Volunteer Resources | Girl Scouts

All your volunteer essentials, all in one place.

Volunteer Resources is where you will find trainings, information, and materials for your role as volunteer. Increase your competence and confidence with our wide variety of courses, designed to equip, empower, and enlighten you on your Girl Scout journey. We have also included other information you may find relevant and useful. Check back as we update this page frequently with new resources!

Co-Leader Training

Complete these eight required courses to better prepare for your new role as a troop co-leader.

Outdoor Training

Required trainings for troop field trips, camping adventures, emergency preparedness, and more!

Essential Resources

A collection of helpful resources and materials for your volunteer journey with Girl Scouts.

Co-Leader Training

Thank you for volunteering your time as a troop co-leader! We’re excited you want to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. It will be an incredible and rewarding journey. As a Girl Scout volunteer, you have the opportunity to share new adventures and make wonderful memories together with the girls in your troop.

Getting Started as a Co-Leader toggle arrow

Co-Leader Experience Map: Download this handy road map to visualize what your Girl Scout journey will look like.
New Co-Leader Checklist: A checklist designed to help you cover the basics for a great year. By completing the checklist within your first year of volunteering, troop co-leaders earn a FREE second-year membership.
Co-Leader Handbook: Bookmark this guide as you start training, meeting with girls, and becoming an awesome volunteer!
Volunteer Agreement: Read and sign this agreement.
Girl Scout Co-Leader Trainings: Complete the required trainings.

Required Co-Leader Trainings toggle arrow

The first three training courses listed below are required for all troop co-leaders before meeting with girls. The remaining courses must be completed within the first month of starting your troop. Training is offered in ways that best meet your unique learning style: written resources, face-to-face learning, and interactive online learning.

However, these trainings are not just for co-leaders—they contain helpful information and are recommended for all Girl Scout volunteers!

Course 1: Welcome to Spirit of Nebraska toggle arrow

LENGTH: 17 MINUTES

This short training introduces you to our council, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. Learn about our structure, camps and properties, programming, policies, resources, and more!

To receive credit for completing the above required training, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Course 2: Co-Leader Basics toggle arrow

LENGTH: 22 MINUTES

Everything you need to know to get you started as a Troop Co-Leader! Watch this short training to learn about recruiting volunteers, starting a bank account, planning your first meeting, and more. Follow along with this training using the Co-Leader Basic Guide.

Co-Leader Handbook (Link)

Make note of any questions you may have to ask your Placement and Troop Support Specialists during the next two courses.

To receive credit for completing the above required training, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Course 3: Troop Start-Up Meeting toggle arrow

LENGTH: < 1 HOUR

Learn more about your role and getting your troop started. Training is provided in-person or over the phone by your area Placement Specialist. Please contact us to schedule this meeting today! This course must be completed before being assigned a troop number.

Course 4: New Co-Leader Orientation toggle arrow

LENGTH: VARIES

Learn more about planning your first Girl Scout year and leading your troop successfully. Training is provided in-person or over the phone by your area Troop Support Specialist, and is preferably completed with all troop co-leaders together. Please contact us to schedule this meeting today!

This course must be completed before meeting with girls.

Course 5: Explore Out toggle arrow

LENGTH: VARIES

Read the Explore Out Guide to learn the essentials for safely taking girls outside of their typical troop meeting place, the benefits of being outdoors, how to use Safety Activity Checkpoints, emergency preparedness, the appropriate paperwork, and girl-readiness in the outdoors. Please remember to review complete the quizzes at the end of each section.

This course must be completed before taking girls outside of the normal troop meeting place. To receive credit for completing the above required reading, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Course 6: Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) toggle arrow

LENGTH: VARIES

Plan your Girl Scout year with ease using this helpful tool! Set meeting dates, times and locations, review your meeting plan, add meetings or activities, and find resources.

Volunteer Tookit Guide (PDF)

Additional Volunteer Toolkit trainings are available in gsLearn. To access, log in to your MY GS account, and click “gsLearn” on the left toolbar. Then click on “Content Library” and search for "toolkit.”

gsLearn (Link)

Using the VTK is not required, but is HIGHLY recommended.

