Spring 2024 Lead & Learn

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Lead & Learn Spring 2024 Course Catalog

Registration Opens February 13!

Fall 2022

Lead & Learn

2024 Spring Issue With support from dedicated adult volunteers, caregivers and staff, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) delivers the Girl Scout experience to girls and adults in eastern Missouri, which includes St. Louis City and the 28 surrounding Missouri counties of Adair, Audrain (Van-Far School District), Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Iron, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Reynolds, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Sullivan, Warren and Washington.

Lead & Learn is an bi-annual publication of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.

Dr. Natissia Small Chief Executive Officer

Kelly Daleen Chief Marketing and Membership Officer

GSEM NEWS

Would you like to receive our monthly e-newsletter and other GSEM updates via email? To ensure you receive these updates please login to your MY GS account, click on the “Family Profile” tab and make sure the “Email Opt In” box is checked and that the email address we have on file is accurate.

314.400.4600 answercenter@girlscoutsem.org

Danielle Washington Chief Program Officer Barbara Wilson Chief Financial Officer

GSEM Service Center 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Erin Huett Chief People and Culture Officer Dr. Lydia Bullock Chief Engagement and Belonging Officer

CAMP LOCATIONS

Camp Cedarledge Pevely, MO Camp Fiddlecreek Labadie, MO

facebook.com/GirlScoutsEasternMO

Camp Tuckaho Troy, MO

Editorial Inquiries communications@ girlscoutsem.org

@girlscoutsem

@GirlScoutsEM

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has zero tolerance for any instances of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation of any individual. Any staff member, volunteer, or independent contractor found to have engaged in any such activity will be terminated from their employment, volunteer role, and/or any other affiliation they have with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will also pursue any and all legal actions warranted in the event of an instance of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation. For more information about this policy, see the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri website at https://vr.girlscoutsem.org/sampolicy, or contact the Senior Manager, Risk Management. Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse and Molestation Policy

If you have any concerns about, or need to report, an instance of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation, contact the Senior Manager, Risk Management. If that person is not available, contact another Leadership Team staff member. Also remember that Missouri law states that if any person with the responsibility for the care of children has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. Mandated reporters include Girl Scout volunteers and staff.

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Your Girl Scout Adult Education Team

Libby Kindle Adult Education Coordinator

Shaun Lindhoff Adult Education Coordinator

Eric Webster Adult Education Coordinator

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Lead & Learn!

It may be cold outside right now, but Adult Education is thinking of the warm spring and summer days to come. We have a full catalog of fantastic courses ready and waiting for you, our wonderful volunteers, to check out. We welcome back the Aquatics section of the course catalog, full of not only course information, but also everything you need to know about the trained personnel and adult-to-girl ratios required to take girls on a boating adventure both on and off our camp lakes. We have a new addition to the Adult Education team! Please welcome Eric Webster, our newest Adult Education Coordinator. Eric is currently pursuing a Masters in Education, specializing in Educational Technology, at SIUE. He has a background in content production, including remote/hybrid events, webinars, and educational sessions, and in his spare time is a freelance photographer. His skillset has been a tremendous asset to Adult Education since arriving in July, and Shaun and I are excited to have him on board. We are excited to highlight a few courses available in the course catalog this edition. If you have teens or tweens at home or in your troops, consider registering for Youth Mental Health First Aid (pgs. 36 and 41). In this nationally-recognized certification course, you will learn

how to assess mental health challenges in teens and near-teens and the best ways to guide them to the help they need. This is valuable knowledge for volunteers and parents working with older girls. Springtime is when nature comes back to life, and we have courses to help you and your troop get the most out of your outdoor adventures. Consider becoming a F.R.O.G. (Friendly Resource Options Guide) to learn more about the Anheuser-Busch Nature Center at Camp Tuckaho and gain access to the exclusive supplies and activities that are unavailable to casual visitors at the Nature Center (pgs. 33 and 45). And come away inspired to connect with nature and bring more fun nature activities to your troops after taking Hands-On Nature Activities, also at Camp Tuckaho (pg. 46). To close, we would like to remind all our volunteers to take advantage of the online Adult Education surveys that accompany each GSEM-created course in gsLearn, or give us feedback personally. You can also ask questions and give feedback on the new Adult Education rally in Rallyhood—the fastest-growing rally at GSEM. See pgs. 4-5 for more information. We can’t wait to see everyone in class!

