.jpg.transform/cq5dam.web.1280.1280/img.jpg "VolunteerNews_web_PN2019_Cookie_Billboard_Unveiling (6)")
New Volunteer Essentials Online
October 2019
Volunteer
Essentials is now online...and printable! The new digital edition
of our go-to guide is designed to support busy volunteers. Easily find
what you need by searching the table of contents on the landing page
and reference answers throughout the year. Think of Volunteer
Essentials as your encyclopedia to Girl Scout volunteering: it's the
place to go when you need to know!
Girl Scouts San Diego Family Connection
September 2019
New families automatically receive the Girl Scouts San Diego Family
Connection, a fun and informative resource about all things Girl
Scouts. But volunteers can share it with returning troop families,
too. This resource showcases the value of Girl Scouts and the
importance of family involvement. Download the resource in English or Spanish .
Volunteer Toolkit
September 2019
There’s lots to love in the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) this year! The big news:
Individually Registered Members (IRMs) can now access VTK. And,
there’s more:
Make sure you're renewed for 2020 to access all of this great new content!
New Badges and Journeys
July 2019
GSUSA has added 42 new badges and a new Journey to Girl Scout
programming, taking girl leadership to new heights. These new
resources focus on the outdoors and science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM).
Silver Award Training and Resources
July 2019
Are you a leader of a Cadette troop or a parent of a Cadette? Check
out the new Guide to Going Silver
(for girls) and Guide to Going Silver: Tips
for Adult Volunteers . Use these resources to
help girls earn the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn!
Find the guides at sdgirlscouts.org/silver.
Coming in October: Silver Award training online.
Safety Updates
May 2019
Check out new Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) for Pocket Knife and Jack Knife Safety, and Tools and Power Tools. A number of existing SACs have been updated. Most notable is that new accommodation guidelines are listed in the Travel SACs. The standards now permit Airbnb and other vacation rentals. Good news for many troops! Updated SACs include new guidance from GSUSA regarding which activities require activity consultant approval. Check the SAC Matrix to see what does and doesn't need approval.
Insurance for Out-of-Council
Trips
May 2019
Effective Tuesday, May 14, 2019, troops and groups leaving San Diego and Imperial Counties no longer need to enroll in Plan 3P Activity (aka Accident) Insurance for trips less than three nights. Plan 1 (insurance provided automatically with membership) or Plan 2 (insurance purchased for non-members) is sufficient for these trips. Activity consultant approval is no longer needed for day trips outside council territory. Exception: day trips to Mexico still require enrollment in Plan 3PI. Use our helpful flow chart to determine what insurance is needed.
Summer Troop Adventure Weekends
May 2019
For the first time ever, we're offering Adventure Weekends for troops during the summer! First-time campers experience a well-rounded sampler including arts and crafts, teambuilding, outdoor skill, nature and science activities. We’ll provide meals, activity supplies, and modern lodging. You meet new friends and experience the joy of the outdoors.
Bronze Award Training and Resources
April 2019
Got a Girl Scout Junior? Check out our new Bronze Award Training
online (30 minutes). Lean about Bronze Award steps, requirements, and
resources. Visit sdgirlscouts.litmos.com/self-signup and use the
code “gobronze1” to begin. Find Your Guide to Going
Bronze (for girls) and Your Guide for Going Bronze: Tips for Adult Volunteers
at sdgirlscouts.org/bronze.
Guiding girls through the Bronze Award has never been easier!
Girl Scout Training
April 2019
Learning options abound at Girl Scouts San Diego! Visit our new training page to discover how learning more opens up opportunities for you and your troop like camping, archery, backpacking, travel, highest awards, and other enrichment activities.
Bridging Guide
March 2019
Find tips for planning a bridging ceremony at the troop or service unit level, and learn to make it a truly girl-led event by using the three processes of Girl Scouting on our new online Bridging Guide.
Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award Resources
February 2019
Learn about highest awards for Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes on the new Bronze and Silver Award web pages. You'll find info on award prerequisites, award steps, and frequently asked questions to help you guide girls.
Large Event and Encampment Director Training
January 2019
Calling all new and experienced event and encampment directors. Check out the new Large Event and Encampment Director training online. This 20-minute course covers first aid, safety, registration, budgeting, marketing, and more. Plus, you’ll learn about the new large event and encampment approval process and resources just for directors. Training must be retaken every three years. Contact training@sdgirlscouts.org to sign up.
Storing and Locking Prescription Medications
January 2019
Prescription medications used by adults or girls must be kept locked away during overnights on Girl Scout sites. It’s an American Camp Association standard. Camping at Winacka or Whispering Oaks? You’ll find lock boxes in each cabin and refrigerator. Use the locking packs in the refrigerators for meds that need to remain cool or when taking meds on a hike or other location away from the site. Camping at Balboa or Escondido? Bring a combo lock and your own box or backpack where meds can be locked away. A TSA lock works just fine. Locking prescription meds is a good practice at non-Girl Scout sites too and may be required.
Rescue medicines. It’s important to know that rescue medicines, like epi-pens for allergies, asthma inhalers, and diabetes medication, must be immediately available. Do not lock these. Girls may carry rescue medicines themselves if approved by a parent and physician.
Over-the-counter medicines. It’s optional to lock up over-the-counter medicines like first aid cream, Advil, etc.
Safety Management Plans for Encampments
October 2018
Troop leaders whose troops attend an encampment do not need to complete their own safety management plan. The trained encampment director will complete a plan to share with all troops and volunteers. Be sure to ask for the plan and review it before attending.
Approvals for Encampments
October 2018
Troop leaders whose troops attend an encampment do not need to submit their own approval request as long as the encampment director who planned the event has:
Note: Troop leaders must still obtain parent permission for girls attending encampments.