Course 7: Troop Finance toggle arrow

LENGTH: 15 MINUTES

The Troop Finance Webinar will guide you through establishing a troop bank account, record keeping, required reporting, and handling funds. It is a short and useful tool for getting your Girl Scout year off the ground and keeping you on track. This webinar is also required for Troop Treasurers and any volunteer responsible for coaching girls as they earn and manage money.

Prior to viewing the webinar, familiarize yourself with the following:

Troop Financial Management Packet (PDF)
Money Earning Activity Application (Link)
Troop Finance Report (PDF)
Troop Finance Report (Excel)
Wells Fargo Troop Bank Account Forms (PDF)

This course must be completed within your first two months of volunteering. To receive credit for completing the above required reading, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Course 8: Girl Scout Outcomes toggle arrow

LENGTH: 34 MINUTES

In this training, you’ll learn how to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), indicators to look for to make sure you’re on the right track, and intended outcomes of the Girl Scout program.

Progression Chart: Girl-Led (PDF)
Progression Chart: Cooperative Learning (PDF)
Progression Chart: Learn By Doing (PDF)
Girl Scout Research Institute Impact Study (PDF)

This course must be completed within the first year of volunteering. To receive credit for completing the above required reading, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Outdoor Training

Field trips and experiencing the outdoors are fundamental to Girl Scouting. These are adventures that girls will remember forever! We offer a series of training experiences to prepare you for safely taking girls outside of their typical troop meeting place and incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

For the safety and well-being of all, we require troops have a First Aid/CPR-certified adult present for any activity that is beyond a regular meeting site, including overnight trips, and/or physically demanding.

Outdoor Training Courses toggle arrow

Take girls outside! Progressive classes provide resources and skill-development in cabin camping, tent camping, outdoor fire-building, and outdoor cooking.

Check out this Troop Outdoor Progression Chart to help you plan and build your troop's mastery of outdoor skills. Not sure if you have the “right stuff?” Take this Outdoor Readiness Quiz!

Course 1: Explore Out toggle arrow

REQUIRED

Read the "Explore Out Guide" to learn the essentials for safely taking girls outside of their typical troop meeting place, the benefits of being outdoors, how to use Safety Activity Checkpoints, emergency preparedness, the appropriate paperwork, and girl-readiness in the outdoors. Please review the quizzes at the end of each section.

Explore Out Guide (Link)

To receive credit for completing the above required reading, please complete the Volunteer Online Training Report.

Course 2: Girl Scouts in the Outdoors toggle arrow

OPTIONAL

Watch these short modules from Girl Scouts of the USA for an introduction on how to introduce your troop to the outdoors.

To access, log in to your MY GS account and click “gsLearn” on the left toolbar. Then click on “Content Library” and search for "outdoors.”

Course 3: Camp Out (Basic) toggle arrow

REQUIRED

Prepare to safely take girls to a camp setting during this six-hour session. Topics include “leave no trace” principles, girl-led experiences, fire building, and outdoor cooking. It is required before taking girls on a camp outing that includes fire building and/or outdoor cooking. This session must be renewed every five years. Each session is $15/person. Please bring this list of items to your training session.

Camp Out (Basic) Registration (Link)

OPTIONAL ONLINE RECERTIFCATION

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is now offering the opportunity for volunteers that have completed in-person Girl Scout Outdoor Training to test out of Camp Out (Basic), if they have regularly used the principles they learned during in-person training with their troop in the last five years. The test out is an online quiz for experienced outdoor volunteers only. If volunteers haven’t practiced the outdoor training skills they learned, they will need to take the in-person training again.

Complete the "Outdoor Training Test Out Application" to see if you are eligible to complete the "Outdoor Training Test Out Quiz."

Course 4: Camp Out (Plus) toggle arrow

OPTIONAL

Watch these short webinars to learn more about taking your girls on outdoor adventures and to enhance your Camp Out (Basic) skills.

Hiking Skills: Learn how to safely hike with girls in the outdoors.
Nighttime Activities: Things to think about when entertaining girls in the outdoors at night
Knot Skills: Learn the importance of knots and their uses in the outdoors. We will also offer a helpful resource for practicing common knots.

