First-Year Leader Resources & Info

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First Year Leaders are required to complete the following trainings prior to meeting with their troop:

First-Year Leaders are required to take the gsLearn course, GSSC New Leader Training path designated for their Girl Scout program level prior to meeting with their troop.

Within this learning path, first-year leaders will receive an overview of the Girl Scout movement and mission and the role of a leader.

Topics covered will include GSSC policies; Service Unit support; parent roles; setting up meeting times/locations; online resources; fundraising programs; managing troop finances; using the Volunteer Toolkit; and important forms and documents.

Additionally, leaders will learn all about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for the program level they are leading including badges/journeys/awards; uniforms; age-appropriate activities; meeting activity examples; and trip and fundraising procedures.

Leaders of multi-level troops may take courses for all program levels as well as the GSSC Managing Multi-Level Troops course.

All designated troop leaders are required to obtain certification in Adult & Pediatric AED/CPR/First Aid. Leaders have 60 days after their council registration to obtain certification and troops ARE NOT permitted to meet without a minimum of one certified leader during this time.

Acceptable courses for leaders to take are either fully in-person or blended learning (online and classroom). Course length varies. We do not accept online course certifications. Troop funds may be used to cover course costs for leaders. Council will accept certification from any one of the following organizations below.

GSSC will accept certification from the following vendors whom you may contact for class schedules and prices:

Local Resources

GSSC recommends reaching out to the following partners for discounted prices on courses:

Brentwood Legion Ambulance: This organization’s services include on-site in-person classes in Brentwood. On-location courses for 5+ volunteers can be scheduled with adequate venues. Audio-visual accessibility will also be required. Contact Christine at cpr4leaders@yahoo.com.
Have Dummy Will Travel: This organization will conduct CPR AED and First Aid courses for 5 or more leaders in both blended learning and fully in-person formats. Service Units are suggested to schedule courses within their community and will need to reserve adequate space. Contact Erik at erik@havedummy.com.
Just Enjoy Life Wellness Center: This organization’s services include on-site in-person classes in Smithtown. No minimum class size. Small, personalized, informal yet informative classes. Flexible scheduling. On-location courses are available for 4+ volunteers. Contact Jennifer Muilenburg for more information and scheduling at justenjoylifeacu@gmail.com

Submitting Certification

Upon completion of certification, leaders must complete the Volunteer CPR/First Aid Verification Form. *UPDATED*

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First-Year Leader Circle

Join council staff for our virtual “circles” throughout the first year. We will tackle topics such as first meetings; working with parents/caregivers; badge activities; and more! Leaders will feel ready and excited to lead troops and have opportunities to share with and learn from fellow Suffolk County volunteers! Check out our program calendar for dates and times.

New Leader Store Tour

Get a guided tour of our Commack Shoppe where you will learn from our knowledgeable staff all about badge and journey books, badges and awards, uniforms, and Girl Scout merchandise! Find out about our special badge and bridging kits, placing online orders, and how to pick them up at our Camp Edey and Riverhead locations. Check out our program calendar for dates and times.

New to Nuts/New to Cookies

Learn how girls can earn entrepreneurship and life skills through our Fall Product Program (Munchies & More) and Girl Scout Cookie Program. Our “New to Nuts” and “New to Cookies” trainings will give a detailed overview of these programs, how to engage parents/caregivers as volunteers, and best practices from experienced leaders. Check out our program calendar for dates and times.

Troop Leader Expo

New and returning leaders can walk through our expo and learn about resources and programs available in the coming year from council staff, fellow leaders, and community vendors. Check out our program calendar for dates and times.

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Our First Year Leader Guide is a quick reference for new leaders.

Review safety policies and procedures, finance and troop management guidelines from the new leader training at any point throughout your first year.

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Service Units will contact troop leaders about monthly leader meetings that are held within their community and assigned Service Unit.

These are times when first-year leaders will receive information about community and council events, troop management updates, and more. Connect with your Service Unit Team to find out details.

Using MyGS toggle arrow

MyGS is your Girl Scout home base and how you access other great tools to manage the Girl Scout experience for your family and troop!

By logging into MyGS (Look for this icon) you can:

Manage your Girl Scout membership and all the memberships in your household and troop(s).
Maintain your contact information, and preferences and manage any changes within your troop.
Find exciting in-person and virtual events for your Girl Scout, your family, or your troop to attend through gsEvents located on the left menu bar.
Access essential tools like the Volunteer Toolkit and gsLearn to make your Girl Scout volunteer experience a breeze!

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gsLearn is our online training and development platform where first-year leaders can access their onboarding training modules throughout the year.

Additional resources and training will be available on the platform as well.

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The Volunteer Toolkit is a customizable planning tool where you can find suggested meeting plans for most badges, access activity guides and badge requirements, track your Girl Scouts’ achievements, and so much more. It’s the digital planning assistant that will help you power a fun-filled—and organized—Girl Scout year.

You’ll find the Volunteer Toolkit via the left menu bar of MyGS in My Account. It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

Take a look at our videos below for more tips and tricks using the Volunteer Toolkit

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First-Year Leaders can stay on top of all communication from GSSC by checking the email that you used to register with Girl Scouts periodically and by following Council on our social media channels.

We also encourage all leaders to share photos and videos of their troops! Share your Girl Scout photos here.

Service Units will also have social media platforms to share important community-based information. Leaders should reach out to their Service Unit team for specific details on how to join.

Girl Scout Experience Box (For New Daisy and Brownie Troops Only) toggle arrow

Complimentary Girl Scout Experience Boxes for new Daisy and Brownie troops are here to support you every step of the way!

Starting in August 2025, as the leader of a NEW Girl Scout Daisy (K-1) or Brownie (2-3) troop, you’ll receive monthly complimentary supply boxes. Filled with step-by-step instructions, ready-to-go supplies, and thoughtful script suggestions, meeting planning just got easier!

Council Finder

First-Year Leader Resources & Information

Ready to get started on your leadership journey with your troop?

We will guide you through the resources and information you will need for your first year of adventures in Girl Scouts.