Volunteer Training & Education
Ceremonies Self-Study Course
A self-study
course on Ceremonies was developed for those who are not able to take
the class in person. The course uses the videotape "Milestones
to Memories." If you are interested in this self-study, you
can check out the kit from
your volunteer coordinator, complete the guide,
evaluation, etc. and return them and the kit to the volunteer coordinator. She
will then give you credit for the course. All the reference
materials are contained in the kit. There is a charge for the
kit if it is not returned in good condition.
Outdoor Training
Required for troop activities in an outdoor setting
The Kentuckiana council’s four Outdoor Education Programs provide the novice and the professional camper with the knowledge, tools and ideas needed to take troops camping the Girl Scout way. Activities in an outdoor setting help girls understand the importance of conserving and improving the environment as well as protecting wildlife. Camping links the Girl Scout program to nature. It can also nurture each camper’s mental, physical, social and spiritual growth.
Leaders must be trained to take girls on outdoor activities. Outdoor training is divided into levels so leaders can build skills and progress gradually to more challenging and rewarding camping experiences. Please allow time to put training skills to good use with your troop before moving from Level II to Level III. Outdoor Levels must be taken in sequence. Remember to dress for the weather. Outdoor training, even for camping in buildings, requires being outside for long periods of time.
All troops wishing to go overnight troop camping must be accompanied by someone who is certified in troop camping by the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana Council. A Senior Girl Scout may serve as the certified camper if adults are in attendance on the camping trip. (Leader Information Book, Troop Camping Standard 1.) The Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana’s outdoor education program encompasses current outdoor practices, GSUSA Safety-wise Standard and Guidelines, and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana’s Leader Information Book Standards and Guidelines. Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana’s outdoor education training is a participatory program. Trainers may refuse outdoor certification at any outdoor level to individuals who choose not to participate, disregard Kentuckiana guidelines and GSUSA Safety-Wise, or have not achieved, mastered or maintained the skills necessary for troop camping at that level. Individuals who have been refused certification may repeat the outdoor level to gain certification. Certification for all levels is for five (5) years. Adults with extensive camping experience may be able to meet course requirements by completing a documentation of experiences questionnaire. Contact the Adult Education Specialist at your service center for more information. Patches are available for each level at $.75 each.
LEVEL I, Outdoor Beginnings (Introduction to Day Outdoor Activities): Required for outdoor day activities that include hiking, and using council property. Includes: basic day programs in outdoor settings, hiking, outdoor exploration, no-cook meals, dressing for the weather, safety and emergency procedures, progression in the out-of-doors.
LEVEL II, Basic Troop Camping: Required for camping in winterized and non-winterized buildings (cabins, A-frames, lodges, group shelters). Includes safety and emergency procedures for camping indoors, wood stove and fire place care and operation, cooking for groups, basic outdoor skills (fire building, use of packet knife, knots), girl readiness for staying the night away from home. A Home Studies Course is available for Outdoor Level I.
LEVEL III, Advanced Troop Camping (camping overnight in tents): Required for camping in tents and platform tents. A preplanning meeting is mandatory. At the preplanning meeting, you will discuss what to bring. This training certifies participants for camping in semi-primitive conditions and includes girl readiness for sleeping overnight in tents, non-winterized shelter, screened-in cabins, group shelter and A-frames. You will gain knowledge about working in patrols, advanced cooking skills, food planning and preparation, compass reading and tent care.
LEVEL IV, Wilderness Travel: This training certifies participants to take their troop on a self-propelled camping trip by hiking, bicycling or canoeing. It includes advanced camp skills such as trip backpacking and planning, food preparation for several days, care of individual or small group tents, primitive sanitation and survival techniques. Outdoor Level IV will be offered as needed. Wilderness Camping will be a backpacking trip to Red River Gorge. You will learn additional items to bring at the mandatory preplanning meeting.
What to bring
Three-ring binder, Safety-Wise, Leader Information Book, leader’s guide for your troop’s age level, a pocket knife and a mess kit (non-breakable plate, bowl, cup and silverware)