Bonus Skill Building Videos toggle arrow

Refresh skills learned in Camp Out (Basic) with these videos. Give girls a sense of empowerment in the outdoors, show them how to use natural resources more wisely (including respecting our environment and wildlife), and help them become lifelong stewards of the land and our natural resources.

Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls: At Girl Scouts, we work to build girls’ outdoor skills and inspire girls to care for the environment as they grow. The Girl Scout Outdoor Progression Chart is a tool you can use as you advance girls’ skills in an age-appropriate way.
Taking the Journeys Outside: It’s easy to take a Girl Scout Journey outside. Each Journey is full of fun, interactive activities that can easily go outdoors and inspire girls to love and protect the planet. Watch this video to find out how!
Planning Your Troop’s First Campout: In order to have a great campout, you need to plan ahead—and be prepared. This video will give you plenty to think about as you plan your next outdoor adventure with Girl Scouts.
Introduction to Campsite Set-Up: A safe, efficient campsite is important when camping. Watch and learn how to set up a proper camp!
Introduction to Cooking Outdoors: Propane, charcoal, box ovens—there are so many choices when cooking outside. This video shares ideas about the delicious possibilities. Tasty!
How to Leave No Trace Outdoors: A Girl Scout always leaves an area better than she found it. Throughout this video, girls will learn the importance of caring for the land, and how to easily “Leave No Trace” when exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
Introduction to Fire Building: To ensure a fun campfire experience and help minimize impact on the environment, this video provides basic skills on Leave No Trace ethics, wood gathering, types of fire building methods, and how to start and extinguish a campfire.
Outdoors Songs and Games: This video provides fun tips on how to teach songs and games to girls to do in the outdoors, and resources available to learn more about Girl Scout songs and games.

First Aid and CPR Courses toggle arrow

For many Girl Scout activities, we recommend that at least one adult volunteer on-site be first aid/CPR-certified. Here are options for certification!

Council-Sponsored First Aid/CPR Classes

Search our Event Calendar for upcoming classes!

American Red Cross

Girl Scouts of the USA secured a partnership for Girl Scout member discounts with the American Red Cross:

20% discount on the Safety Training Classes if you would like an American Red Cross Instructor to come out and provide a class for 8 or more volunteers/students.
10% discount on safety supplies purchased online at the Red Cross Store. Use coupon code: NEHY010617.
Questions? Contact the local American Red Cross office. Email Emily Flom or call 402.343.7775.

We also encourage you to seek out and take advantage of First Aid/CPR-certification trainings offered by organizations such as the National Safety Council and the American Heart Association.

Essential Resources

We've collected more materials that will be useful on your volunteer journey with Girl Scouts. Please also review and bookmark the following important items:

Co-Leader Learning and Tools toggle arrow

gsLearn

gsLearn is full of essential volunteer trainings and courses, like how to lead activities the Girl Scout way, safety procedures, and advice for guiding Girl Scouts at every grade level.

You’ll find gsLearn via the left menu bar of MY GS in "My Account." It’s accessible on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device, and it will be populated with any trainings you should view.

Opportunity Catalog toggle arrow

Reap the benefits of having a full troop! Do you currently have less than 12 girls in your troop? If so, you can welcome new members by including your troop in the Opportunity Catalog!

The Opportunity Catalog allows girls and their families to browse and join available troops in their area. It’s so easy. When a new girl joins your troop, we’ll let you know by email. Then, all you have to do is contact her and invite her to your next meeting.

The Opportunity Catalog is also a GREAT way for your girls to invite their friends to join your troop. You can send a link directly to a parent or girl allowing them to easily join your troop.

Log into your MY GS account.
Click on “My Troop(s)”.
Scroll to the bottom of the page.
Click on “Invite Friends to join your troop.”
Enter email addresses of friends you want to invite to join your troop.

Do you need to update your troop information in the Opportunity Catalog? You can also customize your troop information or choose from preset descriptions.

Troop Information Change Request Form (Link)

Staff and volunteers are here to support you and give you the tools you need to make your troop a super success. Remember, when you add new girls, you are also creating more opportunities for adult volunteers to support you and your growing troop!

