service unit jumpstart for new troop leaders · leadership essentials - required within 3 months of...

September16RevisedSeptember16|1

Welcome New Troop Leader Thank you for saying YES and helping girls today, to become leaders of tomorrow! Your generous commitment gives girls an opportunity to discover new skills, connect with others locally and globally, and take action to make a difference in the world as a part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. As you give girls the gift of your time and mentorship, you will also benefit in knowing the important role you played in their leadership journey!

Online Resources for You This publication will provide a short overview of getting started as new troop leader including your application process, training opportunities, and planning for your first meeting with parents and girls.

• GSCTX Volunteer Orientation: your introduction to Girl Scouts of Central Texas and prerequisite to this course.

• New Leader Handbook: A MUST have for new Troop Leaders! This handbook provides basic information for new Leaders to begin leading their troop. Receive New Leader Handbook from SUD or download from www.gsctx.org : Volunteers – Volunteer Resources – New Leader Handbook

• Girl Scouting101: http://gsuniversity.girlscouts.org/course/girl-scouting-101/ Password: about GS101 • Volunteer Systems (VS): is the entire system that “houses” MyGS, Member Profile, and Volunteer Toolkit.

1. The Volunteer Tool Kit (VTK): is a customizable digital planning tool for troop leaders that includes curriculum, meeting plans, troop planner, and financial tools.

2. MyGS: https://gsmembers.force.com/members/login your portal to Volunteer Systems and the Volunteer Toolkit.

3. Member Profile: this is the location where members may change/update your personal information and troop leaders may change/update their troop information.

• Volunteer Essentials (VE): is a guide for volunteers that outlines policy, procedure, and rules for guiding girls through the Girl Scout program. It was developed by GSUSA and is customized by GSCTX. This document is designed to be easy to follow, and comprehensive. *Note – it is a living document and subject to change. www.gsctx.org: Volunteers – Volunteer Resources – Volunteer Essentials

• Safety Activity Checkpoints: are safety guidelines for activities in girl scouts from camping to traveling. PLEASE NOTE: this is a living document and subject to change.

www.gsctx.org: Volunteers – Volunteer Resources – Safety Checkpoints • “Girl or Adult Health History Record”, “Permission for Meetings, Media, Day Trips, and Treatment”,

“Troop Travel Application”, and Other Troop Forms: there is some paperwork necessary with leading a Troop. Forms can be found at www.gsctx.org in our Forms Library.

National: Girl Scouts of the USA GSUSA website: www.girlscouts.org

Your Council: Girl Scouts of Central Texas Council website: www.gsctx.org

Service Unit Jumpstart for New Troop Leaders


Your Service Unit Communication with your Service Unit is essential. Service Unit meetings are the place for you to find out what is happening in your area and receive information on GSCTX program and events. It is also a great opportunity to network with new and experienced Troop Leaders. A Service Unit is run by key volunteers called a Service Team, which consists of trained volunteers and a member of GSCTX staff.

Troop #: Service Unit #: Registration Area:

Service Unit Name: Service Unit Meeting day, time, location:

Service Unit Director (SUD):

Phone: Email:

Service Unit Registrar (SUR):

Phone: Email:

Service Unit Treasurer (SUT): Phone: Email:

Troop Coach: Phone: Email:

Membership Development Executive (MDE):

Phone: Email:

Girl Scout Program Levels

Girl Scout Daisies Kindergarten and 1st grade

Girl Scout Brownies 2nd and 3rd grade

Girl Scout Juniors 4th and 5th grade

Girl Scout Cadettes 6th, 7th and 8th grade

Girl Scout Seniors 9th and 10th grade

Girl Scout Ambassadors 11th and 12th grade


Welcome to Girl Scouting! Girl Scouts is the largest service organization for girls in the world and we thank you for volunteering! As a troop leader, you will help girls build courage, confidence, and character; while also helping them: ● Discover: Girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world. ● Connect: Girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally. ● Take Action: Girls act to make the world a better place.

Each level has its own age-appropriate activities as well as different uniform and insignia (pins, patches, badges, etc.). Moving from one level to another is called "bridging" to the next level by completing specific steps outlined in their handbooks.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas Council’s Jurisdiction: Girl Scouts of Central Texas covers a large regional territory, which includes San Angelo, Bryan, College Station, Brownwood, Waco, Killeen, Temple, Austin, and San Marcos. This territory is divided into 4 areas and includes 8 Service Centers and 4 resident camps. Weconnect over 46 counties spanning central Texas. We have over 17,500 girls and nearly 13,000 adult volunteers experiencing new adventures every single day and making friendships that will last a lifetime. The commitment of our volunteers provides for quality experiences for our girls.