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Spring 2024

Adult Education is Now in Rallyhood! In the Adult Education rally, you can: • See the entire Lead & Learn course catalog, plus other important GSEM dates, on the calendar • Easily access links and files to find the volunteer resources you need • Learn about course additions, changes, and cancellations • Post questions, comments, or feedback to the Adult Education team and volunteer instructors

Calendar

Message Wall

Check your email for an invitation to join or request to join here.

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Volunteer leaders are critical to the success of our mission! That’s why Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has partnered with Rallyhood to help streamline communication, encourage collaboration and foster a connected council community.

Helpful links: • Rallyhood website login

• Basic instructions for Rallyhood users • Instructions for hub and rally admins • Rallyhood tech support

Download the updated Rallyhood app! • Convenient when on-the-go • Faster and more responsive experience • New features • Use the QR codes to download today!

New Rallyhood learning content coming soon to gsLearn! If you have questions about Rallyhood, please contact Libby Kindle, lkindle@girlscoutsem.org .

iPhone

Android

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Spring 2024

Volunteer Recognitions At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, volunteer appreciation goes beyond a simple “Thank You”. Our volunteers devote time and energy on top of their own busy lives to give girls the opportunity to learn, have fun and grow in a positive, supportive environment. Because volunteers shine their light on us, below are some of the ways we can express our deep gratitude for their service.

Nominations for council-level Volunteer Recognitions are now open!

See this video for a quick tutorial on the submission process that you can watch for guidance or share with others. All nominations must be fully complete and submitted by February 9, 2024 . For more information on Volunteer Recognitions and to find the resources and webpages referenced in the video, please visit girlscoutsem.org/volunteerrecognitions.

Council-Level Recognitions Include: • Spark Award • Diversity Hall of Fame • Volunteer of Excellence Award • Gold Laurel Award • Gold Trefoil Award • President’s Award • Pearl Award • AntRabbit Award for Camping Excellence • Thanks Badge • Thanks Badge II Each council-level recognition has its own recommendation form tailored to each award’s specific criteria. These recommendation forms make it easier for those nominating or providing recommendations for a candidate to give detailed accounts of a candidate’s volunteer service and accomplishments. Follow the links above to download individual recommendation forms. Each recommendation form is fillable and specific to the award listed.

Nomination Instructions 1. Go to the Volunteer Recognition page on our website.

2. Consult the Adult Recognition Handbook for award descriptions and criteria.

3. Download the fillable recommendation form for the appropriate award. These forms must be completed by the nominator and those providing additional recommendations for the award. 4. Have on hand the names of individuals submitting additional recommendations, as well as the following information about the candidate: • Contact information, including email address, street address, and phone number • Current and previous Girl Scout volunteer role(s) • District and neighborhood (if applicable) 5. Select “Begin Nomination” to access the online nomination form, provide the requested information, and upload your recommendation form and the forms of others providing recommendations. At minimum, the recommendation form from the nominator is required. Any additional recommendation forms that cannot be uploaded when filling out the online nomination form may be emailed to adulteducation@girlscoutsem.org . No handwritten recommendation forms please. 6. The online nomination form must be completed and submitted all at once—progress toward completion will not be saved if the form is exited before clicking Submit.

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The Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which will recognize awardees for the 2023 membership

Save the Date for the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony!

year, will be held on March 23, 2024 at Edward Jones, 12555

Every year, the Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri Board of Directors recognizes and celebrates our outstanding volunteers and community members during our Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. This inspirational and much anticipated event showcases the exceptional acts of service and leadership performed within our council during the previous membership year.

Manchester Rd., St. Louis 63131 .

The annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony only highlights council-level recognitions. Neighborhood- and district-level recognitions may be awarded at separate ceremonies or events hosted by local neighborhoods and districts.

