Volunteer Conference

We’re going virtual this year! Registration is open.

Friday, Aug. 28: Evening kickoff
Saturday, Aug. 29: Half day of conferencing
Sunday, Aug. 30: Half day of conferencing
Read the session descriptions

Join us as we move the annual Volunteer Conference to a virtual platform! We’ll have the opportunity to learn from and connect with each other over three days. Throughout the weekend, you’ll meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and jump-start your Girl Scout year by attending breakout sessions that will help you learn how your troop thrive. Choose from 30-plus sessions such as communicating effectively, developing your repertoire of tips and tricks for virtual meetings, discovering GSUSA’s new badges, and so much more. Community partners will still be on hand to showcase their program opportunities for girls, and networking opportunities will be woven throughout the weekend so you can connect with other leaders and staff. Plus, those who attend will get a sneak peek at the cookie rewards lineup for 2021. Make some great memories and get ready for the new troop year at the Volunteer Conference!

Check out photos from 2019.

FAQs

Pricing

How much will Volunteer Conference cost?

The $20 GSSD All-Access Early Bird Pass (available through Sunday, Aug. 9) includes a digital welcome packet, patch, activity supplies, and access to all recordings after the event.

The $20 GSSD All-Access Pass (available Monday, Aug. 10-Tuesday, Aug. 25) includes a digital welcome packet and access to all recordings after the event.

Registration is currently open only for Girl Scouts San Diego volunteers, members, supporters, and those interested in volunteering within San Diego and Imperial counties. Registration will open for those outside of the San Diego/Imperial County areas on Monday, Aug. 10.

Dates and Times

Why is the conference taking place over three days?

We know that sitting in front of a computer for an extended period of time—especially when you’ve got family at home, too—can be too much screen time. We wanted to make sure we were providing you with as many opportunities for learning as in the past, while not wearing out your eyes, backs, or brains!

When are the sessions?

Friday night is a totally optional (but fun!) kickoff event for the weekend. We’ll have two learning sessions on Saturday and two more learning sessions on Sunday. We’re also planning to have general sessions and networking opportunities spread across Saturday and Sunday. Stay tuned for details!

What times are we meeting on these days?

We’re still nailing down the details and we’ll announce them here soon. Friday kickoff will be in the evening, and we expect Saturday and Sunday to be two half-days starting in the mornings.

Shirt and Patch

Pre-order the event T-shirt at 20% off when you register

This ladies-fit, slightly-tapered shirt (regularly priced at $18.95) is true to size, lightweight, and holds its shape after wash and wear. Color is a heathered loganberry with famous quote "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart," perfectly suited for all Girl Scout volunteers. Price includes tax. Shirts will be available for shipping ($5) or curbside pickup the week of Aug. 10, 2020.

VC 2020 Patch

This VC patch is included in your early bird registration packet—remember to register by Sunday, Aug. 9.

Once early bird registration is over, from Monday, Aug. 10 onwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase the patch. There are no refunds on patch purchases.

Logistics

How will we access the conference?

We will be using two different platforms—Remo and Webex—throughout the conference. Remo will be the place where you will access the general sessions, networking, and community partners. Learning sessions will take place in Webex. Links for all of these will be provided as we get closer to the conference.

How will we get the handouts if conference is online?

We are working to identify the best software for our virtual classes now! We expect that we’ll be able to share handouts within each classroom setting so folks can download what they need for that class. As in past years, we’ll also have a Dropbox available to all participants where they can access all class handouts, regardless of whether or not they registered for that session.

Will classes be recorded to watch later?

We do intend to record classes, but have not figured out how best to share access after the conference. There may be a fee to access these recordings for those who were not registered for the conference.

Spirit Stick

What is the Spirit Stick?

The “Spirit Stick” is a stick that was salvaged from Girl Scout mountain properties following the wild fires of 2003. It now serves as an award acknowledging the most spirited service unit attending our annual Volunteer Conference.

What is the Spirit Stick Competition?

This is a competition between Girl Scouts San Diego service units acknowledging the most spirited service unit attending our annual Volunteer Conference. The winning service unit—selected for displaying a “fire of imagination and exuberance of heart”—is invited to keep the Spirit Stick for a year to bring to Girl Scout events, mark it with service unit name, add adornments…then return it next year to present to the next guardian!

Who are the current guardians of the Spirit Stick?

Sunrise Valley service unit won the Spirit Stick competition at last year’s conference making them the current guardians.

Will there be a Spirit Stick Competition at this year’s conference?

Due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of many events, the Spirit Stick will be remaining with its 2020 guardians, Sunrise Valley, for another year. The Spirit Stick competition will return to our next Volunteer Conference.

Though the Spirit Stick is not yet ready for new guardians, we still have an opportunity for you all to showcase your “fire of imagination and exuberance of heart.” We invite you to create a one to two-minute video showcasing all your service unit has done to support the Girl Scout mission and live as a G.I.R.L. during the 2020 Girl Scout year, including the pandemic.

What are the guidelines for the Service Unit G.I.R.L. Video Showcase?

Showcase how your service unit lived the Girl Scout mission and acted as a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader throughout the past year.

One to two-minutes
Can include photos or videos
No music
One submission per service unit
Save your video as an mp4 file (the standard video format)
Follow all CDC recommended safety guidelines
Not sure how to create a video? Contact mwiese@sdgirlscouts.org or let your Girl Scouts lead the way!

What is the deadline to submit a showcase video and how do I submit it?

Submit finished video to mwiese@sdgirlsccouts.org by Friday, Aug. 7, 2020.

Questions? Contact training@sdgirlscouts.org.

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