The catalog will display only your troop number, general meeting area (i.e. cross streets, areas served), meeting time and day of the week. We will never share private contact information on the Opportunity Catalog. You can customize your troop description or choose from preset descriptions.

Opportunity Catalog FAQs toggle arrow

What is the Opportunity Catalog?

The Opportunity Catalog is an online tool that allows girls and families to browse and join available troops in their area based on their grade level, schedule and interests.

Why is my troop in the Opportunity Catalog?

As an organization that teaches girls to be inclusive, friendly and welcoming, troops are strongly encouraged to include their troop in the online Opportunity Catalog. In this spirit of sisterhood, we display all troops with less than 12 girl members in our catalog unless Troop Co-Leaders request otherwise and contact Member Support regarding their request.

Is our member and troop information safe?

Of course! Personal troop info such as volunteer names, contact information and specific meeting places will remain private.

We have more than 12 girls. Can we add members?

Yes! Email Member Support and let them know how many girls you are willing to add to your troop and we will add you back into the Opportunity Catalog.

What happens when a girl joins our troop?

When a girl joins your troop, you’ll receive an email with her family’s contact information so you can reach out and welcome them to the troop. When all spaces are filled and your troop reaches capacity, your troop will automatically be removed from the catalog.

What if information about our troop in the Opportunity Catalog is incorrect?

Email Member Support with your updated information and we will update your listing.

What happens if some of my girls do not renew by September 30?

If any of your existing members do not renew by September 30, their spots will open up to anyone looking for a troop in your area.

For example: if you currently have 12 girls, but only 10 renew by September 30, then your troop will have two girl vacancies listed in the Opportunity Catalog beginning October 1. If a girl renews after September 30, she can still renew into your troop, but there is a possibility that your troop will be above the desired number of girls.

Encourage your girls to complete their registration before others fill their spots! Please consider renewing girls who are undecided. Oftentimes, girls will return after a busy fall season of extracurricular activities. Don’t let any of your treasured members lapse!

Have questions or want more information about the Opportunity Catalog? Please contact Member Support via email or call 402.558.8189.

Troop Year Planner toggle arrow

Plan your year of Girl Scouting! These helpful troop year plans guide you through each meeting.

Our age-appropriate troop year plans are the best tool for first year troop leaders to get started with Girl Scouts without getting overwhelmed. The entire year is mapped out—just follow along to help your Girl Scouts complete badge activities, improve their communities, and explore the world around them.

Want to learn more? Visit our Troop Year Planner page.

Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) toggle arrow

Your newest time-saver! We have launched the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)—a digital tool you can access on your computer, smartphone or tablet!

The VTK will save you precious time as you and your girls plan, organize, and manage troop activities. It allows you to spend more time doing the things you imagined when you stepped into your volunteer role—changing girls’ lives through amazing experiences! Get started today!

Here’s are step-by-step guides that will walk you through the VTK. Want to know what you’ll find inside the VTK? View the Journeys and badges by program level available to you by logging into the VTK.

VTK Guide for Troop Co-Leaders (PDF)
VTK Guide for Parents/Guardians (PDF)
VTK Video: Setting Up Your Year Plan (Link)

VTK FAQs

What will I find in the Volunteer Toolkit?

You will find the five areas below to help you manage your troop with ease.

MY TROOP: Manage your troop contacts, renew memberships and communicate with parents.

EXPLORE: View popular year tracks to set as your year plan or create your own year plan. You can also go back to the Explore tab if you need to reset your year plan to start from scratch.

YEAR PLAN: View your year plan after you select a track from the Explore tab. Manage your calendar and customize to add badges or activities as needed. Click on a meeting to edit date, time, and location of meeting. Print or download your year plan to your personal calendar. Select “Past Years” to view your year plans from previous years.

MEETING PLAN: View meeting details including activity descriptions, meeting aids, materials lists, and more. Add a note or agenda items of your own. Send meeting reminders to parents and record attendance and achievements.

RESOURCES: View helpful resources and forms for your troop divided into convenient sections such as the family hub, trips and travel, intent forms, camp or outdoors, traditions, and more. You can also search for badges and journeys through the “badge explorer”.

