Caring Adults

How can I be involved?
Different ways to volunteer.

Becoming a Girl Scout Volunteer

Are you an adult looking for an opportunity to be part of an established tradition that helps millions of girls each year lead positive and productive lives?

This page provides information for adults who are or would like to be involved in the Girl Scout movement-as volunteers, staff members, alumni, donors or supporters.

As a Girl Scout Volunteer, you can make a difference in the lives of young girls. With your support, they can overcome today's challenges and grow up to become the caring adults and responsible citizens of the 21st century. And the wide range of volunteer oppoturnities in Girl Scouting means you can contribute your own unique talents and the amount of time that feels most comfortable to you. If you want to work directly with girls throughout the year, you can do that. Or if you're a busy adult unable to make a long-term commitment, you could lend expertise for a specific short-term project or event.

And Girl Scouting offers rewards you may not have thought of. You can use your creativity in ways you don't normally experience in your day-to-day life, network with other similarly minded adults, and receive valuable training that may assist you in career advancement. But most of all, you have a chance to develop caring relations with young people and the satisfaction of knowing that girls in your community benefit from your services.

We invite you to join the 5,000 other Girl Scout volunteers in Lone Star Council, who are working to help shape the women of tomorrow. If you have a particular skill or interest you want to share, please call us at 512-453-7391.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Girl Scout volunteering isn't just about being a leader. Here's a sampling of the types of volunteers helping out at Lone Star Council.

Board Members use their skills to define goals, plan and manage change.

Service Project Specialists find service projects that girls can do to help their community.

Mentors orient new Girl Scout leaders and guide girls in exploring interests and careers.

Program Consultants share expertise on organizing activities for girls.

Public Relations Consultants act as liaisons with troops and local media to get publicity for service units.

Registrars provide administrative assistance and supervision in registering participants for events.

Speakers give one or more talks to help girls learn about a particular topic.

Troop/Group Leaders work directly with girls throughout the year, leading meetings and conducting activities.

Shop Assistants help customers to the Girl Scout Shop.

Mirrors Project consists of a large percentage of today's leading women who are grown-up Girl Scouts. The Mirrors Project is an effort to identify and reconnect these women to present-day Girl Scouting. The Mirrors Project also seeks to connect women who care about the future of today's girls but were not Girl Scouts as children. The name "Mirrors" was selected because women who participate will serve as "mirrors to the future"for today's Girl Scouts. They will be reflections of the promise and possibility that are inherent in the life of every girl. Through The Mirrors Project, the Lone Star Girl Scout Council seeks to enlist alumnae and friends for the following purposes:

provide role models for Girl Scouts

communicate to the community at large the message that many of today's female leaders are grown-up Girl Scouts

update grown-up Girl Scouts and friends so they have an accurate understanding of contemporary Girl Scouting

provide opportunities for interested alumnae and friends to be involved as volunteers, consultants, mentors or benefactors.

To learn what kinds of Girl Scout volunteers are needed in your area, call your local council.

 

Campus Girl Scouts

If you attend a college or other institution of higher learning and want to help girls grow, check out Campus Girl Scouting. As a Campus Girl Scout, you can help girls and your local Girl Scout council through such activities as conducting college tours for Senior Girl Scouts, assisting leaders on troop trips, and fundraising. You can also participate in group service projects, for example. Or you could assist on campus with freshman orientation or college mailings and publicity. Campus Girl Scout groups also sponsor recreational events that allow you to enjoy yourself with your peers in your own and other groups.

If you want to experience personal growth, learn marketable skills, and serve as a role model for girls, we invite you to join Campus Girl Scouts. To find out more, just pick up the phone and call us at 512-453-7391 ext. 129.

What training is available?

Shaping the Future...
An On-The-Job Training Program for Girl Scout Leaders and Volunteers

This leadership training program is designed to reflect the Girl Scout organization's commitment to change, to respond to the needs of girls in today's environment, and to achieve national and council goals for the future. For the most recent Schedule and Registration Forms contact the Adult Development Director at 512-453-7391 or 1-800-733-0011 ext. 122.

 

Orientation & Basic Leadership Training

Orientation

Orientation is the first step in the volunteer's preparation for her job as leader. Take Orientation with a service team member in the service unit or take a course listed in this training schedule.