Youth Development Goals The success of the Girl Scout program is directly attributed to the organization’s four fundamental goals for each girl. These goals are discussed in each training and a part of all handbooks and printed materials. Leaders learn how to develop Girl Scout program activities that will directly help each girl achieve these goals:

• To develop to her fullest individual potential • To learn to relate to others with increased understanding, skill and respect • To develop values to guide her actions and provide a foundation for sound decision making • To contribute to the improvement of society through the use of her abilities and leadership skill, working in

cooperation with others. Girls who participate in Girl Scouting have an opportunity to develop confidence, make lifelong friends, and discover new skills and talents.

Progression of “Girl-Led” Concept Progression is key to the way Girl Scouts learn about the world around them. In practice, progression means using common sense when preparing for experiences - one-step at a time. Progression is equallyimportant in Girl Scouting. As you can see in the graph below, as a Daisy, adults are leading 90% of the meeting and Daisies are contributing 10% to the meeting. For example, Daisies might hand out snack or craft supplies. In contrast, when girls are Seniors, the girls are leading 90% of the meeting and the Leader is leading 10% of the meeting.

Girl Scout


Leadership Experience

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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 Law Girl Scouts live by is: I will do my best to be:

honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,

and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place. and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

5 Short Term and Intermediate Outcomes • Sense of self: girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive

identities • Positive values: girls act ethically, honestly, responsibly, and show their concern for

others • Challenge seeking: girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they may fail, and

learn from their mistakes • Healthy relationships: girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by

communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively • Community problem solving: girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and

meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community and create “action plans”to solve them


Girl Scout Leadership Development Checklist

Complete area below and submit to Volunteer Services to keep your training record up to date!

Troop Number: Troop Leader Signature: Date:

SU Report Code: SU Director Signature: Date:

Print Troop Leader Name: Print SUD Name:

Date Completed First Steps Using MYGS, register as an adult, add role as Leader

Submit Criminal Background Check online (to be renewed every 3 years) www.gsctx.org – Volunteer – Volunteer Resources – Online Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Complete GSCTX Volunteer Orientation (online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website) www.gsctx.org

Complete Jumpstart Training with Service Unit Director (THIS training)

Receive New Leader Handbook from SUD or download from www.gsctx.org

Submit signed Troop Leader Volunteer Position Description to your Service Unit Director

Meet with Troop Coach (as needed)

Leadership Essentials - Required within 3 months of becoming a Troop Leader. (opportunities in person (register through eBiz on the GSCTX website) or online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website www.gsctx.org)

First Aider – All troop meeting and troop activities must have at least one adult volunteer in attendance that is First- Aid/CPR-certified. Visit the adult event calendar for a list of First Aid/CPR approved certifying organizations.

Date Completed Troop Bank Accounts

Complete Money Manager Training- Required for anyone planning to be a co-signer on a troop or SU bank account (opportunities in person (register through eBiz on the GSCTX website) or online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website www.gsctx.org)

Submit signed Co-Signer Agreement to Service Unit Treasurer

Contact Service Unit Treasurer to open Troop bank account

Troop Bank Account opened. Account # Date Completed Meetings

Schedule a parent meeting. You are going to need help! At the parent meeting, ask parents to volunteer for Cookie Coordinator, Fall Product Coordinator, Co-Leader, or Troop Treasurer. (see page 10 for more information)

Co-Leader Name:

Meeting location set • Check with school, church, library, community center, etc. • See page 13 for more information about meetings

Meeting frequency and Length • Frequency: Ranges from once a week to twice per month, to once per month • Length: Ranges from 1-3 hours each depending on the age of the girls and frequency of meetings

Attend 6 Service Unit Meetings (list dates:___________________________________________________)


Other Trainings

Let’s GO! 1, 2, 3 – Encompasses all three Let’s GO! courses in one overnight session. This class is a skills based class so the participant must attend the daylong course. (Length approximately 16 hours).

Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About - Required for troops taking day trips and overnight trips. This class will cover required paperwork, safety-wise ratios, budget, places to go, things to do, etc. A refresher will be required every three years and will be offered as one of the following - classroom setting, online course, or home study. (3 hour course)

Let’s GO! 2 - Fire, Food, and Fun - Required for troops that want to build a campfire in order to have s'mores at their simple overnight. This class is a skills based class so the participant must attend the 3-hour class. Prerequisite – Let’s Go! 1 - Out and About

Let’s GO! 3 – Outdoors – Allows girls and volunteers to expand their horizons and move out of buildings and into the outdoors. It is the third step in the Let’s Go training plan. This class is a skills based class so the participant must attend the daylong course. Prerequisite – Let’s GO! 1 – Out and About AND Let’s GO! 2- Fire, Food, and Fun.

Let’s GO! Course Recertification - Let’s GO! 1, 2, 3, and Comprehensive require a recertification every three years. The recertification will address any policy, safety or forms and reporting changes that have occurred. Recertification will be an online course.

Let’s GO the Extra Mile! (extended travel) - Required for troops traveling for more than two nights/three days, regional, national, and international. This class is offered online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website www.gsctx.org Prerequisite – Let’s Go! 1 - Out and About

Chaperone course – (Optional-per troop leader or Service Unit’s discretion)- For all adults who will be traveling with the troop. Will cover the key points from Out and About & Extended Travel to ensure that all adults understand the importance of being a chaperone, proper behavior, and safety-wise requirements. This class is offered online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website www.gsctx.org

Online Training & Resources

Girl Scouting101 http://gsuniversity.girlscouts.org/course/girl-scouting-101/ Password: about GS101

New Leader Handbook – www.gsctx.org (Volunteer – Volunteer Resources – Troop Leader Resources) Volunteer Essentials – www.gsctx.org (Volunteer – Volunteer Resources --- Volunteer Essentials) Safety Activity Checkpoints - www.gsctx.org (Volunteer – Volunteer Resources – Safety Activity Checkpoints) Troop Leader Resources – www.gsctx.org (Volunteer – Volunteer Resources – Troop Leader Resources)

Volunteer Tool Kit: www.gsctsx.org (MYGS – VTK) Books and Publications

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for each grade level and are available at your local Girl Scout retail shop Journeys Books – Adult Guide & Girl Books for GS troop grade levels are available at your local Girl Scout retail shop Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting


STEPS to Girl Scout Leadership Time Expectations of a

Girl Scout Leader

STEP 1 Have the Right Stuff: • The time and desire to make a difference

• A willingness to be a positive role model

STEP 2 Begin with the Right Stuff: • Meet with the Service Unit Director or another

appropriate Service Team member • Review Jumpstart to Girl Scout Leadership with

Service Unit Director or another Service Team member

STEP 3 Do the Right Stuff: • Complete Criminal Background Check every 3

years • Become a registered Girl Scout Adult • Meet with Service Unit Treasurer to open Troop

bank account

• Schedule a parent meeting

STEP 4 Acquire the Right Stuff: • Utilize Volunteer Tool Kit to plan year • Attend Leadership Essentials Training within 3

months of orientation

Please note that any of the items listed below can be done by an adult member of your Troop

Each Week, every other week or monthly:

• 1 to 2 hours meetings • 1 to 2 hours researching, planning and

gathering of supplies

Each Month: • 1 hour Service Unit meeting • 1 to 2 hours paperwork • 1 to 2 hours telephone calls/emails

Throughout the Year: ☺ Events for leaders ☺ Community Service Projects ☺ Field Trips ☺ Camping Trips ☺ GSCTX Events www.gsctx.org ☺ Community events

☺ Leadership enrichment workshops

Troop Finances

• Girl Scout bank accounts are required.

• All co-signers on Girl Scout bank accounts must attend Money Manager Training (opportunities in person (register through eBiz on the GSCTX website) or online on the Volunteer Training page on the GSCTX website www.gsctx.org) and submit a Co-Signer Agreement

• Troop banking activity (deposits and expenses) must be communicated at each troop meeting to girls and parents of the troop

• Troop finances help pay for Girl Scout activities.

• In addition to troop funds from product sales, some troops ask for additional funds from families (troop dues).

• Before you ask for dues, be sure to plan the year with your girls. There may be strong commitment to product sales making additional dues unnecessary.

• Retain receipts. All troops are required to submit a Troop Report of Banking Activity to their Service Unit Treasurer by May 1.