FINANCES: This will allow you to submit your troop financial report and May bank statement to the council.

How do I access the Volunteer Toolkit?

Log into the VTK by clicking MY GS on the website navigation menu. The VTK integrates right into the council website to allow you to seamlessly go back and forth.

How do I use the Volunteer Toolkit?

The VTK is designed to be intuitive and requires no formal training, however, use this guide to get you started.

If you feel you would like more help exploring the VTK, contact Member Support to set up a meeting with our VTK Expert.

Who has access to the VTK?

Registered and background screened co-leaders for all troops have access to the VTK. Leaders of the same troop can work on and make changes to the same year plan. Individual Girl Member (IGM) Mentors and Service Unit volunteers have full year plan and meeting plan access in the VTK.

What about parents/caregivers?

Parents/caregivers will be able to access the VTK to see what their girl's troop or group is doing (e.g. meeting information and which badges and Journeys she is working on).

What if I don’t have internet at my meeting place to access program materials?

You can easily download the materials to your device or print them prior to your meeting. Also, the VTK can be accessed on a tablet or smart phone, which may expand options where it can be used.

What about volunteers who don’t have home internet?

The VTK is not an app so it can be accessed from any computer or device. Libraries are a great resource for volunteers who don’t have access to the internet at home. They can print meeting plans or download them to their personal computer or drive.

Have questions or want more information about the Volunteer Toolkit? Please contact the Member Support team via email or by calling 402.558.8189.

Program Level Support toggle arrow

Progression Charts

The Girl Scout program is reflecting the ever-changing needs and interests of today’s Girl Scouts. As a Girl Scout volunteer you will help Girl Scouts develop their full potential. Use the following Progression Charts to incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into your troop meetings in age-appropriate ways.

Girl Scout Foundation toggle arrow

Girl-Led Progression Chart (PDF)
Cooperative Learning Progression Chart (PDF)
Learn by Doing Progression Chart (PDF)

Pillars of the Girl Scout Program toggle arrow

Entrepreneurship Progression Chart (PDF)
Outdoor Progression Chart (PDF)

Bridging Resources

Bridging is a special tradition when a Girl Scout graduates from one program level to the next. This transition is an opportunity to progress as well as experience more adventures with your troop, learn new skills, and seek new challenges!

Traditions give Girl Scouts a sense of history and inspire them to be the best they can be. Remember to include your Girl Scouts in the planning—a bridging ceremony is a great opportunity for a Girl Scout-led activity.

Bridging Ceremonies toggle arrow

Each of the bridging ceremony's parts offers plenty of room for Girl Scouts’ creativity and individuality. The ceremony should always focus on paying tribute to Girl Scouts as they move forward. Check out the "Girl Scout Bridging Guide" to help your troop earn the bridging award and hold a bridging ceremony.

Girl Scout Bridging Guide (PDF)

Bridging ceremonies usually take place at the beginning or end of the Girl Scout year and can have three parts:

Opening: Guests are welcomed and the tone is set.
Main Section: The ceremony is explained. Girl Scouts celebrate moving from one level to the next.
Closing: Girl Scouts can participate in friendship circles and thank their guests.

As a volunteer, you can even make it special for your troop by hosting a bridging ceremony where girls cross over a bridge—real or symbolic—to mark each girl’s advancement in Girl Scouts. Sometimes these are combined with a Court of Awards ceremony to start or end the troop year.

Bridging Kits toggle arrow

Our individually packaged and pre-assembled Bridging Kits are an easy way to prepare for your troop's Bridging Ceremony! Each kit includes a commemorative certificate, bridging arc, membership star with disc, bridging fun patch, and more. To order, please contact the Girl Scout Shop at 402.779.8202 or via email.