Basic Leadership Training Part 1

The prerequisite for Basic Leadership Training (BLT) courses is Orientation. Basic Leadership Training courses are offered to all leaders and assistant leaders. All leaders can attend any Part 1 session regardless of their program level.

Basic Leadership Training Part 2 (Program Level)

During Part 2 of Basic Leadership Training, participants are in groups with other leaders in their program level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette/Senior) Previously trained leaders who are changing levels need only attend this Part 2 training course. It is recommended that leaders take program level (Part 2) training during the year of bridging (the year before a troop changes level).

Leader-In-Training (LITs)

LITs are Senior Girl Scouts in grades 10-12 who assist in planning and implementing troop activities. LITs may take Orientation and BLT Part 1 and 2 after completing required paperwork for the LIT program.

First-Aider Training

To serve as the first-aider who accompanies a troop on an excursion or a campout, the individual must have the skills taught in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) for the age level served in the troop in addition to the First Aid Module. In other words, a volunteer working with Juniors and older can be a certified first-aider with "First Aid with Adult CPR" because Adult CPR covers roughly ages 9 and older. Lone Star Council volunteer instructors use American Red Cross (ARC) curriculum and materials. See "Other ways to certify first-aiders." Classes range from 1 to 7.5 hours and are titled:

First Aid with Adult & Child CPR

Adult & Child CPR

Adult CPR (Register for Adult & Child CPR. Tell instructor that you do not want to take Child CPR.)

First Aid (current CPR card required)

CPR Review for Recertification

Challenge CPR for Recertification

Who must take the CPR course?

1. Persons with no prior first aid training are required to take First Aid with CPR for the appropriate age level(s).

2. Persons with current certification in the Standard First Aid Progression (former course title), which includes Adult CPR, are required to take CPR within one year to stay current. This renews participants' Adult CPR skills and trains them in the Child CPR skills needed to remain qualified as a first-aider.

Who must take the First Aid Module?

1. Every third year, first-aiders are required to retake the First Aid Module in order to remain certified.

2. Those wishing to take only the First Aid Module, a three-hour course which does not include CPR, must bring their current American Red Cross CPR certification or American Heart Association Course B or C certification (within the first year) to the class.

 

Other ways to certify as a First-Aider: The following courses are acceptable for first-aider training according to Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.:

Pediatric Medic First Aid from Emergency Medical Planning

National Safety Council Level II from the National Safety Council

Child Care (for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders) from American Red Cross

American Heart Association (AHA) CPR Health Care Provider Course plus the First Aid Module from the American Red Cross (AHA does not provide certification)

What other agencies have classes?

American Red Cross

Community Education

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Fire Departments

Hospitals

Private agencies

Note: Financial assistance is available for partial cost of classes. Contact Adult Development Director (ext. 122) for form.

What must be included in first aid courses? Each student must be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

The course must be a minimum of 7 ½ hours of classroom instruction.

Which health care providers can serve as first-aiders? The following health care providers with current first aid and CPR training/certification may serve as first-aiders: physician, physician's assistant, registered nurse, pediatric nurse practitioner, paramedic, pharmacist, military medic, and emergency medical technician.

What is the difference between a Safety-Wise adult and a First-Aider?

"Safety-Wise" adult refers to the minimum number of adults required to supervise a specific number of Girl Scouts based on the program level (Daisy, Brownie, etc.) and the type of activity.

For example: A minimum of two adults is required for 12 Brownie Girl Scouts going on a troop camping trip. See Program Standard 13 in GSUSA's Safety-Wise book for complete information.

The "First-Aider" is the adult volunteer certified in CPR and first aid. From GSUSA's Safety-Wise: "While first-aiders may not be required for regular troop meetings and activities not requiring physical exertion, they are needed for physically demanding activities or other activities involving potential for injury."

 

Outdoor Program Training

Troop camping is a favorite Girl Scout activity. A certified Troop Camp Consultant prepares the troop for camping and must always accompany the girls on overnight outdoor activities. These trainings teach skills needed in the outdoors with an emphasis on the total outdoor program.

