Welcome to training in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Whatever your Girl Scout role, you help bring Girl Scouting to the girls in our council. You are vital to the success of the organization. Girl Scout training is one of the many resources available to you.

Training will help you gain skills and confidence to meet your volunteer responsibilities, and help you have an interesting and exciting Girl Scout experience. You may find our training useful in your personal and professional life as well!

Training in this council is organized through the Volunteer Development Program (VDP). The VDP provides courses that are appropriate for volunteers at all levels of experience. The Training Plan for Volunteers can help you identify helpful courses.

Through participation in the VDP, you can earn certifications and insignia, much like girls earn badges. The insignia denote that a volunteer has completed a specified series of courses.

Courses are taught by trained volunteers. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Council Trainer complete a Trainer Application and a series of four Job Orientation for Council Trainers courses. Trainer candidates then co-train with an experienced trainer who serves as their mentor.

Learning opportunities are provided through the generous support of the corporate community, individuals and the United Way of Greater St. Louis, as well as the council product sale activities.

Courses offered through the Volunteer Development Program:

• Interpret Girl Scout program, policies, standards and procedures.
• Provide Leaders, Co-leaders and Assistant Leaders with the information and resources needed to successfully manage a troop/group.
• Provide volunteer position skills training.
• Offer enrichment opportunities for all registered adults and Senior Girl Scouts.
• Help meet criteria listed in Safety-Wise for specific activities.

Courses are listed in the Volunteer Development Bulletin, published in the winter and summer. An online version of the publication is available in the Members Only section.

A Month-at-a-Glance calendar of courses is also available. See below for registration information.

More Training Opportunities are sometimes scheduled after publications have been printed. Check here to find the latest additions.

Home study courses are available through the council Web site and from district home study coordinators and district training managers.

Online registration is available for select courses. Enter the Members-Only section of the council Web site, open Programs/Training, and select Training. The option of registering via U.S. mail is still available for these courses. Registration for all other courses must be sent via U.S. mail.

Training registration forms can be downloaded from this Web site.

Complete registration information can be found in the Volunteer Development Bulletin, available through the Members Only, Publications section of this Web site.