Additional Bridging Tips toggle arrow

Here are some additional tips and resources to help make the most of your Girl Scout’s bridging experience:

Planning your first Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony? Check out these helpful tips!
Need help keeping your Bridging Ceremony girl-led? Brainstorm a few options then have your Girl Scouts vote!
Want to hold Your Bridging Ceremony on an actual bridge? Our Council has small bridges available to rent for bridging ceremonies. Call your local service center for reservations.
Look ahead to all the new adventures your girls can have as they bridge and learn more about all of the new badges and Journeys your Girl Scouts can earn with the Girl Scout Badge Explorer!
Do You have graduating Ambassador Girl Scouts? Visit our Alums page for ways your graduating Girl Scouts can stay connected to the organization beyond high school.

Girl Scout Characteristics

Every Girl Scout is unique with different needs, interests, and levels of development. When working with any Girl Scout level, it is important to keep in mind the difference in their emotional, social, physical, and intellectual characteristics. Understanding the developmental characteristics of your Girl Scout level will help you in your role as a troop co-leader. You will be able to appreciate why Girl Scouts do what they do.

NOTE: These are broad, general characteristics. Each Girl Scout will grow at their own pace.

Daisy (K-1) toggle arrow

Badges and Journeys

Here are all badges and Journeys your Daisies can accomplish!

Daisy Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

Emotional

Wants to do things independently
Is usually cooperative
Is close to parents but wants the approval and support of adults and peers
Attempts to understand rules and tries to conform
Is inconsistent in behavior: friendly, angelic, unfriendly, and mischievous
Needs lots of praise and encouragement
Needs indirect supervision and direction
Usually overreacts to negative correction and may blame others for mistakes

Social

Wants to make lots of new friends, and likes to play with peers and slightly older children, preferably in small groups
May need support in completing cleanup, in putting things away, and being neat
Can engage in group discussion and is capable of compromise
Is interested in making up roles
Wants to be liked by adults
Loses things easily and is absent-minded

Physical

Has a good appetite, burns energy rapidly, needs frequent snacks
Usually tires early in the evening
Has better control of large muscles than smaller muscles, but improving fine motor activities and has better eye-hand coordination
Cannot sit still for long periods of time and is very active
Is ready to take on more complex activities

Intellectual

Questions the whys and wherefores of surroundings
Learns by doing, experiencing, and playing
Can print some letters, numbers and words, and is beginning to read
Cannot easily see the viewpoint of another if it is different from own
Is interested in realism, magic, and fantasy
Is curious and eager to learn

Learn more about your Daisies on our Grade Level page.

Brownie (2-3) toggle arrow

Badges and Journeys

Here are all badges and Journeys your Brownies can accomplish!

Brownie Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

Emotional

Inconsistent behavior and mood
Needs a lot of praise and encouragement, may react negatively to direction
Very interested in the difference between good and bad
Does not like to try new things alone
Likes to work in groups and helping others
Concerned about being accepted by others
Has a vivid imagination

Social

Enjoys playing in groups and may begin to show independence from family
Wants to have many friends, may have a best friend
Will begin to see both sides of an issue

Physical

Very active and eager to learn and become independent
Can work or play in one place without fidgeting, and are able to do activities involving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
May begin to show the signs of puberty (and may be quite self-conscious about it)

Intellectual

Beginning to develop verbal skills and writing skills
Beginning to read at a proficient level, are interested in make-believe and fantasy stories
Attention span is no more than 30 minutes for an activity, and generally, they will need some action within the activity

Learn more about your Brownies on our Grade Level page.

Junior (4-5) toggle arrow

Badges and Journeys

Here are all badges and Journeys your Juniors can accomplish!

Junior Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

Emotional

Approaches life with more of a sense of adventure, has a vivid imagination and dramatizes things
Is demanding of family members and is critical of self
Feelings are easily hurt and may be bossy and impatient at times
Has passionate feelings for certain activities but stays away from responsibility
Is easygoing and tends to be humorous and happy

Social

Begins to see the world no longer revolves around them
Develops close relationships with friends and is possessive about friends
Corrects parents if errors are made but does not like to be criticized
Is open to the influence of others
Is affectionate at times, self-centered other times
Participates in organized activities
Feels close to family members
Is very talkative and very secretive

Physical

Has a high energy level and needs to be active in play, displays variation in physical skills
Is eager to learn new skills
Begins to physically change, and has a real problem with self-consciousness
May have frequent nightmares, stomachaches, or headaches and bite nails to relieve tension

Intellectual

Begins to read well and prefers silent reading, and is interested in a variety of reading materials
Has an increased attention span and can do more things in sequence
Begins to understand the relationships between cause and effect
Wants to make decisions and express opinions, and is very articulate
Is influenced by radio and television

Learn more about your Juniors on our Grade Level page.

