Volunteer Training & Support
Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Education Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are these courses for?

• What courses can I take?

• What courses are required for volunteers?

• Is there a cost for these courses?

• May I use troop funds to pay for courses?

• How do I register for a course?

• Are there any classes offered online or as home study courses?

• Who are the instructors?

• What if I don't register for a course?  Can I still come?

• What if I register and then can't come?

• How do I know is a course has been cancelled?

• Is childcare provided?

• What should I bring to training?

• Will the Council Shop be open on "Training" Saturdays?

Who are these courses for?

v         A new leader or new co-leader of a Girl Scout troop.

v         Experienced troop leaders preparing for the next age level

v         An experienced Girl Scout volunteer who has relocated to the NOARK Council area.

v         Any volunteer who is new to the Girl scout organization

v         A leader looking for new skills to take to her troop.

These courses offer a way for new volunteers to share ideas with experienced volunteers to help solve problems, create partnerships, and reinforce the standards and traditions of Girl Scouting.  Often, volunteers learn as much from the networking and interaction of the class as from the resource materials used.

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Is there a cost for these courses?

There is no charge for V.I.P., Safety and Risk Management or Age Level courses.

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What courses are required for volunteers?

1. A Very Important Preview for Very Important People.  All new Leaders and Co-Leaders are required to take this.  We prefer that you take this BEFORE meeting with the girls or their parents if at all possible.

2. Volunteer Orientation is useful for obtaining foundational Girl Scout Leadership knowledge.

3. Safety & Risk Management introduces volunteers to our safety management system.

4. Age level courses are Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Older Girl.  These must be taken by every troop leader for the age level you work with.

5. A Troop First-Aider is required for some troop activities, does not have to be the troop leader.

6. Troop Cookie Manager needs to be a registered Girl Scout and complete the Volunteer Position Application.  She/He does not have to be the Troop Leader

7. Service Unit Chair, Treasurer, and Registrar trainings are arranged as needed.  Each Membership Specialist will coordinate Service Unit Team training within her areas.

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How to Register for A Course

 Register for all courses at least one week in advance unless otherwise noted.

Courses without Fees:               You may register by mail, fax, phone, or email for a course with no fees. 

Course with Fees:                      Register by mail if using a check or credit/debit card information.

                                                  Register by fax if using credit/debit card information.

                                                  Registration will not be processed without applicable fee enclosed.

 

Fees will not be refunded without a 24 hour cancellation notice. 

Fees will be refunded if the course is full or cancelled.

 

 Mail registration forms to:            Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas

                                                            2080 E. Joyce Blvd.

                                                            Fayetteville, AR  72703

                                                            Attn:  Registrar

 Fax registration forms to:                       (479) 695-1824

 Email registration to:                              ljones@girlscoutsdiamonds.org

 Phone  registration to:                           800-299-3914, ext. 1835   or 479-695-1835

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Online and Home Study Courses

Yes!  GSUSA has released a new version of the Online Volunteer Orientation (previously known as Girl Scout Basics online).  We have a flyer for you to print that talks about the training and gives directions on how to access the training.  There are certain IT Specs for PC or Mac that the computer you are using to take the training must have.  These are on the front of the flyer.  Click here for the flyer. Print it out (2 pages) to help you take the training.

This training is required for all new leaders and co-leaders but is recommended for ALL volunteers.  The training covers the new leadership module and programming changes going forward.

We are working on a "loaner" CD for those who have the appropriate computers but do not have internet access.  We are also working on a Home Study course as well.

Any questions please call Lani Froelich at (479) 695-1828 or email lfroelich@girlscoutsdiamonds.org

Daisy Age Level  is only offered as a home study course.  You may download the course here, or contact your Membership Specialist or the Adult Development Manager to complete this course.

Brownie Age Level and Junior Age Level training is now available as a home study course.  Although home-study lessons cannot compare to in-person training and interaction/sharing with other leaders, it is important that volunteers who cannot travel to regular council training events be afforded alternative opportunities to fulfill Council requirements to have age-level training. 

Contact Lani Froelich (479-695-1828) or your Membership Specialist to have either of these modules mailed to you.  Also available for download at our website.

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What if I don't register for a course?  Can I still come?

Only if you notify us first!  There may be times when we can’t accommodate a late registrant. On the other hand, a training might be cancelled if pre-registration is insufficient. Please pre-register through Lora Jones!

What if I register and then can't come?

We realize that sometimes it is necessary for you to cancel your registration.  Please try to give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel. Trainers prepare ahead for these courses and need to know how many are coming. We may be able to make room for another volunteer if the class size is limited.

How do I know if a course has been cancelled?

Classes with fewer than six registrants are subject to cancellation.  Council staff will do their best to notify everyone if a course is canceled for any reason.  In the event of severe weather conditions, please check our Weather Information Line at 1-479-695-1845. 

Is Child Care provided?

No.  This is an adult educational experience.  Children may detract from the learning environment.

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What should I bring to training?

• A pen or pencil and some paper to take notes.

• The Safety Wise and the appropriate age level resources. (Ex. Brownie Handbook, Try-It Book & Leaders Guide)  These books can be purchased through our Council Shop

• Your questions.

• If special items are required, they will be listed in your confirmation.

• Water or other beverage and any snacks or meals you require for your health and comfort.

A copy of Safety-Wise is given free at V.I.P. training, 1 per troop.  Additional copies may be purchased through the Council Shop.

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Yes, the Council Shop will be open for a limited time (to be determined later) on Saturdays when training is being held in Fayetteville.  This allows for the convenient purchase of Girl Scout books and supplies.

2007 - 2008 V. I. P.   Trainings At the NOARK Program/Service Center