Adult Learning

Welcome to adult learning in Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands!  The Volunteer Services Department provides opportunities for Girl Scout adults to gain the knowledge and skills for performing their volunteer roles with competence and satisfaction.  Adult learning courses are conducted by a dedicated corps of volunteer and staff trainers and are open to all registered adults within the council’s 22-county area.

Registration

To register for adult learning courses,

• review the current FOCALPOINT Training and Program Calendar to select a session that fits your schedule
• complete a Training Registration Form
• submit the completed registration form along with fee payment, if required, to the registrar at your regional service center at least seven (7) days prior to the session date unless otherwise noted.             

Forms may be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered. 

• Required fees must accompany completed registration form.
• Session confirmations will be mailed or e-mailed once the session has met the minimum number of participants required. 
• Directions to the session location will be included in your confirmation letter.
• No walk-ins please!  Registration is necessary for all adult learning courses to allow the trainer time to prepare for the class and ensure that enough training materials will be available for participants.  Non-registered participants place an unreasonable burden on registered participants, the trainer and the host site.
• If you are unable to attend, please call the Training/Volunteer Placement Manager at your regional service center as soon as possible. In most cases, refunds or a session transfer will be allowed when requested at least three business days prior to the session.  This may not be possible if fees to outside consultants have been paid, or if food and other supplies have been purchased.  Check with a Training/Volunteer Placement Manager for questions on a particular session.  No-shows may forfeit a refund or transfer.
• Adult learning courses are open to all adult volunteers.  Girls may attend only if the session has been designed for them.

Get the most from your Adult Learning course!

• Arrive on time.  Participants who miss course content may not receive credit.
• Listen attentively.
• Limit use of cell phones to emergencies only.
• Appreciate other points of view.
• Ask questions when you don’t understand.
• Participate in discussions and activities.

Additional Ways to Access Adult Learning

Correspondence/Online options are currently available for many of our adult learning courses. Contact any Training/Volunteer Placement Manager for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adult Learning

Q:  Who do I contact if I have questions about adult learning?
A:  Contact the Training/Volunteer Placement Manager at any regional service center for more                              information.  All can be reached through our toll free number, 800.849.4475; or:

Q:  What adult learning courses do I need to get started?
A:  Three courses are required for getting started with your troop:

• Orientation to Girl Scout Leadership in Mountains to Midlands – this session is required before your first troop meeting and before taking Basic Leadership and  Age-Level Leadership.
• Basic Leadership
• One of the following Age-Level Leadership courses:
• Girl Scout Daisy Leadership
• Girl Scout Brownie Leadership
• Girl Scout Junior Leadership
• Advisor for Girls 11-17 (Girl Scout Cadette and Girl Scout Senior)

Q: How long do I have to complete my adult learning requirements?
A:  Refer to the FOCALPOINT Training and Program Calendar for descriptions of these courses.

• Once you have been appointed to a troop leader position and have started meeting with the troop, you have 60 days to complete Basic Leadership and the appropriate Age-Level Leadership course.  
• First Aid and CPR must be completed before participating in activities that require this certification as per Safety-Wise.  Refer to Safety-Wise for activities requiring the presence of an adult certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Sleep-In/Cook-In must be completed before taking the troop on an overnight in a self-contained facility.
• Sleep-Out/Cook-Out must be completed before taking the troop camping.

Q: May I attend sessions at any of the locations listed?
A:  Yes, you may choose the session that is most convenient for you.

Q: What do I bring to my session?
A:  You will find a list of items to bring in each course description and on each confirmation letter.  Age-level leader guides and girl resources may be purchased at any Girlz Gear council shop. Age-level leader guides will be available for purchase at age-level leadership sessions.

Q: What happens if I am late to my session?
A:  Arriving more than 20 minutes late or leaving 20 minutes early may result in not receiving credit for taking the course.  Please be considerate of our volunteer trainers and other participants. 

Q: What happens if the minimum number of participants is not met?
A:  Sessions that do not meet the minimum number of registered participants will be cancelled. Only registered participants will be notified of cancellation by telephone, mail or e-mail.  Unless otherwise noted, at least six (6) participants must be enrolled to conduct any session.

Q: May I bring my child with me?
A:   In order to create a safe, comfortable and learning-friendly environment, children are not                            permitted at adult learning sessions.  Please make arrangements for child care. 

Q: Do you keep a record of the Girl Scout courses I attend? 
A:  An attendance record is kept for each adult learning course. When you attend Orientation to Girl                Scout Leadership in Mountains to Midlands, you will also receive a card for recording your Girl Scout adult learning participation.  Bring this card with you to all sessions you attend and the  trainer will record your attendance.
           
Q: Are adult learning courses transferable from another Girl Scout council or another agency?
A: If the courses taken are equivalent they can be transferred.  You will need documentation of the courses taken.  Contact a Training/Volunteer Placement Manager to discuss your situation.

Q: How can I learn more?             
A:  Adult learning opportunities are everywhere!

• Attend your service unit meetings.  Additional adult learning courses may be announced or conducted at these meetings.
• Give requests/suggestions for additional learning opportunities to your Training/Volunteer Placement Manager.
• Take advantage of opportunities in your community that might support your Girl Scout leadership role.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
		UNITED WAY
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