Cadette (6-8) toggle arrow

Badges and Journeys

Here is a list of all badges and Journeys your Cadette can accomplish!

Cadette Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

This is a very busy stage in their life: a time when they are continuing to learn about themselves, adventuring out into the world around them and facing new changes and challenges. It is important that you, as a leader, are able to recognize each individual Girl Scout’s needs and interests and help to develop those interests. While all Girl Scouts are unique, there are many characteristics that they share:

Physical Changes

Onset of menstruation
Beginning of secondary growth development

Social Changes

Accepting changing bodies
Seeking influences outside of family

Defining Moments

Transition to junior high/middle school

Worries

Grades
Fitting in
Appearance

Pressures

Peer pressures for testing boundaries including dating, smoking, etc.

Activity Interests

Improving the world
Outdoor activities
Hanging out with friends
Improving self-confidence
Playing sports

You Can Help By...

Creating a safe, supportive environment
Give them opportunities and connections

Learn more about your Cadette on our Grade Level page.

Senior (9-10) toggle arrow

Bages and Journeys

Here is a list of all badges and Journeys your Senior can accomplish!

Senior Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

Physical Changes

Growth in height
Voice lowering
Greater body and hormonal changes

Social Changes

Gaining peer support
Explore independent values

Defining Moments

Rite of passage—becoming a teenager

Worries

Grades
Relationships
Appearance / eating disorders
Too much to do!

Pressures

Pressure to act a certain way

Activity Interests

Personalize their own space
Taking trips
Music to express self
Developing image through clothes and fashion
Dating

You Can Help By...

Model how to explore and affirm emotions and reactions to new experiences

Learn more about your Senior on our Grade Level page.

Ambassador (11-12) toggle arrow

Badges and Journeys

Here is a list of all badges and Journeys your Ambassador can accomplish!

Ambassador Badges and Journeys (PDF)

General Characteristics

Physcial Changes

Features are developing adult characteristics

Social Changes

Self-expression
Greater autonomy/less parental support

Defining Moments

New independence—can now drive

Worries

Grades
Success
Too much to do!

Pressures

Worried about getting into the right college

Activity Interests

Career opportunities
Self-defense
Managing time
Dealing with emotions
Leadership events

You Can Help By...

Empower them
Encourage their individual interest

Learn more about your Ambassador on our Grade Level page.

If you need assistance or more information about working with a certain program level, please complete this short questionnaire.

Safety Activity Checkpoints toggle arrow

When preparing for any activity with girls, start with Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints. Think of them as your preparation guide, so that you can ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe.

Safety Activity Checkpoints (PDF)

Volunteer-to-Girl Ratios

Girl Scout groups are large enough to provide a cooperative learning environment and small enough to allow for development of individual girls. It is recommended that group sizes, when possible, as as follows:

Daisies: 5-12 girls
Brownies: 10-20 girls
Juniors: 10-25 girls
Cadettes: 5-25 girls
Seniors: 5-30 girls
Ambassadors: 5-30 girls

Girl Scouts' volunteer-to-girl ratios show the minimum number of adults needed to supervise a specific number of girls. (Councils may also establish maximums due to size or cost restrictions.) These supervision ratios were devised to ensure the safety and health of girls—for example, if one adult has to respond to an emergency, a second adult is always on hand for the rest of the girls. Please refer to these volunteer-to-girl ratios while planning group meetings, events, trips, or camps. It may take you a minute to get used to the layout of this chart, but once you start to use it, you'll find the chart extremely helpful.