• It is recommended that troops purchase a receipt book to track payments and provide receipts to parents.


Girl Scout Membership

Membership Year • Begins October 1 and continues through September 30 of the following year. • On Time Registration

o Membership registration completed and submitted prior to October 1 is considered On time. • Early Bird Registration

o Members that re-register for the next program year before July 29th are considered Early Bird. o Girls re-registering by July 29th receive an Early Bird Patch.

• Girls and adults may be added to the troop all year long!

Membership Dues • Girls and Adults pay annually. • Dues are non-refundable and may not be transferred to another member. • Sent by Girl Scouts of Central Texas directly to GSUSA. None of these dues stay within our council. • Once a member is registered with Girl Scouts of Central Texas, she/he also becomes a member of

GSUSA. • During the online membership registration process, there is a section where you can make a monetary

contribution to the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. If you make a donation, it will stay within our council and provide financial assistance to girls who would not be able to participate in the Girl Scout program otherwise.

• Adults may register as Lifetime Members for a one-time fee. Membership fees provide for: • Supplemental accident insurance for all members. • Development of Girl Scout programs and materials.

How to Join Girl Scouts Below are step-by-step instructions to help you join Girl Scouts for an amazing Girl Scout year.

NOTE: MyGS is continually making improvements. Some things may look a little differently.

1. Go to www.gsctx.org 2. Click ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS 3. Click JOIN 4. Enter the girl and family information. 5. Enter zip code to search for a troop. 6. A list of Troop Opportunities will be displayed. 7. Scroll until a troop is found that fits the needs of the girl. 8. Note: meeting dates for new troops are tentative. When adult leaders sign up, they will arrange

meeting times. 9. Complete the remaining membership information. 10. Pay for membership. Pay online by credit card. 11. If paying by cash or check, use a paper registration form. 12. Financial partnership is available through online membership by checking box to request financial

partnership.


What is a Parent Meeting? Parent Meetings can be held twice a year, quarterly, or as often as necessary. It is advisable to have another volunteer there to help in the first few parent meetings until you feel more comfortable with your position of troop leader. Don’t be afraid to ask your Service Unit Director, Troop Coach, Troop or School Organizer or an experienced leader to help you. Before the troop starts meeting, a parent meeting should be held to discuss expectations for the troop. Ask yourself these questions to help plan the parent meeting: when, where, activities for girls, etc.

The First Parents Meeting Agenda • Introductions

o My name is / My co-Leader’s name is o What does Girl Scouts mean to you? Were you a Girl Scout? Adult share Girl Scout Experience

• What do Girl Scouts do? o Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scout Law & Mission Statement o Plans for the Troop (badges, Journeys) o Troop Meetings & Field Trips – discuss ideas o Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (handbook) o Fall Product & Cookies

• Plan your meeting time and place o Frequency – Ranges from once a week to once a month. o Length – 1-3 hours each depending on the age of the girls and the frequency of the meetings. o Location – Check with your local school, church, recreational center, library, or homes.

• Parent permission forms o Needed outside of normal meeting time o Sensitive issues o Parent Permission slip for Meetings & Day Trips o Girl and Adult Health History Record

• Best form of communication o Decide as a troop o Phone, email, yahoo group, Facebook, text, etc.

• Uniforms o Members must have a membership pin. o The tunic, vest, or sash is suggested when girls are participating in official Girl

Scout activities.

• Finances o Product Sales o Troop Dues o Expenses: girl involvement, parent involvement o Membership Assistance & Financial Partnership

• Requirements for Membership o GSUSA membership form & registration dues for each girl o Adults working who will be working directly with the girls, participating regularly in troop meetings,

driving or traveling with your troop on trips or events, or handling money must be registered. o Girl Scout year is from October 1 to September 30 o Register online at www.gsctx.org MYGS

• Criminal Background Check o All adults working who will be working directly with the girls, participating regularly in troop meetings,

driving or traveling with your troop on trips or events, or handling money must complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) every three years.

o To process CBC, visit www.gsctx.org • How you can support your daughter?

o Register as an adult Girl Scout o Volunteer to be on the troop committee or to be 2nd adult at troop meetings o Attend trainings that will allow your daughter’s troop to attend other outings. o Hand out Volunteer Interest form for adults to complete and return to you.


PARENTS WE NEED YOU! Girl Scouting provides the best opportunities for girls when

families take part in the management and activities of the troop. Without adequate support, it is difficult for a troop to exist.

