Volunteer Training

Our online Volunteer Training offers these elements as learning opportunities for adult volunteers, including Troop Camper Training, Water Watcher Self-Study, Overnight Orientation, and Cheddar Up.

Note: You must be pre-registered for all in-person training courses, must be a current member of GSNNJ, and have completed the criminal background check online.

Troop Camper and Outdoor Training toggle arrow

The Troop Helper or Overnight Participant assists girls in planning, budgeting and organizing the troop’s overnights and trips and accompanies them on their experiences. The Troop Helper or Overnight Participant is dependent upon various factors such as the type of sleeping accommodations (Cabin, tent, hotel, etc.) and how many nights your trip will take place. See the following chart for what training is required. At least one adult must be First Aid and CPR Certified. If swimming or boating, Water Watcher is required.

Overnight Orientation should be taken at least 4-6 weeks before your first overnight and is a pre-requisite to all courses below. It is an online self-study.
Troop Camper (Part 1 & 2) should be taken as soon as possible before your first camping experience. Troop Camper 1 is an online self-study. Troop Camper 2 is an in-person outdoor training at Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon. One adult per troop a) should be certified for the best camp experience for your troop and b) is required to be certified to able to have any type of open flame indoors or outdoors at your camp site. How to prepare for the camping trip, preparing meals, and other camping skills are part of the curriculum. Overnight Orientation & Troop Camper Part I must be completed BEFORE attending a Troop Camper Part 2 session. Additional information for the day of training, directions to camp, and the camp map, will be forwarded via email approximately 1 week before your training.

Accomodations/Activity	Number of Nights	Training Required
Multi-purpose room, home, or similar	1-2* nights	Overnight Orientation
Tent, Cabin or Yurt Camping (no campfire or open flame fire allowed)	1-2* nights	Overnight Orientation and Troop Camper 1
Tent, Cabin or Yurt Camping, or any use of a campfire or open flame	1-2+* nights	Required: Overnight Orientation, Troop Camper 1, Troop Camper 2 (search "Troop Camper 2 Training in Event Search for dates)
Swimming or Boating	Day Activity	Water Watcher Video Water Watcher Handbook

*Up to 3 nights if the 3rd night is a federal holiday

** Unless the 3rd night is a federal holiday

Training References toggle arrow

Troop Camper 1 Training Videos toggle arrow

Taking the Journeys Outside

Planning Your Troop’s First Campout

Step by Step- Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls

Introduction to Campsite Set-up

Introduction to Cooking Outdoors

How to Leave No Trace Outdoors

Introduction to Fire Building

Outdoors Songs and Games

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Extended Trip Training should be taken as soon as possible before your trip of three or more days. Email Barbara Dunn at bdunn@gsnnj.org for more information. Trainings for Extended Trips are scheduled based on request.

Extended Trip

3+** nights

Overnight Orientation and Extended Trip Training

Webinars and Seminars toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of New Jersey Councils and The Provident Bank Foundation sponsored a series of webinars and symposiums for our Volunteers, designed to enhance confidence in resolving troop conflicts and handling the varied needs of girls. Check out some of the webinar recordings below.

On Jan. 12, 2021, A Virtual Symposium for New Jersey Girl Scout Volunteers was presented by Girl Scouts of New Jersey and The Provident Bank Foundation. The guest speakers/presenters were Developmental Psychologist Andrea Bastiani Archibald, PhD, and Varsha Waishampayan, CEO and Founder of WINGS for Growth. This webinar was designed to help volunteers with resolving troop conflicts, dealing with stress for girls and leaders, working with girls with different abilities, and building resiliency during challenging times.

A Virtual Symposium for New Jersey Girl Scout Volunteers

Stress Management & Self-Care, a webinar exploring mindfulness and wellness, was presented to GSNNJ's Troop Leaders and Service Unit Managers on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 in an effort to provide ongoing resources for Girl Scout volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. The event was moderated by GSNNJ CEO Betty Garger and guest speaker Gabriela C. Celeiro, LCSW, a Behavioral Health Clinician at Atlantic Health.

Thanks to a generous grant from The Provident Bank Foundation, Girl Scouts of New Jersey Councils hosted the 2018 New Jersey Statewide Girl Scout Volunteer Symposium and online webinars that addressed the unique challenges Girl Scout Volunteers encounter with regard to Inclusivity, Conflict Management, and Addressing Children with Special Needs, among other topics.

Cheddar Up toggle arrow

Easily collect payments for your troop. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey has partnered with Cheddar Up to help troop leaders easily collect payments (and information) online. Sign up here and review the resources below.

Cheddar Up Overview

Cheddar Up Information Powerpoint

Cheddar Up Training Video