share with volunteers:

Adult Recognitions

Any individual or group that has helped in making the Girl Scout

experience good for girls is someone that is appreciated and should be

thanked. There are several awards that new leaders can earn and/or

be nominated for. As the Service Unit New Leader Coach, you can alert

the SU Recognitions Specialist to an outstanding new leader with the

Growing Green Award. This award recognizes the first year leader who

has completed required leader training (Leadership License), a

full/complete year as the troop leader, and has done an exceptional

job of delivering Girl Scout experiences to their troop. This award is

usually presented at Service Unit awards ceremonies. Volunteer

receives a certificate

Shining Volunteer Award is another award that recognizes registered

troop parents and other registered Girl Scout adults with ties to girls in

a troop. This award may be presented at the troop or Service Unit

level. Volunteer receives certificate; girl member receives patch.

The Trefoil Troop Award. This award recognizes troops who have had well-rounded, diversified program during

the membership year. This award may be presented at the troop or Service Unit level. Troop receives certificate to

purchase patches/numerals for troop members.

And now, Service Unit New Leader Coach, you’re on your way! You’ve examined your strengths and made plans to

grow, and with staff and volunteer teams, you’ll be doing the same thing for your Service Unit. Your appointment

is for one year, but we hope that you’ll consider it at least a three year term.

Your guidance will help volunteers deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more girls, building girls of

courage, confidence, and character, who will truly make the world a better place! Thank you for your commitment

to Girl Scouting.

To receive credit for completing this course, please send the following information to training@girlscoutsp2p.org

or GSCP2P, 530 Fourth Street SW, Hickory, NC 28602.

Name

Address

Service Unit

The most valuable part of this learning session was:

I need more information about:

Wrap Up