Parent/Guardian Name: Telephone:

Email address:

Girl’s Name: School: Grade:

All adults have experiences and talents to bring to the troop and it is my hope that we all have the opportunity to learn from one another. The girls are THRILLED when they are able to assist family with their position and I am THRILLED to know that I can count on all of you to help make it a great experience for the girls. Below is a list of positions to be filled to maximize your daughters scouting experience.

LEADER – Attends necessary training, guides the troop, ensures the appropriate safety is followed.

Attends Service Unit meetings and communicates Service Unit Events and other important information. Full Position description is available.

LEADER – Each troop needs 2 adults in leadership position. Possibly the co-signer on the bank account. Attends necessary training, guides the troop, and ensures the appropriate safety is followed.

TREASURER- Possibly the co-signer on the bank account. Manages the troop finances, reconciles bank account, and communicates with Troop Leader on a regular basis. Completes and submits Troop Report of Banking Activity to SUT by May 1st. Shares Troop Finance reports and/or statements with parents at meetings.

FIELD TRIP / CAMP COORDINATOR - Find and organize exciting and fun trips for the troop. Ensure that emergency information is provided and coordinate drivers. Assist in camp planning, certifications, readiness, possibly backyard camping trip, swaps, etc. Does not necessary have to attend camp, but assist in coordinating.

SPECIAL EVENT COORDINATOR OR TEAM – Assist leader in Coordinating Investiture ceremony Holiday party and end of year party. This team is not expected to do all of the work, but should be able to delegate, oversee, and manage the events.

THINKING DAY COORDINATOR OR TEAM- Coordinate Thinking Day, solicit volunteers for thinking day. This person is not expected to do all of the work for Thinking Day, but should be able to delegate, oversee, and manage the event. March event.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR OR TEAM - Coordinate community service projects for our troop to participate in.

FALL PRODUCT SALES COORDINATOR- Attend Fall Product Sales training meeting, facilitate training for GS parents and for GS. Coordinate our troop Fall Product Sale, which is a great money- earning activity for the troop. This is not as time consuming as cookies, but is a FAST sale which only last 10-11 days in October, but has the potential to bring a considerable amount of funds to our troop.

COOKIE COORDINATOR- Attend cookie training meeting, facilitate meeting for GS parents and for girls. Coordinate cookie sales: order cookies, pick up cookies, distribute cookies, handle, manage, balance money for cookie sales. This time consuming, however, it only lasts 2 months per year (Jan-Feb). This person needs to be VERY organized, and good with numbers and money. This is a great fundraiser.

COOKIE BOOTH COORDINATOR- Attend cookie training meeting with cookie coordinator, assist in facilitating meeting for GS parents and for Girl Scouts. Order booths for troop and for girls, watch for open booths and try to fill them. This again is time consuming, but only for 2 months (Jan-Feb). Assist cookie coordinator.


ADULT INTEREST CHECKLIST

Name:

Address:

Street City State Zip Code Telephone: (Day) _ (Evening) Date:

Email Address:

Parents/Guardians of our Girl Scouts often ask how they can help the troop to which their daughter belongs. The following checklist will help the troop leader know the areas in which parents can give their time. The time given whether an hour, a day, or a week - will be greatly appreciated & needed. Every parent needs to hold a position, and this will help us determine your line of interest. Please check those things you will be willing to do if your daughter's Girl Scout troop needs them:

For an occasional troop meeting:

Lend your house: let us use it for meetings, parties, cookouts, baking, etc. Help with the paperwork: Make copies; fill out forms, filing needs Sponsor: Be one or help us find one. A sponsor can assist our troop with events, supplies, or meeting space. First-Aider: Currently certified in First Aid and CPR or are willing to become certified. Be a driver for Field Trips: Have current vehicle registration and insurance – you can help us get from here to there Be the adult that is trained to take us to go on trips, overnights, and camping. Telephone Contact: Make those reminder calls…meetings, what to bring, field trips… Interest Group Consultant: Check off your interests below and make arrangements to share them with our troop Badge work Coordinator: Keep individual records of the badge requirements completed by each girl Provide babysitting: for the leader/co-leader/adult aid during meeting time.