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Spring 2024

Getting Started

Technology and Platforms Courses to help volunteers navigate the technology and online platforms used at GSEM. Troop Camping and Outdoor Skills Required certification courses for volunteers who wish to take their troops camping on or off GSEM properties, along with outdoor skills courses to enhance your camping experience. Troop Management Important courses for new or seasoned troop leaders or other troop support volunteers to help them safely and effectively manage their troops with confidence. Program Levels Program levels follow course titles. Adults working with the level indicated would benefit the most from the course. Seniors and Ambassadors are welcome to attend courses in this publication but are not able to access online courses in gsLearn. They would register as adults. A caregiver may register a Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout by contacting the Answer Center at 314.400.4600. gsLearn Course Prefixes All courses and learning paths in gsLearn begin with either 548 or GSUSA. 548 is the council number for GSEM, and courses or learning paths that begin with the 548 prefix were created by our council. GSUSA stands for Girl Scouts of the USA, our national organization. Courses or learning paths that begin with the GSUSA prefix were created by GSUSA for use by councils across the country. In the Lead & Learn course listings, these prefixes are omitted for clarity. Courses and learning paths created by GSUSA are noted with (GSUSA) at the end of the course title Financial Aid To apply for an adult education scholarship, applicants must complete an Adult Education Course Registration and Scholarship Application at girlscoutsem.org/financialaid and submit both to the Answer Center.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri fully embraces virtual learning to make volunteer training convenient and accessible to as many people as possible. Because our volunteers’ time is valuable, we hope to create more blended-learning opportunities for our skills based courses, so that volunteers may complete the knowledge portion of the course online at their convenience while completing skills practice in person. We know that in-person training and adult programs provide a sense of community that many of our adult members enjoy, and these in-person experiences will still be part of our adult learning curriculum. Our goal is to build upon this and expand our curriculum to include more online courses and live virtual events so that we can efficiently and effectively reach the widest audience possible within our council and help our volunteers achieve their learning goals. Courses are grouped in the following categories: Aquatics Vigorous, hands-on courses that provide volunteers with the knowledge and skills to lead girls on aquatic excursions. Archery Includes USA Archery Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor courses and outlines the USA Archery procedures for course registration. Badges, Journeys, Awards and Patches Helpful courses to make getting started with Journeys, the latest Badge and patch programs and Girl Scouts Highest Awards easy. Camp and Service Team Volunteers Courses for volunteers and staff who serve at GSEM camps as well as those who want to develop further in their district or neighborhood leadership roles. First Aid, CPR and Mental Wellness Valuable and potentially life-saving courses offered through the American Red Cross, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and GSUSA.

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Train anywhere, anytime with gsLearn

Designed to help meet our volunteers’ modern learning needs, gsLearn offers online training resources, delivered on demand for the busy adult! Learn at your own pace, access additional resources and review information when you need it. Added Convenience for Volunteers • gsLearn makes learning and completing courses easier than ever • All Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri training opportunities in one place • Centralized tracking of online, virtual and in-person course completions • Easy access to personal training histories in Achievements • Browse courses and learning paths in the Content Library • Access to Movement-wide online learning opportunities created by GSUSA • gsLearn may be accessed on mobile devices How do I register for courses in gsLearn? There are multiple ways to register for courses in gsLearn depending on the course type: • No need to register for online courses—they are accessible anytime • Register for in-person or virtual courses with NO fees by selecting and opening the course in gsLearn, then clicking Register in the upper right corner • Register for in-person courses with fees by selecting and opening the course in gsLearn, then following the link to the course in gsEvents to complete the registration and payment process

You may also register for courses by: • Directly accessing the gsEvents registration page on our website (in-person courses with fees only) • Filling out a paper registration form • Contacting the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

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Spring 2024

New Troop Leader Learning Path

Everything a new troop leader needs in one place!