VOLUNTEER-TO-GIRL RATIO		D	B	J	C	S	A
TROOP OR GROUP MEETINGS	Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls:	12	20	25	25	30	30
TROOP OR GROUP MEETINGS	Plus one additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:	1-6	1-8	1-10	1-12	1-15	1-15
EVENTS, TRAVEL, CAMP	Two unrelated volunteers (at least one of whom is female) for this number of girls:	6	12	16	20	24	24
EVENTS, TRAVEL, CAMP	Plus one additional volunteer for each additional number of this many girls:	1-4	1-6	1-8	1-10	1-12	1-12

Here are some examples: if you're meeting with 17 Daisies, you'll need three adults, at least two of whom are unrelated (in other words, not your sister, spouse, parent, or child), and at least one of whom is female. If this isn't making sense to you, follow the chart: you need two adults for 12 Daisies and one more adult for up to six more girls. You have 17, so you need three adults. If, however, you have 17 Cadettes attending a group meeting, you need only two unrelated adults, at least one of which is female (because, on the chart, two adults can manage up to 25 Cadettes).

In addition to the volunteer-to-girl ratios, please remember that adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old or at the age of majority defined by the state, if it is older than 18, and successfully complete a background screen.

Miscellaneous Resources toggle arrow

Additional Documents toggle arrow

Girl Scout Branding toggle arrow

Girl Scout Logos

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska logos may be downloaded from Dropbox. Before creating your own materials, please review the following documents:

Logo and Graphics User Agreement (PDF)
Council Branding Cheat Sheet (PDF)

For Girl Scout branding questions, please contact our Marketing team by email or call 402.558.8189.

Media Support

We encourage you to send Girl Scout stories to the media in your community. If you need assistance with your public relations endeavors, please contact our Marketing department by email or call 402.558.8189.

Templates and Social Media Toolkits toggle arrow

Looking for ways to promote Girl Scouts or grow your troop? Spirit of Nebraska has created Girl Scout-branded flier templates, newsletter templates, and a social media toolkit to excite your troop/group, service unit, or social media followers about Girl Scouts!

Click on the link.
Click the files names to browse/view them.
Save a copy the file by selecting the "Download" option.

Flier and Newsletter Templates

Flier Templates (Link)
Newsletter Templates (Link)

Social Media Toolkits

Fall Recruitment Toolkit: Co-Leaders (Link)
Fall Recrutment Toolkit: Parents, Volunteers (Link)

Be sure to follow us on Facebook (@girlscoutsnebraska) and Instagram (@girlscoutsne) and tag #GSSN in your posts!

Volunteer Meetings toggle arrow

Volunteer Meetings are designed to help you learn more about council activities and to network with other volunteers. All leaders, co-leaders, parents/caregivers, volunteer,s and community members are welcome! Meetings are held three or four times per year and invitations are sent directly to all registered leaders.

In-Person Meetings

To find out the dates and times of the next Volunteer Meeting in your area, please contact Member Support.

Volunteer News: October/November 2026 (PDF)
Volunteer News: August/September 2026 (PDF)
Volunteer News: March/April 2026 (PDF)
Volunteer News: October/November 2025 (PDF)
Volunteer News: August/September 2025 (PDF)

Troop Support Town Halls

First Thursdays (except in July) at 7 p.m. CST

Enhance your Girl Scout experience by joining experts as we discuss and answer questions about the following topics. We’re here to help you make the most out of your troop year. View our YouTube playlist to browse previous Town Hall discussions! To join a live Town Hall meeting, please RSVP on our Facebook page.

Let us know if you can’t find something or have suggestions for how we can improve your experience. Thank you for all you do for girls and for our council and Nebraska girls!

All your volunteer essentials, all in one place.

Co-Leader Training

Outdoor Training

Council-Sponsored First Aid/CPR Classes

American Red Cross

Essential Resources

Progression Charts

Bridging Resources

Girl Scout Characteristics

Badges and Journeys

General Characteristics

Badges and Journeys

General Characteristics

Badges and Journeys

General Characteristics

Badges and Journeys

General Characteristics

Bages and Journeys

General Characteristics

Badges and Journeys

General Characteristics

Volunteer-to-Girl Ratios

Co-Leader and Volunteer Information

Parent Meeting Information

Inclusion Information

Camp and Outdoor Materials

Girl Scout Logos

Media Support

Flier and Newsletter Templates

Social Media Toolkits

In-Person Meetings

Troop Support Town Halls