Be a Safety Wise adult: Attend troop meetings regularly as 2nd adult to help however needed. Attend Service Unit Meetings for Troop

Circle best time for meeting: Any time After school Evenings Weekends

I have interests in the following and am willing to share my interest with the troop: ____Cooking ____Sewing ____Arts & Crafts ____First Aid ____Games ____Dramatics ____Music ____Sports ____Out of Doors ____Other______________________________

I am able to drive girls in my vehicle (each girl will have her own seat belt).

Driver License# & Exp. Date__________________________________________________________

Car Insurance Co. _____________________________Policy # ______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:

Thank you for being involved in the troop. Adult involvement adds to the success of the troop. The troop leaders are volunteers and need your help to do their job thoroughly. We hope you and your family have a wonder Girl Scout year!


Health History Record and Meeting Permission Forms Have the parents fill out the “Girl or Adult Health History Record” and the “Permission for Meetings, Media, Day Trips, and Treatment”. These forms can be found at www.gsctx.org in our Forms Library. You will keep these with you at all troop meetings and activities. Keep in mind that information from a health examination is confidential and may be shared only with people who must know this information (such as the girl herself, her parent/guardian, and a health practitioner). For various reasons, some parents/guardians may object to immunizations or medical examinations. Councils must attempt to make provisions for these girls to attend Girl Scout functions in a way that accommodates these concerns. It is important for you to be aware of any medications a girl or adult may take or present allergies they may have.

• Medication, including over-the-counter products, must never be dispensed without prior written permission from a girl’s custodial parent or guardian. Some girls may need to carry and administer their own medications, such as bronchial inhalers, an EpiPen, or diabetes medication.

• Ask whether anyone is allergic to peanuts, dairy products, or wheat! Even Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies should be aware of their allergies, but double-checking with their parents/guardians is always a good idea.

• A new Health History form should be completed every year. • If a girl in your troop has differing abilities and you need additional guidance, please visit the Girl Scouts for All

webpage on the GSCTX website under our Program-Ways to Participate-Girl Scouts for All- or contact [email protected] for more information.

Knowing How Many Adults You Need Girl Scouts has established adult-to-girl ratios, a chart that shows the minimum number of adults needed to supervise a specific number of girls.

Group Meetings

Group Meetings Series, travel and camping

Series, travel and camping

Two non-related adults (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls

One additional adult to each additional:

Two unrelated adults (at least one of whom is female) for each number of girls

One additional adult to each additional:

Daisy 12 6 6 4

Brownie 20 8 12 6

Junior 25 10 16 8

Cadette 25 12 20 10

Senior 30 15 24 12

Ambassador 30 15 24 12

Safety-Wise Adults vs. First-Aiders

• “Safety-Wise Adults” refers to the number of adults needed to meet the adult-to-girl ratios as specified in Safety-Wise. At least one of these must be an adult female not related to the other adults. These persons should not be related by blood, marriage or living in the same household.

• First-Aider: A Girl Scout First-Aider is an adult who has taken Girl Scout council-approved First Aid and CPR training (see Safety-Wise for a list of approved courses). A First-Aider must accompany the troop on all events/trips away from the troop meeting and during a troop meeting if the planned activity will be physically demanding or involves the potential for injury.


GSCTX Emergency Procedures Although you hope the worst never happens, you must observe GSCTX procedures for handling accidents and fatalities. At the scene of an accident, first provide all possible care for the sick or injured person. Follow established GSCTX procedures for obtaining medical assistance and immediately reporting the emergency. To do this, you must always have on hand the names and telephone numbers of GSCTX staff, parents/guardians, and emergency services such as the police, fire department, or hospital emergency technicians.