The only required course in this learning path is New Troop Leader Training. The remaining courses are vital supplements to help new leaders and assistant leaders be successful but are not required. Only one of the listed Grade Level Essentials courses needs to be completed to complete the entire learning path. IMPORTANT: Both the leader and assistant leader(s) in a troop must complete New Troop Leader Training within 30 days of the course being assigned to them in gsLearn. Failure to complete this course will result in the volunteer being removed from their volunteer role. What’s a Learning Path? Courses in gsLearn may be bundled together based on topic or function into groups called learning paths. Courses in learning paths may be online, virtual, or in person. Most learning paths allow a learner to take courses in any order they choose. A learning path is simply a convenient way to gather related courses into one easy-to-find place.

Completing the New Troop Leader Learning Path ensures that troop leaders and assistant leaders are confident and competent as they lead their energetic, ambitious girls to new adventures. The New Troop Leader Learning Path consists of six courses: 1. New Troop Leader Training 2. Troop Money Management 3. Grade Level Essentials Daisy, Brownie, Junior 4. Volunteer Toolkit—Troop Leader View 5. Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training 6. Managing My Troops from My Account

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YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.

WHO SHOULD KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? • Troop Leaders • Troop Volunteers • Service Team Members • Camp Volunteers & Staff • Council Staff • Parents • Any Adults who Work with Youth

1 IN 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness*

50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s. Source: Archives of General Psychiatry***

10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime. Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid**

WAYS TO LEARN Blended – Learners complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course before participating in a 5.5-hour, in-person session led by certified instructors. • Learners receive a 3-year Youth Mental Health First Aid certification after successfully completing the course • Course materials include a YMHFA manual and a YMHFA processing guide • See the course listing for more details WHAT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COVERS • Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). • Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges. • How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis. • How to connect the youth with help. • Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan ( ALGEE ): A ssess for risk of suicide or harm. L isten nonjudgmentally. G ive reassurance and information. E ncourage appropriate professional help. E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.

Sources * National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Kids. https://www.nami.org/Your Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids ** Mental Health First Aid. (2020). Mental Health First Aid USA for adults assisting children and youth. National Council for Mental Wellbeing. *** Kessler, R., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., Walters, E.E. (2005, June). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry . 62(6); 593-602. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593

To learn more about Mental Health First Aid visit MHFA.org

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Spring 2024

Winter/Spring Adult Courses 2024

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Aquatics

All aboard! Get girls active on the water by taking them on a boating adventure. Courses in this section will teach you how to plan and execute safe and exciting small craft activities suitable to your girls’ experience levels.

Small Craft Safety Program The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Small Craft Safety Program is organized into three learning paths, each of which contains all the knowledge you need (through online modules) to take part in the in-person skills session for each aquatic discipline (Canoeing, Sailing, or Moving Water). Each Small Craft Safety learning path contains multiple online-only and blended-learning courses, meaning there are online components accessible anytime in gsLearn and corresponding in-person skills sessions requiring registration. Some courses are found in all learning paths; however, once you complete a course in one learning path it will show that it is complete in the other learning paths. All online components must be completed before attending any of the in-person skills sessions. Additional Information: • GSEM Small Craft Safety learning paths are not true certifications; they instead acknowledge the successful completion of all requirements for that learning path • Each course in a learning path (online or in person) is individually renewable every three years • Basic Water Rescue is also offered as a standalone blended-learning course, in addition to being a component of all Small Craft Safety learning paths

Each learning path is described here: Small Craft Safety: Canoeing —required to supervise all levels of Girls Scouts in canoes on flat water (no current). • Basic Water Rescue blended learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • GSUSA Small Craft Safety Training online course (videos) • Small Craft Safety: Canoeing blended learning course Small Craft Safety: Sailing —required to supervise Juniors through Ambassadors in sailboats on flat water (no current). • Basic Water Rescue blended learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • GSUSA Small Craft Safety Training online course (videos) • Small Craft Safety: Sailing blended learning course Class I or Class I/II moving water (with current). • Basic Water Rescue blended learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • GSUSA Small Craft Safety Training online course (videos) • Small Craft Safety: Canoeing blended learning course • Small Craft Safety: Moving Water blended learning course Small Craft Safety: Moving Water —required to supervise Cadettes through Ambassadors in canoes on