Troop Camp Consultant Level 1
Exploring the Outdoors and Preparing for an Overnight in an Indoor Facility or Backyard (Course is approx. 3 ½ hours.)

"Ideally", take Level 1 and 2 at the same course, however, you can take Level 1 and then wait approximately a year or two before taking the Level 2 course. Contact the Adult Development Director (ext. 122) for assistance in choosing the right course.

Troop Camp Consultant Level 2
Preparation for Troop Camping Weekend. (Course is done as overnight or a split weeknight/Saturday format.)

The volunteer needs to wait a couple of years before taking the Level 3 course — giving the troop a chance to practice the skills learned in Level 1 and 2.

Troop Camp Consultant Level 3
Planning for Trip and Travel Camping. (Length varies depending on setting)

Some questions you may have about Outdoor Program Training...

Leaders or troop volunteers of any age level of girls who need additional information to take the troop beyond the meeting place and into the world of outdoors. Ideally, the leader or volunteer has already taken Basic Leadership Training. This course is intended to make the participant feel comfortable in the outdoors and competent to do interesting activities with girls, first in their own community, and then beyond. "Beyond" for this course is an indoor facility with kitchens and bathrooms such as scout houses, Starlight Point and Tanda at Camp Texlake, or a backyard of a house. The course teaches the steps in planning a one-night overnight with inexperienced girls. A volunteer can skip Level 1 and take Level 2 if they feel knowledgeable in the Level 1 content and skills.

Leaders or volunteers preparing to take the troop on a weekend camping trip.

If this person feels they are knowledgeable and skilled in the content for Level 1 and Level 2, and cannot, or would prefer not to, attend training, they can request an at-home Troop Camp Consultant Project from the Adult Development Director (ext. 122). Allow a month for the project to be graded.

Volunteers who were certified as Lone Star Council Troop Camp Consultants since January 1989 do not need to re-certify and their certification counts as the new TCC Level 1 and Level 2.

It is strongly recommended that the volunteer take the Troop Camp Consultant Level 1 or Level 2 training course at least six weeks before the troop's first overnight campout so that the girls and the leader can plan the overnight. The same thing goes for a troop camping weekend since time is needed for the girls and leaders to plan the trip. Level 3 is designed to assist with long range planning.

Progression in the Out-of Doors:

Workshops

Avoiding Leader Burnout

Is the honeymoon over? A lot of leaders lose interest and motivation as they progress in Girl Scouting. As leaders lose interest, so do the girls. Find out how you can increase your enthusiasm and make the best use of your energy.

Ceremonies

Learn how to help girls plan and conduct Girl Scout ceremonies such as an Investiture, Court of Awards, Bridging, Scout's Own and campfires.

Dealing with Difficult Behavior

So, Girl Scouts isn't always fun and games? Sometimes there's a problem with a girl or even the other leader or the parents? This workshop gives insight and helpful tips for dealing with difficult behavior, including the special challenges of the "leader's daughter". Led by a professional who is also a Girl Scout.

Holiday Crafts

This is an introduction to basic arts and crafts with tips and ideas to use in your troop for the coming holidays. Make craft samples the girls will love to do! Great for all leaders.

Silver & Gold Awards

For leaders and girls who are working on the Silver or Gold Award. Learn how to choose a project that meets the challenging requirements for these awards and learn how to present the plan in an effective way. Register leader and girls using Possibilities.

Songs and Games

Learn the classic Girl Scout songs and games. Dress comfortable and plan on having a great time!

Songs, Songs, Songs

Learn recycled songs, graces, camp songs, folk songs, songs for cookies, songs for hiking and traveling, holiday songs, songs, songs, songs! Optional: Bring a battery-operated tape recorder.

 

Advanced Training

Day Camp Directors Training

Includes safety, inspections, scheduling, staffing and program ideas. New directors meet from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and can bring a lunch. Returning directors meet from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Questions? Call Program Director (ext. 123).

First-Aider Instructor Courses

The council will provide training through the American Red Cross.

Contact the Adult Development Director (ext. 122) for information on being an instructor. We need you!

New Service Unit Directors

Have you recently taken on the duty of service unit director (or co-director or assistant)? Have you hit the ground running this fall? Well, stop long enough to get trained. Meet other "green" directors and find out what you're supposed to be doing! Follows Cookie College on Oct. 9.