The GSCTX Emergency call number is 800-733-0011 (press option 9) After receiving a report of an accident, GSCTX staff will immediately arrange for additional assistance at the scene, if needed, and will notify parents/guardians, as appropriate. If a child needs emergency medical care as the result of an accident or injury, first contact emergency medical services, and then follow GSCTX procedures for accidents and incidents. Your adherence to these procedures is critical, especially with regard to notifying parents or guardians. If the media is, involved, let GSCTX-designated staff discuss the incident with these representatives. In the event of a fatality or other serious accident, notify the police. A responsible adult must remain at the scene at all times. In the case of a fatality, do not disturb the victim or surroundings. Follow police instructions. Do not share information about the accident with anyone but the police, GSCTX, and, if applicable, insurance representatives or legal counsel. When calling the Emergency Answering Service number please supply the answering service with the following: State the emergency and degree of severity, your name, phone number, and location. You will be called right back; remain at the location and keep phone available until contacted by GSCTX representative. Report as much information as possible to the GSCTX representative, including name(s) of victim(s) and the parent/guardian’s emergency phone numbers. The GSCTX representative will contact the parent/guardian. DO NOT make any statements orally, or in writing, which could be interpreted as either an assumption or rejection of responsibility for the accident. Remember, notification of kin is the responsibility of the designated GSCTX spokesperson. Prepare a written report of the occurrence (see “Record in Writing-Accident & Incident Report” above) and participate in other follow-up if asked. In the event of minor illness: Call a parent/guardian to come for the child. Do not leave a child unattended. If a volunteer takes a girl home, assure that there is someone at the girl’s residence to care for her. In the event of a minor accident: Immediately give First Aid treatment, transport to an emergency room or doctor’s office if necessary and telephone parent. Ask the parent/guardian to come to the site of treatment. If parent(s)/guardian cannot be reached, call the person designated to act in an emergency. Continue to try to reach the parent(s)/guardian so they may assume responsibility for medical decisions. Remain with the child until parent is present. Record in writing-Accident & Incident Report Conditions existing at the time of the accident; names and addresses of witnesses; order of events following the accident; and any medical attention, opinion or instructions received from parents. Notify the GSCTX office as soon as possible within 24 hours and submit a GSCTX Accident & Incident Report. Submit completed insurance forms and a copy of the GSCTX Accident & Incident Report to the GSCTX Office. Serious Accident, Emergency, or Fatality Assess scene safety and proceed once safety is ensured. Attend to the injured by checking for consciousness, breathing, signs of circulation and bleeding. Secure doctor, ambulance, police or clergy as appropriate. This may include calling 911. In the event of a fatality or serious accident, always notify the police. Provide all possible care for the sick or injured. Retain a responsible adult at the scene of the accident. See that no disturbance of victim(s) or surroundings is permitted until the police have assumed authority. Ensure the safety of any children at the scene and initiate crowd control. Property Emergencies In the event of property emergencies (i.e., plumbing, electrical, vandalism, etc.), contact the appropriate Site Manager or call the GSCTX Emergency Answering Service at 512-703-8262. Provide the following information when calling: State your name and type of emergency, degree of severity of emergency, your location and or name of property and provide a phone number where you can be called right back.


GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL TEXAS

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION

VOLUNTEER POSITION:

Troop, Co-Leader, Group or Assistant Leader

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Provide direction and support to girls through program emphasis of Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Appointed by and accountable to the Service Unit Director (SUD) and the

Member Services staff for a one-year term (October 1 – September 30). QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be in good standing with the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

• Be a registered adult member of Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA).

• Have a Criminal Background Check on file at GSCTX.

• Accept and adhere to the purpose and principles of the Girl Scout movement and the goals of GSUSA and the Central Texas Council.

• Ability and willingness to make decisions, delegate responsibility and work with adults from diverse backgrounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in Jump Start with SUD, Troop Organizer, or Troop Coach.

• View GSCTX Leader Orientations online and review Volunteer Essentials online before meeting with troop for the first time.

• Complete Leadership Essentials training within 3 months of meeting with your troop.

• Ensure that the troop’s adult members working with the girls or handling money are registered members and have a Volunteer Application and Criminal Background Check on file at GSCTX.

• Maintain a balanced set of program activities keeping in mind:

o The Girl Scout Promise and Law

o Program Goals: Discover, Connect, Take Action

• Ensure that National and Council policies, standards, and procedures (Safety Activities Checkpoints and Volunteer Essentials) are upheld.

• Meet with the troop on a regular basis.

• Ensure troop financial records are maintained and communicated to members of troop.

• Submit Troop Report of Banking Activity with a copy of the latest bank account statement to the Service Unit Treasurer each year by specified date.

• Be familiar with Girl Scout Program resources available to both you and the girls served.

• Attend or appoint a representative to attend the monthly Service Unit meetings.

• Use effective communication skills.

• Keep up to date on what is happening in Girl Scouts locally and nationally. • Be familiar with the concepts inherent in Girl Scouting, such as girl/adult partnership, pluralism, gender

equity, and positive role models.

• Provide the opportunity for girls to participate in service projects throughout the program year.




service unit jumpstart for new troop leaders · leadership essentials - required within 3 months of...

Documents