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Spring 2024

Canoeing and Sailing With Your Troop

Summer means being out on the water, and taking your troop on a canoe, sailboat, or other small craft outing could be just the adventure they’re looking for! But where do you start? Learn the number of adults needed and what training is required for common small craft activities in the Small Craft Activity Adult-to-Girl Ratios and Trained Personnel Requirements table on the next page, along with the waterfront personnel and training requirements defined below. This basic information covers outings on and off Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri owned property. Details for the required courses we offer may be found in the Aquatics and First Aid, CPR and Mental Wellness sections of the course catalog. Trained Waterfront Personnel There are four essential trained waterfront personnel roles for small craft activities: primary trained personnel, secondary trained personnel, watcher, and general first aider. Primary trained personnel: This is the main person directly in charge of the waterfront during an activity. Must have completed the Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety (SCS) learning path relevant to the activity (SCS: Canoeing, SCS: Moving Water, or SCS: Sailing) and signed Appendix D of the GSEM Waterfront Manual. This individual must be at least 18 years old. Secondary trained personnel: This individual assists the primary trained personnel in overseeing the waterfront during an activity. This individual must be at least 16 years old (at least 18 for lifeguards), must have completed one of the following courses and signed Appendix D of the GSEM Waterfront Manual: • SCS: Canoeing, SCS: Moving Water, or SCS: Sailing (as appropriate) • Basic Water Rescue • American Red Cross (ARC) lifeguard certification plus GSEM Lifeguard In-Service Training (only ARC lifeguard certification is recognized by GSEM) Watcher: A watcher continually monitors the water while activity participants are out in their craft. No outside training is required, but the primary trained personnel will instruct watchers of their responsibilities and role expectations before the small craft activity begins. Watchers will remain on the waterfront during small craft activities on flat water and will be on the water during small craft activities on moving water. Watchers must be at least 16 years old. Basic Water Rescue training is recommended for watchers, but not required. General First Aider: Must be certified in American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED or hold an equivalent certification recognized by GSEM. Small craft activities that take place in locations where it would take EMS over 30 minutes to arrive during an emergency must additionally be certified in Wilderness & Remote First Aid. The general first aider may also serve in one of the other trained personnel roles. Trained Personnel For Small Craft Activities There must be one primary and one secondary trained personnel present during any small craft activity allowed under Safety Activity Checkpoints . There must also be a minimum of one watcher present, depending on the number of girls participating and their program level(s). Consult the small craft ratio and trained personnel table that follows for the exact number of watchers needed. There must also be at least one general first aider present during any small craft activity. Any of the other trained personnel roles may also hold the general first aider role. Trained personnel roles may be covered by properly trained professional guides or These roles are defined below, along with the training requirements for each:

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outfitters when participating in certain small craft activities for older girls (consult the Paddling and Rowing Master Progression Chart in Safety Activity Checkpoints ). All training must be kept current to qualify as primary or secondary trained personnel or general first aider.

For multi-level troops or multiple troops combined, use the adult-to-girl and watcher ratios for the lowest program level participants presen t.

Adult-to-Girl Ratios Adult-to-girl ratios are found in Safety Activity Checkpoints and are used to determine the minimum number of adults required to be present for an activity at any program level. The adult-to-girl ratios for canoeing and sailing activities are given in the small craft ratio and trained personnel table that follows. Note that GSEM may require more trained adults to be present for an activity than the minimum number of adults required by Safety Activity Checkpoints .

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Small Craft Activity Adult-to-Girl Ratios and Trained Personnel Requirements

Program Level

Adult-to-girl ratio

Required Personnel CANOEING

Flat Water, On or Off GSEM-Owned Property

Class

• 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-4 girls over the first 6 • 1 general first aider • An adult in each canoe containing Daisies • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-6 girls over the first 12 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-8 girls over the first 16 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-10 girls over the first 20 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-12 girls over the first 24 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-12 girls over the first 24 • 1 general first aider

1:6

Daisies (K-1)

Brownies (2-3)