 Training of Council Trainers

Volunteers completing this course are certified as Council Trainers. For more information, contact the Adult Development Director (ext. 122).

Who Are the Trainers?

Trainers are volunteers, just like leaders. Many lead troops and hold other council volunteer positions. Basic Leadership Trainers are required to attend the Training of Council Trainers courses. Outdoor Program Trainers serve as apprentices to experienced trainers. CPR and First Aid Instructors are volunteers who are trained with the American Red Cross. All trainers maintain extensive resource supplies and have skills and expertise making them very effective in their roles as trainers. Currently the council has approximately 150 volunteer trainers.

If you would like to join the training team, contact the Adult Development Director (ext. 122).

Can I give other support?

It states in the Girl Scout Law, "Be a Sister to all Girl Scouts"

You can by making a contribution to support all Girl Scouts . . .

Did you Know . . .

One in nine school age girls is a Girl Scout?

The $7.00 membership dues does not stay in our council, but goes directly to the National Girl Scouts?

Last year Lone Star Council gave over $100,000 in financial aid to Girl Scouts?

The council subsidizes the majority of programs and all costs for trainings to keep Girl Scouting affordable?

Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council serves over 19,000 members?

The council has an outreach program that serves girls who live in public housing developments, daughters of female prison inmates, teen parents girls on juvenile probation and girls during the school day in low income areas of our communities?

How the GSLSC Supports each Girl Scout

Actual cost to support one girl in Girl Scouting for one year is $190.

For: making sure each troop has a qualified, trained leader; training the trainers, basic leader training, first aid and CPR training, adult training weekends; Contemporary Issues and Seek Out Science training; at home basic leader training kits; and Trailblazers

For: staff and service unit support to troops, on-going distribution of program information and materials to leaders, Greenpack; service unit meetings to keep leaders informed; leader appreciation event; organization and placement of girls in troops. Processing registration, membership recruitment; and new leader packets.

For: council-sponsored program events, such as Mom and Me, Man in My Life, Exploring Engineering, Expanding Your Horizons, Wider Opportunities; financial partnerships; "Possibilities" event catalog, during and after school programs, age level handbooks; troop leader supplies, "Just Add Girls," "Safety Wise" handbooks, Science kits.

For: resident and day camps; camp staff, safety equipment; maintenance, insurance, utilities, etc. of Camp Texlake, 13 Scout Houses, Council Service Center.

Did you know . . .

GSLSC subsidizes all fees to keep them affordable for all girls? For example:

Council Events

Actual Cost $280,925

Actual Amount Paid by girls $196,120

Council Subsidizes $84,805

Camp Texlake

Average Actual Cost $204

Average Amount Paid by girls $117

Council Subsidizes $87 per Girl

How Can I Help?

Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization committed to girls-A tradition that began in 1912 and continues today. Nearly a century of history demonstrates that participating in Girl Scouts can change a girl's life. It is only with the suppor t of people such as yourself that we can continue to serve girls in out council. A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Please consider a support of one of the following ways.

Family Campaign: The Girl Scout Family Campaign is the official way for family members to make a contribution to support all Girl Scouts in our council. Contributions may be made on the Girl Scout membership form, given at a Service Unit event or by calling the council development office. Thank-you gifts are given for all contributions $25 and above. Sponsorship levels begin at $250. All contributions are appreciated.

Community Support: Of major importance is support from our communities. Corporations, Foundations and Individuals provide important support for Girl Scouting. Donations my be unrestricted and support out total program for may support a special program such as; Science and Tech programs, Outreach Program, Camp Texlake, Camperships for girls, Rising Stars Leadership Camp or other programs.

Women of Distinction Luncheon: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. This fund raiser honors outstanding women in our council who have impacted their community and embody the values of Girl Scouting. For information on:

Email: Give2GS@girlscouts-lonestar.org

 

Mirrors Project Alumnae and Friends: Be part of Girl Scouting as an alumni member. A new way to stay connected to Girl Scouts. If you were a Girl Scout let us know!

Email: Give2GS@girlscouts-lonestar.org