Volunteer Scoop: November
11/16/2023
News & Updates
Volunteer Toolkit Badge Giveaway
Fall is the perfect time to use the Volunteer Toolkit to access free badge requirements, ready-to-go meeting plans, meeting aids, templates, and so much more! To get started, login to MyGS, choose Volunteer Toolkit from the menu and add a year plan for your troop or Individually Registered Girl.
What: Drawing to win 2 free badges for every Girl Scout in your troop!
Requirements: Create a year plan in the Volunteer Toolkit
Deadline: November 30, 2023
Want to learn more about the Volunteer Toolkit? The recording of the VTK Live Demo that was held on Tuesday, November 14 is now available in gsLearn.
Please also check out the Troop Co-Leader User Guide.
First Aid/CPR Certification Courses
Be prepared for emergencies and get certified! The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED blended learning course includes an online course and an instructor-led classroom skills session.
Bismarck, ND Saturday, December 9 Registration closes 11/26
Sioux Falls, SD Saturday, December 16 Registration closes 12/1
Minot, ND Saturday, December 16 Registration closes 12/1
Courses are open to adult volunteers and Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Online course information is provided at least 10 days before the classroom skills session. View details on our website and register today!
Product Program: Fall Product & Cookies
Fall Product Program
As we wrap up our 2023 Fall Product Program, here are a few important dates to be aware of:
November 27: Product delivery begins
December 4: Rewards will be shipped to Fall Product Managers.
Cookie Program – Upcoming Training
To lead your Girl Scouts through the Cookie Program, all troop co-leaders and troop cookie coordinators are required to complete a training module in gsLearn. This training will be available in early December.
A Thankful Thanksgiving Feast Patch Program
Thanksgiving is a time to cherish with loved ones. Celebrating this holiday with friends and family is truly special. Discover the significance of Thanksgiving and engage in fun activities to make the most of this festive season. Let’s explore and create beautiful memories together! View details here.
1912 Club Patch Program
Experience various activities with your troop and earn the 1912 Club Patch! Girls and co-leaders earn a free patch when their troop completes all ten requirements throughout the year, like going on a troop field trip and learning a Girl Scout tradition. Check out the 1912 Club Patch Program Requirements and start earning today!
Adult Achievement Award Nominations due February 1
Know a volunteer who went above and beyond during the 2023 year? Honor them with a nomination for an Adult Achievement Award!
From the Rising Star Award to the GSUSA Honor Pin, there are a variety of awards to recognize the impact Girl Scout volunteers are making in local communities and council-wide.
Don’t delay! The nomination deadline is February 1, 2024, for awards to be presented at Honoring Excellence in June 2024. View Adult Achievement Awards and nomination forms on our website.
Troop Finances - Using the 2023-24 Check Register
If you haven’t already, download the 2023-2024 Check Register (excel workbook) and use it to track troop funds all year long. This makes submitting the Annual Finance Report in June easy!
Volunteer Training in gsLearn
Prepared leaders are confident leaders and our online courses in gsLearn provide a convenient way for you to learn more about Girl Scouts.
Featured Course of the Month:
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
What sets Girl Scouts apart from other organizations? The framework we use to grow future leaders is also known as The Girl Scout Leadership Experience. In this course, you will learn how to facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with your troop in an age-appropriate way. The course is part of the New Leader Onboarding Series and is available to all volunteers in gsLearn.
Sign in to MyGS and choose gsLearn from the menu to access this course and more!
Retail Services
Dakota Horizons' Retail Services offers a variety of ways to shop for badges, uniforms, awards, gifts, specialty items, and more! Find the shopping option that best meets your needs at gsdakotahorizons.org/shop.
Free shipping Thursdays! Orders placed on the First Thursday of each month directly with our retail services will ship free to your doorstep. Call 1-800-666-2141 or email help@gsdakotahorizons.org to place your order.
Member Services
Member Services is your first-stop help center and can answer most questions on your first contact with the council office! Contact Member Services at 800.666.2141 or help@gsdakotahorizons.org.
