Volunteer Scoop: July
News & Updates
Preparing for Back to Troop & New Membership Year
It's that time of year where as a Troop Co-Leader you are starting to think about what your back to troop plans look like and if girls in your troop are returning for another year of adventure.
If you haven't already, please complete your Troop Intent Form to let us know if you have openings for new girls to join your troop. This helps council quickly place new girls into existing troops each fall.
Volunteer Toolkit Annual Archive
On August 2nd, the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) will be unavailable while current Year Plans are archived and the VTK is reset for the new membership year. You will still be able to view previous year plans through the green Past Years link at the top of your YEAR PLAN tab. Up to three past year plans and financial summaries are available to view.
Achievement and attendance records DO NOT archive.
Please download a copy of this information from MY TROOP for your records before July 30th.
After August 2nd, login to the Volunteer Toolkit through MYGS to start planning your troop's year!
Get Ready for Back to Troop with gsLearn
gsLearn is Girl Scouts' official online and on-demand training platform. Confident leaders are prepared leaders, and these online learnings will give you all the info you need to be a great troop leader.
Login to gsLearn through your MYGS account and find the courses below and more!
- GSUSA 2022 New and Updated Program: Girl Scouts is excited to bring you new and updated program for your troop, along with informative trainings and changes to the VTK that will make being a Troop Leader even easier. (Approx. 15 minutes to complete.)
- GSUSA Delivering Inclusive Program: In this course, you will practice using inclusive and equitable language to support the identities of all Girl Scouts and foster a cohesive troop environment. (Approx. 20 minutes to complete.)
- GSUSA What Girl Scouts Do: In this interactive course designed for brand new leaders, you will learn about What Girl Scouts Do at each grade level. This course is great as a refresher or if your girls are bridging to a new level. (Approx. 20 minutes per level.)
- GSUSA Resilient. Ready. Strong. Patch: The Girl Scouts: Resilient. Ready. Strong. patch will build girls' inner strength so they are ready for anything! This course will review activities that work for all grade levels, as well as provide reflective questions for discussions with girls, and links to additional resources. (Approx. 15 minutes to complete.)
New Website, Same Helpful Resources
The Girl Scout Dakota Horizons' website is getting a makeover. The new website will still house all the same volunteer resources you rely on, but with a new and updated look and layout. The new version will go live August 10th.
Friendly Reminders
Retail Services
- Do your girls need new uniforms or bridging kits?
- Dakota Horizons' retail services offers a variety of ways to shop for badges, uniforms, awards, gifts, specialty items and more! Find the shopping option that best meets your needs at gsdakotahorizons.org/shop.
- All online orders over $75.00 ship free!
- All orders placed on the first Thursday of each month by email or calling 800-666-2141 will ship free!
- Stores are currently closed for inventory and will reopen July 25.
Spring Renewal Incentives
Thank you to everyone who renewed their memberships for the 2022-2023 Girl Scout Membership year. All Spring Renewal incentives, including the Explore More t-shirt, patch and Trefoil charm, will be mailed to Troop Co-Leaders in August.
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